Best Friends for Life

As we speak, Charles Xavier, jazz musician, ambient instrumentalist, and composer, is making his way from San Francisco to his home in Massachusetts. But it’s not just any cross-country trip. Xavier will be accompanied by his Great Pyrenees dog Ella in a new-to-him RV, and he’ll be live-streaming his passage along the way. Xavier’s calling the show Ella Across America.

The 3,000-mile busking trek will feature impromptu performances, jam sessions, and interviews with local musicians. And while he hasn’t scheduled any appearances, per se, he’s counting on the comfort and open arms of those he encounters—a few acquaintances and many soon-to-be friends—for his musical opportunities.

At the same time, Xavier will also be promoting Pandemic Piano, his new recording, released on his label Happy Note Records, which he describes as an ambient/melodic/neo-jazz/New Age work. It’s a relaxing meditative work designed to foster mindfulness and peace. It’s the music he’ll be playing for folks on his cross-country trip and the perfect introduction to the artist’s work.

The Ella Across America tour also comes at a logical time in his life. Xavier’s marriage of 30 years ended (amicably), as did his patience with the Bay Area. He sold his house, bought the RV, and prepped Ella for the long journey back East. “It’s one man, one dog, and one piano,” says Xavier, who’ll look to play in National Parks, dog parks, yoga studios, meditation centers, and anywhere else he encounters that might include friendly receptive folks. “I didn’t want to plan too much,” he says. “I want to live in the moment. I want to be in the present. I’m looking for people willing to love what I do. I want them to know I’m a new person, a more loving person, interested in spreading love.”

So, Xavier’s story is fascinating indeed. He’s leaving a lucrative life in Silicon Valley as a composer/musician/post-production director (which included a four-year stint helping to develop the “Siri” product for Apple), as well as his marriage of three decades, and he’s setting out to cross the country. Xavier and Ella, alone together in a newish RV, tricked out with Wi-Fi to accommodate his intention to live-stream as much of his adventure as possible.

The show Ella Across America is a real-time docudrama: composer/musician/post-production director separates from wife after 30 years, leaves thriving Silicon Valley Suburbia San Bruno with his dog Ella, a spiritual breed of a dog Great Pyrenees, capturing cross country travels in a specially equipped RV van for streaming media.

“I’m really excited about all of this,” says Charles. “I’m happy to be living in the present. I’m happy to be with Ella. A year ago, I never would have predicted this tour would take place but it’s finally happening, and I’m interested in what Ella and I will encounter along the way.”

Listen to Pandemic Piano Collage by Charles Xavier: https://soundcloud.com/charlesxavier/pandemic-piano-collage-2021-charles-xavier

To purchase the new single: https://music.apple.com/us/album/when-i-think-of-you- single/1634449086

To purchase the album on bandcamp: https://charlesxavierjr.bandcamp.com/album/pandemic-piano

The album will also be available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and other digital stores.