Huntsville, Al - Big Spring Jam

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The place feels like an extension of Nashville, Tennessee, with its underlying emphasis on country/western music. It seems everywhere you go, you hear it on the radio. I guess it's one of the varieties of roots music that is native to these United States. Actually, it's good to see people into their music the same way we're into reggae.

Closer to the concert venue, the atmosphere is one of a giant carnival; there are countless booths and vendors selling anything from cowboy boots, and American flags to crocodile kabobs. I actually tried one and liked it. James and I bought barbequed turkey wings from a man across from the hotel and walked the roughly half mile to the stage. On the way he remarked that Smokey Robinson was to play as well, but on a different stage and at the same time as us. As great as it is to encounter the other great musicians that we do, it's equally disappointing to miss them when we know they are in town at the same time.

The band that played right before us was a country band…I can't remember their name; it seems I'm not very good at that. I do remember that they sounded really good and that they had a female bass player. I tried to imagine the kinds of dues she must have paid to find a place in that musical community. When they finished, it seemed like an intersection, where the cars are different each time the light catches them. It seemed like all the country music folks had left and were replaced by reggae faithful. It only seemed that way, though. As we left the stage, there were several who remarked at how they hadn't heard reggae music before and that they would have to get as much as possible, now that they've been a part of the Burning experience.

Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Excellent vibe here. Atlanta has a feel that's hard to come by; a real forward looking vibe. For a visitor, it feels like Atlanta is trying to drag the rest of the country into the twenty-first century. True to their tradition of southern hospitality, we're greeted at the hotel by friends of Burning Spear…another indication of the lives he has touched over the years. The people remember and want to express their appreciation.

Chattanooga, TN - Nightfall

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The ride today wasn't so long and we all came off the bus without that antsiness that comes from long drives. It didn't hurt that we got a glass of 'Gillie punch' to smooth out some of the bumps along the way, or that Sylvan worked some of his patented magic in the 'kitchen' and some of us got a really good home-style meal. It reminded me of the time he cooked up some escovich fish with some rice and peas and fried plantain. Mr. Rodney said it was some of the best food he's had on the road, and he isn't easy to please. I have to agree with him. We were also greeted by Morty and Hamsa, our friends from Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's always good to see them.

Knoxville, TN - Sundown In The City

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Great outdoors! Reggae music! We're coming to the end of the festival scheduling for this tour. This one has lots of different flavors to it. It's not happening in the countryside, but in the middle of the Downtown section of town. This is a country music town, but the reggae faithful are out in large numbers for the Burning Spear show. In fact, from some of the conversation, I learn that the country music public actually has a lot of reggae fans. Well, we're gonna give you something to whoop and holler about!!

Bloomington, IN - Axis

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Today I use the downtime provided by the long drive hang out with Cecil; we have a lot of good laughs. His personality is really easy going, but you know he has a strong serious side. It's also fun listening to him talk about his favorite musicians; his language is colorful and humorous. We're constantly exchanging ideas about this guitarist or that…I basically egg him on so I can get some info.

Today is going to move slowly…it takes concentration to keep it that way, but today is one of those days when conserving energy is the thing to do. I stay in my room after running a few mundane errands and practicing…

Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

The long drive from Minneapolis to Ferndale emphasizes the importance of mental conditioning as well as physical. You need to have a means of entertaining yourself when the ride is longer than an hour or two. This is generally the life of the traveling musician…unfortunately most don't get a chance to do their traveling in a comfortable bus with people they like, the way we do.

The percussion of dominoes fills the living room area of the bus and mingles with the smell of Sylvan's home-away-from-home style meals. I don't know how he does it. He cooks as well in a microwave oven as most of us could on a full featured stove…

Of course, Tedo is keeping the mood right with a great combination of humor and music. You may not hear them when the band hits the stage, but these two Rastamen make life on the road a whole lot easier.

Minneapolis, MN - First Ave.

