folketspark or bust
Well, it's off to Sweden for a solo trek through the inhospitable tundra, on which I will file my usual report upon returning. Some ladies I was having a pint with last night who hadn't been were asking me what Sweden was like. I answered with the usual array of cliches, which are accurate enough: cold, civilized, placid, homogeneous. In short, just like Wilmette! A civilized Wilmette.
I am bringing about 130 pounds with me to Sweden.
2 Suitcases, 10 lbs.
1 Dreadnought rosewood guitar by Roy McAlister, w/ K&K pickup, 22 lbs.
36 Articles of clothing, 30 lbs.
20 Sets of John Pearse strings, 2 lbs.
30 "Countrier Than Thou" brown T's, 20 lbs.
115 R Fulks CDs (jewel cases, digipacks), 30 lbs.
1 Boss tuner pedal (+ short & long cords ), 2 lbs.
1 Set toiletries, 3 lbs.
3 Books (Bernard Malamud, Bill Streever, & H. Murakami), 5 lbs.
1 Ipod, .05 lbs.
1 Cell phone, .3 lbs.
Sundries: passport, 7" wirecutters, headstock-clip tuner, feedback buster, batteries, calendar, "How To Play Celtic Guitar" DVD, notebook, bridgepins, capo, etc., 4 lbs.
(Most weights approximate. Please don't write with outraged corrections, unless I'm off by 20% or something.)
For 15 days in a foreign country this pack leans toward the minimal, I'd say. No maps, guides, or phrasebooks; no itineraries; no audiodiscs for entertainment or education; no laptop; no Maker's Mark. My host, Micke Finell, takes care of everything -- driving, hotel, contracts and settling, sound system when needed -- and all I have to do is sleep, practice, eat, sit in a truck, play guitar, sell records, and stay out of trouble. (Although I hear that this time I may be recording some guitar on Linda Gail Lewis's forthcoming record, which I'm excited to try my hand at, since she's a lovely person and I like being on other people's records. Depending on how this goes it may subtract a point or two from "stay out of trouble"!)
It can actually get a little lonely and vacuum-like, and when I started lamenting on this to the ladies in the bar, I had to cut myself short, saying, "I really shouldn't complain, because it's not as if I'm digging trenches or office temping, after all." I say this a lot; it's a good self-reminder, even if the fact that one needs the reminding on an ongoing basis may weaken the sentiment. One of the ladies replied reassuringly, "No, dear, you can complain a little -- it's your job, and you've earned the right." There's a sentiment I like!
Thanks for your replies so far on film artistry: reality or illusion. Thanks indeed for all your thoughts posted here. I look forward to getting home and replying back to some of these. Until then...be seeing you.
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13 comments
No camera?
- for the night flight over: sleeping pills or melatonin, a blow up neck pillow, earplugs, eye mask and a huge jug of water.
It's completely gay but I always feel a little bit of sadness for Robbie in Sweden. I know it's an easy gig and it's maybe a welcome change of pace, but about day five it must get ... I don't know ... predictable? They have such a high standard of living. I saw Anthony Bourdain take on one of those late nite hot dog carts, though, and that made me optimistic about the Swedes. At least they eat junk food sometimes.
I hope, dear Robbie (Aw, they called him dear! Wonder how old these tavern 'ladies' are...), that you do end up working on the Linda Gail Lewis thing. Anything to break the icy monotony. Ah, what monotony? Something unexpected *always* happens on tour, no?
Planes aren't so bad since I learned Ken Ken and Sudoku. Even if you don't know either you can pretend to play them if your seatmate is annoying. Enjoy your time in Sverige and I will see you at Hideout. xox
You're an idiot no matter what name you use, Tara.
It is so reassuring to see that among the GIANT anonymous readership of robbiefulks dot com, there is always Anselmo with his unwavering opinion. Realize, *dear*, that though I am an idiot I stir your bowels enough to elicit a response from you. What does that make you?
Looks like a grueling schedule to me. (But what do I know) Glad you posted this. I would just like to say Happy Trails Robbie! Hope you have fun and appreciative audiences.
Hey Robbie!!
I live in Sweden, have been a fan of yours for ages (got south mouth when it came out). Saw you a couple times in NYC, remember you playing with the bad livers, that was a while ago.
Anyway, this schedule is SICK. I mean, most people dont know but you are playing tiny towns in the middle of nowhere.
I have two kids and a tougher schedule than i used to otherwise i would probably jsut go catch every show. I will at least make the stockholm one. Next time you come over can you play more in stockholm? Maybe a few shows south of stockholm? there are alot of people that i tihnk would love your music, they just dont know about you. There is a pretty steady country scene over here.
good luck and i hope you are surviving the cold.
david
Thank´s a lot for your gig in Bjurholm last night, we really enjoyd it! Sorry we couldn´t raise more people to listen to you. Very welcome back!
Janne and the rest of the gang.
Hey Robbie, I'm thinking it might make sense to move to Sweden so we can see you once in awhile. What are the rents like? Do you think it'll be hard for an American lawyer to pass the Swedish bar, or whatever they got there, so my husband can support us? My kids like Swedish fish and Ikea's OK, so I think we'll get acclimated.
It might be hard to leave Pittsburgh, but you've gotten pretty used to not coming here, so...
JK, as the kids say, but...sometime, eh?
As Mike said above, no camera is most remiss.
Hey Robbie.
I just want to appologize for being so drunk on the Edsbyn gig.
As always, you made a great performance though.
The plan is to see you again tonight in Alfta, but we still have some negotiating to do with the wifes.
If we not show up tonight, I´m sure that we see you soon again. This is your secind country after all.
Cheers/ Tomas
Well, Tomas about said it all.
Hopefully we'll see you in Alfta. Otherwise it's good bye for a few months.
Thanks for the magic on stage.
And laughter off the stage.
You were good from far.
See you in Edsbyn next spring!!!
If you're interested is celtic guitaring then you must check out Tony McManus (or sleazy Tony as he was known down the late night dive), he picks tunes in probably the most distinctive style since Dick Gaughans "Coppers and Brass". His albums are on e-music and are all excellent. Also Kris Drevers playing with Lau would be right up your street, 3 young guys who are totally at one with their instruments. Also on e-music as it happens.
You forgot your box cutters (too soon?)