Stockholm - Day 5

October 12, 2008

Day 5 - Stockholm, Sverige

Venue: Nalen

Martha singing in the dressing room in Stockholm.

Uppsala - Day 4

October 11, 2008

Day 4 - Uppsala, Sverige

Venue: Katalin

My butt's a little sore because of the small amount of working out I've done over the last couple of days. It's been at least three weeks since I last went for a run before this trip and I've been inspired by Matt to run after him as he jogs with ease through Sweden. He doesn't have to carry the weight that I'm carrying! Front and back. Oh well, it feels good to move around and get some fresh air. The weather is beautiful and we are able to see the miracle of Fall in the cities we are going to this month. Uppsala looks gorgeous today although I was only awake for the second half of it. The colours of the dying leaves are spectacular in the northern light. I feel like a true woman of the North, considering the last couple of weeks, which is good for me because I like the cold. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for Spain either, but Fall is truly the most beautiful season if you can witness the trees changing colours.

Last night's show was great fun. The people in Malmö were really nice and it had a fun rock vibe. The stage was blazing hot and we all got really sweaty--but I like that! I look like I just got out of a shower; not that great. It's genetic. Both Rufus and I sweat like pigs. Oh well!

-martha

Malmö - Day 3

October 10, 2008
Day 3 - Malmö, Sverige
Venue: Babel

Greetings and salutations, friends,

We've had a bit of a rough start, but I think we are getting into the swing of things now. We started the tour a few days ago; there were some little bumps and hurdles, but all things you would expect in starting up a tour: the bus broke down, I lost my voice, different tour manager than expected, and general communication breakdown. Oh, and very little Internet access so far. We're off and running now, though, and it feels great.

I must say I think this tour will be a great adventure. We are going to some great places across quite a few countries, both hemispheres, which is fun, and from sweaters to shorts back to hats and gloves. It's Brad Albetta, my husband, on bass, Matt Johnson on drums, new addition Oren Bloedow on guitar, and my cousins Lily and Sylvan Lanken are joining us to. Lily sings back up during the show, and she and her brother Sylvan are filming us on the road. The crew are pretty great so far and all in all I think it will be a good group.

It's been a bit strange for me because I just got off a ship that sailed the western coast of Greenland. It's a long story, but if you're interested look up Cape Farewell, which will explain everything. The first show was a little tough, but alst night in Berlin was really good and we are all excited to play tonight in Malmö, Sweden. I made some of my record here with Tore Johanson and hopefully will see him tonight.

I just went for a run with Matt through a beautiful park, and we got the vegetable juicer going. I know it sounds pretty un-rock & roll, but what can I say.. I like vegetables and I've wanted a juicer!

We have seven shows in a row, which is a lot, but my voice is coming back after the boat trip and, as I said, I think we are finally on track!

-martha