Tonight we passed the half way point of our tour with our third and final show in Italy. We played outside in the beautiful summer air at La Locomotiva in Ossago, near Milan. Having trains pass you by while playing is a new experience, to say the least. We played to an intimate crowd of about a hundred or so people. Our promoter Stefano told us that Blues Traveler recently played the same venue, and although Ossago is a very small town, La Locomotiva is a very popular place that traveling musicians like to play. Tonight we were treated to the best meal of the trip so far. Stefano’s parents own a restaurant in town where we were treated to a traditional four course Italian meal. We were spoiled with bruschetta , homeade pastas, meats and desserts. My stomach is still in awe of the culinary delights we experienced. I would come back to Italy just to eat at this restaurant again.

Prior to the last communication we had our first Italian show in on Lake Como, at a Pizzeria of all places. We set up our equipment and had terrific views of the lake and ate fantastic pizza prior to the show. The owner of the pizzeria, Paulo was exceptionally kind to us. Somehow, somewhere, the influence of that wonderful Cartoon The Simpsons has made it’s way into Italy. The bar featured Duff beer, exactly as depicted in the cartoon. The beer itself was quite great. DOH! Homer would definitely be proud. During sound check Kevin got a call from our promoter. As his eyes rolled, he scratched onto paper 45 minutes FUCK! Little did we know that we would be having a little bit of a drive after the gig and would not have time to relax or shower before the show. What would come to be a more surprising experience would be arriving at the hotel that night. I think you could call this place a hotel, but I’m not sure. At about two a.m. we were led into the parking lot of Hotel La Cisa. The hotel sign featured both Chinese and Italian writing and a completely empty parking lot. Mind you this is a Friday night and there is not a sole in the place. It was not well lit in the parking lot, but you could tell that maintenance was not the highest priority of the owners of La Cisa. As we grabbed our bags and found the entrance, Naomi noted that the hotel was a three star hotel. We later figured one of two scenarios must have been at work: the Italians use a hundred start system, or the rating was from when the hotel was originally opened, probably in the sixties. We filled out what seemed to be a ridiculous amount of paperwork and were given our room keys. This is where the pain began to settle in. We had already had a several hour trip down from Switzerland and a long drive from the gig to the hotel. As I keyed the door into the room the biggest shit hole room I’ve seen greeted us. The whole maintenance issue came back into view. I was hopeful, seeing an air conditioner, something you don’t see in Europe very often, but this one looked like it had seen better days. It was half taken apart and after several minutes of tinkering proved to be inoperable. At this point every other word I’m speaking to my roommate was the “f” word.

I think to myself I’ll plug in this refrigerator and turn it on and attempt to let that cool down the room. As I opened the door I saw the yellowed placard explaining the prices of the alcohol in the refrigerator. Of course there was nothing in the refrigerator, nor does it work. I think it was in the room to be a stand for the ten inch television that adorned it. You guessed it, the t.v. didn’t work either. Kevin, the eternal optimist, suggested a shower would rejuvenate the sole. After a shower I climbed on top of my bed. There was no way I was going to find out what was under the sheets of this bed. I tried to make the best of this roach motel and go to sleep. We had opened the window as to get some air that wasn’t stale and ninety degrees in the room. Much to my surprise we found that the Italians love to drive fast at night and it’s my guess they remove their mufflers from their cars. It was a miserable night but it ended.

We packed our bags and I took a couple shots of the hotel, so as never to forget how crappy this place was.

Saturday we were to play in Florenica, or Florence as we call it in the states. Alex’s parents had purchased us tickets to see the David. We had a couple hour drive and got to experience first hand Italian driver’s. It’s kind of an all for one, one for all mentality. People drive as fast as they want, change lanes when they want tailgate when they want, drive on the shoulder; motorcycles weave in and out of traffic at highway speeds. It’s a blast. Streets are not named very well, and it took us some time to find the museum, but we found it. I have to say the sheer size and detail of The David is breathtaking. It’s worth putting up with the driving just to see it.

After our expedition we were all a bit tired and not really looking forward to our show that night until we arrived to find that we had a great outdoor venue to play. A full stage, seating and professional sound greeted us. We were playing a a plaza that was an old insane asylum that was decommissioned in the 80’s. How appropriate I thought for a show. We were playing with the Max LaRoca band. They played singer-songwriter music all sung in Italian. They were extremely great musicians from southern Italy and treated us great. We had a wonderful set, and played to about a thousand people who were extremely receptive to our music.

The odd thing about playing in Europe is that people always want you to autograph the cd’s and take pictures with you. This was no exception and we probably signed about fifty plus cd’s and as many pictures. It was a great show and we were looking forward to our trip back to Laupen Switzerland were we were staying two nights in the same place. As we had a show in Laupen and a show in Bern, the capital city which was not that far away from Laupen. So after the show at the sanitarium we decided we would drive back that night. I’ve been designated the official driver of the tour and I felt good that night so we said we’d go for it and drive as far as we could. We figured we had eight hours or so ahead of us and it was already two a.m. in the morning. Given the little sleep from our deluxe accommodations the night before we should have stayed, but we didn’t

We drove a good five hours through a massive rain storm watched the sun come up and eventually retired to sleep at a rest stop for a few hours. I haven’t felt so tired in a long time. I collapsed onto the steering wheel and we woke up in a few hours to which Alex took over the driving duties. After several more espresso stops we made it back to Laupen late morning to our hotel. Deluxe accommodations greeted us and we gained some more sleep before our show in Laupen that night.

