Long day so far, and it's only 3:39PM. Got a new job, Realized maybe a I don;t have a new job. Car broke going form Job Part A to Job Part B. Got towed. Need new brakes. Now it seems I do have a job, for at least tomorrow. Who knows if my car will be fixed yet? Ups and downs. God bless life. Had some issues I wanted to address, but I will be waiting til tomorrow on those.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 96 Mary Dolan - 12-6-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1GfvYrsnZw
This is Mary Dolan from my "12 Hours of Free Music" show on December 6, 2008. I posted one song from this set a few months ago, the last song she played that night, "76 Miles From Getting Laid." I was watching today's clip. I had already bounced it. Then I realized she stops in the middle and takes off a Band-Aid, that was messing with her. I dont want to put that out, so I'm going to find another Mary Dolan song from this set now. Anyway, while I get to that, what I was going to say is, there are many faces to Mary Dolan, the artist. There is the "76 Miles From Getting Laid," Mary Dolan, and there is this other song I was going to post about St. Francis and Jesus. That's going to have to wait, but who doesn't love a multi-faceted artist. I do.
Instead, I'll be posting my favorite Mary Dolan song, with bonus explanation of how she hurt her finger at the end. This one is called "Marsha Brady," presumable a childhood hero of Mary's... or something like that. This is from the rockin' school of Mary's tunes. Think I'm gonna go with more Mary tomorrow too, because I think she's great.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 96 "Hound Dog" popularized by Elvis Presley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWvtYzBE6Wc
"Hound Dog" was really written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller for those of you following closely at home. Glad to see some of you are. John Westrich informed the 365 that Even Stevens co-wrote Eddie Rabbitt's "I Love A Rainy Night." My buddy Blowski, noted that Even Stevens is a really cool name and I strenuously agree. I'm glad I recorded these songs today before my car fell to pieces because I imagine I"d be struggling a fair bit right now to summon the emotion and energy to record tunes under these less than ideal circumstances. Anyway, I love life and some broke brakes and no money's not gonna stop me one iota. So there!
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 96 "And"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh8_WHzf3To
This is a tune I wrote awhile back. I kind of like doing it on the banjo. It translates nicely, but it summoned itself from my memory today, and here it is for you. And.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 88
The number 88 symbolized double infinity I decided on the 88th day of Operation 365. Well, today is the 88th blog of the 365 and I an featuring Acoustic Booze, the band I play drums for, today, because I hope to be friends with all my Boozer bandees forever. Awwwww.....
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 95 "Venus" - Robbie Van Leeuwen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSHj772Cnj4
"Venus" was written by Robbie Van Leeuwen of the Dutch band Shocking Blue. Here, it is covered by Acoustic Booze. Acoustic Booze is my buddy Blowski's band. Other members are Dylan Avery on bass, Patricia Mueller on keyboards, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar on vocals, The Soul Man on guiro, and me, Jefferson Jay, on drums. Paul Ruiz also joins us on trumpet often but he was not here at this gig. We've been playing together a couple of years now. It's been tons of fun and we are getting better each day. We are currently in the studio working on our first CD. In fact we were there last night, recording Dylan's bass tracks.
This is from a set we did at Winston's on May, 22, 2010. The video is a little shaky as my powerful bass drum hits were rocking the whole room. We do our own thing which the jam , which is always nice. Hope you get the feel we put out there from this clip. I was just about to erase this whole performance. because of the shakiness. (I pretty much never erase anything.) I wound up deciding to share it instead. Unpredictable life.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 95 "When The Lights Went Out"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0xia3Q1-X8
"When The Lights Went Out" was co-written by me and Blowski, by way of Adrianna Martin-Morningstar. He had asked her about helping write the lyrics top this tunes cause she's the singer and all... She tried some, but eventually asked me for help and I busted the words and melody pretty quickly. It was written about a lot of things including but not limited to the rolling blackouts in California that they had. This was our first performance of the tune, so it is not polished, but Blowski is Polish, so that will have to do for today. I can the guy barely visible on the left side of the screen in case you were wondering.
When I was in high school, my theater group did a murder mystery show called "While The Lights Were Out." I guess this is a tribute to those folks and that time in my life. All hail the Masques. Speaking of hail, Dylan and I and some of our other friends "hail" stuff often to show our appreciation for stuff... and things. This was especially prevalent last summer and the primary beneficiary of all this hailing was Schweebus, who as you all know, is the source of energy in the universe that we all admire and respect and call on us to help us in times of need. Anyway... Followers of the 365 will see me hailing folks from time to time as well here in the blog.
Well, last night we were about to start recording Dylan's bass for the upcoming Acoustic Booze CD when who decided to appear for the first time in who knows how long in San Diego? Hail. That's right. Little bit of ice falling from the sky to the ground. It never hails here. I dont; think it hails all that much anywhere actually. Well, I don't believe in randomness so to me, everything's a sign. Some signs are just more obvious than others. Hail hail and thank you for blessing our session with your presence.
"When The Lights Went Out" was performed by Acoustic Booze at Winston's on 5-22-2010.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski - guitar, vox, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar - vox, Patricia Mueller - keys, Dylan Avery - bass, The Soul Man - guiro, and Jefferson Jay - drums, and Paul Ruiz on trumpet, but Paul was not at this performance.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 95 Acoustic Booze - "Gypsy" - 5-22-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NNNvx5Xu_8
"Gypsy" is probably my favorite of all the Blowski Booze tunes and here it is for you today.
This was recorded at Winston's on 5-22-2010. I love "Gypsy". The sound man has some fun with effects at the beginning of the tune. Fun. This version of this song features my first (and only, to date) breaking of a drumstick, while playing. Pretty cool.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski - guitar, vox, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar - vox, Patricia Mueller - keys, Dylan Avery - bass, The Soul Man - guiro, and Jefferson Jay - drums, and Paul Ruiz on trumpet, but Paul was not at this performance. It's about how we're all gypsies.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 95 "Venus" - Robbie Van Leeuwen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSHj772Cnj4
"Venus" was written by Robbie Van Leeuwen of the Dutch band Shocking Blue. Here, it is covered by Acoustic Booze. Acoustic Booze is my buddy Blowski's band. Other members are Dylan Avery on bass, Patricia Mueller on keyboards, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar on vocals, The Soul Man on guiro, and me, Jefferson Jay, on drums. Paul Ruiz also joins us on trumpet often but he was not here at this gig. We've been playing together a couple of years now. It's been tons of fun and we are getting better each day. We are currently in the studio working on our first CD. In fact we were there last night, recording Dylan's bass tracks.
This is from a set we did at Winston's on May, 22, 2010. The video is a little shaky as my powerful bass drum hits were rocking the whole room. We do our own thing which the jam , which is always nice. Hope you get the feel we put out there from this clip. I was just about to erase this whole performance. because of the shakiness. (I pretty much never erase anything.) I wound up deciding to share it instead. Unpredictable life.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 95 "When The Lights Went Out"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0xia3Q1-X8
"When The Lights Went Out" was co-written by me and Blowski, by way of Adrianna Martin-Morningstar. He had asked her about helping write the lyrics top this tunes cause she's the singer and all... She tried some, but eventually asked me for help and I busted the words and melody pretty quickly. It was written about a lot of things including but not limited to the rolling blackouts in California that they had. This was our first performance of the tune, so it is not polished, but Blowski is Polish, so that will have to do for today. I can the guy barely visible on the left side of the screen in case you were wondering.
When I was in high school, my theater group did a murder mystery show called "While The Lights Were Out." I guess this is a tribute to those folks and that time in my life. All hail the Masques. Speaking of hail, Dylan and I and some of our other friends "hail" stuff often to show our appreciation for stuff... and things. This was especially prevalent last summer and the primary beneficiary of all this hailing was Schweebus, who as you all know, is the source of energy in the universe that we all admire and respect and call on us to help us in times of need. Anyway... Followers of the 365 will see me hailing folks from time to time as well here in the blog.
Well, last night we were about to start recording Dylan's bass for the upcoming Acoustic Booze CD when who decided to appear for the first time in who knows how long in San Diego? Hail. That's right. Little bit of ice falling from the sky to the ground. It never hails here. I dont; think it hails all that much anywhere actually. Well, I don't believe in randomness so to me, everything's a sign. Some signs are just more obvious than others. Hail hail and thank you for blessing our session with your presence.
"When The Lights Went Out" was performed by Acoustic Booze at Winston's on 5-22-2010.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski - guitar, vox, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar - vox, Patricia Mueller - keys, Dylan Avery - bass, The Soul Man - guiro, and Jefferson Jay - drums, and Paul Ruiz on trumpet, but Paul was not at this performance.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 95 Acoustic Booze - "Gypsy" - 5-22-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NNNvx5Xu_8
"Gypsy" is probably my favorite of all the Blowski Booze tunes and here it is for you today.
This was recorded at Winston's on 5-22-2010. I love "Gypsy". The sound man has some fun with effects at the beginning of the tune. Fun. This version of this song features my first (and only, to date) breaking of a drumstick, while playing. Pretty cool.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski - guitar, vox, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar - vox, Patricia Mueller - keys, Dylan Avery - bass, The Soul Man - guiro, and Jefferson Jay - drums, and Paul Ruiz on trumpet, but Paul was not at this performance. It's about how we're all gypsies.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 87
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 94 JJ "Hear What I'm Thinking" - 2-12-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o9Gt9leONg
This is from a birthday party on February 12, 2010. The party wasn't for President Lincoln, but it probably should have been cause that is his birthday too. At this show, I was showcasing new material and this is a song called "Hear What I'm Thinking" that I wrote with Justin Mills and Oliver Levenson in Summer 2009. Paul Ruiz is joining me here on trumpet.
There is some audibly wasted-ass dude in the audience. If you stick around til the end, the dude tells me he loves me and I say thank you. Thank YOU.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Outtakes – 94 The Writing of "Amethyst"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu72HuS423E
I've been preparing a lot of outtakes lately but deciding on to share them. I recorded it, as I wrote "Amethyst" in the classroom yesterday, and was thinking I'd share it here for anyone interested in my creative process. Watch it if you follow such things with interest. If you want to hear the actual song "Amethyst," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZaGzqkAYUU
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 94 "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GRenQ9H__s
I love this song form back in the day. It was a rainy morning here in San Diego and I was inspired to seek out Eddie Rabbitt. I have always gotten Eddie Money and Eddie Rabbitt confused and doing their songs on back to back days should make it permanent. Leanne and I practiced this song in the morning a bunch, then got breakfast, did a crossword puzzle, watched the game, recorded with Blowski, it got sunny and we did it again. We had fun. Maybe I'll share some other outtakes some time.
This tune is sweet. No surprise it reached the top of the charts in 1981. I never really realized until today that it was a "country song." Thanks to my dear sweet special lady, Leanne Pearl, for claps, snaps, and raps on this one. We are going back to the studio with Dylan Avery in a bit. What to do with the remainder of out afternoon? Drive to the snow, sit at the beach, something else? Ahhh, the possibilities...
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 94 "Magnificent People"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4YXacdJWE
This is a song I wrote when I lived in Arcata in 1999. It is pretty self-explanatory. It is a tribute to all the magnificent people working hard to stay that way in this world. It appears to be a nice bookend to my new song "Amethyst," that I wrote and recorded here yesterday, which is a song advising all the underachieving folks on ways to be more magnificent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o9Gt9leONg
This is from a birthday party on February 12, 2010. The party wasn't for President Lincoln, but it probably should have been cause that is his birthday too. At this show, I was showcasing new material and this is a song called "Hear What I'm Thinking" that I wrote with Justin Mills and Oliver Levenson in Summer 2009. Paul Ruiz is joining me here on trumpet.
There is some audibly wasted-ass dude in the audience. If you stick around til the end, the dude tells me he loves me and I say thank you. Thank YOU.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Outtakes – 94 The Writing of "Amethyst"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu72HuS423E
I've been preparing a lot of outtakes lately but deciding on to share them. I recorded it, as I wrote "Amethyst" in the classroom yesterday, and was thinking I'd share it here for anyone interested in my creative process. Watch it if you follow such things with interest. If you want to hear the actual song "Amethyst," click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZaGzqkAYUU
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 94 "I Love A Rainy Night" by Eddie Rabbitt
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GRenQ9H__s
I love this song form back in the day. It was a rainy morning here in San Diego and I was inspired to seek out Eddie Rabbitt. I have always gotten Eddie Money and Eddie Rabbitt confused and doing their songs on back to back days should make it permanent. Leanne and I practiced this song in the morning a bunch, then got breakfast, did a crossword puzzle, watched the game, recorded with Blowski, it got sunny and we did it again. We had fun. Maybe I'll share some other outtakes some time.
This tune is sweet. No surprise it reached the top of the charts in 1981. I never really realized until today that it was a "country song." Thanks to my dear sweet special lady, Leanne Pearl, for claps, snaps, and raps on this one. We are going back to the studio with Dylan Avery in a bit. What to do with the remainder of out afternoon? Drive to the snow, sit at the beach, something else? Ahhh, the possibilities...
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 94 "Magnificent People"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH4YXacdJWE
This is a song I wrote when I lived in Arcata in 1999. It is pretty self-explanatory. It is a tribute to all the magnificent people working hard to stay that way in this world. It appears to be a nice bookend to my new song "Amethyst," that I wrote and recorded here yesterday, which is a song advising all the underachieving folks on ways to be more magnificent.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 86
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 93 Jennie Buss - 4-21-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4Yfc4fmoA
Jennie Buss was a regular of my programs. We've lost touch, but I stumbled upon what I remember as one of her finest performances. Here, Jennie, is ranting passionately about 9/11 and American excess and injustice. I don't know if she wrote all this, or learned it from somewhere else and it doesn't matter. (OK, I did the research, How could I resist? Ani Difranco wrote it.) Even if she memorized it from someone else, (She did.) the magnitude of that chore, can not be understated. Her words are direct and powerful, impulsive and energetic, angry, intense, and rightfully so. Power to her for speaking publicly on these matters that effect each one of us. It is impressive, important and I am honored to be sharing it with you here.
Jennie is being backed here by Paul Lopez on bongos, The Soul Man on guiro and Clifford M. Jomuad on bass. Jennie also writes tunes and plays guitar. Nicknames she had at my show in those days included "The Oaktown Southpaw," and "The Mouth of The South." This was recorded at my Open Mic on April 21, 2009. Righteous.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 93 "Baby, Hold, On" by Eddie Money
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4aKNQNcqPo
This was a tune my pal, Chris Scelzo, got me into back in the day. All those years ago, Chris and I would drive around in his Hyundai, which was always littered with tapes. As we travelled to some New Jersey diner, he would put me through the paces of the unsung treasures of the classic rock world, as he saw it. I appreciated the companionship as well as the education.
Chris got a kick out of the orgasmic interlude near the end of this tune. I played down a little bit, but this song is classic and makes me feel good. I think money is little more than a necessary evil in our world, but Eddie Money, he's pretty cool.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 93 "Amethyst"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZaGzqkAYUU
I was finishing up school and I came upon just the right original number to do for my 365, "September." It's easy, I had the words on my laptop, I hadn't done it yet... it was perfect. Except, it talks about marijuana. Now, it's not Cypress Hill or Peter Tosh or anything, but it mentions it and I was recording in a school, so I decided to pass on that one for today.
So what to do, I asked myself. I decided the only solution was to write a tune then and there real quick and do it that way. So I used the big white board and started writing letters. Actually before I did that I walked over to the keyboard with y eyes closed ands picked a note to use as my key for this jamboree. It was F. The song followed quite naturally form there.
It seems there's still a whole lot of people in this world who think that being mean and greedy is the way to go. I couldn't disagree more. Those misguided folks have a lot to learn and I know a little mistress named karma is who's gonna teach 'em when the time is right. I was a bit bent about how one of these narrow-minded types was treating my girlfriend at her job and that helped inspire this number, "Amethyst."
The point of "Amethyst" is that money can't bring happiness or love. Those come from inside and up above. There's no secrets, there's no charms, there's no magic stone that can help you. There's only karma. So miserable people, spread your misery if you must, but the one you're really hurting is yourself. My condolences. The point of this song is my attempt to explain to you the error of your ways. Being mean is not cool. Here's hoping you don't have to learn the hard way.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG4Yfc4fmoA
Jennie Buss was a regular of my programs. We've lost touch, but I stumbled upon what I remember as one of her finest performances. Here, Jennie, is ranting passionately about 9/11 and American excess and injustice. I don't know if she wrote all this, or learned it from somewhere else and it doesn't matter. (OK, I did the research, How could I resist? Ani Difranco wrote it.) Even if she memorized it from someone else, (She did.) the magnitude of that chore, can not be understated. Her words are direct and powerful, impulsive and energetic, angry, intense, and rightfully so. Power to her for speaking publicly on these matters that effect each one of us. It is impressive, important and I am honored to be sharing it with you here.
Jennie is being backed here by Paul Lopez on bongos, The Soul Man on guiro and Clifford M. Jomuad on bass. Jennie also writes tunes and plays guitar. Nicknames she had at my show in those days included "The Oaktown Southpaw," and "The Mouth of The South." This was recorded at my Open Mic on April 21, 2009. Righteous.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 93 "Baby, Hold, On" by Eddie Money
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4aKNQNcqPo
This was a tune my pal, Chris Scelzo, got me into back in the day. All those years ago, Chris and I would drive around in his Hyundai, which was always littered with tapes. As we travelled to some New Jersey diner, he would put me through the paces of the unsung treasures of the classic rock world, as he saw it. I appreciated the companionship as well as the education.
Chris got a kick out of the orgasmic interlude near the end of this tune. I played down a little bit, but this song is classic and makes me feel good. I think money is little more than a necessary evil in our world, but Eddie Money, he's pretty cool.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 93 "Amethyst"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZaGzqkAYUU
I was finishing up school and I came upon just the right original number to do for my 365, "September." It's easy, I had the words on my laptop, I hadn't done it yet... it was perfect. Except, it talks about marijuana. Now, it's not Cypress Hill or Peter Tosh or anything, but it mentions it and I was recording in a school, so I decided to pass on that one for today.
So what to do, I asked myself. I decided the only solution was to write a tune then and there real quick and do it that way. So I used the big white board and started writing letters. Actually before I did that I walked over to the keyboard with y eyes closed ands picked a note to use as my key for this jamboree. It was F. The song followed quite naturally form there.
