PERU 2011
16/02/2011 - 21/02/2011
Page II

Date Line: 17th February 2011. Location: Lima.Peru

I was up with the sun and did my usual thing of wandering around. I got back to the hotel at 14:30 and went and sat by the pool. Aba came down at 14:45 to take in some rays and duly at 15:00, Raf and Jorge arrived and they had with them Pochi, the leader of 'Tierra Sur'.
We chatted for a few minutes then we all went and boarded Raf's 4x4 for the drive to a place to get something to eat.

We went to this restaurant by the coast and sample some wonderful sea food, notably 'Ceviche' the national dish. Dis dear reader is something you must try if you are ever in Peru. Much tastiness. Not forgetting a drink made of corn, (no not whiskey!). But a purple coloured drink, 'Chicha Morada', which I know sounds strange, but believe me people when I tell you that it is the most refreshing drink I have ever had. 'Coca Cola' doesn't stand a snowball's in Hells chance against it. Absolutely WICKED!!!!!!!

Well we chatted as we ate and Pochi invited us to his show, which was also happening later that night, we agreed if it was possible, to attend after Raf's gig. We had also been invited to David Hine's gig which was also that night. Well in demand you see.
Meal over we went for a drive and then a walk along the far coastline where the surfers ride the crystal voyagers. We then returned to the hotel to get some sleep to be ready for the long night ahead.

Raf came and picks us up at 21:00 and took us to his friend's apartment where his band had gathered prior to going to the gig. We met and greeted the assembled and soon we were off into the night to catch taxis to the venue.
As we stepped out of the taxi a group of young women were walking by and on seeing us started shouting out "Aba Shanti" and "Humble Lion" to us. Who they were we did not know? But they certainly knew who we were! Arrrh the price of fame or is it infamy?
We walked the short distance to the venue and as we approached, the street was packed with people trying to get into the club. As we squeezed our way through the people you could see and hear that the people gathered knew who we were. News travels fast and far in Peru, you get me.
We were escorted to the back stage area and sat down in the dressing room with the band. Greetings were exchanged and conversations struck up. One person in particular was engaging me in conversation and was asking me how I got my name, 'The Humble Lion'. I explained how it came about and she (Yes I am referring to you Nameste) was fascinated by my explanation. She thought my name was oh so cool.
Anyway the band soon had to take to the stage and Aba and I took up positions to the right of the playing area to observe wat a gwan, seen.'La Mente' played a hybrid mix of Reggae, Hip Hop, Rock and syncopated Latin riddims, with two vocalists one chanting and the other sing jaying. It was an eclectic mixture of sounds and the band grooved away.
The very large crowd in the place were very appreciative and enthusiastic about the band's performance.
After the show we all ended up back in the dressing room chatting. Oh one point of contention, the club promoter was not very happy that the vocalists kept mentioning that Aba Shanti would be playing tomorrow night at the El Dragon night spot. I could see her point. Jorge by this time had come into the club. He had been playing an acoustic set in another nightspot not far from the club.

We left the club and went for to pick up Jorge's guitar, which he had left at his venue. On the way Aba said that he would like something to eat. So we went to a small café type place which was beside the venue where Jorge had just performed. The lady owner was about to shut up for the night, but was persuaded to serve us.
Jorge went to retrieve his guitar.
We ordered something to eat and went and sat at a table. Jorge came in with his guitar in its padded gig bag.
As we chatted and ate, the conversation got round, as it normally does to music. I finished my snack and asked Jorge could I borrow his guitar to demonstrate the point I was making. Thus began a little musical interlude between Jorge, Raf and myself playing various styles of guitar. Before we knew it an hour had passed and the lady owner of the shop had not hurried us up to leave, considering she was closing up when we arrived. I looked round to her and there she was resting her head on her hand with her eyes shut just taking in the vibe being created; a true music lover. We got up to leave and before we did she came over with her diary and asked us to sign it. Not just anyway but on the date we were in her café. Bless up to the cook.
We left the café and headed for the hotel. On arrival at the hotel arrangements were made to pick us at 17:00 to go and do the sound check at the club. As I left the 4x4 Jorge handed me his guitar and said "I know what it is like to be guitar player and not have an instrument to play". I thanked him for his kind offer and then Aba, the guitar and I disappeared into the hotel.

Peru Page I / Peru Page III

One Love
                The Humble Lion  

                  ALL IMAGES AND TEXT COPYRIGHT © Falasha recordings