guatemala, round 2, day 3

Gave a masterclass yesterday morning that was very successful. Even the pianist and bass player who were playing with me asked to keep the handouts I made. So that's good. Had a lovely Italian lunch afterwards and then managed to ditch the armed guards (they left willingly) and spent the day with my new friends, the young jazz musicians from the masterclass. They basically drove me across the city twice on a wild goose chase for Jordan Silverman's tapestry. Still haven't managed to find it, as it's apparently rarely found now, and made only in a special town hours away, but will keep looking.

Sat in with the musicians, Victor, Jacobo, and hung with Juan Carlos at their gig last night, and gave them some tips on ii-7 V7's, swing, and approaching improvisation, which they were very grateful for, as there aren't any jazz teachers here. Then Victor was was enough to take me to his home to eat a traditional Guatemalan dinner that his grandmother cooked. How those beans get so delicious remains a mystery.

Today will get to go tour the national theatre with Ivonne y Ana Rosa, the largest theatre company in Central America. Ten rehearsal and tonight, the concert. Have a great set list lined up, should be awesome, and crowds the past couple of nights have been sold out. Afterwards, a party with my new friends, Including Rosse, the great singer from Weds. night who attended the masterclass, and has a tip on where to get Raph's Ron Zacapa at a good price. Tomorrow, off to the town of Reo, and very much looking forward to watching the Catholic religious processions on the roads on the way. Will try and take photos. Off for now.

warmly,

sar