It seems there's still a whole lot of people in this world who think that being mean and greedy is the way to go. I couldn't disagree more. Those misguided folks have a lot to learn and I know a little mistress named karma is who's gonna teach 'em when the time is right. I was a bit bent about how one of these narrow-minded types was treating my girlfriend at her job and that helped inspire this number, "Amethyst."
The point of "Amethyst" is that money can't bring happiness or love. Those come from inside and up above. There's no secrets, there's no charms, there's no magic stone that can help you. There's only karma. So miserable people, spread your misery if you must, but the one you're really hurting is yourself. My condolences. The point of this song is my attempt to explain to you the error of your ways. Being mean is not cool. Here's hoping you don't have to learn the hard way.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 86
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 92 Justin Mills - "Price of Love" – 12-11-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8OPtoUdvDY
Serendipity? Fate. Yesterday, I finally unleashed Justin Mills on the Operation 365. My Facebook link to that video received a comment from none other than Justin's loving girlfriend, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar. She alerted me, via the world wide web, that although Facebook might not tell me so, today is Justin's birthday. Wonderfully, I had already prepared a second day of Mr. Mills without even knowing this fact. How about that.
I should re-iterate, how much I dig Senor Mills as a person and a songwriter. I truly considered it an honor to back him up on my cute, little, blue Ashbory bass and I think his songs are epic. In this clip, from December 11, 2008, Justin is joined by his Greens of Mind bandmates, myself, Jefferson Jay on bass, Charlotte James on violin, Barbara Tolbert on vocals, a special appearance from the recently retuned to San Diego, (both then and now) Wes Davis, on hand claps. This is another of Justin's excellent jams, "Price of Love." Happy birthday to you, General Mills. You are a great friend, a terrific person, and a fabulous songwriter, whether you like it or not.
TAGS: Justin Mills, Price of Love, price, love, Charbra, Charlotte James, violin, Barbara Tolbert, vocals, Wes Davis, Jefferson Jay, Ashbory, bass, cute, little, sexy, handsome, attractive, Greens, San Diego, live music, General Mills, Facebook, serendipity, fate, birthday
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 92 "Your Mother Should Know" by The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8nqsuo9fm8
A cool Beatles tune, I first learned for a job I had, a few years back, teaching elementary music. I thought it would be fun and cute to have my first, second, and third graders singing this jamboree and I was not disappointed. Well, I was disappointed when I first started asking in May and the principal didn't tell me 'til October that I could have my job back but at half as many hours and with three extra months off I didn't ask for. I was unhappy about this. No matter, they withdrew that offer the next day, when I had the temerity to consider it for 24 hours. This is life in the field of education.
To my point, San Diego Unified Schools are about to cut ALL jobs for music teachers in elementary and maybe middle schools. They don't care. If I was on a career path here, I'd be about to be fired no matter how good a job I did, because teaching kids music isn't considered important. Neither is treating teachers like they are worth a spit. You imagine people care about kids and learning and stuff like that in education, but that is not the case at all. The proof of that is in the garbage they feed kids at the cafeteria and a million other things. Maybe it's hopeless. The kids don't want to be at school. Teachers don't want to be at school. Maybe it's just everybody making te bet of a bad situation.
The point I was trying to make at the beginning of this rant was, I think it's terrible the petty and duplicitous way that teachers and administrators act 90+% of the time. And parents are almost as bad. It makes me sick and it's way I have no designs on a career in working in elementary, middle, or high schools ever. Nobody cares. Like I said the other day, we teach kids one thing; sharing, kindness, co-operation. Adults are conditioned to practice exactly the opposite; taking as much as you can for yourself and stepping on whoever gets in your way, often complaining all the while. Clearly, I've been spending far too much time in schools lately.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 92 "Full House"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtfBuJVhWc4
It seems some recurring themes are driving their way into my 365. "Full House," which I was in no way planning on doing today, popped up and sometimes, that's all it takes. "Full House" is my rap song about my ongoing relationships with the dead folks closest to me, Don Truesdail, Tony, and my grandpa, and grandma. The term "Full House," in this context, refers to the five of us all together as one.
I like using poker analogies in songs. Poker is popular these days and analogies (and poker) are fun. Even though the guitar part is fairly easy on this song, (A minor, repeat), it is challenging rapping syncopated lyrics and keeping a steady beat. Also there's a lot of lyrics, so memorizing it would be more difficult than a regular tune. Not that hard. It might be cool to add this tune to the repertoire some day. I haven't played it live yet. Anyway, I feel close as evr to my full house family and it's reassuring to know, it's never over. Love lives forever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8OPtoUdvDY
Serendipity? Fate. Yesterday, I finally unleashed Justin Mills on the Operation 365. My Facebook link to that video received a comment from none other than Justin's loving girlfriend, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar. She alerted me, via the world wide web, that although Facebook might not tell me so, today is Justin's birthday. Wonderfully, I had already prepared a second day of Mr. Mills without even knowing this fact. How about that.
I should re-iterate, how much I dig Senor Mills as a person and a songwriter. I truly considered it an honor to back him up on my cute, little, blue Ashbory bass and I think his songs are epic. In this clip, from December 11, 2008, Justin is joined by his Greens of Mind bandmates, myself, Jefferson Jay on bass, Charlotte James on violin, Barbara Tolbert on vocals, a special appearance from the recently retuned to San Diego, (both then and now) Wes Davis, on hand claps. This is another of Justin's excellent jams, "Price of Love." Happy birthday to you, General Mills. You are a great friend, a terrific person, and a fabulous songwriter, whether you like it or not.
TAGS: Justin Mills, Price of Love, price, love, Charbra, Charlotte James, violin, Barbara Tolbert, vocals, Wes Davis, Jefferson Jay, Ashbory, bass, cute, little, sexy, handsome, attractive, Greens, San Diego, live music, General Mills, Facebook, serendipity, fate, birthday
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 92 "Your Mother Should Know" by The Beatles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8nqsuo9fm8
A cool Beatles tune, I first learned for a job I had, a few years back, teaching elementary music. I thought it would be fun and cute to have my first, second, and third graders singing this jamboree and I was not disappointed. Well, I was disappointed when I first started asking in May and the principal didn't tell me 'til October that I could have my job back but at half as many hours and with three extra months off I didn't ask for. I was unhappy about this. No matter, they withdrew that offer the next day, when I had the temerity to consider it for 24 hours. This is life in the field of education.
To my point, San Diego Unified Schools are about to cut ALL jobs for music teachers in elementary and maybe middle schools. They don't care. If I was on a career path here, I'd be about to be fired no matter how good a job I did, because teaching kids music isn't considered important. Neither is treating teachers like they are worth a spit. You imagine people care about kids and learning and stuff like that in education, but that is not the case at all. The proof of that is in the garbage they feed kids at the cafeteria and a million other things. Maybe it's hopeless. The kids don't want to be at school. Teachers don't want to be at school. Maybe it's just everybody making te bet of a bad situation.
The point I was trying to make at the beginning of this rant was, I think it's terrible the petty and duplicitous way that teachers and administrators act 90+% of the time. And parents are almost as bad. It makes me sick and it's way I have no designs on a career in working in elementary, middle, or high schools ever. Nobody cares. Like I said the other day, we teach kids one thing; sharing, kindness, co-operation. Adults are conditioned to practice exactly the opposite; taking as much as you can for yourself and stepping on whoever gets in your way, often complaining all the while. Clearly, I've been spending far too much time in schools lately.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals – 92 "Full House"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtfBuJVhWc4
It seems some recurring themes are driving their way into my 365. "Full House," which I was in no way planning on doing today, popped up and sometimes, that's all it takes. "Full House" is my rap song about my ongoing relationships with the dead folks closest to me, Don Truesdail, Tony, and my grandpa, and grandma. The term "Full House," in this context, refers to the five of us all together as one.
I like using poker analogies in songs. Poker is popular these days and analogies (and poker) are fun. Even though the guitar part is fairly easy on this song, (A minor, repeat), it is challenging rapping syncopated lyrics and keeping a steady beat. Also there's a lot of lyrics, so memorizing it would be more difficult than a regular tune. Not that hard. It might be cool to add this tune to the repertoire some day. I haven't played it live yet. Anyway, I feel close as evr to my full house family and it's reassuring to know, it's never over. Love lives forever.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 85
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 91 Justin Mills - "There's Beauty" – 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkjChFPe3ps
Ola. On the 91st day of operation 365, I share with you, for the first time, one of my favorite singer-songwriters on the planet, Justin Mills. You may have caught glimpses of him in my Archives playing cello with The Greens of Mind or in the Covers as I covered some of his tunery. Here he is on stage, playing his songs himself. Justin doesn't play out much these days. Almost never. It is the second performing break of over a year he's taken since I've known him and I've known him less than 5 years.
Fortunately, the last time he was playing regularly, I got to grab a piece of the action on my little blue Ashbory bass. I was backing him up every Thursday for awhile, playing his tunes and I loved it. I love his tunes. They are awesome. Even if he disagrees, I am unswayed. The only reason I haven't gone Mills sooner here in the 365 is my own trepidation about my performances, backing him on the bass. I am super critical of myself there because I like his tunes that much that I get afraid that I'm ruining them. Anyway, here is "There's Beauty" from December 18, 2008. Justin Mills, also known as "The General," and I are joined by The Soul Man, on guiro, as we were regularly on Thursday nights, back then. I miss Justin's jams and if he doesn't play 'em for me, in public or private, some times soon, I'm going to have to learn 'em all and play 'em myself, just 'cause I miss 'em that much.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 91 "Shout" by Tears for Fears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LawCuS-VCL8
I was reading about this tune and apparently it was Tears for Fears, encouraging people to take a stand and speak out for what they believe. I thought that fit nicely in the context of my dramatic rant yesterday. I was teaching again, trying to take car of things when I can. Been busy. I have some outtakes of a couple tunes I've done lately but haven't posted them. Maybe some slow day.
I loved this tune back in the 80s and it is fun to be able to get to play it for you all here. Shout!
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals - 91 "Hey Christina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBLXNJwupYk
So a number of years ago, I used to have a crush on my chiropractor. Her name was Christina. She was an attractive Latina and there was some spicy banter that occasionally occurred around her adjustment table. Not only that, but she had an approach unlike any other to the business. She would climb on top of the table, basically straddle me and use her "body strength" for lack of a better word, to complete the adjustment. It was hard not to like visiting her. It seemed like her unhappy relationship was the main topic of conversation every time I went in and eventually she got herself single. Somewhere in there, I wrote this tune and gave it to her. I think she liked the tune, but that and fifty cents woulda got me two quarters when it was all said and done. Eventually, I think she moved to Seattle. If you want the most intoxicating adjustments in the Pacific Northwest I suggest you track her down and look her up. I have since broke up with chiropractics all together. I find I feel better when people aren't cracking my body in a million different ways. Who knew?
I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda weird playing songs your wrote about other women, when you happily have a girlfriend. It helps that this tune is funky and Christina and I never hooked up, but it's still a little weird. When you don't really feel a song anymore, it's difficult to summon the emotions that got you to write the song in the first place. It's easier with break-up songs, but the lovey-dovey ones, those are tough. I kinda have no choice, being that I'm committed to doing my best to conjure 365 of my original tunes and I don't even have that many. Plus, many of the ones I do have were written about women, once upon a time, when I liked them.
It's crazy I've done this 91 days in a row and I'm just a quarter done. I'd say it was unfair but no one's making me do this. It is a sentence imposed by myself. It's kinda like going to to the chiropractor in that way, except when I was going to visit Christina.
NOTES: Congrats to my New Jersey Nets on acquiring All-Star point guard, Deron Williams. Who knows how they'll mess up this one? God bless Russian billionaire, Mikhail Prokhorov.
According to Christina, she once dated one of the best point guards in the NBA not named Deron Williams.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkjChFPe3ps
Ola. On the 91st day of operation 365, I share with you, for the first time, one of my favorite singer-songwriters on the planet, Justin Mills. You may have caught glimpses of him in my Archives playing cello with The Greens of Mind or in the Covers as I covered some of his tunery. Here he is on stage, playing his songs himself. Justin doesn't play out much these days. Almost never. It is the second performing break of over a year he's taken since I've known him and I've known him less than 5 years.
Fortunately, the last time he was playing regularly, I got to grab a piece of the action on my little blue Ashbory bass. I was backing him up every Thursday for awhile, playing his tunes and I loved it. I love his tunes. They are awesome. Even if he disagrees, I am unswayed. The only reason I haven't gone Mills sooner here in the 365 is my own trepidation about my performances, backing him on the bass. I am super critical of myself there because I like his tunes that much that I get afraid that I'm ruining them. Anyway, here is "There's Beauty" from December 18, 2008. Justin Mills, also known as "The General," and I are joined by The Soul Man, on guiro, as we were regularly on Thursday nights, back then. I miss Justin's jams and if he doesn't play 'em for me, in public or private, some times soon, I'm going to have to learn 'em all and play 'em myself, just 'cause I miss 'em that much.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 91 "Shout" by Tears for Fears
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LawCuS-VCL8
I was reading about this tune and apparently it was Tears for Fears, encouraging people to take a stand and speak out for what they believe. I thought that fit nicely in the context of my dramatic rant yesterday. I was teaching again, trying to take car of things when I can. Been busy. I have some outtakes of a couple tunes I've done lately but haven't posted them. Maybe some slow day.
I loved this tune back in the 80s and it is fun to be able to get to play it for you all here. Shout!
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Originals - 91 "Hey Christina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBLXNJwupYk
So a number of years ago, I used to have a crush on my chiropractor. Her name was Christina. She was an attractive Latina and there was some spicy banter that occasionally occurred around her adjustment table. Not only that, but she had an approach unlike any other to the business. She would climb on top of the table, basically straddle me and use her "body strength" for lack of a better word, to complete the adjustment. It was hard not to like visiting her. It seemed like her unhappy relationship was the main topic of conversation every time I went in and eventually she got herself single. Somewhere in there, I wrote this tune and gave it to her. I think she liked the tune, but that and fifty cents woulda got me two quarters when it was all said and done. Eventually, I think she moved to Seattle. If you want the most intoxicating adjustments in the Pacific Northwest I suggest you track her down and look her up. I have since broke up with chiropractics all together. I find I feel better when people aren't cracking my body in a million different ways. Who knew?
I'm not gonna lie, it's kinda weird playing songs your wrote about other women, when you happily have a girlfriend. It helps that this tune is funky and Christina and I never hooked up, but it's still a little weird. When you don't really feel a song anymore, it's difficult to summon the emotions that got you to write the song in the first place. It's easier with break-up songs, but the lovey-dovey ones, those are tough. I kinda have no choice, being that I'm committed to doing my best to conjure 365 of my original tunes and I don't even have that many. Plus, many of the ones I do have were written about women, once upon a time, when I liked them.
It's crazy I've done this 91 days in a row and I'm just a quarter done. I'd say it was unfair but no one's making me do this. It is a sentence imposed by myself. It's kinda like going to to the chiropractor in that way, except when I was going to visit Christina.
NOTES: Congrats to my New Jersey Nets on acquiring All-Star point guard, Deron Williams. Who knows how they'll mess up this one? God bless Russian billionaire, Mikhail Prokhorov.
According to Christina, she once dated one of the best point guards in the NBA not named Deron Williams.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Operation 365… Blog 84
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Archives – 90 Kellis McDonald – 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvit17ASbKA
Staying with performances from December 18, 2008 in the archives as I roll through my very unofficial “Best of The Rest,” featuring friends I haven’t yet featured here in Operation 365. Kellis McDonald first joined us at the end of 2008 at the strong suggestion of superhuman, Don Truesdail. Don brought many, many extremely talented friends in to our circle in ’08 and none came more highly recommended than Kellis. At this point, followers of the 365 are well-aware of the fact that we are blessed with many talented friends.
Of the dozens of singer/songwriters he knew locally, Kellis was Don’s favorite and he told me this many times. Because of that, I sought out Kellis and brought him in as many times as I could to play, in late 2008. I remember at this show specifically, Don standing next to me, gushing in my ear, about how if a talent scout were to come to one of our shows, sharing Kellis would be putting our best foot forward as a collective, big time. December 18, 2008, as I’ve mentioned, was a very special day in our world. It was out holiday fiesta and turned out to be Don’s final performance.
I had just gotten my video camera. I remember vividly at the beginning of Kellis’s set, desperately trying to figure out how the tripod worked with mixed results. I’ve come quite a way since then. It turns out, it’s not that hard. Anyway, here is Kellis. His music is awesome. He plays guitar with a technique I’ve never seen before or since. His songs are captivating. I’m glad I got to enjoy him playing several times, but not as glad as I am that I got to watch Don enjoy Kellis, because Kellis’s music lit up Don’s face like the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Centre. Hail Truesdail and al the incredible music he brought into my life. Hail seeing Kellis play again some time soon.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 90 “Gimme Me Some Money” by Spinal Tap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sybCsriXUU8
Today is a long day for me, off to teach at 8AM and teaching all they way through 6:30. Not tons of time for 365 today, so I’m squeezing it in around the edges as best I can. Due to the monopolization of my day by work, naturally I was thinking about money, the only reason I’m here in the first place. I decided Spinal Tap’s classic early era hit, “Gimme Some Money” would fir the bill nicely and I believe it has.
Bonus about this classic jam, is the encouraging solo banter, “Go, Nigel, Go.” I have recently agreed to co-parent an amazing little terrier mix puppy named Nigel. Nigel is named after Spinal Tap co-lead guitarist, Nigel Tufnel, the guy who liked to turn it up to 11. If you haven’t seen Spinal Tap, you need to go do it right now. Now. Little Nigel the puppy turns it up to 11 in cuteness and energy.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Orignials – 90 “Money’s Just Green Paper”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MOAT-kf43w
I wanted to do an original song about money, and then I realized I don’t have one. I don’t really like money. Yes, as nice as it would be to have way more and the corresponding freedom with my time that would accompany said cashflow, happiness, to me, is far more important, and no amount of money can buy it. In the name of money, people kill each other, take advantage of each other, ruin each other and for what. To grab more for themselves when most of these people in question already have so much more than they could ever need. That is what’s wrong with our society, that the people in charge not only think that’s OK, but it is the natural of their backwards morality.
