Late Tuesday night, I got a call from my kind friend Marc Bianchi (Her Space Holiday), who had an unfortunate case of bronchitis. He asked me if I would like to take his spot performing Wednesday morning live on KEXP radio (broadcasting a special Bay Area show). Of course, I accepted. I rehearsed a last minute solo set into the early morning, preparing a couple new songs I have never played live (”Toy Baby Grand” and “Wartime Bachelor”). (Update: This show is now archived for listening here.)

By chance, the recording studio KEXP was using was 1 mile from my house. I don’t own a car, so I was planning on loading gear into a granny/grocery cart. However, my sister-in-law, two-year-old niece, and my parents (who happened to be visiting from Taiwan for the week) generously offered a ride.

It was nice to see family faces behind the control room glass. Apparently, when I started the opening song, my niece disappointingly remarked to fellow audience members, “This is not Young San Francisco.” (her favorite song).

The set went swimmingly. I was able to use the studio’s Hammond organ for a special solo arrangement of “Starlet.” KEXP has posted a blog entry with pictures here. (Photos including above photo by Chad Syme)