While I was staying at Randy's place, I had the chance to get to know Tal Bachman. He always had me laughing about something. Tal is playing bass on my album and will also be singing background vocals. He is highly educated musically and has amazing natural talent. He is the type of artist that I respect most. Artists like Tal are the ones that can do it all, do it well and stay humble. He wrote and sang the huge hit "She's so High". We'll have some new pictures up soon of all of us making great music together. Playing piano on my album is Chris Gestrin, he's a great guy and a top notch player. Chris is also playing on Randy's upcoming Jazz Thing album and playing on the Jazz Thing tour. I'm very proud of the album. The music has evolved exactly the way I hoped it would.

Other interesting things that happened on my trip.

-An image consultant was brought in to work with me. Not my bag to begin with but I thought I'd be a sport and give it a try. He suggested I don't change anything, Perfect. On to the next thing, fast!

-I had still photos and digital video taken while I was in the recording studio. I was a little uncomfortable at first but after a while I got use to it and didn't even notice they were there. Some of the video will be used for my album. It will be an enhanced cd.

-Did you know that there are places in Canada where you can grow banana trees in your yard?

-I had a music industry executive proclaim me as the "Anti American Idol".

-On the day that I was to fly home, the ferry from Salt Spring Island to Victoria was late so I was in danger of missing my flight. As luck would have it, when I got to Victoria the cab Randy had reserved for me wasn't there. I called the cab company on my cell phone and a grade 5 teacher from Victoria overheard me. She asked if I needed a ride to the airport. I said yes please! She drove me to the airport, dropped me off and refused to take any money from me. I got her name and address and will make sure I mail her something special for her kindness.

Mike :)