We’ve meant some of the nicest people in Switzerland; they truly take care of artists in their country. I’ve become friendly with some of the people of the hotel especially my long lost brother Manu (short from Manual). He served me a few drinks and we really hit it off, he has the same stupid sense of humor that I do and can take the brunt of my sarcasm, something that doesn’t always translate well from culture to culture. He soon caught on that me calling him, fuck face, was a term of endearment.

Our gig in Laupen was packed; we played in an old wine cellar and were greeted by many of the friends we had seen there earlier in the week. The next night was our gig in Bern. We arrived early to do laundry, check out some of the town and prepare for our show. The venue was a former Church and was just lovely. Unfortunately not well attended. We later found out the house was charging 35 francs admission for the show. This was too bad as we were really starting to gel as a band. The few people that were there were treated to a really great show. That night I retired back to my new friend Manu’s flat and we listened to some of my music and his. For a 30 year old Jewish kid from Switzerland he amazed me with about 15 songs that I can only describe as rap meets reggae, but it’s really good. I generally don’t like this type of stuff. The kid has sole. We decided that I’m going to mix his songs and put the final touches on them when I return to the states. I’m excited to find this awesome talent in a little town in Switzerland.

Monday was our day off and we decided to move towards Italy and take the back roads. Instead of heading through the typical high way system we went up through the Alps. We climbed slowly through winding roads through the summit. As we climbed the temperature slowly dropped until we found ourselves in a blizzard of a snow storm. It’s quite amazing to go from seventy degree weather to freezing and five feet of snow within a short period of time. The Alps are dotted with one waterfall after another and mountain after mountain. We had an awesome day off and stayed the night in Beladonza Switzerland, the Italian speaking part of the country near the border of Italy. As I sit in the bed and breakfast we are in it’s getting late, it’s past two. I’m having a great time, but its hard to be away from the family. The common theme I keep coming back to. That’s part of the romance of touring, meeting great people, playing music and longing for the love at home. We’ve got five more shows before Sunday. We are back in Switzerland for the rest of the tour starting tomorrow. If you’ve gotten this far in my note you are a trooper and I thank you. Until next time…. SV

We landed on the 15h in Zurich amid a rainy day. I spent the entire six plus hour flight in the middle seat next to a German kid who blasted techno the entire freakin’ trip. He managed to sleep the entire flight no problem; myself on the other hand was another story. I possibly got in a half hour of shut eye. Never the less, we all landed in great spirits ready to take on the day and adjust our body’s to the six hour time change.

We stopped for a bite to eat in the airport. This is when I first realized, as was confirmed by our booking agent Christian, that Switzerland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. For instance, a Big Mac value meal in Switzerland is about 12 Francs. That is pretty darn close to 12 dollars U.S. Everything else follows par throughout the country so far. Luckily we are “catered to” for most of the trip as our lodging and food has been negotiated ahead of the time in our contracts.

As we exited the airport we hit the currency exchange to convert some cash. I figured my first experience with the German speaking Swiss should be a comical one. I asked the teller, a middle aged gentlemen, if he spoke English? He said yes, I said Muchas Gracias Senor, me gusta tener Swiss Francs por Favor? Much to my surprise he also knew Spanish; and so the joke was on me!

Next we checked in for our rental car. (Car buffs please see Automotive side note below). Our first Journey was about an hour and a half away to meet Paul the owner of Brambus records. We arrived at his home and were greeted with some of the best coffee the world has to offer. Paul is a precarious gentleman. He’s probably about six foot three and looks like he could have come straight out of Woodstock. I was told he was a former banker, now he looks more like a hell’s angel. Paul is a man probably in his early fifties with hair past his shoulders and a beard that would make Billy Gibbons jealous. Paul was very kind to us and broke down the current music business in Switzerland and our journey forward. At the same time our booking agent Christian arrived. Christian, to me, is what I expected a typical Swiss gentleman to resemble; he’s tall blonde and has a couple of earrings to boot. He’s been a great guide for us so far. He drove two hours to come meet us for only fifteen minutes; he informed us that we would be driving another two hours, going past the airport where we came from as we were going to spend the night with his in-laws. In-laws I thought? This is going to be interesting. As we made the drive back I caught a long needed nap (thanks techno boy) and we arrived in Laupen. I want to retire in Laupen. Laupen is a city of about 2800 people and is simply gorgeous. Very small, and quaint, a beautiful river flows near downtown that the castle overlooks the town. A bakery, pubs, shopping all adorns the small downtown. Just on the outskirts of Laupen we reach Roland and Susan’s home. Your standard issue Swiss farmhouse, red roof, owned by her family for generations. We great Susan who speaks maybe three words of English. I speak maybe three words of German so this is going to be fun. The Europeans love to smoke and Susan and her husband Roland were no different. This day off afforded us the opportunity to shower and practice a few songs before dinner.

