The Savvy Traveler :: Jesse

[trip style = beach]

When I was in Nashville recently, I made sure to meet with my pal Jesse. He's one of my oldest friends---we used to jam together with pots and pans when we were three---and now, as a musician, he lives in the mecca of music. For this rocker, Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" isn't just a figure of speech; it's a lifestyle. After we grabbed beers, he had to rush home to pack for a road trip playing guitar for Katie Armiger. The tour bus was leaving just after midnight.

Joking that a career with "benefits, security, stability and longevity" wasn't his beat, he pursued his passion, which has landed him three nominations for Guitarist of the Year, plus a couple of others for Songwriter of the Year at the Canadian Country Music Awards. Talking travel, of course, he told me he's home an average of two nights a week, and with that I implored my friend/road warrior to be this month's Savvy Traveler!

1/ Your top trip style
[trip style = beach] I love BEACHES! And also random small towns with town squares and thrift shops.

2/ The destination that rocked your world
Two Words: Tokyo, Japan. No other urban landscape like it. No other food/accommodation options even CLOSE to it. Some of the best rock music I've ever heard. Also: spent a night there drinking with The Rolling Stones crew... How could anything compare to THAT!?!

3/ Best Music City
Nashville -- it's just simply impossible to be disappointed by the performers and venues in this city. Regardless of genre, you can hear it all here, presented by the best of the best.

4/ Bands you'd travel to see
The Black Crowes, Arc Angels (if the ever reunite), Tedeschi/Trucks Band.

5/ What's it like to travel on a tour bus?
I love traveling by tour bus. I sleep frequently and very soundly. I've learned to tune out the multitude of mobile conversations all going on around me at once, too. I watch a lot of movies, and once my bunk curtain is closed, I'm in my cocoon and happy as a sardine in a can!

6/ I can’t travel without my…
- JH Audio In-Ear Monitors
- Apple MacBook Pro
- Apple iPhone 5
- Jack Spade Messenger Bag
- Mountain Equipment Co-op Rain Jacket

7/ Carry-on or checked bag?
I actually check bags more often than I carry on. I fly Southwest Air in the US a lot, and they allow two free checked bags, and since I'm ALWAYS traveling with a guitar, I check that and my suitcase. I used to carry my guitar onto the flight, but since I bought a Calton Case, I have zero worries about it arriving safely at my destination when I check it. I'm actually writing this from the Delta departure gate, and today I'm carrying on my suitcase AND messenger bag. Haven't done this in a while!

8/ My packing M.O.
I often have to pack a VERY small bag to get me through a dinner-meeting, a performance and {hopefully} a stop at a hotel gym. Dark jeans work for the first two. Sneakers and workout shorts for the third. Dark colored t-shirts work for ALL.

More Savvy Travelers
Jackie, Paris Is Always A Good Idea
Lori, A License To Move
Shaun, Packing Like A Rock Star

{If you know anyone who should be featured in our once-monthly The Savvy Traveler series, drop us a line!}

[photos via Jesse]