Traveling thru New Mexico, we hung out in Albuquerque, taking the Tram up to the top of Mt Sandia. Hiking at 10,000 feet, with a little wind – no snow here – so far, the ski resort is closed this winter. All is still except for the rare golden finches swooping around the closed visitors center.
We take the back roads to the little art town of Madrid. The air is crisp – a dry winter with no snow on the ground here either. Music on the road with Melissa is always a tricky thing – we settle on the Brian Eno / Harold Budd classic, Plateaux of Mirrors. (Budd was one of my first teachers back in my CalArts days – he always wore a denim suit and swooned at the chords he played on the piano.) Heavenly sounds wash over the arid landscape.
Coffee at Java Junction in Madrid – the tired barista doesn’t engage with my banter. We walk the empty streets and breathe in the cool, brisk air. Onward to Santa Fe where we will be visiting friends who work at the Santa Fe institute, an interdisciplinary think tank frequented by one of my heroes, Cormac McCarthy. Getting the full tour. Should be interesting.
As we arrive in Santa Fe I have sneaked Omar Sosa / Paolo Fresu’s lovely “Alma” on the box. (Gorgeous album – will have to buy it and Eros). Surprisingly, she allows it to play! All is harmonious as we arrive in Santa Fe at sunset.
