Buffalo Blurb

It is mid-May 2001. Here I am here sending out another long overdue note to you, my fans and friends .... Sometimes it's hard to figure out just what to write about, not knowing what you might want to hear about. So much has gone on so far this year both musically and personally, that has consumed me!! So enough preamble, Greetings to all!!!!

I am presently in Argentina, .... that's right!! ... South America!!! I arrived here on the first of May for a series of concerts in which I will be backed by an Argentine blues band from the small city of Villa Maria, called Mr. Mojo. Theses cats, all in their mid to late twenties are more than just a group of blues musicians. At our first rehearsal I was pleased to find that these guys really play very well and in a great variety of styles .... (you must know that I love that variety!!!) So, I've been here a week and a half so far ... rehearsing, being a tourist, doing several radio and television interviews(all in spanish), having my picture plastered in the newspapers and on posters in several cities here so far from home .... My fluency in Spanish has given me a big relief as I have been able to carry on conversations and interviews with only a few stumbles here and there ... I'm having a ball. So far I have seen so little of this country, indeed on this trip, I will only touch a very small part, yet what I have seen so far, is a beautiful land with very soulful people. I have found new friends in the members of this band as well as my host Fabricio Rodriguez, (a fine multi-style harmonica player). We have had some good fun goofing off, bowling, cooking Asado(BBQ) and playing music. I am still getting used to the different hours they keep here both with businesses (they all close for a siesta from 12 to 4)and in when they have their meals (many have their main meal at 10 - 11pm)... but then, musicians are known for having weird hours an eating habits anyway, right??

Back home The Knockouts are gearing up for a busy summer of shows including clubs as well as many fairs and festivals. My new agent George Gosling with Tabletop Productions is doing a great job of getting things cooking. With Steve Miller taking some time off from his touring schedule I have had a great freedom to get out and do my thing (yippee!!)... On a bunch of the shows I've been using Austin Delone on keyboards ... he was a member of my band in the Early to mid eighties, and is a great addition to the show ... I have been writing and working on quite a few new songs, as well as going over a huge mountain of unreleased songs that have been waiting to find their way out to the public, I'm tentatively shooting for having a new CD ready for release by spring 2002(At least one).

As well, when I'm home Ive been kept busy with the many tasks of being a single father ... My two sons, Aisah and Elias, are doing their teenage thing ... I keep hoping that they won't turn my hair all grey (I suppose it will go there eventually if my gene pool has anything to say about it). Lots of changes, but cruising very smoothly on the home front. I am looking forward to showing Argentina what Norton Buffalo is all about and then to returning home, to be with my boys, cooking in my own kitchen, speaking english again, playing more shows with the Knockouts, and to working on my upcoming CD.

Meanwhile, from way down here in Villa Maria, Cordoba, Republica de Argentina, South America ... I send you all my best greetings ... hope to see big bunches of you all this summer

Harmonically,
Norton Buffalo