I believe capitalism is wrong. If one were to push capitalism to its logical extreme, one person, the LeBron James of capitalism, would have all the money and everybody else would be at their mercy, lucky to have anything at all. Love is what matters, making people feel important and valuable. Enjoying each moment. Moments are life’s true diamonds and doing meaningful things with them is the measure of what your life is worth.
So I made this song up on the spot today, with my time limited, due to a full day of work and I hope you like it. Money’s OK and there’s nothing wrong with having a whole bunch of it, but if you mistreat people all the time to get it, then there is karmic price to pay for that in this life or at some other crucial time. If you have WAY more money than you need and still focus all your energy on getting more, that is wrong. There is a limited amount of resources in this world. For your 7th house or 19th car, people are starving every instant.
Endless war, poisoned skies, imprisoned herbal cancer curers, and Monsanto seed Nazis are just a few of the bold-faced criminals emboldened by capitalism without bounds. It is wrong, to me, clearly. I believe someday, if the world survives, extreme wealth will be recognized for the tacky, insecure, excess that it is. One may argue, “Well, I’m just doing my job.” The legitimacy of that overused excuse expired at least” a generation ago when the German army killed ten million people, “just doing their job.
A student just asked me "how many heads I’d blow off to save my girlfriend.” She seemed surprised when I answered, "None.” This is the world we’re raising our kids in. When they’re small we teach them to share and be kind to each other. Our adults are trained to do the opposite. When does it change? Is there anything we can do to stop it? I hope so because, besides to love and enjoy existence, that is my main reason to be here. I’m tired of a world of suffering just so rich people can get richer. Karma will come calling for them. I just hope they find some answers first.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvit17ASbKA
Staying with performances from December 18, 2008 in the archives as I roll through my very unofficial “Best of The Rest,” featuring friends I haven’t yet featured here in Operation 365. Kellis McDonald first joined us at the end of 2008 at the strong suggestion of superhuman, Don Truesdail. Don brought many, many extremely talented friends in to our circle in ’08 and none came more highly recommended than Kellis. At this point, followers of the 365 are well-aware of the fact that we are blessed with many talented friends.
Of the dozens of singer/songwriters he knew locally, Kellis was Don’s favorite and he told me this many times. Because of that, I sought out Kellis and brought him in as many times as I could to play, in late 2008. I remember at this show specifically, Don standing next to me, gushing in my ear, about how if a talent scout were to come to one of our shows, sharing Kellis would be putting our best foot forward as a collective, big time. December 18, 2008, as I’ve mentioned, was a very special day in our world. It was out holiday fiesta and turned out to be Don’s final performance.
I had just gotten my video camera. I remember vividly at the beginning of Kellis’s set, desperately trying to figure out how the tripod worked with mixed results. I’ve come quite a way since then. It turns out, it’s not that hard. Anyway, here is Kellis. His music is awesome. He plays guitar with a technique I’ve never seen before or since. His songs are captivating. I’m glad I got to enjoy him playing several times, but not as glad as I am that I got to watch Don enjoy Kellis, because Kellis’s music lit up Don’s face like the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Centre. Hail Truesdail and al the incredible music he brought into my life. Hail seeing Kellis play again some time soon.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Covers – 90 “Gimme Me Some Money” by Spinal Tap
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sybCsriXUU8
Today is a long day for me, off to teach at 8AM and teaching all they way through 6:30. Not tons of time for 365 today, so I’m squeezing it in around the edges as best I can. Due to the monopolization of my day by work, naturally I was thinking about money, the only reason I’m here in the first place. I decided Spinal Tap’s classic early era hit, “Gimme Some Money” would fir the bill nicely and I believe it has.
Bonus about this classic jam, is the encouraging solo banter, “Go, Nigel, Go.” I have recently agreed to co-parent an amazing little terrier mix puppy named Nigel. Nigel is named after Spinal Tap co-lead guitarist, Nigel Tufnel, the guy who liked to turn it up to 11. If you haven’t seen Spinal Tap, you need to go do it right now. Now. Little Nigel the puppy turns it up to 11 in cuteness and energy.
Operation 365 – Jefferson Jay – Orignials – 90 “Money’s Just Green Paper”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MOAT-kf43w
I wanted to do an original song about money, and then I realized I don’t have one. I don’t really like money. Yes, as nice as it would be to have way more and the corresponding freedom with my time that would accompany said cashflow, happiness, to me, is far more important, and no amount of money can buy it. In the name of money, people kill each other, take advantage of each other, ruin each other and for what. To grab more for themselves when most of these people in question already have so much more than they could ever need. That is what’s wrong with our society, that the people in charge not only think that’s OK, but it is the natural of their backwards morality.
I believe capitalism is wrong. If one were to push capitalism to its logical extreme, one person, the LeBron James of capitalism, would have all the money and everybody else would be at their mercy, lucky to have anything at all. Love is what matters, making people feel important and valuable. Enjoying each moment. Moments are life’s true diamonds and doing meaningful things with them is the measure of what your life is worth.
So I made this song up on the spot today, with my time limited, due to a full day of work and I hope you like it. Money’s OK and there’s nothing wrong with having a whole bunch of it, but if you mistreat people all the time to get it, then there is karmic price to pay for that in this life or at some other crucial time. If you have WAY more money than you need and still focus all your energy on getting more, that is wrong. There is a limited amount of resources in this world. For your 7th house or 19th car, people are starving every instant.
Endless war, poisoned skies, imprisoned herbal cancer curers, and Monsanto seed Nazis are just a few of the bold-faced criminals emboldened by capitalism without bounds. It is wrong, to me, clearly. I believe someday, if the world survives, extreme wealth will be recognized for the tacky, insecure, excess that it is. One may argue, “Well, I’m just doing my job.” The legitimacy of that overused excuse expired at least” a generation ago when the German army killed ten million people, “just doing their job.
A student just asked me "how many heads I’d blow off to save my girlfriend.” She seemed surprised when I answered, "None.” This is the world we’re raising our kids in. When they’re small we teach them to share and be kind to each other. Our adults are trained to do the opposite. When does it change? Is there anything we can do to stop it? I hope so because, besides to love and enjoy existence, that is my main reason to be here. I’m tired of a world of suffering just so rich people can get richer. Karma will come calling for them. I just hope they find some answers first.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 83
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 89 Edem Bastos - "OB" 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68ieEIAzZ4
Here is my friend Edem Bastos from a legendary night in the history of my shows, December 18, 2008. This was our Christmas party of sorts and very many of our mainstays played sets that night. Edem Bastos is a handsome and interesting fellow from Brazil who was with us for awhile here in Ocean Beach. He liked it quite a bit and this is one of the tunes he wrote to detail that affection.
I was chatting on facebook with Edem the other day. it was very nice to hear from him. He encouraged us to visit him in his beachside neighborhood in Brazil and come play a show with im. Of course, I would love to. Hopefully, we can make it so. Edem always had a smile, more or less, except that time he lost his wallet. He found it, like I told him he would and I hope to see him again real soon. He is funny.
Besides a Christmas part after an incredible year December 18, 2008 is significant because it was the final on stage appearance of my dear departed amigo, Don Truesdail. I might not mention that in this blog, but he makes a nice little cameo right at the start of Edem's set. It is always nice to see him, especially when it was not expected. Don, feel free to stop be any time. you too, Edem. Peace. The Soul Man, also always welcome is sitting in on guiro from the audience, and can be heard in all his percussive splendour.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 89 "Who Dropped The Bomb?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHf0_Mak03E
I like this tune, because I wrote it the first time I ever jammed with Blowski, one of my nearest and dearest amigos everski. It has a deep, dark mood and I like it. It was written during the George Bush years and the second verse directly pertains to his "royal loins." I like the question is asks, "Does it really even matter who dropped the bomb?" If we, the people, use all our advances in technology to merely destroy each other than what was our whole society really worth anyway. I guess it's worth what we put into it every day. And what we get out.
Open acknowledgements to this tune's similarity to David Bowie's classic, "Space Oddity." I didn't plan it that way, but it is pretty blatantly noticeable. I don't play it much and am 99.99999% sure it'll never be on one of my CDs, specifically because of that connection. I was looking up at the chemtrails in the sky today. Chemtrails are the stuff sprayed from planes to fill the sky. The resemble clouds, but at any serious inspection, they are clearly not clouds. It's a big secret and there's no official explanation of what they are. They're as much of a secret as something anyone looking up can see, can be. There is a great documentary on the interent about them called "What in The World Are they Spraying?" It is broken up in 7 parts. My favorite one is Part 6, though, particularly about one minute in, when these guys making the documentary (American heroes, they are), start accosting congresspeople on Capitol Hill and asking for answers about all this nonsense. Watch our elected officials fumfur, stammer, and stutter like the treasonous criminals that they are.
6 of 7 What in the world are they spraying? (Chemtrails) www.realityzone.com/whatspray.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BryudkbVFhc
I try not to think about this too much cause it's upsetting, but today when I was looking at another days sky-full of spray, I was glad I had this angst-ridden reflection of my frustration, to share.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 89 "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AaK6cHpdhw
This "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" will be my final tribute here to my friend Tony, who died, 19 years ago yesterday. When someone's been gone that long, it's not the same as when someone's recently departed. There is not as much to discuss, as many revelations to be had. It just becomes part of life as you know it. I feel as close to Tony as two people can be. I feel like we are one. We share one body. I look out for him here and he looks out for me wherever he is. We look out for each other wherever we are, always. I've felt this way a long time. In fact, it's the core of what I believe as a human being. My experiences re-connecting with Tony after he died are the truest, realest things I've ever experienced, at least up until Don died in 2009. I would never expect anyone to believe in the validity of my experiences. That's why I don't talk about them or share them, except the rare occasions when subjects like these come up. That said, they are real to me as anything that has ever happened.
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" was Tony's favorite Beatles tune. At that age, I was finally accepting (begrudgingly) that the Beatles were cool. I was young. That didn't stop Tony though. He lived as full a life as you can at 17, I suppose. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything happens for a reason. I believe.
Thanks to George Harrison for writing such a neat song. Thanks to Richard Romero, who can be seen and heard in the background. He was straightening up after a cool rehearsal we had here and thanks to Nigel for his irrepressible spirit and cuteness. Now, if he'd only stop pooping on my floor...
NOTE: Yesterday, I sent an old friend a picture from back in high school, of her with Tony. She wrote back right away. We haven't spoken in years. This is what I wrote back, just now. I felt like sharing it here. I think it's a fair summary of my life, as it is right now.
[Life here is pretty grand. Can't complain. Been living in CA for 15 years, SD for 10. Live right by the beach. Teach some. Play music. Have a dog and just got a puppy with my girlfriend. All is well. Still chasing my dreams. Getting 'em bit by bit, day by day. Seems to be the way.
Yeah, I like the pic. Thought you would too. Hope this finds you very happy and well.
Peace
Jeff]
Peace
Peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U68ieEIAzZ4
Here is my friend Edem Bastos from a legendary night in the history of my shows, December 18, 2008. This was our Christmas party of sorts and very many of our mainstays played sets that night. Edem Bastos is a handsome and interesting fellow from Brazil who was with us for awhile here in Ocean Beach. He liked it quite a bit and this is one of the tunes he wrote to detail that affection.
I was chatting on facebook with Edem the other day. it was very nice to hear from him. He encouraged us to visit him in his beachside neighborhood in Brazil and come play a show with im. Of course, I would love to. Hopefully, we can make it so. Edem always had a smile, more or less, except that time he lost his wallet. He found it, like I told him he would and I hope to see him again real soon. He is funny.
Besides a Christmas part after an incredible year December 18, 2008 is significant because it was the final on stage appearance of my dear departed amigo, Don Truesdail. I might not mention that in this blog, but he makes a nice little cameo right at the start of Edem's set. It is always nice to see him, especially when it was not expected. Don, feel free to stop be any time. you too, Edem. Peace. The Soul Man, also always welcome is sitting in on guiro from the audience, and can be heard in all his percussive splendour.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 89 "Who Dropped The Bomb?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHf0_Mak03E
I like this tune, because I wrote it the first time I ever jammed with Blowski, one of my nearest and dearest amigos everski. It has a deep, dark mood and I like it. It was written during the George Bush years and the second verse directly pertains to his "royal loins." I like the question is asks, "Does it really even matter who dropped the bomb?" If we, the people, use all our advances in technology to merely destroy each other than what was our whole society really worth anyway. I guess it's worth what we put into it every day. And what we get out.
Open acknowledgements to this tune's similarity to David Bowie's classic, "Space Oddity." I didn't plan it that way, but it is pretty blatantly noticeable. I don't play it much and am 99.99999% sure it'll never be on one of my CDs, specifically because of that connection. I was looking up at the chemtrails in the sky today. Chemtrails are the stuff sprayed from planes to fill the sky. The resemble clouds, but at any serious inspection, they are clearly not clouds. It's a big secret and there's no official explanation of what they are. They're as much of a secret as something anyone looking up can see, can be. There is a great documentary on the interent about them called "What in The World Are they Spraying?" It is broken up in 7 parts. My favorite one is Part 6, though, particularly about one minute in, when these guys making the documentary (American heroes, they are), start accosting congresspeople on Capitol Hill and asking for answers about all this nonsense. Watch our elected officials fumfur, stammer, and stutter like the treasonous criminals that they are.
6 of 7 What in the world are they spraying? (Chemtrails) www.realityzone.com/whatspray.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BryudkbVFhc
I try not to think about this too much cause it's upsetting, but today when I was looking at another days sky-full of spray, I was glad I had this angst-ridden reflection of my frustration, to share.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 89 "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AaK6cHpdhw
This "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" will be my final tribute here to my friend Tony, who died, 19 years ago yesterday. When someone's been gone that long, it's not the same as when someone's recently departed. There is not as much to discuss, as many revelations to be had. It just becomes part of life as you know it. I feel as close to Tony as two people can be. I feel like we are one. We share one body. I look out for him here and he looks out for me wherever he is. We look out for each other wherever we are, always. I've felt this way a long time. In fact, it's the core of what I believe as a human being. My experiences re-connecting with Tony after he died are the truest, realest things I've ever experienced, at least up until Don died in 2009. I would never expect anyone to believe in the validity of my experiences. That's why I don't talk about them or share them, except the rare occasions when subjects like these come up. That said, they are real to me as anything that has ever happened.
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" was Tony's favorite Beatles tune. At that age, I was finally accepting (begrudgingly) that the Beatles were cool. I was young. That didn't stop Tony though. He lived as full a life as you can at 17, I suppose. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything happens for a reason. I believe.
Thanks to George Harrison for writing such a neat song. Thanks to Richard Romero, who can be seen and heard in the background. He was straightening up after a cool rehearsal we had here and thanks to Nigel for his irrepressible spirit and cuteness. Now, if he'd only stop pooping on my floor...
NOTE: Yesterday, I sent an old friend a picture from back in high school, of her with Tony. She wrote back right away. We haven't spoken in years. This is what I wrote back, just now. I felt like sharing it here. I think it's a fair summary of my life, as it is right now.
[Life here is pretty grand. Can't complain. Been living in CA for 15 years, SD for 10. Live right by the beach. Teach some. Play music. Have a dog and just got a puppy with my girlfriend. All is well. Still chasing my dreams. Getting 'em bit by bit, day by day. Seems to be the way.
Yeah, I like the pic. Thought you would too. Hope this finds you very happy and well.
Peace
Jeff]
Peace
Peace
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 82
88 is a number I love. 8 is my favorite number and represents infinity. Double 8 is double infinity and I like that very much. Plus it was the number of some amazing Dallas Cowboy wide receivers. I'm a receiver of bits from my number one friend on the other side of infinity. Anthony Michael Russo, better known to me as Tony or Tone, died 19 years ago today. I remember it like it was yesterday. Tony was my best friend. He lived in our house and that was without question the turning point in my life. I don;t tal about it much anymore. It was 19 years ao, but I still think about Tony all the time. In fact, I fell we're eternally entangled and I like it that way. Being together with him all the time, is a feeling I've gotten used to.
It doesn't make me that sad anymore, not since I wrote the "February" song last year as a final peace offering to the month, whose arrival depressed me for a decade or more. I love "February" now, like every other month. Without it, I'd never have found the rest of my undying destiny. This moment, right here, right now, and whatever follows from it, unconditionally.
I love you Tony and I dedicate today's postings to you. I want to add an anonymous acknowledgment to my family and friends who stood out with me in the cold on this day 19 years ago, completing our mural of love and appreciation to maybe the coolest guy who ever lived, Tony Russo. We love you Tony. Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 88 Robin Lee - "Be On Top" - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj1xSjtpMHc
Here is a classic Robin Lee hit, "Be On Top," recorded two years ago, yesterday. I love Robin and miss her very much. Maybe I mentioned that once or twice in this blog over the last week or so. Here, she is joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 88 "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrlw7oNj8lY
One of the things that helped me get through that first summer, after my best friend Tony passed away, was the music of Pink Floyd, specifically, "The Wall." Even though, it freaked me out some, naturally, the depth of the emotion and anguish, even the hopelessness at times, gave me hope, and made me feel less alone in the world. I had watched "The Wall" movie with Tony one night after we played cards til sunrise, but all I got from it at the time, was scared. Tony was a bit ahead of me in a lot of things and I doubt it phased him at all.
I know that Roger Waters, of Floyd, wrote this tune, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," for Floyd's epic, "Wish You Were Here," album with his friend Syd Barrett, in mind. Syd was the original main dude in Pink Floyd, before too much acid, and whatever else, caused him to lose his mind, never to return, sadly. I can relate to missing a friend, especially a "diamond," the most precious of gems, and a delightfully, crazy one at that. Even though Tony died and Syd just flipped, missing a friend whose gone in any way, like my friend Robin for instance, is similar. The person is gone and there's nothing you can do to get them back, in the way it once was.
All you can do is forge a new connection, one dissimilar to the types of connections we find together in life. A connection without boundaries. A connection as deep as you are willing or able to go in your mind. A limitless connection. Infinity.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 88 "Counting Numbers"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVwRWpaIriA
Another thing that arose from my need for answers in the months after Tony died, was writing. I'd get out my notebooks and pour thoughts on the page just to get them out of my head with the hope that somehow, some of this, would make me feel a little bit better. "Counting Numbers" was the most blatant of the tunes that came out of this expression, in terms of addressing Tony's death.
