a big day planned today - culminating in a concert at 10pm
but first we have to drive back to naples to pick up a guest
he due to fly in from london this evening in time for the show
we have a 3 hour gap between landing and showtime - enough
the plan is to spend the afternoon in naples then airport then back
part 1 - naples - no problems - it's a one hour drive back from amalfi
the first part negotiating the winding coastal roads with stunning views
then hit the autostrade and follow our digital navigators instructions
the road system in and out of naples is mind-boggling in complexity
an endless array of roads, ramps, flyovers, exits, loops and turns
we follow our navigators instructions precisely to our target point
this being a parking station located close to the historical centre
the small station down a narrow ramp off a very narrow lane
so once again thankful that our vehicle of choice is diminutive
happy then to get onto foot and head back into napoli old town
mother and daughter are going to visit some must-see sights
leaving this one to self-indulge with a visit to the famous madre
a museum of contemporary art located in easy walking distance
found and enjoyed - 4 floors of installations, art and photography
currently featuring the output of a mid 20th century photographer
all black and white and of all manner of subjects common to naples
shown in projection, single frames and multi-frame presentations
totally engrossing - but - not much sleep had last night - nap-time
a quiet corner easily found in this quiet place with few visitors
waking to a start and realising time is now at a critical point
a pre-arranged meetup is looming - and - gulp - no gps signal
nevermind - heading in - ah - that direction should get me back
up and down some steep streets that feel distinctly locals-only
glad it is still daylight and eventually a known street is located
a late and tense rendezvous is made - but now - plane delayed
3 hours - damn - that is going to clash with our concert big time
his loss - we are not going to miss it so we collect car and exit
an interesting drive out of naples at peak hour friday afternoon
then an alternative route up and over the range behind amalfi
a long, steady, twisting climb with stunning views of naples
the bay, city, larger area and mount vesuvious all in frame
the sun dropping over the horizon as the cameras click away
we are heading to the town of ravello high up from the coast
park the car, walk and with 30 minutes spare we coffee up
the ravello festival runs for many nights on one glorious stage
set on the top of a cliff with the mediterranean sea as a backdrop
so the audience looks down on to the stage to the view beyond
tim robbins (actor/director) is booked with his 8 piece band
his left-wing political leanings sure to be worked into the show
a low-key start - solo trumpet, bowed double bass and his voicea sombre tune with incisive lyrics referencing the wealth gap
then a classic irish tune and the band is now settling down well
the sound itself is so clear on this beautiful still summer night
most of the tunes are his own compositions and well explained
he taking the time to talk briefly of his inspirations and mentors
some covers also from the likes of john lee hooker and pete seegar
a clear nod to his audience also with a cover of moon over naples
this as a near full and large moon sits in our view over the stage
which pretty well summed up the night's performance - special
chubby checker's let's twist again has the audience dancing
this as we slip away and deal with an hour long coastal drive
the lad has trained it from naples airport to nearby salerno
a successful rendezvous is made and then back to cetara
what a day - a lot of ground covered and an amazing gig...