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Immediately upon arrival, we get a taste of the change in seasons. Minneapolis is chilly and we imagine what winter must be like. It's a stone's throw from Canada and the Canadian breeze envelopes us. It's not surprising that it feels like winter already. You look at the calendar and realize that winter is just around the corner and for those of us who live in or around New York, this is only a preview of what is to come at the end of the tour.

Minneapolis is a place with a vibrant musical culture and its share of local stars, Prince being the most notable of them. These places motivate us to perform at an even higher level, since we know the kind of music the people are accustomed to. We can't wait to show them, once again, that we fit amongst them.

Boise, ID

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

13:00
We're hanging out on the bus, waiting for a replacement,since this one has broken down. You can see on everyone's faces that they will miss their home away from home. We've gotten so used to it…everyone has their own bed…their own personal space. Now, we're expecting a sit-down bus without beds, without microwave oven and without running water, for drinking washing and/or cooking. Separation anxiety is probably next…fortunately, the wait will be short, both for the replacement and the return of our beloved "Silver Streak." Both James and myself are busy w/our computers making MP3 conversions of some of our favorite tunes for later listening. Perfect for the times when you just have to 'get away from it all'. And of course, I'm writing to you, the thousands of Burning Spear fans worldwide. We've taken some time to critique last night's show and for the most part, everyone is in agreement that the show went well. The audience was hyped and ready for a real party, and they got what they were after.

15:30
Finally a bus has arrived to take us the remainder of the way to our rest stop. since we're traveling for more than a day, we'll cut the drive in half; part today and the rest tomorrow. That will allow us to rest and still get to Minneapolis on time. The time was basically used for rest and relaxation; James and I tossed the football around for a while and worked up a little sweat, while Virgo tried to remedy a problem with the satellite TV hookup; it's football season and neither Virgo, James or myself want to miss anything if we don't have to.

15:45
It turns out that Virgo is listening to one of the football games on the radio; he bought a clock radio a couple of days ago and it's coming in handy. What else is a football fan to do…

Boise, ID - Big Easy

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

James and I double up again. I think that will be the case for the next couple of days. It makes you really appreciate not only the times when you have your own room, but the company of each other as well. Often the personal vibe between musicians has a huge impact on the music you make when you come together. Unity is one of the things Mr. Rodney emphasizes, and it really pays when there's unity among people. Unity is strength…

Seattle, WA - The Showbox

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

James and I ride the mono rail. We're still on a 'high' from the Portland show. The vibe was so nice. Now, it's time to spread it around… there's an audience in Seattle just waiting to get in on the act!

Being here shows me how little I know about the character of different cities in this giant country of ours. I always imagined Seattle as this sleepy green village in the middle of Washington State. Instead I found a major metropolitan center with all the ingredients of any other big city… all except the noise. That was really a big surprise. My mind never seems able to separate noise from city life. James and I take the monorail to the show. It's a good way to see some of the sights of Seattle without losing time.

On the other hand, the land is green and smells good. There's also a no smoking rule in effect in the venue and other places. It's good for the lungs of horn players and vocalists. Clean air helps make clean music…

Portland, OR

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Early morning (about 6am)
The bus has returned. Had to transfer all our belongings back to their original places after not knowing how long it would be before the 'Silver Streak' would meet us again. We're happy about the reunion. Now, it's time to head out en route to Portland, Oregon.

On the way, we're treated to what we call "Gillie Punch", after Gillie Spence, the rhythm guitarist. I think the ingredients are sweet corn (not cream corn), sweet evaporated milk, Guiness Stout, oats and nutmeg…blended with tender loving care. To borrow the words of James: 'When he gets that recipe going, there's nothing else happening.' After a mug of Gillie's special blend, sleep comes easily. I'll wake up in Portland.