I wrote these songs back in 1992, with my long-time collaborator and dear friend, Scotty Baslaw. Together, we are (and always will be) The Demarests. Me, Tony, and Scott even jammed together once, our unforgettable "Yankee Fan Parking Only" jam, years before anyone could have guessed what would follow.
Scotty wrote the guitar parts for all these tunes and I sang them. I even tried to represent how he was feeling about the issues in his life through the lyrics of our songs, so he could relate to them personally also. I try to do that with people I know when we write songs together, whenever possible. I didn't start playing the guitar for a few more years after this. All these tunes we had then, roughly 4, had deep personal meanings to me. We had about 5 or 6 other silly little songs too and I don't think any of them will be making the Operation 365. (Well, maybe Killing Bulls...)
We recorded The Demarests' core four tunes in my basement at The House of Love, where I grew up, under the mastermind expertise of dear friend/then evil genius, Chris Scelzo. I was hooked and have been writing and recording things at every opportunity since. The message of "Counting Numbers" is pretty explicitly spelled out in the tune, so I hesitate to explain it, but briefly summarized, it is... In life, we are separate individuals with different bodies. Beyond life, we are all connected for infinity as much or as little as we imagine. Hence, one plus one is one.
Tony, I love you. Next year wil be 20. "What a fuck'n joke." Peace.
It doesn't make me that sad anymore, not since I wrote the "February" song last year as a final peace offering to the month, whose arrival depressed me for a decade or more. I love "February" now, like every other month. Without it, I'd never have found the rest of my undying destiny. This moment, right here, right now, and whatever follows from it, unconditionally.
I love you Tony and I dedicate today's postings to you. I want to add an anonymous acknowledgment to my family and friends who stood out with me in the cold on this day 19 years ago, completing our mural of love and appreciation to maybe the coolest guy who ever lived, Tony Russo. We love you Tony. Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 88 Robin Lee - "Be On Top" - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hj1xSjtpMHc
Here is a classic Robin Lee hit, "Be On Top," recorded two years ago, yesterday. I love Robin and miss her very much. Maybe I mentioned that once or twice in this blog over the last week or so. Here, she is joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 88 "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrlw7oNj8lY
One of the things that helped me get through that first summer, after my best friend Tony passed away, was the music of Pink Floyd, specifically, "The Wall." Even though, it freaked me out some, naturally, the depth of the emotion and anguish, even the hopelessness at times, gave me hope, and made me feel less alone in the world. I had watched "The Wall" movie with Tony one night after we played cards til sunrise, but all I got from it at the time, was scared. Tony was a bit ahead of me in a lot of things and I doubt it phased him at all.
I know that Roger Waters, of Floyd, wrote this tune, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," for Floyd's epic, "Wish You Were Here," album with his friend Syd Barrett, in mind. Syd was the original main dude in Pink Floyd, before too much acid, and whatever else, caused him to lose his mind, never to return, sadly. I can relate to missing a friend, especially a "diamond," the most precious of gems, and a delightfully, crazy one at that. Even though Tony died and Syd just flipped, missing a friend whose gone in any way, like my friend Robin for instance, is similar. The person is gone and there's nothing you can do to get them back, in the way it once was.
All you can do is forge a new connection, one dissimilar to the types of connections we find together in life. A connection without boundaries. A connection as deep as you are willing or able to go in your mind. A limitless connection. Infinity.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 88 "Counting Numbers"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVwRWpaIriA
Another thing that arose from my need for answers in the months after Tony died, was writing. I'd get out my notebooks and pour thoughts on the page just to get them out of my head with the hope that somehow, some of this, would make me feel a little bit better. "Counting Numbers" was the most blatant of the tunes that came out of this expression, in terms of addressing Tony's death.
I wrote these songs back in 1992, with my long-time collaborator and dear friend, Scotty Baslaw. Together, we are (and always will be) The Demarests. Me, Tony, and Scott even jammed together once, our unforgettable "Yankee Fan Parking Only" jam, years before anyone could have guessed what would follow.
Scotty wrote the guitar parts for all these tunes and I sang them. I even tried to represent how he was feeling about the issues in his life through the lyrics of our songs, so he could relate to them personally also. I try to do that with people I know when we write songs together, whenever possible. I didn't start playing the guitar for a few more years after this. All these tunes we had then, roughly 4, had deep personal meanings to me. We had about 5 or 6 other silly little songs too and I don't think any of them will be making the Operation 365. (Well, maybe Killing Bulls...)
We recorded The Demarests' core four tunes in my basement at The House of Love, where I grew up, under the mastermind expertise of dear friend/then evil genius, Chris Scelzo. I was hooked and have been writing and recording things at every opportunity since. The message of "Counting Numbers" is pretty explicitly spelled out in the tune, so I hesitate to explain it, but briefly summarized, it is... In life, we are separate individuals with different bodies. Beyond life, we are all connected for infinity as much or as little as we imagine. Hence, one plus one is one.
Tony, I love you. Next year wil be 20. "What a fuck'n joke." Peace.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 81
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 87 Robin Lee 8 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MWO2Y72eNg
I think this is funny. Life in the 21st century. It is like a commercial of some sort, which makes it even funnier cause these folks ain't exactly the commercial types. Cellphones...
Robin Lee to your right. Jack Davidson on the left. Soul Man, not pictured, laughing. 2-19-2009 is the date this was recorded. Be back tomorrow with more Robin Lee from 2-19-2009. Tomorrow, I'll be posting her classic, "Be On Top." Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 87 "Sloop John B" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZFi9X3FovQ
"Sloop John B" is a tune I always liked since the first time I heard it, when I got into The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" record many moons ago. I just woke up so it's a little scratchy, but that's OK. I learned this tune is traditional and has been covered by many artists, most notably by The Beach Boys, though, in my opinion.
Other troubadours who've taken their shot at "Sloop John B" include but are not limited to The Kingston Trio, Johnny Cash, all these guys (The Calypso Bandits, Japanese rock band Ulfuls, Joseph Spence, Tom Fogerty, Roger Whittaker, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dick Dale, Catch 22, The Ventures, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Relient K, Dan Zanes, Okkervil River), Carlos Soriano, and now, Jefferson Jay. Thanks again to wikipedia for their co-operation.
Hoist it up, baby.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 87 "Julie"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ffq9Bezeoo
This is one of the first songs I ever wrote. It is part of a little triumvirate of the first tunes I ever wrote, with "Down South," and "Chapter 4," which I have not yet played for the 365. "Julie" is also unique as it is to this day one f the only instrumental tunes I've ever written. "Death of a Loved One" and "Be Flat (off my "Yellow" CD).
I remember writing "Julie" pretty explicitly. I was sitting at round a fire in a cul-de-sac in Arcata, CA probably in '95 or '96. I was talking to a girl named Julie, who was really cool and I found her somewhat inspiring. A little while later, I was at the beach, sitting with my guitar on a big rock, just a little ways in to the water. I kept playing and came up with all this. Eventually the tide had come in more, so I had vamoose before that was no longer an option, but not before I wrote (probably) my first song, "Julie."
I don't hink I ever saw Julie again. Maybe once or twice in passing. Fortunately my sister's name is Julie, so I think I told her the song was about here and who knows, maybe it is. She clearly outdistances all other Julies in terms of significance in my life. Honorable to mention to Julie Boyden, my friend also known as J-Blow. It's not what you think . I promise.
Seems to be an unintentional good day on 365 for my sister and brother, the second one this week. First we had my Brother Baby song, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHByOhSkb9E) that I truly did write about them on purpose and now today, my brother John's name in "Sloop John B" and my sister here, "Julie."
Maybe it means I should give them a call. Sounds good to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MWO2Y72eNg
I think this is funny. Life in the 21st century. It is like a commercial of some sort, which makes it even funnier cause these folks ain't exactly the commercial types. Cellphones...
Robin Lee to your right. Jack Davidson on the left. Soul Man, not pictured, laughing. 2-19-2009 is the date this was recorded. Be back tomorrow with more Robin Lee from 2-19-2009. Tomorrow, I'll be posting her classic, "Be On Top." Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 87 "Sloop John B" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZFi9X3FovQ
"Sloop John B" is a tune I always liked since the first time I heard it, when I got into The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" record many moons ago. I just woke up so it's a little scratchy, but that's OK. I learned this tune is traditional and has been covered by many artists, most notably by The Beach Boys, though, in my opinion.
Other troubadours who've taken their shot at "Sloop John B" include but are not limited to The Kingston Trio, Johnny Cash, all these guys (The Calypso Bandits, Japanese rock band Ulfuls, Joseph Spence, Tom Fogerty, Roger Whittaker, Jerry Jeff Walker, Dick Dale, Catch 22, The Ventures, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Relient K, Dan Zanes, Okkervil River), Carlos Soriano, and now, Jefferson Jay. Thanks again to wikipedia for their co-operation.
Hoist it up, baby.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 87 "Julie"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ffq9Bezeoo
This is one of the first songs I ever wrote. It is part of a little triumvirate of the first tunes I ever wrote, with "Down South," and "Chapter 4," which I have not yet played for the 365. "Julie" is also unique as it is to this day one f the only instrumental tunes I've ever written. "Death of a Loved One" and "Be Flat (off my "Yellow" CD).
I remember writing "Julie" pretty explicitly. I was sitting at round a fire in a cul-de-sac in Arcata, CA probably in '95 or '96. I was talking to a girl named Julie, who was really cool and I found her somewhat inspiring. A little while later, I was at the beach, sitting with my guitar on a big rock, just a little ways in to the water. I kept playing and came up with all this. Eventually the tide had come in more, so I had vamoose before that was no longer an option, but not before I wrote (probably) my first song, "Julie."
I don't hink I ever saw Julie again. Maybe once or twice in passing. Fortunately my sister's name is Julie, so I think I told her the song was about here and who knows, maybe it is. She clearly outdistances all other Julies in terms of significance in my life. Honorable to mention to Julie Boyden, my friend also known as J-Blow. It's not what you think . I promise.
Seems to be an unintentional good day on 365 for my sister and brother, the second one this week. First we had my Brother Baby song, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHByOhSkb9E) that I truly did write about them on purpose and now today, my brother John's name in "Sloop John B" and my sister here, "Julie."
Maybe it means I should give them a call. Sounds good to me.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 80
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 86 Robin Lee 7 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiZjqP-FKOg
Robin Lee is awesome and I have been profoundly enjoying posting her vids here every day, the last week or so. Here she is, playing the classic, "Pennies From Heaven." I will continue through the weekend and then decide where to go from there. I know we're due for an Edem Bastos sighting though. I can tell you that for sure.
At this set, recorded February 19, 2009, Robin was joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. I love Robin. Wherever she is, and I miss her very much. Thanks for everything, Robin Lee. Did I mention Robin helped me get the guitar I use for almost all my videos? She recognized I "needed" it, to be the best I could be and she made it happen. Robin was really cool in that way. I got her back pretty quickly, but I NEVER would have got the guitar then in the first place, without her elaborate motivation and enabling techniques. There is only one Robin Lee.
NOTE: Coming to you live from a classroom in a local high school. Schools are pretty relaxing once all the kids leave...
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 86 "Sea of Vision" by Chris Scelzo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPGE_zCSBrM
Chris Scelzo is one of my best friends on the planet and may have done more for me pursuing this musical direction in life, than anybody else. It was 1990 or something and I went to see the teacher/student rock band my school had, which starred a student who looked 30, in a tie and glasses with a thick beard. That manchild was Chris Scelzo. It could have been Jimi Hendrix as far as I knew, though. There were 800 people in the sold-out auditorium eating up everything he put out there and screaming for more.
I knew I wanted to be his friend. Fortunately, it was high school so that came to be very quickly. We have been friends ever since. From driving to Delaware for coffee to a million other thigns to bizarre to detail (No more goats, his slogan for 1994, comes to mind), Chris is truly one-of-a-kind.
We were chatting on the Facebook yesterday and he told me he was going to start copying my videos exactly and re-posting them, naked. I reminded him that he is FAR too lazy to do anything like that. I said he couldn't even do Operation 1, much less Operation 365. He said he'd do Operation 0. He wrote "lol." I typed back "hahahahaha." God bless the 21st century.
He said he always loved my song "Damaged," so I am intending to bust that one out today in addition to this old Scelzo classic, "Sea of Vision." Scelzo, like I said, is lazy. The last CD he put out was a tape, and it came out in 1994. Great stuff. I love his tunes. Always have. Like I said, he has always been a huge inspiration to me. He even produced the first tunes I ever wrote and recorded, forever ago, with Scott Baslaw in The Demarests.
Scelzy is as funny a guy as you'll ever meet and I could tell stories all day. I eagerly await returning to Roy Rogers with him, at the Vince Lombardi rest area, (where he used to work), when I am home in May. We have a date. Delicious chicken. Can't wait. He was even telling me a bunch of truly optimistic and enlightened stuff yesterday. The man has been wearing a tie and dark glasses every day, since he was 15. So much for not being able to teach an old dog new tricks. Scelzo the optimist. I love it. My friend.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 86 "Damaged"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXY0lzQi-tc
This one is here today on specific request from my friend, Chris Scelzo. He says he likes the genuine nature of the tune. It's genuine, all right. I wrote it moments after I broke my ankle, in the middle of nowhere.
I decided to surprise my friends, The Horvaths, who I have mentioned in this blog before. They live off the grid, in the middle of the woods, so you can't call before you come over and it took 3 hours to get there. I love them, so I went. No one was home, so I cruised around, hiked up a mountain, took a dip in a swimming hole, and was going for a nice sunset walk with their dogs when, I stepped in a hole I didn't see, that once was the home of a peach tree. I went down hard. Real hard. Like instant cold sweat, little blue birdies doin' laps around my face, hard.
I hobbled my ass up to the house where I plopped down on a slab of concrete earmarked for an outhouse at some point in the future. I laid there for awhile, waiting for Ryan's return. Time wasn't passing and any medical help was hours away, literally, so I draged myself over to my car, grabbed my instrument and hopped back to the slab where I then penned, "Damaged." Shortly after I finished, Ryan returned.
I used to do this song a lot back in the day, even with the band and everything, but it has long since fallen out of the rotation, so much so, that I'm going to have to spend some time relearning it, before I can record it for y'all.
My ankle was surgically repaired in 2000 by Dr. Kenneth Levitsky. Thank you Dr. Levitsky. I haven't forgotten your effort and still appreciate that thanks to you, my ankle's been working well for over a decade. Seriously. Thanks.
NOTE: Happy Birthday to my friend Anna VanRansom, who along with her husband, Dick, make and sell the best ice cream in the history of the world at Mariposa Ice Cream, here in San Diego, CA. http://www.mariposaicecream.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiZjqP-FKOg
Robin Lee is awesome and I have been profoundly enjoying posting her vids here every day, the last week or so. Here she is, playing the classic, "Pennies From Heaven." I will continue through the weekend and then decide where to go from there. I know we're due for an Edem Bastos sighting though. I can tell you that for sure.
At this set, recorded February 19, 2009, Robin was joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. I love Robin. Wherever she is, and I miss her very much. Thanks for everything, Robin Lee. Did I mention Robin helped me get the guitar I use for almost all my videos? She recognized I "needed" it, to be the best I could be and she made it happen. Robin was really cool in that way. I got her back pretty quickly, but I NEVER would have got the guitar then in the first place, without her elaborate motivation and enabling techniques. There is only one Robin Lee.
NOTE: Coming to you live from a classroom in a local high school. Schools are pretty relaxing once all the kids leave...
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 86 "Sea of Vision" by Chris Scelzo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPGE_zCSBrM
Chris Scelzo is one of my best friends on the planet and may have done more for me pursuing this musical direction in life, than anybody else. It was 1990 or something and I went to see the teacher/student rock band my school had, which starred a student who looked 30, in a tie and glasses with a thick beard. That manchild was Chris Scelzo. It could have been Jimi Hendrix as far as I knew, though. There were 800 people in the sold-out auditorium eating up everything he put out there and screaming for more.
I knew I wanted to be his friend. Fortunately, it was high school so that came to be very quickly. We have been friends ever since. From driving to Delaware for coffee to a million other thigns to bizarre to detail (No more goats, his slogan for 1994, comes to mind), Chris is truly one-of-a-kind.
We were chatting on the Facebook yesterday and he told me he was going to start copying my videos exactly and re-posting them, naked. I reminded him that he is FAR too lazy to do anything like that. I said he couldn't even do Operation 1, much less Operation 365. He said he'd do Operation 0. He wrote "lol." I typed back "hahahahaha." God bless the 21st century.
He said he always loved my song "Damaged," so I am intending to bust that one out today in addition to this old Scelzo classic, "Sea of Vision." Scelzo, like I said, is lazy. The last CD he put out was a tape, and it came out in 1994. Great stuff. I love his tunes. Always have. Like I said, he has always been a huge inspiration to me. He even produced the first tunes I ever wrote and recorded, forever ago, with Scott Baslaw in The Demarests.
Scelzy is as funny a guy as you'll ever meet and I could tell stories all day. I eagerly await returning to Roy Rogers with him, at the Vince Lombardi rest area, (where he used to work), when I am home in May. We have a date. Delicious chicken. Can't wait. He was even telling me a bunch of truly optimistic and enlightened stuff yesterday. The man has been wearing a tie and dark glasses every day, since he was 15. So much for not being able to teach an old dog new tricks. Scelzo the optimist. I love it. My friend.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 86 "Damaged"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXY0lzQi-tc
This one is here today on specific request from my friend, Chris Scelzo. He says he likes the genuine nature of the tune. It's genuine, all right. I wrote it moments after I broke my ankle, in the middle of nowhere.
I decided to surprise my friends, The Horvaths, who I have mentioned in this blog before. They live off the grid, in the middle of the woods, so you can't call before you come over and it took 3 hours to get there. I love them, so I went. No one was home, so I cruised around, hiked up a mountain, took a dip in a swimming hole, and was going for a nice sunset walk with their dogs when, I stepped in a hole I didn't see, that once was the home of a peach tree. I went down hard. Real hard. Like instant cold sweat, little blue birdies doin' laps around my face, hard.
