Garberville, California — In the middle of mountains covered in redwoods, after a curve in the winding road, The Benbow Inn appears like a hidden gem. Once a hideaway for Hollywood stars following its opening in 1926, the Benbow Inn is a grand hotel built in isolated, but spectacular surroundings.

I was invited by my friend Akira Tana, drummer and bandleader, to join his trio with Randy Porter on piano and John Wiitala on bass. I couldn’t imagine a better place for playing music on a summer night. A breathtaking landscape, a luxurious hotel in the forest and an avid audience. Under millions of stars (as you only see them far from the city) and in spite of the unexpectedly chilly weather (you will see a picture of Randy playing with a blanket over his shoulders!), we had a wonderful time making music together.

Even if this was the first time I played with these incredible jazz artists, the magic of music and their sensitivity erased any distance and I felt absolutely at ease, thrilled and stimulated to sing and play the guitar with all my heart. There was also an intense moment when Kevin Footer joined in with his harmonica on my version of Astor Piazzolla’s “Vuelvo al sur” (Return to the South).

The lovely audience accompanied us not only with their generous applause but also by staying through all three sets bundled under their ponchos, scarves and blankets. Thanks to all of you who were there with us in body and soul. Special thanks to festival producer Jim Wilde, Benbow Inn owners John and Teresa Porter and to radio host Brian Elie who gave us his support through his radio program on KMUD.