Japan Tour memories 2009
Fans in Japan had been demanding I tour their country for a while. So when I got the booking, I released a special CD for Japan only. I packed my Gibson J-45 and my harmonica and flew to Tokyo. I arrived May, 19, 2009, in Osaka. I performed a few days later in Osaka at Nanba Hatch venue and on the 22nd at The Bottom Line in Nagoya. On Sunday, May 23, I played at the Hibiya Outdoor Theater in Tokyo at the Japan Blues & Soul Carnival.
2009 was a busy year for my international touring. Previously, I'd been spending more time on Hollywood movie sets than on the Blues Highway. Fans had not seen me doing heavy touring in a while and were eager about my return to the road. I was excited to be booked to tour Japan solo acoustic. On some dates of the tour, I would share the stage with Robert Cray.
Our last date on the tour was in Tokyo, Japan.
The city's nightlife was energetic.
We left our hotel to find a good Sushi restaurant and enjoy the night life.
We taxied into the center of town.
Darryl found at trendy place to have a bite.
In the aftermath of the movie O Brother Where Art Thou, I was in demand as a folk-blues acoustic performer. Playing solo was demanding. Not everyone can captivate a large audience standing on stage alone. On occasion, drummer Darryl White was invited as a percussionist on selected solo dates.
Darryl and I go way back. It was fun to have him along.
We enjoyed a rare night off out on the town.
The next morning I did some reading before the show. Notice the books. I traveled with lots of heavy books, 'Louis Armstrong's New Orleans' and 'The African Origin of Civilization Myth or Reality' among others. These days I travel with my Kindle.
View of Tokyo from my hotel room.
Croissants, tea, and a guitar. Good morning Toyko.
Tokyo skyline.
Beautiful day for a festival.
On stage solo at the Japan Blues and Soul Carnival, Tokyo.
Leadbelly would be proud.
The set list included songs from the Red Mud and Down From The Mountain albums.
I would return to Japan a few years later but this tour was one of my favorites.
Folk-blues singer.
Harmonica was a big part of solo touring that year.
After the show, my fans were excited to get my autograph. Whatever happened to Tower Records?
Some fans seemed to know the details of my whole catalog. Who played on what song? I was impressed.
I'm signing my Japan-only CD release.
We sold-out of merch.
Later that night I went to an eatery to unwind.
Fans walked by and recognized me. One even asked that I sign his shirt.
They asked if I'd take a photo. I was happy to oblige.