Have I mentioned how incredibly beautiful the English countryside is? While the drives have been pretty long, the scenery is just amazing. Yeah, we're driving on the wrong side of the road (sorry, had to throw that in) but you're so wrapped up in these beautiful vistas you don't even notice it.
We got the Hope Tavern about 1:30, just in time to catch the "Sunday Carvery". That's a buffet of beef, pork and lamb (all fresh) with vegetables and some incredible sauces, plus Yorkshire Pudding (an empty pastry shell you can fill with gravy or whatever.) So, we ate like pigs, had some of the great local brew, and were pleasantly surprised to learn we were going to play outside. We were worried because the tavern was a bit small to fit the whole band into, plus we would have to watch the volume very carefully. Now, we could set up in this truck (like a Showmobile), and just play out.
The beer garden filled up, and we had a great time. After Maryport, this was a completely no pressure gig! We had Chris Sharley sit in for a couple of numbers, and just had fun. Plus, we got to play "Raining Up In Harlem", a slow blues we haven't had time to do this tour that has a fun routine in the middle and the end.
The audience made us do two encores (not like we minded!) and bought a bunch of merchandise, which we really appreciated. I was pretty shot, so Joanne, Dianée, Eric and I got into the van and headed back to London. All the others went across the road to the home of a great couple named John and Sally who offered drinks, food, and a spontaneous acoustic jam broke out!
So, the tour is winding down. We still have a guest appearance at the Nag's Head, but Al (trombone) caught the plane back to Boston this morning and Eric (trumpet) and Dianée head back to NY tomorrow, then off to Las Vegas. The rest of us are going back Wednesday evening. One more post after Nag's Head, and I'll finally get to post some pictures later today!
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