I hobbled my ass up to the house where I plopped down on a slab of concrete earmarked for an outhouse at some point in the future. I laid there for awhile, waiting for Ryan's return. Time wasn't passing and any medical help was hours away, literally, so I draged myself over to my car, grabbed my instrument and hopped back to the slab where I then penned, "Damaged." Shortly after I finished, Ryan returned.
I used to do this song a lot back in the day, even with the band and everything, but it has long since fallen out of the rotation, so much so, that I'm going to have to spend some time relearning it, before I can record it for y'all.
My ankle was surgically repaired in 2000 by Dr. Kenneth Levitsky. Thank you Dr. Levitsky. I haven't forgotten your effort and still appreciate that thanks to you, my ankle's been working well for over a decade. Seriously. Thanks.
NOTE: Happy Birthday to my friend Anna VanRansom, who along with her husband, Dick, make and sell the best ice cream in the history of the world at Mariposa Ice Cream, here in San Diego, CA. http://www.mariposaicecream.com/
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 79
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 85 Robin Lee 6 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxLbYaPR2-Y
I don't know the name of this Robin Lee tune, but it rocks. It is the most progressive, by far, of any of the jams I ever heard Robin play and it is still evocative and soulful. This was from a show Robin played on February 19, 2009 with Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro.
Before the set, James (The Destructo Bunny) who was working sound that night, went up to Robin. She thought he was giving her the "one more." I can be heard saying play as many as you want, or something like that. I was aware then that this was a special moment and I wanted to make it last as long as possible.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 85 "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBcj-Yjaqio
I like this song a lot. I think if I was a tad younger, I might find it to be horribly uncool, but I'm not so I like the relentless optimism that this song brings. Sometimes we have setbacks. Some people are douchebags. It's unfortunate. I don't like to think that way. Maybe I should say, some people act like douchebags. Unfortunately for musicians a lot of those douchebag-acting people own bars and restaurants.
Long story short, The Turquosise Cafe Bar Europa hosted an amateur male stripping contests Saturday night and the owner (who I'd been trying to reach for a week) asked me to "pls fwd" the text he sent me about it. This is a sixty-year old man with a baby. No thanks. Ew. I think I'll take my service elsewhere, again. No more Turquoise for jeffersonjay.com. If anyone wants to hang on a Monday, I'm once again available.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 85 "Dirty Filthy Stinkin' Bush"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOuWDMXgYIo
This song was a mainstay in my repertoire during the last few years of the W. Bush administration. Kinda outdated now. Always felt if I made a youtube vid of this back in the day, people might've dug it. But I wasn't ready to be doing stuff like that just then, apparently. It is still a nice tune. I'm glad Bush is gone, but I got a sky full of chemtrails, rising gas prices, no health insurance, tax cuts for the mega-rich, and a couple endless wars to remind me that we've got a long way to go.
Shout-outs to Don Truesdail, who always dug this tune when I played it and Naomi for convincing me to write it in the first place. For whatever reason, I flipped the second and third verses in this rendition. Who knows? Maybe it's better that way.
Our country was born from revolution, a long, long, long time ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxLbYaPR2-Y
I don't know the name of this Robin Lee tune, but it rocks. It is the most progressive, by far, of any of the jams I ever heard Robin play and it is still evocative and soulful. This was from a show Robin played on February 19, 2009 with Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro.
Before the set, James (The Destructo Bunny) who was working sound that night, went up to Robin. She thought he was giving her the "one more." I can be heard saying play as many as you want, or something like that. I was aware then that this was a special moment and I wanted to make it last as long as possible.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 85 "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBcj-Yjaqio
I like this song a lot. I think if I was a tad younger, I might find it to be horribly uncool, but I'm not so I like the relentless optimism that this song brings. Sometimes we have setbacks. Some people are douchebags. It's unfortunate. I don't like to think that way. Maybe I should say, some people act like douchebags. Unfortunately for musicians a lot of those douchebag-acting people own bars and restaurants.
Long story short, The Turquosise Cafe Bar Europa hosted an amateur male stripping contests Saturday night and the owner (who I'd been trying to reach for a week) asked me to "pls fwd" the text he sent me about it. This is a sixty-year old man with a baby. No thanks. Ew. I think I'll take my service elsewhere, again. No more Turquoise for jeffersonjay.com. If anyone wants to hang on a Monday, I'm once again available.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 85 "Dirty Filthy Stinkin' Bush"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOuWDMXgYIo
This song was a mainstay in my repertoire during the last few years of the W. Bush administration. Kinda outdated now. Always felt if I made a youtube vid of this back in the day, people might've dug it. But I wasn't ready to be doing stuff like that just then, apparently. It is still a nice tune. I'm glad Bush is gone, but I got a sky full of chemtrails, rising gas prices, no health insurance, tax cuts for the mega-rich, and a couple endless wars to remind me that we've got a long way to go.
Shout-outs to Don Truesdail, who always dug this tune when I played it and Naomi for convincing me to write it in the first place. For whatever reason, I flipped the second and third verses in this rendition. Who knows? Maybe it's better that way.
Our country was born from revolution, a long, long, long time ago.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 78
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 84 Robin Lee 5 - "Pool of Tears"- 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r29EChnCSj8
Here is another for my "Week of Robin" funfest. Did you know Robin is my family name? It's true. She is awesome. I've been getting some great feedback from people who appreciate the opportunity to commune with Robin here through her music. So I'm glad my work is being appreciated. It feels good. I love Robin and to be able to share her music is a gift, I am honored to be able to give.
Here she is playing one of her classics, the moody and intense, "Pool of Tears." She is joined on stage at my show from February 19, 2009, by lead guitar superstar Jack Davidson and living legend/former Nazi ass-kicker, The Soul Man, on guiro.
Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 84 "Brother Baby"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHByOhSkb9E
"Brother Baby" is a tune I've never played out live, that I wrote for brother and sister as a gift, of sorts. It is about them, and the lyrics reflect on who they are as people and some of the times we've spent together, like the time my brother and I crawled up a volcano and the time we were sitting in a room and a candle lit up out of nowhere. I think it's a nice little song. Still may never play it out, but glad to get to share it here right now.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 84 "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMD7bWPYZ_E
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, the album, is one of my favorite albums of all-time. Top 5 for sure. So many great stories attached to that album. One, it starts with him and his buddies BSing. His buddies, who played for the Detroit Lions, sing back-up and I think that sets the tone for the chill, good vibes journey that is "What's Going On."
Another cool thing about "What's Going On" is Motown, Gaye's label, refused to put it out. They didn't think it would be commercially successful. Marvin wouldn't budge, got his way, and proved Motown very wrong. Way to stick to your guns, Marv! Finally, the coolest thing about this record, besides the music itself, is the message.
I yearn for the day when hugely popular recording artists would go out there with their beliefs like a flag waving in the breeze, proud and committed to doing what they could to improve the world around them, as opposed to taking as much as they can for themselves while saying nothing of any substance. Marvin addressed the war, the environment, peace and a million other issues that are just as important today as they were then, but are nowhere to be found on any of the 350 channels on television or really, anywhere in popular culture, to speak of.
I wish so badly that somebody (and I would be particularly stoked if it was me) could have a voice in popular culture to represent for the millions of people out there, who still think these things are crucial to our happiness and survival as a people and a planet. In the 60s and 70s, many artists from Marv to The Beatles and tons of folks in between, spoke out poignantly and courageously about meaningful matters. Unfortunately, the only place that this discussion continues is on these same records that are now 40 years old. I believe when that discussion begins in a public forum in earnest, the discussion about how we can make our world a happier and healthier place for all its inhabitants, I believe that will be the beginning of us reclaiming our world for ourselves and our descendants. I hope I get to see it my lifetime.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r29EChnCSj8
Here is another for my "Week of Robin" funfest. Did you know Robin is my family name? It's true. She is awesome. I've been getting some great feedback from people who appreciate the opportunity to commune with Robin here through her music. So I'm glad my work is being appreciated. It feels good. I love Robin and to be able to share her music is a gift, I am honored to be able to give.
Here she is playing one of her classics, the moody and intense, "Pool of Tears." She is joined on stage at my show from February 19, 2009, by lead guitar superstar Jack Davidson and living legend/former Nazi ass-kicker, The Soul Man, on guiro.
Peace
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 84 "Brother Baby"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHByOhSkb9E
"Brother Baby" is a tune I've never played out live, that I wrote for brother and sister as a gift, of sorts. It is about them, and the lyrics reflect on who they are as people and some of the times we've spent together, like the time my brother and I crawled up a volcano and the time we were sitting in a room and a candle lit up out of nowhere. I think it's a nice little song. Still may never play it out, but glad to get to share it here right now.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 84 "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMD7bWPYZ_E
"What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye, the album, is one of my favorite albums of all-time. Top 5 for sure. So many great stories attached to that album. One, it starts with him and his buddies BSing. His buddies, who played for the Detroit Lions, sing back-up and I think that sets the tone for the chill, good vibes journey that is "What's Going On."
Another cool thing about "What's Going On" is Motown, Gaye's label, refused to put it out. They didn't think it would be commercially successful. Marvin wouldn't budge, got his way, and proved Motown very wrong. Way to stick to your guns, Marv! Finally, the coolest thing about this record, besides the music itself, is the message.
I yearn for the day when hugely popular recording artists would go out there with their beliefs like a flag waving in the breeze, proud and committed to doing what they could to improve the world around them, as opposed to taking as much as they can for themselves while saying nothing of any substance. Marvin addressed the war, the environment, peace and a million other issues that are just as important today as they were then, but are nowhere to be found on any of the 350 channels on television or really, anywhere in popular culture, to speak of.
I wish so badly that somebody (and I would be particularly stoked if it was me) could have a voice in popular culture to represent for the millions of people out there, who still think these things are crucial to our happiness and survival as a people and a planet. In the 60s and 70s, many artists from Marv to The Beatles and tons of folks in between, spoke out poignantly and courageously about meaningful matters. Unfortunately, the only place that this discussion continues is on these same records that are now 40 years old. I believe when that discussion begins in a public forum in earnest, the discussion about how we can make our world a happier and healthier place for all its inhabitants, I believe that will be the beginning of us reclaiming our world for ourselves and our descendants. I hope I get to see it my lifetime.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 77
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 83 Robin Lee 4 - "Get The Guns"- 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RUE4E2KBJE
Sticking with Robin Lee vids for awhile more because A) I love her and B) Unlike many of the other artists, I have recorded, going to see Robin play is not as easy as just showing up at their gig. Here she is, playing one of her more anthemic classics, "Get The Guns." "Get The Guns" addresses just this kind of world, where civil liberties are breaking down, and people need to look out for themselves and do what makes them feel right, 'cause that is the only way to survive.
At this set, recorded at my show, on February 19, 2009, Robin was joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. Robin Lee could always be counted on for unique homespun wisdom, healthy home-cooked food, and real deal heart and soul music, always dripping with life lessons and integrity. Hail Robin Lee, wherever she may be.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 83 "Invisible Lady"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUe6w87bz_Q
I almost accidentally posted this as my vid for yesterday before I remembered I had a "Valentine Song." This tune seemed almost as fitting to me, as it is also romantic and disturbed. I'm not sure how much of this story I want to tell, but honestly, most of it is right there in the lyrics. I feel like sharing a little though, so here I go.
An old friend had a girlfriend for a long time. There was some sexual tension between she and I, I'm not gonna lie. But he was my buddy, so I tried to play it down and stay away from it as much as possible. Well, one night this tension came to a head and we were face to face and she was going to kiss me. It was really hard, but I left. Otherwise, I would have quickly become a really bad friend and that wasn't acceptable to me. I was stunned days later when he told me they'd gotten engaged. Things were never really the same with our friendship. I did go to their wedding though. They even had me dress up in character as part of it... Weird.
A couple years later, they got divorced. Not too shocking. I had long since stopped talking to the old friend, so that wasn't really a factor and anymore. She and I spoke a couple times, but that was about it. Then, she vanished. Hence, "Invisible Lady." Rumor has it, she moved away and is pursuing her dream. I hope she makes it big and wins herself a Tony.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 83 "It's My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqP0bpG2ysM
Some folks just can't leave well-enough alone. They will try to bring you down into their cauldron and muck of unhappiness. I won't have it. I am happy and live in the present. Haters... well, they call them that for a reason. They are full of hate. Shit talkers... they're called that cause the stuff that comes out of their mouth is waste, fecal matter, poop.
It is easy to get roped in by these small time, go-nowhere types. People whose presence is so empty without you, they bring up the old days as excuse to spill more excrement from their blowholes. I will not be soiled by their doody-breath. This is my musical way of saying just that. I am happy and I have everything I need right now. Haters, try love and maybe you won't have to talk about me so much. ...or choose to remember the great times we shared. That's what I do. You can even use Operation 365 to remind you.
Peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RUE4E2KBJE
Sticking with Robin Lee vids for awhile more because A) I love her and B) Unlike many of the other artists, I have recorded, going to see Robin play is not as easy as just showing up at their gig. Here she is, playing one of her more anthemic classics, "Get The Guns." "Get The Guns" addresses just this kind of world, where civil liberties are breaking down, and people need to look out for themselves and do what makes them feel right, 'cause that is the only way to survive.
At this set, recorded at my show, on February 19, 2009, Robin was joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. Robin Lee could always be counted on for unique homespun wisdom, healthy home-cooked food, and real deal heart and soul music, always dripping with life lessons and integrity. Hail Robin Lee, wherever she may be.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 83 "Invisible Lady"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUe6w87bz_Q
I almost accidentally posted this as my vid for yesterday before I remembered I had a "Valentine Song." This tune seemed almost as fitting to me, as it is also romantic and disturbed. I'm not sure how much of this story I want to tell, but honestly, most of it is right there in the lyrics. I feel like sharing a little though, so here I go.
An old friend had a girlfriend for a long time. There was some sexual tension between she and I, I'm not gonna lie. But he was my buddy, so I tried to play it down and stay away from it as much as possible. Well, one night this tension came to a head and we were face to face and she was going to kiss me. It was really hard, but I left. Otherwise, I would have quickly become a really bad friend and that wasn't acceptable to me. I was stunned days later when he told me they'd gotten engaged. Things were never really the same with our friendship. I did go to their wedding though. They even had me dress up in character as part of it... Weird.
A couple years later, they got divorced. Not too shocking. I had long since stopped talking to the old friend, so that wasn't really a factor and anymore. She and I spoke a couple times, but that was about it. Then, she vanished. Hence, "Invisible Lady." Rumor has it, she moved away and is pursuing her dream. I hope she makes it big and wins herself a Tony.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 83 "It's My Prerogative" by Bobby Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqP0bpG2ysM
Some folks just can't leave well-enough alone. They will try to bring you down into their cauldron and muck of unhappiness. I won't have it. I am happy and live in the present. Haters... well, they call them that for a reason. They are full of hate. Shit talkers... they're called that cause the stuff that comes out of their mouth is waste, fecal matter, poop.
It is easy to get roped in by these small time, go-nowhere types. People whose presence is so empty without you, they bring up the old days as excuse to spill more excrement from their blowholes. I will not be soiled by their doody-breath. This is my musical way of saying just that. I am happy and I have everything I need right now. Haters, try love and maybe you won't have to talk about me so much. ...or choose to remember the great times we shared. That's what I do. You can even use Operation 365 to remind you.
Peace
Monday, February 14, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 76
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 82 Robin Lee 3 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4f9EjAZuwE
This tune features some classic Robin Lee deep lyrics, "each breath I take is borrowed, each day I live is borrowed." It's all about, what we have is the moment. I remember...
"It'll take my death before you ever see me..." It makes me wanna cry. I miss her so much. At the end of this tune, (I wish I knew what it was called, She said "Abyss" right before she played and I'm gonna guess that's what this is called) she dedicated it to our dear friend Don Truesdail, who passed away just 5 weeks before. As I watch this video, I remember being there that night and hearing her sing these words. Maybe there were tears that day. There were often back then.
Diversion: It is amazing how quickly people can return to the pettiness after heavy shit like this happens. I could never be one of those people. Ever.
There are some nice close-ups of Robin, Soul Man and Jack Davidson. When this was filmed, Robin had already been arrested. She had weed on her allegedly. A bunch, allegedly. She is supposed to be serving a bunch of time, like twenty years or something, for those affronts to humanity, delivering people medicine. Delivering that medicine was something Robin believed in and she was a woman firm in her convictions. Who knows where she is right now. Jail? Istanbul? Iowa? I have no idea. I just know I miss her.
I am glad we musicians leave stuff like this behind. I am glad we had all those moments that we shared, because those are what life is all about. Knowing someone. Sharing their space. Learning from their experiences. Laughing together. This song is awesome. There is a lot of deep wisdom in it. I cherish the time I spent with Robin so much.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 82 "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?" by The Bee Gees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skrr8NXk7AE
Now I don't give too much of a crap about Valentine's Day. In fact, as I get older, it becomes more and more clear to me that every holiday is pretty much an excuse for people to sell and buy more stuff. This song is beautiful though. I especially love Al Green's version.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 82 "Valentine Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv_TVuuXZFU
I came this close to forgetting to record the "Valentine Song." on Valentine's Day, during Operation 365. For years, at this time, I've thought I should make a youtube video of this song and put it out. I figured if I did, every year at this time of year some people would take notice and appreciate it. I'm not sure there are any other Valentine's Day songs. Much less, ones that are pro-love, but very definitively anti-Valentine's Day.
I never knew Operation 365 would happen though, so I never imagined the video would be of me sitting in a room by myself on Valentine's night, and playing the song, in a Yankee hat, to my screen. Either way though, the song is out there now. We'll see if anything happens by 365 days from today. I'm glad I remembered this tune exists, before tomorrow. "Valentine Song" is on my Blue CD from my "Primary Colors" trilogy and can be listened to and enjoyed at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4f9EjAZuwE
This tune features some classic Robin Lee deep lyrics, "each breath I take is borrowed, each day I live is borrowed." It's all about, what we have is the moment. I remember...
"It'll take my death before you ever see me..." It makes me wanna cry. I miss her so much. At the end of this tune, (I wish I knew what it was called, She said "Abyss" right before she played and I'm gonna guess that's what this is called) she dedicated it to our dear friend Don Truesdail, who passed away just 5 weeks before. As I watch this video, I remember being there that night and hearing her sing these words. Maybe there were tears that day. There were often back then.
