As the sun beats down - July 14
Under the furiously hot Hungarian sun, I performed three outdoor shows with Djabe.
It was great to get together with Attila Égerházi and the guys, and to again meet Gulli Briem, talented Icelandic drummer and singer working with them.
The Budapest show in Óbudai went well, and it was also good to see Swiss / Italian friends Roger and Maria Salem. The drive there was stunning across the bridge in the sunshine with a panorama of castle, cliffs and river, then back at night the view of dozens of birds illuminated as they swooped around the dome of the floodlit parliament building.
We then journeyed to Hécis Deák Tér in the area of Lake Balaton, one of the largest lakes in Europe and a beautiful holiday destination. There are thermal waters in and around the lake, and rising up on one side of it ancient volcanic hills. We soundchecked in the blazing sun, which thankfully had gone down by the time the show began! Extraordinary good vibes from audience and such varied music with Djabe.
Our final gig was at Hajdúszoboszló, Szabadtéri Szinpad (some places have very long names... Don't attempt to pronounce this after a flagon of brandy! You might just catch fire) We journeyed over hills and across the wide open planes of Hungary to the area near the Romanian border. Our destination was another place with thermal waters, which appear all over the country, adding to the magic of the land. Once again it was a funfair of a show with a great crowd, and my wife Jo joined us on the Anklung section.
On the road I had a chance to listen to the new Djabe album "Forward" which features some stunning orchestral work and is a great mix of styles from orchestra to fusion and world music. I guested on a few of the tracks. The attraction is the various musical branches all appearing from one tree...
Ben Fenner, Jo and I are about to return home now, with only two days to go before the Italian tour... As always, it's been a special experience with Djabe. Warmest thanks to Attila and all the Djabe team, and we very much look forward to our next visit.
