Ships in the Night

Folks,

Drawing and photo by Kevin Walters

I just got off the boat. A big boat. There’s a couple of things I want to share.

First off, we’re on tour. Tonight we’ll be in Venice, CA. At the Venice West. This Sunday will be at The Starlet Room/Harlow’s in Sacramento.

Then we have a hometown show with the Mission Express at The Chapel on 11/19.

Also, there’s more Mission Express US tour dates. And down the road some acoustic trio shows. As always, the dates are guaranteed fresh. Visit CP Inc., where you can always find up-to-the-minute details.

Okay now.

The first time I did one of these boat gigs, I couldn’t wait to share it with my Mom. I was like, “Mom, we’ve got a gig on a cruise ship. Looking forward to relaxing a bit.” And she said, “Oh, honey, I wouldn’t count on too much relaxing. You’re going to be doing a lot more than singing. I’ve been on a cruise and the crew really works hard.” I’m like, “Mom, I’m not on the crew, okay? I’ve got a gig.” And she’s like, “Smile a lot. You’ll get more tips.” 

Like I said, I just got off that rather large boat. After spending six days at sea on the Outlaw Country West Cruise with a good part of the class of 1985. I had a ball. Didn’t see that coming. But it did turn out to be a kind of class reunion.

Chuck Prophet and the Mission Express in the Stardust Lounge. (Photo by Daniel Strickland)

The cast of Border Radio was present and accounted for. Dave Alvin – the poet laureate of the L.A. roots rock scene – was there. Los Lobos, the Long Ryders, John Doe and Exene Cervenka, Charlie Sexton, Lucinda Williams, Rosie Flores, Deke, Big Sandy, and more. Not to mention Social D. There’s been a lot of water under the Santa Ana River jetties since I caught Social Distortion in a strip mall in Fullerton in the year of maybe 1980… Who would know? I asked Mike Ness and he didn’t remember.

Who else? I’m sure I’m leaving people out. Carlos Guitarlos, anyone? 

I caught all kinds of great music. So many memories came flooding back. X were super tight. No surprise there. They were always tight. And very professional. Lucinda’s set had two or three brand new songs with the paint still wet. That’s Lu for you. Inspiring. Rosie gave a painless lecture on the history of the electric guitar. The Long Ryders were bending notes and minds… and God bless Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band. The man Davis McLarty refers to as a “chicken-fried renaissance man.” Good to have some art school in the working-class mix.

I mean, it was already the tail end of some kind of scene when I joined Green on Red back in the day before the days. And with record deals and long tours. Soon everybody went their own way. And we just became ships in the night.

Who would have guessed we’d all be gathered together again all these years later on this boat?

Not me.

I must admit, I was a little sad when we pulled into Long Beach. I’m not sure I was ready for it be over.

I'm almost ready to tell my mom I’m considering asking if I can fill out an application. I might like to start a new career as a shipmate. First Mate? Second Mate? Makes no difference to me.

Onwards,

–CP