Diversion: It is amazing how quickly people can return to the pettiness after heavy shit like this happens. I could never be one of those people. Ever.
There are some nice close-ups of Robin, Soul Man and Jack Davidson. When this was filmed, Robin had already been arrested. She had weed on her allegedly. A bunch, allegedly. She is supposed to be serving a bunch of time, like twenty years or something, for those affronts to humanity, delivering people medicine. Delivering that medicine was something Robin believed in and she was a woman firm in her convictions. Who knows where she is right now. Jail? Istanbul? Iowa? I have no idea. I just know I miss her.
I am glad we musicians leave stuff like this behind. I am glad we had all those moments that we shared, because those are what life is all about. Knowing someone. Sharing their space. Learning from their experiences. Laughing together. This song is awesome. There is a lot of deep wisdom in it. I cherish the time I spent with Robin so much.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 82 "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?" by The Bee Gees
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Skrr8NXk7AE
Now I don't give too much of a crap about Valentine's Day. In fact, as I get older, it becomes more and more clear to me that every holiday is pretty much an excuse for people to sell and buy more stuff. This song is beautiful though. I especially love Al Green's version.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 82 "Valentine Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv_TVuuXZFU
I came this close to forgetting to record the "Valentine Song." on Valentine's Day, during Operation 365. For years, at this time, I've thought I should make a youtube video of this song and put it out. I figured if I did, every year at this time of year some people would take notice and appreciate it. I'm not sure there are any other Valentine's Day songs. Much less, ones that are pro-love, but very definitively anti-Valentine's Day.
I never knew Operation 365 would happen though, so I never imagined the video would be of me sitting in a room by myself on Valentine's night, and playing the song, in a Yankee hat, to my screen. Either way though, the song is out there now. We'll see if anything happens by 365 days from today. I'm glad I remembered this tune exists, before tomorrow. "Valentine Song" is on my Blue CD from my "Primary Colors" trilogy and can be listened to and enjoyed at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 75
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 81 Robin Lee 2 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVstr6Ohv0s
Here is my dear friend Robin Lee, with the second song from her set at my show on February 19, 2009, "All Of Me." That night she was joined by lead guitar superstar, Jack Davidson and living legend, The Soul Man, on guiro. I think The Soul Man may have been a hair hearty for that duo's dynamics-driven sound. At last Jack felt that way, rumor had it, but I am glad I got them all on stage together this night, cause they are all super legend status for our little world.
Here they covered, the classic tune, "All Of Me," written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons in 1931. At least that's what Wikipedia's reading today. This song is awesome. I would like to do it someday and the early 80s movie of the same name with Steve Matin and Lily Tomlin wasn't half bad either. In fact, I liked it a lot. "Edwina, back in bowl."
Robin Lee, you rule. Enough said. I'm glad we got to spend the time we did.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 81 "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYm4FtTJedo
This has gotta be my favorite racist song of all-time. If it wasn't so racist, I probably would have done it sooner in my 365. But it is classic and it has arrived. If you don't know what's racist about it, I will tell you. This song was written as a ringing endorsement of Alabama livin', embodied my governor of Alabama at the time, George Wallace. George Wallace was a proud good ole boy and didn't want no blacks gettin' no equal rights in his Alabama. He was very outspoken about it.
Neil Young, a Canadian, didn't think this was so cool and said so in his tunes "Southern Man" and "Alabama." Well, that Canadian stickin' his nose in other people's business was about all Lynyrd Skynyrd could stand so they responded with this delightful piece of American history, "Sweet Home Alabama."
One of the most nauseating things to come from American popculture in the last several years has tro be when rotund African-American Ruben Studdard won American Ido by singing this song... or something like that. I 've never watched the show. I know he did the tune and I know he won. And I'm pretty sure that was the exact moment when American pop culture fully jumped the shark. Nice job Fox. That being said the tune is catchy and cool at least these guys were expressing their opinions on something mattered, even if they were dead wrong. Gosh, I miss the day when public figures stood for something... Just remember, Jefferson, it's never over. Time on the clock remains. It's going to be OK. Hail Egypt.
I will let Lynyrd Skynyrd, through Wikipedia, to tell their side of the story.
In 1975, Van Zant said: "The lyrics about the governor of Alabama were misunderstood. The general public didn't notice the words 'Boo! Boo! Boo!' after that particular line, and the media picked up only on the reference to the people loving the governor."[3] "The line 'We all did what we could do' is sort of ambiguous," Kooper notes "'We tried to get Wallace out of there' is how I always thought of it."[3] Journalist Al Swenson argues that the song is more complex than it is sometimes given credit for, suggesting that it only looks like an endorsement of Wallace.[3] "Wallace and I have very little in common," Van Zant himself said, "I don't like what he says about colored people."[3]
Colored people? Ouch. Would that have made whites colorless people? I' m so glad racism ended.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 81 "Virginia"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuW869CKj4
A couple things here. This seems to follow naturally from the "Sweet Home Alabama," being one of my favorite racist tunes to this tune, "Virginia," being one of my only tunes that directly addresses the question of race. Virginia is a southern woman, living with the luxuries of the 21st century, hanging on to some good old fashioned 19th century racism.
This song wishes something more for Virginia, wishing she'd replace that angst with appreciation. Dreamers dream and I'm a dreamer. An idealist. Anyway, this isn't the entire song, really. I am dubbing this, a new version, "Virginia." The original one will forever forward be known as "Virginia Extended." There's a good chance I'll never play either of 'em ever again. God bless Operation 365. For better or for worse... sharing. I'll leave you with the rest of the lyrics in the event that you are an extremely curious person.
In South Carolina, the Civil War was called The War of Northern Aggression.
The hatred in your soul is masochism.
The hate you feel for others.
The way you think, how much you drink,
That only hurts you
and reflects on how you feel about yourself
Shout-out to The Flaming Lips and "their "Yoshimi" song. Who knows, maybe "Virginia Extended" will appear when desperation kicks in, around Day 342. Who knows anything?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVstr6Ohv0s
Here is my dear friend Robin Lee, with the second song from her set at my show on February 19, 2009, "All Of Me." That night she was joined by lead guitar superstar, Jack Davidson and living legend, The Soul Man, on guiro. I think The Soul Man may have been a hair hearty for that duo's dynamics-driven sound. At last Jack felt that way, rumor had it, but I am glad I got them all on stage together this night, cause they are all super legend status for our little world.
Here they covered, the classic tune, "All Of Me," written by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons in 1931. At least that's what Wikipedia's reading today. This song is awesome. I would like to do it someday and the early 80s movie of the same name with Steve Matin and Lily Tomlin wasn't half bad either. In fact, I liked it a lot. "Edwina, back in bowl."
Robin Lee, you rule. Enough said. I'm glad we got to spend the time we did.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 81 "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYm4FtTJedo
This has gotta be my favorite racist song of all-time. If it wasn't so racist, I probably would have done it sooner in my 365. But it is classic and it has arrived. If you don't know what's racist about it, I will tell you. This song was written as a ringing endorsement of Alabama livin', embodied my governor of Alabama at the time, George Wallace. George Wallace was a proud good ole boy and didn't want no blacks gettin' no equal rights in his Alabama. He was very outspoken about it.
Neil Young, a Canadian, didn't think this was so cool and said so in his tunes "Southern Man" and "Alabama." Well, that Canadian stickin' his nose in other people's business was about all Lynyrd Skynyrd could stand so they responded with this delightful piece of American history, "Sweet Home Alabama."
One of the most nauseating things to come from American popculture in the last several years has tro be when rotund African-American Ruben Studdard won American Ido by singing this song... or something like that. I 've never watched the show. I know he did the tune and I know he won. And I'm pretty sure that was the exact moment when American pop culture fully jumped the shark. Nice job Fox. That being said the tune is catchy and cool at least these guys were expressing their opinions on something mattered, even if they were dead wrong. Gosh, I miss the day when public figures stood for something... Just remember, Jefferson, it's never over. Time on the clock remains. It's going to be OK. Hail Egypt.
I will let Lynyrd Skynyrd, through Wikipedia, to tell their side of the story.
In 1975, Van Zant said: "The lyrics about the governor of Alabama were misunderstood. The general public didn't notice the words 'Boo! Boo! Boo!' after that particular line, and the media picked up only on the reference to the people loving the governor."[3] "The line 'We all did what we could do' is sort of ambiguous," Kooper notes "'We tried to get Wallace out of there' is how I always thought of it."[3] Journalist Al Swenson argues that the song is more complex than it is sometimes given credit for, suggesting that it only looks like an endorsement of Wallace.[3] "Wallace and I have very little in common," Van Zant himself said, "I don't like what he says about colored people."[3]
Colored people? Ouch. Would that have made whites colorless people? I' m so glad racism ended.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 81 "Virginia"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXuW869CKj4
A couple things here. This seems to follow naturally from the "Sweet Home Alabama," being one of my favorite racist tunes to this tune, "Virginia," being one of my only tunes that directly addresses the question of race. Virginia is a southern woman, living with the luxuries of the 21st century, hanging on to some good old fashioned 19th century racism.
This song wishes something more for Virginia, wishing she'd replace that angst with appreciation. Dreamers dream and I'm a dreamer. An idealist. Anyway, this isn't the entire song, really. I am dubbing this, a new version, "Virginia." The original one will forever forward be known as "Virginia Extended." There's a good chance I'll never play either of 'em ever again. God bless Operation 365. For better or for worse... sharing. I'll leave you with the rest of the lyrics in the event that you are an extremely curious person.
In South Carolina, the Civil War was called The War of Northern Aggression.
The hatred in your soul is masochism.
The hate you feel for others.
The way you think, how much you drink,
That only hurts you
and reflects on how you feel about yourself
Shout-out to The Flaming Lips and "their "Yoshimi" song. Who knows, maybe "Virginia Extended" will appear when desperation kicks in, around Day 342. Who knows anything?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 74
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 80 Robin Lee 1 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvRIYB9E6G8
This is the great Robin Lee from my show on February, 19, 2009. Here she is accompanied by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. How many other circles feature a 91-year old World War II vet sitting in with everyone who plays? I miss Robin a lot. She has been, who knows where, for a long time. I miss her muchly and think I will be posting a bunch of her for the next however long for myself, and whoever else may miss her.
Having a bunch of footage of Robin, like I do, is one of the reasons, I have felt, for a long time, that it is important to share what I've collected. Here she is starting her set with a tune I posted once before (a different version), "Down To My Last Cigarette." She rules. What a wise, loving, intelligent, intuitive, and interesting person. I think I'll share a lot of this particular set, from two years ago right now, roughly, for the next however long I feel like it. This set had many tunes to choose from. Ahhhhh, the good old days.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 80 "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2wK-p1qFRk
Realizing tomorrow may be busy, so I'm getting a headstart on my 365, pre-weekend. This tune is cool. Had the band learn it for a Halloween gig a couple years back, 2008, I'm pretty sure it was, yes. It was a fun gig. People were inebriated and scantily clad, pretty much your average OB Halloween party in that way.
This song is easy, D, C, G, all the way, the chords are. My buddy Don Truesdail, who played with me on bass at that Halloween gig said, this song was kind of a response to Lynyrd Skynyrd's tune "Sweet Home Alabama," which is also D-C-G, the entire tune. According to Don, this wasn't totally meant as a compliment. No proof exists online, that I can find, to confirm Don Truesdail's story about how Zevon wrote this tune influenced by "Sweet Home," but I am going to go with it anyway.
Warren Zevon seemed like a cool guy and I can do his voice all right with the little bit of congestion I have remaining, so I went Zevon-style with it, you could say. I will do the Skynyrd jam for Sunday. Why change chords when you can play D-C-G all day? God bless rock n' roll.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 80 "Dumb Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lphkWzwwAhs
Disgust. Disdain. Call it whatever you will. It's there though. Ever in a relationship way too long? How 'bout one you could hardly even call a relationship? Been there. Sucks. So glad I'm not there now. But it wasn't so long ago that I can't summon the emotions I felt when writing "Dumb Love," on a bitter Sunday morning about a year ago or so. A wise friend of mine once said, "that's why we write songs like this..." And the "why" is to play them and get our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas out in a way that is healthy and constructive and ideally, leads to some advancement in our lives. I think "Dumb Love" helped do that for me back then. I never went back again. It just seemed a lot more obvious once I'd finally found it in a song.
Thank God those days are long gone now. Notice the late-video cameo of the superpuppy, Nigel, who I co-parent with my current, and incredibly wonderful girlfriend, Leanne. I am working hard here Friday to do my weekend's 365ing so I can have more time to spend with her real soon.
I was looking through original songs of mine to pick one I hadn't played yet. I tried a different one I'd co-written, and it led me right to this. Also, this is my most Warren Zevon-y tune, so it worked in that way too. As far as the Zevon-y thing goes, I think I like "Dumb Love" better when I sing it like myself, but singing it Zevon-style fits so well, sometimes I can't resist. This was one of those times. Sumamrized, screw dumb love. It's a waste of time and no substitution for the real thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvRIYB9E6G8
This is the great Robin Lee from my show on February, 19, 2009. Here she is accompanied by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. How many other circles feature a 91-year old World War II vet sitting in with everyone who plays? I miss Robin a lot. She has been, who knows where, for a long time. I miss her muchly and think I will be posting a bunch of her for the next however long for myself, and whoever else may miss her.
Having a bunch of footage of Robin, like I do, is one of the reasons, I have felt, for a long time, that it is important to share what I've collected. Here she is starting her set with a tune I posted once before (a different version), "Down To My Last Cigarette." She rules. What a wise, loving, intelligent, intuitive, and interesting person. I think I'll share a lot of this particular set, from two years ago right now, roughly, for the next however long I feel like it. This set had many tunes to choose from. Ahhhhh, the good old days.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 80 "Werewolves of London" by Warren Zevon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2wK-p1qFRk
Realizing tomorrow may be busy, so I'm getting a headstart on my 365, pre-weekend. This tune is cool. Had the band learn it for a Halloween gig a couple years back, 2008, I'm pretty sure it was, yes. It was a fun gig. People were inebriated and scantily clad, pretty much your average OB Halloween party in that way.
This song is easy, D, C, G, all the way, the chords are. My buddy Don Truesdail, who played with me on bass at that Halloween gig said, this song was kind of a response to Lynyrd Skynyrd's tune "Sweet Home Alabama," which is also D-C-G, the entire tune. According to Don, this wasn't totally meant as a compliment. No proof exists online, that I can find, to confirm Don Truesdail's story about how Zevon wrote this tune influenced by "Sweet Home," but I am going to go with it anyway.
Warren Zevon seemed like a cool guy and I can do his voice all right with the little bit of congestion I have remaining, so I went Zevon-style with it, you could say. I will do the Skynyrd jam for Sunday. Why change chords when you can play D-C-G all day? God bless rock n' roll.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 80 "Dumb Love"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lphkWzwwAhs
Disgust. Disdain. Call it whatever you will. It's there though. Ever in a relationship way too long? How 'bout one you could hardly even call a relationship? Been there. Sucks. So glad I'm not there now. But it wasn't so long ago that I can't summon the emotions I felt when writing "Dumb Love," on a bitter Sunday morning about a year ago or so. A wise friend of mine once said, "that's why we write songs like this..." And the "why" is to play them and get our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and ideas out in a way that is healthy and constructive and ideally, leads to some advancement in our lives. I think "Dumb Love" helped do that for me back then. I never went back again. It just seemed a lot more obvious once I'd finally found it in a song.
Thank God those days are long gone now. Notice the late-video cameo of the superpuppy, Nigel, who I co-parent with my current, and incredibly wonderful girlfriend, Leanne. I am working hard here Friday to do my weekend's 365ing so I can have more time to spend with her real soon.
I was looking through original songs of mine to pick one I hadn't played yet. I tried a different one I'd co-written, and it led me right to this. Also, this is my most Warren Zevon-y tune, so it worked in that way too. As far as the Zevon-y thing goes, I think I like "Dumb Love" better when I sing it like myself, but singing it Zevon-style fits so well, sometimes I can't resist. This was one of those times. Sumamrized, screw dumb love. It's a waste of time and no substitution for the real thing.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 73
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 79 Dennis Moore, Pt. 2 - 7-6-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crQ4-bzU-uk
I decided to share Dennis's second song from my Open Mic on July 6, 2010. Dennis, a friend of mine from UMASS, way back in the day, was visiting from his home in San Francisco that day. It is always great to see him and we always have a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to catching up again in the Bay Area, in April, when Wes Davis and I are there for our Ocean Beach Road Show tour.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 79 "Under The Milky Way"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY9 jzzHakXY
One take is always nice. Especially when it's a song you haven't played in a really long time. "Under The Milky Way," by The Church, was one of the first cool, "new wave," songs that friends got me into long ago. My friend Scotty, his sister Elianna was into all this cool music and passed it all on to him. So Scotty was hip to The Church, Yo La Tengo, Robyn Hitchcock, The Pixies, and many other cool bands, long before I knew anything about anything musically. My friend Eugene would later supplement this new wave knowledge I was acquiring, with mix tapes and the like, Jane's Addiction, The Smithereens, Red Hot Chili Peppers... This was before even Lollapalooza, so these bands weren't super known yet.
Anyway, this was one of the first tunes Scotty turned me on to, that really grabbed me and I still think it's awesome to this day. Nice job, The Church. Way to songwrite!
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 79 "The Little Bird Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkmXrBOz1Sg
I wrote this tune one night a couple months ago. I was about to head over to my girlfriend's house, fairly late at night, and then this whole tune came to me, more or less. I always try to respect the inspiration when it comes, so I sat down with my guitar in front of the computer and recorded the first version of it. I haven't played it much since. I saw the chords I typed out sitting around and decided to go for it. I like this tune more than I remembered.
Although it is about the life and plight of a little bird, thinking about stretching it's wings and flying out into the world for the first time, the metaphor is about me (or you) doing the same thing. I am excited for the tour we are going to go on, as little birds in the world, in April, and I hope to do much more.
I have been reading this week on facebook... I love and hate facebook. Sometimes its really bums me out... Anyway, I've seen some folks are doing well, sharing their wares all over the world, and I hope to be doing the same, more, soon. I feel confident and comfortable with where I am as an artist. Connecting with the world and finding the people who need you as bad as you need them... Well, that's another challenge entirely. I keep wondering when it will get easier.
