The Mortal Plain, Seat 14F.

Thursday, another ridiculously early start, and again no need for an alarm - with the customary insomnia on this occasion serving a constructive purpose, as I wake first at 2 a.m. and then 3:44; perfect timing. The train left Preston right on time at 05:12 bound for Manchester airport. 

Now I’m back in the air, a space that feels more like home by the day; this is a good place to be, in fact this seat on the plane is a good one to be sat in. There are times when it pays not to do the online seat selection, etc., as I was fortuitously allocated a window seat with extra leg room by the lady at the checkin, and not only that, but quite unusually they let me carry my guitar to the gate, and they even tried to find a space in the passenger cabin for it. 

So it’s back to Italy, and I’m trying to recall the time of my last visit; it was some years ago. Firenze, a regular destination for me once-upon-a-time, was usually visited courtesy of my dear, dear friend Ernesto de Pascale when he was on the other type of plain, the mortal one. A larger than life, and beautiful man, full of fascination, curiosity, ideas and creativity. A journalist, promoter, producer, radio and television presenter, songwriter and musician; I guess he never stopped, which could well have had something to do with why he’s not here with us now. 

Ernesto de Pascale

Ernesto would get me work at festivals, and at venues like the Teatro del Sale, although I’d have to say, there really isn’t another venue like the Teatro del Sale. A magnificent Renaissance style building in the heart of old Florence, it is owned and operated by master chef Fabio Picchi and wife Maria as a buffet style eating establishment, serving medieval Tuscan food. In the evenings the food is cleared away at 9 p.m., the customers turn their seats to face the stage, and the entertainment begins. 

Teatro del Sale.

 In 2006 I played five straight nights there, Tuesday till Saturday, with the final show broadcast live on Ernesto’s own radio show across Italy. Three of those nights were recorded and video’d, and now they constitute my CD and DVD: Live in Florence.

Fabio Picchi

Today I arrive at Pisa at 11:55, to be met by Paolo, the very person who sent me the text message three years back telling me of the massive stroke Ernesto had just suffered. He passed away ten minutes into his 53rd Birthday.

I wish I were playing the Teatro del Sale this time, but alas, it is not to be; they have a stage production taking place all week. The shows I do have are: Fiorno Sull’Arno, Firenze (Friday), Pianeta Melos, Pistoia (Saturday), Full Music, Firenze (Monday), and The Sarzana Acoustic Guitar Meeting (Wednesday).