I look forward to Sunday rehearsals at our Highland Park colonial island retreat. For me, this time spent with the band is a little bit like church. Our weekly connection. We'll grill up a little seasoned Mahi Mahi with rice & beans and sit round the table eating salad and passing the Orangina. We have warmly dubbed this tradition of ours the "Fellini Supper". Fellini, the late great filmmaker would have his entire cast and crew dine at the same table- a lovely gesture which no doubt fostered deep comraderie and affection.

Soon our bellies are full. Perhaps a little coffee with cream will follow. The sun is setting. Juli and Lisa are on the blue couch warming up their strings while the boys have moved to the balcony for a cigarette. The palm trees are breathtaking. Now everyone is settled, we'll commence with a few new tunes and maybe shiny up an old standard or two. Rarely do we fail to capture some kind of magic. What's the secret? Dunno. Perhaps there's a little pixie dust buried in those antique blonde hardwood floors.

Recently we captured another rehearsal and, upon playback, I found myself in hysterics and much gratitude. The chatter and dialogue between takes are as hilarious and moving as the songs themselves and remind me once again of how much I love my pardners in crime (when Juli returns from Switzerland I'll have her post some choice moments).

At 9PM rehearsal ceases for another episode of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. We are huge fans of Detective Gorin and the evening is never entirely complete without him. In twelve short hours we will return to the grind of our regular jobs. This is our nightcap. Tomorrow be damned.