Probably, when you spread your wings and fly to find those friends. I think that's what the song says.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crQ4-bzU-uk
I decided to share Dennis's second song from my Open Mic on July 6, 2010. Dennis, a friend of mine from UMASS, way back in the day, was visiting from his home in San Francisco that day. It is always great to see him and we always have a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to catching up again in the Bay Area, in April, when Wes Davis and I are there for our Ocean Beach Road Show tour.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 79 "Under The Milky Way"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY9 jzzHakXY
One take is always nice. Especially when it's a song you haven't played in a really long time. "Under The Milky Way," by The Church, was one of the first cool, "new wave," songs that friends got me into long ago. My friend Scotty, his sister Elianna was into all this cool music and passed it all on to him. So Scotty was hip to The Church, Yo La Tengo, Robyn Hitchcock, The Pixies, and many other cool bands, long before I knew anything about anything musically. My friend Eugene would later supplement this new wave knowledge I was acquiring, with mix tapes and the like, Jane's Addiction, The Smithereens, Red Hot Chili Peppers... This was before even Lollapalooza, so these bands weren't super known yet.
Anyway, this was one of the first tunes Scotty turned me on to, that really grabbed me and I still think it's awesome to this day. Nice job, The Church. Way to songwrite!
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 79 "The Little Bird Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkmXrBOz1Sg
I wrote this tune one night a couple months ago. I was about to head over to my girlfriend's house, fairly late at night, and then this whole tune came to me, more or less. I always try to respect the inspiration when it comes, so I sat down with my guitar in front of the computer and recorded the first version of it. I haven't played it much since. I saw the chords I typed out sitting around and decided to go for it. I like this tune more than I remembered.
Although it is about the life and plight of a little bird, thinking about stretching it's wings and flying out into the world for the first time, the metaphor is about me (or you) doing the same thing. I am excited for the tour we are going to go on, as little birds in the world, in April, and I hope to do much more.
I have been reading this week on facebook... I love and hate facebook. Sometimes its really bums me out... Anyway, I've seen some folks are doing well, sharing their wares all over the world, and I hope to be doing the same, more, soon. I feel confident and comfortable with where I am as an artist. Connecting with the world and finding the people who need you as bad as you need them... Well, that's another challenge entirely. I keep wondering when it will get easier.
Probably, when you spread your wings and fly to find those friends. I think that's what the song says.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 72
"Just keep you dreams alive and don't let anybody bring you down..."
These are the words I heard myself saying to a couple of high school students, walking to the parking lot after school. I guess some college recruitment lady was giving them the hard facts of life. "Never be yourself.""Your dreams will never come true." Stuff like that. The opposite of the stuff we teach kids the bulk of what the adult world is all about. After I said the words, I let them resonate in my head and it calmed me some. Occasionally we find wisdom where we least expect it, in ourselves
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 78 "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIreq00zVdA
So before I conjured these words of wisdom at the end of the school day I was a little dejected about some things I'd rather not get into. Meanwhile, I had been editing the last few weeks of the blogs with thoughts of making a book maybe and I was reliving all these nice times I'd had on stage with my buddies. It made me dreamy about prospects on life on the road away from some of the trivial pettiness that some people choose to make their daily lives.
This song makes me feel good. Willie sums it up so well. "The life I love is makin' music with my friends..." Nice job Willie. You are an honorable man of conviction. No pun intended. I swear.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 78 Dennis Moore - 7-6-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiosdFmG6Ss
So we are going to go one the road soon. Wes Davis and I, under the moniker, The Ocean Beach Road Show, are going to tour California in April. One of the people we will invariably visit with on our journey is my long-time friend Dennis Moore. Dennis and I were freshmen together at The University of Massachusetts-Amherst many, many moons ago. We have stayed friends and ever since, and now he lives with his wife, his daughter and his dog Tom in San Francisco.
Dennis was visiting me as my new Open Mic started on July 6, 2010. Here he is, playing one of his awesome tunes. He has a band up there called The Swammees and I would highly recommend checking them out if you like soulful rockin' bluesy stuff. I always have fun with I'm with Den and I look forward to seeing him and his in April
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 78 "Belgium"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khZBvCHC0kI
I guess, staying along the lines, of wanting to hit the road and be somewhere else, I conjured up "Belgium." I wrote "Belgium" after I'd been in Amsterdam for a few days, as long as I could handle then. It is a song about longing to be near family and friends when far away, as much as it's a song about travelling. Some of my friends here (that Petey Mueller again) like the song the most of mine, so I knew when I did it, it would be appreciated at least by a few particular amigos of mine. Speaking of amigos and loved one missed when far away, I think it was nice when Angel barked near the end, greeting my good friend, Paul Ruiz. Paul always helps me keep perspective when I'm feeling down. I guess we do that for each other. That's what friends are for. Two songs about friends, love, and the road. Angel is the pooch in the tune I'm alluding too. I missed her very much when she was but a pup and I was overseas having fun.
A special shout-out to Mr. 365, Beligian, Stefaan Engels, the dude who ran 365 marathons in 365 days, wrapping up that unbelievable feat just last week. Feel free to read more about that here. And I thought I was going overboard.
http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2011/02/10/17220231.html
The doorbell even rang in the right key. Kismet.
These are the words I heard myself saying to a couple of high school students, walking to the parking lot after school. I guess some college recruitment lady was giving them the hard facts of life. "Never be yourself.""Your dreams will never come true." Stuff like that. The opposite of the stuff we teach kids the bulk of what the adult world is all about. After I said the words, I let them resonate in my head and it calmed me some. Occasionally we find wisdom where we least expect it, in ourselves
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 78 "On The Road Again" by Willie Nelson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIreq00zVdA
So before I conjured these words of wisdom at the end of the school day I was a little dejected about some things I'd rather not get into. Meanwhile, I had been editing the last few weeks of the blogs with thoughts of making a book maybe and I was reliving all these nice times I'd had on stage with my buddies. It made me dreamy about prospects on life on the road away from some of the trivial pettiness that some people choose to make their daily lives.
This song makes me feel good. Willie sums it up so well. "The life I love is makin' music with my friends..." Nice job Willie. You are an honorable man of conviction. No pun intended. I swear.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 78 Dennis Moore - 7-6-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiosdFmG6Ss
So we are going to go one the road soon. Wes Davis and I, under the moniker, The Ocean Beach Road Show, are going to tour California in April. One of the people we will invariably visit with on our journey is my long-time friend Dennis Moore. Dennis and I were freshmen together at The University of Massachusetts-Amherst many, many moons ago. We have stayed friends and ever since, and now he lives with his wife, his daughter and his dog Tom in San Francisco.
Dennis was visiting me as my new Open Mic started on July 6, 2010. Here he is, playing one of his awesome tunes. He has a band up there called The Swammees and I would highly recommend checking them out if you like soulful rockin' bluesy stuff. I always have fun with I'm with Den and I look forward to seeing him and his in April
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 78 "Belgium"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khZBvCHC0kI
I guess, staying along the lines, of wanting to hit the road and be somewhere else, I conjured up "Belgium." I wrote "Belgium" after I'd been in Amsterdam for a few days, as long as I could handle then. It is a song about longing to be near family and friends when far away, as much as it's a song about travelling. Some of my friends here (that Petey Mueller again) like the song the most of mine, so I knew when I did it, it would be appreciated at least by a few particular amigos of mine. Speaking of amigos and loved one missed when far away, I think it was nice when Angel barked near the end, greeting my good friend, Paul Ruiz. Paul always helps me keep perspective when I'm feeling down. I guess we do that for each other. That's what friends are for. Two songs about friends, love, and the road. Angel is the pooch in the tune I'm alluding too. I missed her very much when she was but a pup and I was overseas having fun.
A special shout-out to Mr. 365, Beligian, Stefaan Engels, the dude who ran 365 marathons in 365 days, wrapping up that unbelievable feat just last week. Feel free to read more about that here. And I thought I was going overboard.
http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2011/02/10/17220231.html
The doorbell even rang in the right key. Kismet.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 71
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 77 Acoustic Booze - 9-14-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZgm8xZZX4
Yo may wonder, why wait until the 77th day of the Operation 365 to showcase Acoustic Booze, a band for wish you're the drummer. To that I answer, good question, anonymous reader and here is the answer. When Acoustic Booze began sometime in 2009, there was a lot of room for growth. So, I wanted to make sure when I did post footage, it was stuff that would show us after much of this growth had occurred.
Acoustic Booze is led by Blowski, perhaps my best friend on the planet. I decided I would offer him my services as a drummer because drummers are notoriously flaky and even if I couldn't promise him the word's greatest drumming, I could assure him I'd show up and have a good attitude, far more than can be said for many, if not most, drummers. Well, it has worked out very nicely. The Booze has played many gigs and grown up in a manner that makes me proud and happy.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski on vox, guitar and harmonica, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar on vocals and tambourine, Patricia Mueller on keys, Dylan Avery on bass, Paul Ruiz on trumpet and The Soul Man on guiro. Soul Man was not at this set, which was a reunion after a summer-long hiatus that happened unexpectedly at my Open Mic on September 14, 2010. We may be a smidge rusty here but the god vibe that Acoustic Booze takes to the stage every time out is in full effect.
This is one of our best tunes, "Been Thinkin'." I've enjoyed playing drums and being in the band far more than I could have imagined and think I've progressed all the way to being a "not bad drummer." There will be more Booze ahead in Operation 365. This is just the beginning.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 77 "Little Darling" by Justin Mills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt41-9v-JeE
I wasn't super planning on posting this version of this tune ever, but I'm sick so I don't really want to be singing anything at all. This version of Justin Mills' classic tune "Little Darling" is all right, but I would have held up and done a better one somewhere down the line. That being said, this is what I got and I'm going with it.
Some background: Justin and I have been friends for a few years now. He is a San Diego-based songwriter who has written some of the greatest tunes I've ever heard. No joke. And I'm not the only one who feels that way around here. Justin is not as big a fan of his tunes though so he virtually never plays them. Maybe in his house... This may be his best of the bunch, "Little Darling." I love this song. It may be my favorite tune ever. It is Petey Mueller's. Not only is it great, but it has tremendous emotional significance to me. It lifted me up at a really dark time awhile back when a bunch of my stuff got stolen. The good news is the stuff came back. Yeah!
Justin and I play in a group called The Greens of Mind together once a year or so and I used to back him up on a cute little blue Ashbory bass a couple years ago, when he still played out. A little picture of The Greens can be seen at the video's conclusion. I love Justin. I am really glad we are friends. And "Little Darling" rules, even if this version is ehhish. And that's all I have to say about that right now.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 77 "P.S. It's You" - 8-26-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzZeq-iwvM4
[Re-classified from "original" to "Outtake" at 7:36PM, 2/9/2011, upon realizing I'd already recorded "P.S. It's You" as the 72nd original tune of Operation 365]
Yesterday, I posted a video from a set at the Open Mic where this tune came to be. I figured I'd post it today to follow up that story line. This was recorded by The Jefferson Jay Band at Winston's in Ocean Beach on August 26, 2010, roughly a week after that on-stage breakthrough.
The Jefferson Jay Band on this Thursday evening included Richard Romero on bass, Jack Davidson on guitar, Paul Lopez on drums, Blowski on keys, The Soul Man on guiro, Paul Ruiz on trumpet on myself (Jefferson) on frontman responsibilities. This was the core version of my band for a good, long spell and is the version featured on my upcoming CD, "The Great New Way," that I'm extremely proud of. It is the best CD I've done by a healthy margin and I thank all those guys for helping make these statements true.
NOTE: I just realized while writing the "tags" that Justin Mills "Little Darling" says "It's Me" a million times and my original from today is called "P.S. It's You"... Whoa.
NOTE 2 : 7:27 PM I almost made a major boo-boo. I knew this day would come. I accidentally posted the same original tune for the second time today, "P.S. It's You." This is made even sadder by the fact that did this song the first time only 5 days ago. Well, I'm gonna find another original now and re-classify this for my purposes as an outtake on the 77th day of Operation 365. Whew.
I'm gonna have to write and record this one in one take if I can.
I did it.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 77 "So Damn Sick and Tired"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO0JMjRpwIw
I think I'm gonna let this one speak for itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMZgm8xZZX4
Yo may wonder, why wait until the 77th day of the Operation 365 to showcase Acoustic Booze, a band for wish you're the drummer. To that I answer, good question, anonymous reader and here is the answer. When Acoustic Booze began sometime in 2009, there was a lot of room for growth. So, I wanted to make sure when I did post footage, it was stuff that would show us after much of this growth had occurred.
Acoustic Booze is led by Blowski, perhaps my best friend on the planet. I decided I would offer him my services as a drummer because drummers are notoriously flaky and even if I couldn't promise him the word's greatest drumming, I could assure him I'd show up and have a good attitude, far more than can be said for many, if not most, drummers. Well, it has worked out very nicely. The Booze has played many gigs and grown up in a manner that makes me proud and happy.
Acoustic Booze is Blowski on vox, guitar and harmonica, Adrianna Martin-Morningstar on vocals and tambourine, Patricia Mueller on keys, Dylan Avery on bass, Paul Ruiz on trumpet and The Soul Man on guiro. Soul Man was not at this set, which was a reunion after a summer-long hiatus that happened unexpectedly at my Open Mic on September 14, 2010. We may be a smidge rusty here but the god vibe that Acoustic Booze takes to the stage every time out is in full effect.
This is one of our best tunes, "Been Thinkin'." I've enjoyed playing drums and being in the band far more than I could have imagined and think I've progressed all the way to being a "not bad drummer." There will be more Booze ahead in Operation 365. This is just the beginning.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 77 "Little Darling" by Justin Mills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mt41-9v-JeE
I wasn't super planning on posting this version of this tune ever, but I'm sick so I don't really want to be singing anything at all. This version of Justin Mills' classic tune "Little Darling" is all right, but I would have held up and done a better one somewhere down the line. That being said, this is what I got and I'm going with it.
Some background: Justin and I have been friends for a few years now. He is a San Diego-based songwriter who has written some of the greatest tunes I've ever heard. No joke. And I'm not the only one who feels that way around here. Justin is not as big a fan of his tunes though so he virtually never plays them. Maybe in his house... This may be his best of the bunch, "Little Darling." I love this song. It may be my favorite tune ever. It is Petey Mueller's. Not only is it great, but it has tremendous emotional significance to me. It lifted me up at a really dark time awhile back when a bunch of my stuff got stolen. The good news is the stuff came back. Yeah!
Justin and I play in a group called The Greens of Mind together once a year or so and I used to back him up on a cute little blue Ashbory bass a couple years ago, when he still played out. A little picture of The Greens can be seen at the video's conclusion. I love Justin. I am really glad we are friends. And "Little Darling" rules, even if this version is ehhish. And that's all I have to say about that right now.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 77 "P.S. It's You" - 8-26-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzZeq-iwvM4
[Re-classified from "original" to "Outtake" at 7:36PM, 2/9/2011, upon realizing I'd already recorded "P.S. It's You" as the 72nd original tune of Operation 365]
Yesterday, I posted a video from a set at the Open Mic where this tune came to be. I figured I'd post it today to follow up that story line. This was recorded by The Jefferson Jay Band at Winston's in Ocean Beach on August 26, 2010, roughly a week after that on-stage breakthrough.
The Jefferson Jay Band on this Thursday evening included Richard Romero on bass, Jack Davidson on guitar, Paul Lopez on drums, Blowski on keys, The Soul Man on guiro, Paul Ruiz on trumpet on myself (Jefferson) on frontman responsibilities. This was the core version of my band for a good, long spell and is the version featured on my upcoming CD, "The Great New Way," that I'm extremely proud of. It is the best CD I've done by a healthy margin and I thank all those guys for helping make these statements true.
NOTE: I just realized while writing the "tags" that Justin Mills "Little Darling" says "It's Me" a million times and my original from today is called "P.S. It's You"... Whoa.
NOTE 2 : 7:27 PM I almost made a major boo-boo. I knew this day would come. I accidentally posted the same original tune for the second time today, "P.S. It's You." This is made even sadder by the fact that did this song the first time only 5 days ago. Well, I'm gonna find another original now and re-classify this for my purposes as an outtake on the 77th day of Operation 365. Whew.
I'm gonna have to write and record this one in one take if I can.
I did it.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 77 "So Damn Sick and Tired"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO0JMjRpwIw
I think I'm gonna let this one speak for itself.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 70
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 76 Chris Zach - 4-15-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mX9vqbUYo4
Here my good pal, Chris Zach, plays one of his most awesome tunes, "Welcome To The Good Life." This was recorded on 4-15-201 on my birthday/CD Release party. Chris is as nice a guy as you'll meet. He is what you would call "a good Christian." I may not even mention that here if he didn't tag "Welcome To The Good Life," with the classic line, "All I need is Jesus and my 6-string. Welcome to The good life."
This tune is about what it's like living here in San Diego. Chris has always been very appreciative to me for encouraging his art. I recorded his first CD. Recording this tune in particular was one of the most emotional moments I've ever had in the studio. The message of the tune really dawned on me in a profound way. It wasn't very long after my trusty amigo, Don Truesdail, passed away and I was overcome with the beauty of this tune and the whole experience of participating in the recording of it. Chris is a truly special guy and I'm glad to be able to call him a friend.
This clip was filmed by Dylan Avery.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 76 "The OB Tampons Song" by Unknown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_e7HEZwO7M
One day Wes Davis and I were sitting around and we thought it would be real funny to learn the old jingle for "OB" tampons from back in the 80s. The little neighborhood in San Diego that we live in is called OB, short for Ocean Beach. It is a little hippyish beach town and it is vey chill.
So we spent about a half an hour figuring it out. Here is a link to us recording it right after we did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou3oSr2UXbI
So we like it and we added it the set list for Wes Davis & The Clean Dirt Boys, for whom I banjo. Here we are playing on stage with Dyaln Avery on bass, Paul Ruiz on trumpet and The Soul Man on guiro at my open mic on August 3, 2010. This is the first cover song that is not a "traditional" song that I've posted that I have no idea who wrote it. I even looked and that information is not readily available on the net.