Soundcheck
Mr. Rodney introduces the band to a classic: 'People Get Ready'. Actually he showed us some of this last week, but now, he's showing us in greater detail, the overall structure of the tune. He arranges a horn line, since the original didn't have a horn track. It's amazing how he seems to have the musical ideas right when they're needed. He scat sings the line and James puts it on paper. The process is lightning quick and within three minutes the horn section has a new assignment and we can actually play. You can hear the tune take shape…can't wait to get this one on stage.

Eugene, OR - McDonald Theatre

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It was a long ride. One where everybody helped the other get through. No one could really stretch out, as we would have on the 'Streak', comfortable in our bunks. No microwave, or refrigerator. 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.' We can't wait to get off the bus and into our rooms, where we can get a short nap, since we didn't get in as soon as we would have liked…actually we got in about four hours later than we would have otherwise.

Sacramento, CA

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Walked in mall, did post office errands and noticed the immediate change in security procedures, including the presence of metal detectors. The venue is even taking a page out of that book and searching patrons at the door.

Dana Point, CA - Doheny State Beach

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We're having bus trouble. It seems to be the radiator and we don't know, right now, how long it will be before we get moving.

Two hours later
The radiator is fixed and we can move. It promises to be a long drive, and a couple of us started getting antsy. But now, we can get back to our respective routines. It seems everyone has a ritual for long drives. For Tedo, Deep, Virgo and Dave, it starts with a spirited game of dominoes.

Sometimes Clyde, the tenor saxophonist, joins them. James, Gillie, Cecil, Stewie and myself are usually watching a music DVD and critiquing what we see and hear. A few hours later everyone except Mike is asleep. Mike usually keeps the driver company. Mike used to be a driver himself, some time ago, and it helps to have someone knowledgeable riding shotgun on long drives. We don't often say it, but I think we all appreciate Mike sacrificing sleep to basically help with the drive. 'Nuff respect, Drummie.

We finally arrive in Dana Point. We can't wait to get to our rooms. It's been hours since we left Santa Cruz, and people are aching to take showers and catch up on phones calls, naps, etc…

The venue itself is along the boardwalk, in a room that resembles a banquet hall. Acoustical challenges, for sure. It feels kind of strange…the vibe of the surrounding environment is like an amusement park. Somewhere, amongst the glitter and noise of arcade machinery, is a spot reserved especially for the town's reggae audience and the place will be Burning!!

Santa Cruz, CA

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

A cool, rainy day in Northern California. You can smell the trees. The land is begging for Reggae music, and guess who's in town? Burning Spear and his Burning Band. Today, I'm doubled up with James. We do well as roommates. Brass player thing, as well as being bredren.

The computers we ordered last week arrived today and both of us are ready to get to work on ours. I'm eager to get my journal entries out, and James has his thing he likes to do. Our laptops offer a ready link to friends and family, through e-mail and a means of doing other things, as well.

Unfortunately, mine had to go back; it had a defective hard drive and I'm beyond frustrated. But what can you do? These things happen. I decide to go to the post office to send some things home. It'll take my mind off the computer thing…

James had steak for dinner, which seems to be one of the ways he treats himself. The brother really knows his steak…almost as well as he knows his coffee.

San Francisco, CA - Maritime Hall

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It's good to be 'home' for me. I've been looking forward to this for some time, now. This is my chance to let the friends and family know that I've done well and that I'm playing with the living legend of Reggae music. Also got a chance to do some shopping for those items that can best be found in the City by the Bay.

This beautiful city has some fine Caribbean restaurants and the hotel is not far from the venue. There are so many familiar places and faces that this has the feeling of home coming for most of us. It feels almost like a day off, but soundcheck lets us know that there's work to be done today. And Dave's return will take some of the pressure off of Cecil. He wore it well, just like a trooper. Big up, Cecil!!

Ukiah, CA - Ukiah Brewery

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

After a rare short drive from Arcata, the tension level is noticeable less; it seems people are starting to digest the reality of things in this world in a different way. You can feel a new quiet kind of awareness of our blessings in such troubled times. It seems that the message is arriving to everyone in just the nick of time.

