*TRIGGER WARNING* NSFW
I had an amazing time with the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra on Tuesday night - I’m so glad it was recorded and can’t wait to see the footage.
I was talking to the bandleader, Vance Thompson after the gig about the particular instrument I play and how connected I feel to it - how it’s a one-of-kind, irreplaceable piece. Kyle Dunleavy built it 9 years ago and it immediately changed my sound and melodic concept. It’s been to many continents, played and recorded with GRAMMY winners, made some of my favorite records.
Unfortunately American Airlines completely destroyed this individualistic, hand crafted instrument, despite it being secure in a rugged travel case. The case was also heavily damaged, as it it was run over by a vehicle, impaled by a forklift or torn apart in some kind of pneumatic press.
I’ll take what’s left of it to Kyle next week to see if there is any way it can be repaired, but there is a good chance that the concert in Knoxville was the last one for this instrument.
They just destroyed it and handed it back to me as if nothing had happened. No note, no sticker, nothing.
I made a “damaged item” claim - I’ll get “a response in 21 weeks”. 😒
If there is a silver lining, it’s that this happened on the way BACK from the gig, and I’d already planned some “time off for the holidays”…
So with that, I wish you all the Happiest Holidays, full of laughter, joy, music, dancing, and Love. I’m counting all of my abundant blessings as we start to close out the year 2022. See you soon!