Transatlantic Whirld Tour 2010 (3)

Today was the first day of rehearsals. After a nice jetlagged broken night, up way to early I decided to take a walk in sunny Wittier (LA area) in search of a nice little breakfast. I found a Starbucks so started the day with a very nice Latte. Of course junk food joints all over, so I really had to search for a nice place to have breakfast. And…. did not found it. Finally I had a sort of breakfast at Subway – the healthiest version of junk food available at that time and place. Hhmm….

At 10 a.m. Pam picked me up to go to the rehearsal studio where I set up the drums for Mike Portnoy, set up the keys for Neal Morse and helped setting up the sound system with Richard, the studio owner. When all was ready some of the band arrived and a few hours of tweaking and getting the gear going started. Mike came in a bit later, so when all was working the rest of the band started to play some of the Transatlantic material without drums. It was great to hear them play live again, and it sounded really good. So while Mike was not there yet, I jammed a bit with them – how nice to play with these guys.
When Mike came into the studio they immediately dived into the set and from the first bars of music I knew this tour was going to be very special! During the day TA played trough the set and man, they sound amazing! The talent, musicianship and most of all the chemistry between these 5 guys is truly unique and amazing! I am really looking forward to these gigs, they are going to be great! Not to be missed! And while the band was rehearsing I set up my office at the studio and worked on the management and business side of the tour for the rest of the day, with some nice Transatlantic tunes live in the background. Who needs a radio when you have the real thing in the room next to you?
At the end of the day (…) we had dinner at this Mexican restaurant. Being so close to the Mexican border Mexican food is the way to go here.
Well, time to go to bed now – I’m still not all present in this time zone, so I hope for the best. and not having a too jet lagged night. See you on the road!
Collin