Our host prepared dinner: Alpen macaroni, with salad and wine. I hate macaroni, but let me tell you this was incredible: Little bits of ham, onion and cheese. The salad was grown fresh in her back yard. I like this place! By the time dinner was done we retreaded to their back deck. The rum and coke that Susan was drinking was starting to take it’s effect. Susan began muttering to me “eef rechardz , ick jay-gur uck” Alex tried to figure out what she was saying using the German he knows, which is much better than mine. Susan then said “rulling stunz” ick. I soon realized I was wearing my Keith Richards circa 1972 shirt that says “Too Tough to Die” on it. We all had a laugh, soon realizing that Susan thinks the Rolling Stones are not the most attractive lot in the group. The rest of the evening we relaxed and turned in early.

Tuesday we headed into Bern to capital F.M. Bern’s biggest radio station to play a song and do a quick interview. Upon arriving at the radio station we were led into a recording booth and did a quick interview and played one song. The spot we were doing was to be pre-recorded to be played several times before our gig in Bern next week. The d.j. stated that our interview would be dubbed in German. I can’t wait to hear how this turn out! We ended our interview by doing a radio call spot. “ I’m Sam, I’m Alex, I’m Kevin, I’m Naomi and when we are in Bern we listen to Capital F.M.” I said the capital F.M. part in the lowest deepest, most horrific German-English accent I could muster up. I’m sure they won’t ever use that spot.

The rest of the day we bummed around Bern enjoyed the sites and headed to mmmmmm. Christian our booking agent secured us a home on the side of the mountain that was just breathtaking. We had a couple comedic moments at the local Volg grocery store in town. We never weighed our produce; we didn’t quite have the process down correctly. Always looking for a bargain I grabbed a six-pack of beer that was on sale, and a 5-dollar can of Pringles. Later that night Alex asked me how the beer was working for me? He let me know that I was going to have to drink quite a few of them in order for them to have any effect; I’d purchased alcohol free beer at the store. Good job Sam.

Tomorrow we head to into Italy for one of two shows. This will be the first time any of us have played in that country. From what I understand the show tomorrow involves us playing in an old railway car. I miss my family, ice in my drink, cheap American food and most of all my family. As the Swiss say, Chao Chao.

Sammy V.

So in order to keep my family and friends “in the loop” I decided I would do my damned-est to right a “tour blog”! I hope it to be more interesting than reading Bill Wyman’s “Stone Alone”. but you never know. I’ll try and keep it funny.

I’m very excited to be playing with this band. I’m not sure what we are called LOL, but we consist of Alex and Naomi Anest, and Kevin Miesel. Both of whom have beautiful records out on a great European label Called Brambus. Alex is a great pal of mine and has contributed significantly to many Vailcode endeavors both live and in the studio. Alex and I also play on Kevin’s records and in his band. Confused yet?

Kevin’s last record was a triumph. Alex “produced” a bulk of “Cruisin for Paradise” and I had the joy of engineering a great amount of the record.

For those unfamiliar with the term engineering: I made it sound really fucking good! Another job I enjoy immensely. Engineering is good for a guy with a wife and Kids because I don’t have to drive all over the country to do it. I can sometimes go down the road or even in the caverns of my house to engineer.

Back to “Cruisin for Paradise”. The aforementioned title track was so good, that Kevin took first place in the International Songwriting competition. It’s awesome to know that Tom Waits has listened to a song that I “turned the knobs” on.

So back to this touring thing. There’s an incredible romance to touring. Think Jack Kerouac and you’ll get the idea. Being in a different city every night, seeing the road, and experiencing the vast differences in cities of North America, and Europe is lovely.
The hard part though is always leaving family. I’ve got two little kids and a wife and I’m going to miss them incredibly. I’m lucky to have a wife who understands that this is what keeps my soul fed. She puts up with a lot and I love her for that. Thanks Steph!

So next time we chat it will be from some internet cafe in Switzerland. We’ve got a full schedule of gigs and promotion. Last I checked we are playing 12 of the 14 days we are out. It’s going to be a blast.

As Jeffery Lebowski said. “The dude abides” So this duder will talk to you soon.

XO

SV

Between making babies I have been spending mass amounts of times crafting a new Vailcode release: God willing I hope to release it mid 2009.  Tentatively the record is entitled “Pressure Test”

My good friend  Bob Ebeling has been mixing the songs in his studio in Virginia.  His magical talents always take music to the next level: he never disappoints. 

The usual cast of characters have been contributing to this project.  In no particular order; Mark Eddy Huizenga, Alex Anest, Bob Ebeling, Danny Kline to name a few. 

I’m excited, energized and proud to share this pathway to my soul for those of you  interested!

One of the very first cuts we have been working on is “Used To“: I present  this for your aural pleasure.

Thanks for listening…

SV