Mar azul - Cesária Évora & Marisa Monte

A HAPPY MAN

Last night's dinner...Lots of olives and cappers, garlic, fresh basil... and a good bottle of wine... a happy man! When I hit the wall with music, cooking is always the answer.

BACK IN THE STUDIO 2

One of my favorite musicians in the entire world, the great chromatic harmonica player, Mr. Ron Kalina does his magic on "Manantial".

BACK IN THE STUDIO

After spending a couple of weeks in Costa Rica, having fun with old friends and family, I am back in the studio, doing the very last sessions needed to finish my new CD. Here, my friend and fellow band member, master percussionist Brad Dutz, lays some marimba and hand percussion tracks, while I do an alto flute track on "Tango y Sangre de la media Noche".

COSTA RICA

WITH MY DRUM TEACHER" PITUZA" IN COSTA RICA

I've only received about 9 drum lessons in my life, and several of them where in Costa Rica, in my early teens, with the wonderful "Pituza", whom I just saw last week for the first time in decades.

BACK FROM COSTA RICA

I am back from Costa Rica. I had a wonderful time with friends and family. On my flight back I had the pleasure of hanging with the members of the Club Sport Herediano Costa Rican soccer team, many of them part of the National Team. Here I am with Andy Herron, (ex Chicago Fire, ex Columbus Crew), center forward for the Costa Rican team that beat the US last week 3 to 1.

Costa Rica 3, USA 1

Having a great time...A brake from the business aspect of the trip. An incredible performance by Costa Rica. I had the pleasure of being at the stadium with my friend Agustin.( I am the one wearing a red shirt... :) ). Celebration with a delicious steak at "El Chicote" and a few cold "Imperiales" afterwards. Also working on a Central American tour for next spring. Back in the US on Tuesday.