Hi Kevin,

  No, I could not fit it into my ridiculous schedule. I like David Gray but I would not count myself as one of his fans. Better someone else take up a seat than I. He seems to be coming along quite well as a songwriter and I am listening. I wonder how his sudden popularity will affect his craft.

 I did not get to many concerts in 2002 but the highlights were quite high. These were my favorite moments:

David Baerwald at The Attic:  This was just a great night. David and his band were fantastic. I had the chance to meet and talk with David before and after the show. He really is a wonderful and generous guy. Despite the fact that he looked exhausted (he did admit to the fact that the initial leg of the tour was a bit grueling with regards to travel) he played the part of warm and gracious host. I saw David when he toured for "Triage" and I really never thought I'd get another opportunity to do so. I met some great people from this board. My friend Bob hit on the girl that opened for David. I believe her name was Kelli. She must have been a glutton for punishment because she sat at the back of the room, right next to my group of friends, while Bob (who is a drummer) explained to her how badly she needed a drummer. I laughed pretty hard, needless to say. There were actually many humorous moments and I left with one regret. David and I began a conversation at the bar we never finished. When we met again after his set I think I had drank too much to lead back into it. Who knows though, perhaps our paths will cross again.

Brad Mehldau at Jordan Hall:  Mr. Mehldau's trio is just flat out amazing. The talent he displays and his gift of feeling for the music is awe-inspiring. On this particular evening he played versions of Radiohead's "Everything In It's Right Place",  Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years", and a song I knew from Charlie Haden's "Nocturne" album called "Tres Palabras". All I can say is you should not miss an opportunity to see these guys play. After the show the night we spent wandering the barrooms on Newbury street was also quite weird and wonderful.    

Cassandra Wilson at Mechanics Hall: I'm not sure there is a female singer that can touch her in the talent department. What a voice and so much soul. After her show she stood by the stage and chatted with people. I did not approach her just waved hello. She waved back. I was afraid of the conversation I might have with her if we spoke. Plus my wife was there. It would have been way too much for a man to handle being trapped between two women possessed of so much beauty and grace. I'm sweating just thinking about it.