Burning Spear's arrival is a major event for everyone. There are people who missed the show the last time we were in town and have decided not to let that happen this year. There are of course, the die hard fans who wouldn't miss it for the world, and then there are the first timers. Everybody seems to be out for this one. Burning Spear and his Burning Band will not disappoint them. Mr. Rodney has prepared something special for the people here. Another day of counting blessings, and preparing to do Jah's work. The music is in the message…the message is in the music.

Arcata, CA - Arcata Theater

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

News from yesterday is real…The absence of Dave, and his laugh and general attitude are proof enough, not to mention, his musicianship. This thing is on everyone's mind, as it should be. There were just so many innocent people in those buildings…

Tedo is up in the common area of the bus listening to classic R&B. His knowledge of this kind of music is amazing…the resident musicologist. A few of us sit and pass around CD jackets telling us who we're listening to…or you could just ask Tedo. He knows.

At the same time, Sylvan, or 'Deep', as we call him, is doing his thing at the microwave. Deep can make a good meal out of just about anything that's fit to eat. And if he gets his hands on some really good ingredients, he'll cook up something worthy of the best Jamaican restaurant. I call him the 'Microwave King.' Dread at the controls…

The clean air and laid back atmosphere of Northern California is getting into our systems…smoke free indoor air that even a smoker can appreciate…lots of green, healthy vegetation and a lifestyle that seems to encourage clean living.

We get some rest and prepare for showtime…the people will need something else to think about. This will be Cecil's second night as bassist. I've got to get him to share a story or two…

Santa Barbara, CA

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

I wake up to news of a suicide bombing of the World Trade Center Towers. It's just so hard to believe that someone would actually do such a thing. It's the only story on the news. Everyone is trying frantically to locate loved ones. There's just no making sense of this kind of thing. The horror of this will test the faith of many among us in this country. The pictures are incredible; they look like a movie, but we all are starting to understand that it's true.

The terrorist attack is affecting more than the financial world, and not only those who live in New York. The closings of all US airports threatens to leave us without a bassist since Dave Richards is home on business. There's a good chance he'll be stuck until air travel resumes.

Showtime
Well, it's showtime and, due to circumstances beyond our control, Cecil will be filling in for Dave 'Don King' Richards…

It turns out that Cecil is a real 'soldier'. I don't know how he did it, but he filled in for Dave and didn't miss a beat. It must have been more than challenging, considering how accustomed he must be to doing his job as lead guitarist. The two take such a different set of skills.

San Diego, CA - Street Scene

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

It seems sometimes that everyone can appreciate an outdoor Reggae concert. Today's festivities will include the Revelations, Third World and Burning Spear.

The previous night's drive seems to have left some of us drained, but that will change shortly. Playing to a capacity crowd has a way of energizing everyone. The anticipation of showtime revitalizes everyone, since this is what we're here for. We're just as ready as the audience…

Coming down from Truckee took several hours. I'm starting to get anxious. You can only fill so much time with movies, books and dominoes. Playing to enthusiastic capacity crowds is so energizing that leaving town right away can really be hard. You may feel as though you've made a roomful of new friends or run into old ones. And now, less than 3 hours after the end of a show, you're sitting on a bus. Don't get me wrong…the bus is great. And the company of the band members is excellent, too. But sometimes, the body just can not sit any longer. Then I look at Mr. Rodney; he's done this for more than thirty years!! That lets me know I can do this for the Summer.

Truckee, CA (Really, Tahoe City)

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

As I write, I can hear Mr. Rodney's voice through my window. Can't make out what he's saying, but I can hear that distinctive laugh from time to tie. A laugh like that has to be real. How can a man who works so hard for so many people be so happy? Then again, how can he not? I go to the window, thinking I'll get outside and share a laugh…to late. A small dose of the Spear humor, for those in the right place at the right time…

Also ran into members of Third World, who were checking out as we checked in. They're on their way to San Diego for the Street Scene tomorrow. Those of us, who knew members personally had some time to catch up and share some memories, those like myself, got a chance to meet them for the first time. One of the many blessing of this career and this job in particular, is that we get to meet the greats in this business.

Salt Lake City, UT - The Zephyr

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

We all know that most clubs we play in have other bands and other audiences at different times, but somehow it's interesting to watch from the outside…last night's country crowd will give way to tonight's family of die-hard Reggae fans…the conversation will be different, the style of dress and the character of the whole night

I arrive at our dressing room with a new perspective about this touring life. There are those who chose this music over all others, and Burning Spear is amongst the main reasons tonight's audience is a Reggae audience. We're living a wonderful blessing and have a responsibility to match: Bring the message of the Burning Spear to the people.

Salt Lake City, UT

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

A rare and welcome day off! An opportunity to practice, watch TV or a movie…possibly speak to the folks at home, or write that letter you keep promising…and for all a chance to quietly marvel at the magnitude of this blessing: life, good health, the opportunity to do what we love most, and to do it alongside the Burning Spear!

Quiet time on the road is hard to come by; there's so much to do so much work related stuff to think about…parts to fine-tune, new parts to learn, the constant effort to expand, get better on your instrument. To use the name of the Jimmy Stewart movie: "It's a wonderful life." But it's not easy! Jah work must be done… But even the most fun loving children must eventually give their bodies a rest. As James would say, "You have to give the battery a charge."

A couple of the guys went down the street to Zephyr, where we play tomorrow. They wanted to hear the band that plays tonight…I'm so tired, I don't remember the name of the band. I guess James or someone will tell me. I wanna hear how they were.

Laramie, WY - University of Wyoming

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Lovely outdoor venue. One of those double-edged weather days. it's so nice to be playing outdoors, but at the same time the weather poses its own challenges. Musical instruments are temperature sensitive, which usually means that cold weather makes an instrument play sharp, or high and heat makes the same instrument go flat,or low. So, while it's nice to be outside, it's also a major challenge just keeping our instruments in tune.

Still, the show must go on and we have a large group of anxious students here, who can't wait for some Burning Reggae. No one is disappointed. The band is ready and of course, Mr. Rodney has something special cooked up the for University of Wyoming.

Ketchum, ID - Whiskey Jacques

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Looking forward to re-uniting with old friends…Burning Spear and his Burning Band is back with some Burning Reggae. We're covering this land at incredible speed. These reunions are always short, sweet and musical. The world show know that the message is always brought to the people when hear the Burning Spear.

Jackson, WY - Grand Targhee Resort

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Outside again!! I think we're starting to get spoiled! Everybody's up for this one. Every show is different and outside, under the sun, or moon, stars, or a cloudy sky, it all seems to be part of the magical spiritual environment Reggae belongs to. It seems to bring us closer to the source. there's no indoor trappings to interfere with the connection to nature. cigarette smoke can't find it's way to the stage…the cool, clear air brings out her best in people.

Breckenridge, CO - Sherpa & Yeti's

by Micah 'Prof.' Robinson

Everybody's getting a real feel for the mountain landscape and the altitude. Maybe we were waiting for our bodies to adjust… When we first got to Colorado, everyone was wary of the possible effects of the 'thin' air on people. If you look for them, you can always find an oxygen tank…but for now, we seem to all be getting stronger. Becoming 'mountain men'.

6:30/soundcheck
Another day of fine-tuning some parts of our execution. A dose of reality…this isn't all fun and games. There's real work going on here. Everyone appreciates the extra discipline it takes to stay alert to detail, especially Mr. Rodney. He seems to have enough discipline for all of us. You can't say on top in this business for more than thirty years without it. You can feel the extra concentration in the air. Stewie is voicing some chords differently in order to illustrate how a melody should sound against the rhythm section…gives the ear something else to grab onto. (It's like learning how to hear again.) James is demonstrating some nuances in articulation in the opening of 'Old Marcus'. You can never do this job too well…there's always room for improvement. Now's the time to do it…