Just try OB and you'll see.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 76 "Gypsy Roll"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN21wyi9pkI
Got a bit of sickness going on so I'd rather not sing and sound terrible if I can help it. So momentarily, I will be ransacking my archives for a spot of me singing some original song of mine that I haven't done yet to fill this space right here right now. Took a few tries but I got it.
This version of "Gypsy Roll" was filmed at my Open Mic on August 17, 2010. This was probably the most memorable to me of all my Open Mics at the venue I was working at at that time. Our drummer for this set was a man named Brent from Dallas. He was a nice guy who wanted to play the Open Mic so we (Richard Romero, Soul Man and I) took it to the stage for him and he backed up up. I half-jokingly called our band "Brent & The Bombers." Brent was a Texas Rangers fan and I am a Yankee fan so there is a little rub in there. Well, we wound up having an awesome bluesy three song set. The first tune we played "P.S. It's You," was put together on stage right then and I like that tune a lot. I always improvise the lyrics to "Gypsy Roll" every time we play it. It is like my tune "Killing's Wrong" in that way.
The interesting unforeseen thing that followed from this jam was Soul Man called me the next day and let me know quite clearly that he thinks we need to be doing that kind of stuff all the time. Getting people to dance. He told me something like "your songs are good, but you've got to get the chickies dancing". That was the gist of what he said but that is far from a quote you must know. Well, Soul Man rarely offers impassioned unsolicited advice like that. He is 92 and knows some stuff so I listened. I adjusted the set for our next gig accordingly and now, a few months later, The Jefferson Jay Band sounds a lot more like Brent and The Bombers than I ever imagined it would. The recent additions of Cory and Laura Wilkins to the Jefferson Jay musical posse have only made us more rockin and bluesy. That style of music lends itself nicely to my singing voice, so a that way we will go for awhile and see what happens. Thanks to Brent from Dallas. Hope to see him again some day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mX9vqbUYo4
Here my good pal, Chris Zach, plays one of his most awesome tunes, "Welcome To The Good Life." This was recorded on 4-15-201 on my birthday/CD Release party. Chris is as nice a guy as you'll meet. He is what you would call "a good Christian." I may not even mention that here if he didn't tag "Welcome To The Good Life," with the classic line, "All I need is Jesus and my 6-string. Welcome to The good life."
This tune is about what it's like living here in San Diego. Chris has always been very appreciative to me for encouraging his art. I recorded his first CD. Recording this tune in particular was one of the most emotional moments I've ever had in the studio. The message of the tune really dawned on me in a profound way. It wasn't very long after my trusty amigo, Don Truesdail, passed away and I was overcome with the beauty of this tune and the whole experience of participating in the recording of it. Chris is a truly special guy and I'm glad to be able to call him a friend.
This clip was filmed by Dylan Avery.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 76 "The OB Tampons Song" by Unknown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_e7HEZwO7M
One day Wes Davis and I were sitting around and we thought it would be real funny to learn the old jingle for "OB" tampons from back in the 80s. The little neighborhood in San Diego that we live in is called OB, short for Ocean Beach. It is a little hippyish beach town and it is vey chill.
So we spent about a half an hour figuring it out. Here is a link to us recording it right after we did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou3oSr2UXbI
So we like it and we added it the set list for Wes Davis & The Clean Dirt Boys, for whom I banjo. Here we are playing on stage with Dyaln Avery on bass, Paul Ruiz on trumpet and The Soul Man on guiro at my open mic on August 3, 2010. This is the first cover song that is not a "traditional" song that I've posted that I have no idea who wrote it. I even looked and that information is not readily available on the net.
Just try OB and you'll see.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 76 "Gypsy Roll"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN21wyi9pkI
Got a bit of sickness going on so I'd rather not sing and sound terrible if I can help it. So momentarily, I will be ransacking my archives for a spot of me singing some original song of mine that I haven't done yet to fill this space right here right now. Took a few tries but I got it.
This version of "Gypsy Roll" was filmed at my Open Mic on August 17, 2010. This was probably the most memorable to me of all my Open Mics at the venue I was working at at that time. Our drummer for this set was a man named Brent from Dallas. He was a nice guy who wanted to play the Open Mic so we (Richard Romero, Soul Man and I) took it to the stage for him and he backed up up. I half-jokingly called our band "Brent & The Bombers." Brent was a Texas Rangers fan and I am a Yankee fan so there is a little rub in there. Well, we wound up having an awesome bluesy three song set. The first tune we played "P.S. It's You," was put together on stage right then and I like that tune a lot. I always improvise the lyrics to "Gypsy Roll" every time we play it. It is like my tune "Killing's Wrong" in that way.
The interesting unforeseen thing that followed from this jam was Soul Man called me the next day and let me know quite clearly that he thinks we need to be doing that kind of stuff all the time. Getting people to dance. He told me something like "your songs are good, but you've got to get the chickies dancing". That was the gist of what he said but that is far from a quote you must know. Well, Soul Man rarely offers impassioned unsolicited advice like that. He is 92 and knows some stuff so I listened. I adjusted the set for our next gig accordingly and now, a few months later, The Jefferson Jay Band sounds a lot more like Brent and The Bombers than I ever imagined it would. The recent additions of Cory and Laura Wilkins to the Jefferson Jay musical posse have only made us more rockin and bluesy. That style of music lends itself nicely to my singing voice, so a that way we will go for awhile and see what happens. Thanks to Brent from Dallas. Hope to see him again some day.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 69
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 75 "The Great Storyteller" by Dan Truesdail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V1SLGOlAIc
Today was my buddy Dan Truesdail's birthday, Don Truesdail's pop. Amidst unfortunate circumstances, he and I have become good pals these last couple years. We spent nice time together, Dan, janet (Don's mom) and myself. Dan and I have played some music together. I try to learn from him. This is one of his tunes that I recorded last year at their place in Owego, NY. I learned it today for him for his birthday and here it is. This tune, "The Great Storyteller" was written by Dan about his pop, years ago. I have reverence for the bond Don had with Dan and the bond Dan had with his pop as explained in this song. I love the Truesdails. In my world, they have contributed mightily in a positive way to this planet that we share. Happy Birthday to you. I'm thrilled you had a nice celebration.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 75 "Skyway To Paradise"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUWy5JchHwU
"Skyway To Paradise" was a song I wrote in 1995 (about, maybe 1997 actually) my ex-girlfriend Cary, when I reuntied in Paradise, CA. One can reach said Paradise by way of the Paradise Skyway. The reason I picked this tune (mainly) is that it is more like a Dan Truesdail tune than most of my others and he is on my mind because today is his birthday. Also, my stepdad (the daddiest of all my dads these days,) Bobby Brown thinks that "Skyway To Paradise" is my big hit. He believes that if some famous person were to record it it would be a huge h9t worldwide. Maybe so Bobby Brown. I don;t know. It is a song I wrote a long time ago.
I was playing this tune in the high school I substitiute teach at after school had finished today. The janitor, a James Bonds (not joking) walked int he room mid-tune. You can hear him. It made the motion-sensitive lights go on which looks pretty cool. He was a large African-American fellow. I liked him a lot., We didn't talk til the video was done. Then he told me about his son, Jeremiah Bonds, a rapper who plays in Russia. James Bonds is cool and I hope I get to talk to him again someday. I told him I am friends with a rapper named James Deans, the Destructo Bunny. I know James Bonds and James Deans. That blows my mind. What could be more bad-ass than James Bond and James Deans? Only plural of them, more James Bonds and James Deans. Exactly.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 75 Jefferson Jay Band - "April" - 8-19-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qG-SxTfxi4
This version of "April" was recorded by The Jefferson Jay Band at The Belly Up Tavern on August 19, 2009. That night, The Jefferson Jay Band was Richard Romero on bass, Jack Davidson on guitar, Jose Maldonado on drums and The Soul Man on guiro. This was our opener. Before we played, the house music was "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, probably the most epic tune of all-time. Therefore, I left it in. I think it sets the mood nicely and segues into "April," a song about new beginnings, quite nicely. "April" is also about how experiences, like words, are what you make of them. April? What is that. What is a song? What is love? These things are whatever we invent them tobe for ourselves.
August 19, 2009 is Don Truesdail's mom, Janet's birthday. We are pals. I wished her a "Happy Birthday" from the stage, which can be heard at the end of the track. Also, she expressed interest in more info on the new rage, world class super puppy, Nigel, so I am decided (in her honor) to release the world's first photos of me and Nigel, exclusively at the end of this video clip. "People" (Magazine) offered a million dollars for 'em. I offer them here in stead in the name of the great Janet Truesdail. Hail Truesdail!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V1SLGOlAIc
Today was my buddy Dan Truesdail's birthday, Don Truesdail's pop. Amidst unfortunate circumstances, he and I have become good pals these last couple years. We spent nice time together, Dan, janet (Don's mom) and myself. Dan and I have played some music together. I try to learn from him. This is one of his tunes that I recorded last year at their place in Owego, NY. I learned it today for him for his birthday and here it is. This tune, "The Great Storyteller" was written by Dan about his pop, years ago. I have reverence for the bond Don had with Dan and the bond Dan had with his pop as explained in this song. I love the Truesdails. In my world, they have contributed mightily in a positive way to this planet that we share. Happy Birthday to you. I'm thrilled you had a nice celebration.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 75 "Skyway To Paradise"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUWy5JchHwU
"Skyway To Paradise" was a song I wrote in 1995 (about, maybe 1997 actually) my ex-girlfriend Cary, when I reuntied in Paradise, CA. One can reach said Paradise by way of the Paradise Skyway. The reason I picked this tune (mainly) is that it is more like a Dan Truesdail tune than most of my others and he is on my mind because today is his birthday. Also, my stepdad (the daddiest of all my dads these days,) Bobby Brown thinks that "Skyway To Paradise" is my big hit. He believes that if some famous person were to record it it would be a huge h9t worldwide. Maybe so Bobby Brown. I don;t know. It is a song I wrote a long time ago.
I was playing this tune in the high school I substitiute teach at after school had finished today. The janitor, a James Bonds (not joking) walked int he room mid-tune. You can hear him. It made the motion-sensitive lights go on which looks pretty cool. He was a large African-American fellow. I liked him a lot., We didn't talk til the video was done. Then he told me about his son, Jeremiah Bonds, a rapper who plays in Russia. James Bonds is cool and I hope I get to talk to him again someday. I told him I am friends with a rapper named James Deans, the Destructo Bunny. I know James Bonds and James Deans. That blows my mind. What could be more bad-ass than James Bond and James Deans? Only plural of them, more James Bonds and James Deans. Exactly.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 75 Jefferson Jay Band - "April" - 8-19-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qG-SxTfxi4
This version of "April" was recorded by The Jefferson Jay Band at The Belly Up Tavern on August 19, 2009. That night, The Jefferson Jay Band was Richard Romero on bass, Jack Davidson on guitar, Jose Maldonado on drums and The Soul Man on guiro. This was our opener. Before we played, the house music was "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, probably the most epic tune of all-time. Therefore, I left it in. I think it sets the mood nicely and segues into "April," a song about new beginnings, quite nicely. "April" is also about how experiences, like words, are what you make of them. April? What is that. What is a song? What is love? These things are whatever we invent them tobe for ourselves.
August 19, 2009 is Don Truesdail's mom, Janet's birthday. We are pals. I wished her a "Happy Birthday" from the stage, which can be heard at the end of the track. Also, she expressed interest in more info on the new rage, world class super puppy, Nigel, so I am decided (in her honor) to release the world's first photos of me and Nigel, exclusively at the end of this video clip. "People" (Magazine) offered a million dollars for 'em. I offer them here in stead in the name of the great Janet Truesdail. Hail Truesdail!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 68
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 74 Jefferson Jay - "Fabulous Love" - 2-4-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8th-7abgzo
in case you didn't notice I'm a big history guy. Probably wouldn't be doing this whole thing otherwise. I've been enjoying the music of a year ago right nowish on the archives lately and today's clip is also from February 4, 2010. It is a tune called "Fabulous Love" that I'd written around then. Her it is performed with Wes Davis on guitar, Richard Romero on bass and The Soul Man on guiro. I am blessed to have great friends. We had another awesome time playing music last night at our gig at Winston's and also afterwards.
Please forgive my misnumbering at the end their on the little credits. It was a, how you say, oops. This is tune 74 not 72., Hail 1974.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 74 "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGpQFic3BrQ
"Copyright music and lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Special Rider -- for original, exclusive performances by Bob Dylan, check-out the official channel at www.youtube.com/bobdylan."
This number features me on banjo and my special lady Leanne on inspiration. Also featured is brand new superpooch Nigel on cuteness and Josh on leaving at the end. Biiiiii.....
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 74 "Chinese Food"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x002nALtUsg
I'm not gonna lie. I don't even know what this song is or how it goes. Today was a busy day. Leanne and I went down to the Chinese New Year thing and then to Philly B's folks place to watch the Super Bowl. Forget the fact that upon arriving at the "Chinese thing" downtown, we realized (due to the total lack of Chinese anything) that it was really next week. So, I didn't have much time at all to do my videos today. I didn't even have my guitar. I left it up at Blowski's last night. The result is this piece of music, I'm calling "Chinese Food," something I didn't eat today.
Upon further review, this tune is a collaborative effort of my whole happy family. I just realize I like this video. Hooray!
TAGS: Chinese New Year, Chinese Food, Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Bunny, Destructo Bunny, Jefferosn Jay, Nigel, puppy, mushroom, Leanne, Angel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8th-7abgzo
in case you didn't notice I'm a big history guy. Probably wouldn't be doing this whole thing otherwise. I've been enjoying the music of a year ago right nowish on the archives lately and today's clip is also from February 4, 2010. It is a tune called "Fabulous Love" that I'd written around then. Her it is performed with Wes Davis on guitar, Richard Romero on bass and The Soul Man on guiro. I am blessed to have great friends. We had another awesome time playing music last night at our gig at Winston's and also afterwards.
Please forgive my misnumbering at the end their on the little credits. It was a, how you say, oops. This is tune 74 not 72., Hail 1974.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 74 "Knockin' On Heaven's Door"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGpQFic3BrQ
"Copyright music and lyrics reproduced by kind permission of Special Rider -- for original, exclusive performances by Bob Dylan, check-out the official channel at www.youtube.com/bobdylan."
This number features me on banjo and my special lady Leanne on inspiration. Also featured is brand new superpooch Nigel on cuteness and Josh on leaving at the end. Biiiiii.....
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 74 "Chinese Food"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x002nALtUsg
I'm not gonna lie. I don't even know what this song is or how it goes. Today was a busy day. Leanne and I went down to the Chinese New Year thing and then to Philly B's folks place to watch the Super Bowl. Forget the fact that upon arriving at the "Chinese thing" downtown, we realized (due to the total lack of Chinese anything) that it was really next week. So, I didn't have much time at all to do my videos today. I didn't even have my guitar. I left it up at Blowski's last night. The result is this piece of music, I'm calling "Chinese Food," something I didn't eat today.
Upon further review, this tune is a collaborative effort of my whole happy family. I just realize I like this video. Hooray!
TAGS: Chinese New Year, Chinese Food, Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Bunny, Destructo Bunny, Jefferosn Jay, Nigel, puppy, mushroom, Leanne, Angel
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 67
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 73 Jefferson Jay - "Killing's Wrong" - 2-4-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6s1ozOt0ks
In today's archival episode, we return to February 4, 2010, a year and ago today. This afternoon at Winston's Blowski, Soul Man, Richard and I will be joined by Paul Ruiz and Cory and Laura Wilkins as The Jefferson Jay Band returns to Winston's at 6PM. Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also excited about my new puppy Nigel, who appears in some of today's videos. Even though, tons of families wanted to adopt him because he is so unbelievably cute, theoretically he could have been earmarked for for execution as a homeless little pup just days ago. So let's all celebrate that not happening with another rousing rendition of everybody's favorite 21st century contemplative classic, "Killing's Wrong."
Also special about this version are the presence of superdude Wes Davis, and me on the banjo. Hooray hurrah sis boom bah. "Killing's Wrong" is on my CD, "Blue; A Kid's Album," which is available for download at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 73 "Runaway Jim" - Phish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtxngcdNp2E
Was feeling super dog-enthusiastic with the expansion of our family here by one, that one being puppy, Nigel, so I fished out the doggy-based Phish classic, "Runaway Jim." Not only did Nigel oblige by being absurdly cute on screen but he even ran away mid-tune, clearly an homage to Phish's subject dog himself, Runaway Jim.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 73 "Runaway Jim" Outtakes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36SwQEqXX3U
Nigel is so cute I figured I'd add "the making of Runaway Jim" as an excuse to show more of how cute Nigel is and how happy he makes me.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 73 "Rincon and Angel"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJpnnEO5EuM
Feeling in a doggy mood, I dug up one of my Angel-inspired tunes that I hadn't 365'd yet. "Rincon and Angel" is the story of Angel as a youth and her frolicking adventures with her best pal at the time, Rincon. I recorded this song for my CD, "Blue; A Kid's Album," which is available at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
Parts of "Rincon and Angel" look at life from a dog's perspective and others aim to get inside the mind of such cute pooches, interpreting their motives. The biggest benefit to having a pooch in my opinion is the incredible influx of love in your life and I think this tune makes that point quite well
NOTE: Now this is a guy who get what Operation 365 is all about.
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=6092994
That's my 365 boy, Stefaan Engels. I will record my song Belgium soon in his honor. Nice work, Stef. Just in from the "there-is-no-such-thing-as-randomness" department. The man, who owns Rincon, who I thought about mentioning but didn't, his named Stefan.
And the fact that that just showed up on espn.com which this track was still bouncing. Borderline, a sign. Stefaan Engles, you're an inspiration.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6s1ozOt0ks
In today's archival episode, we return to February 4, 2010, a year and ago today. This afternoon at Winston's Blowski, Soul Man, Richard and I will be joined by Paul Ruiz and Cory and Laura Wilkins as The Jefferson Jay Band returns to Winston's at 6PM. Can you tell I'm excited? I'm also excited about my new puppy Nigel, who appears in some of today's videos. Even though, tons of families wanted to adopt him because he is so unbelievably cute, theoretically he could have been earmarked for for execution as a homeless little pup just days ago. So let's all celebrate that not happening with another rousing rendition of everybody's favorite 21st century contemplative classic, "Killing's Wrong."
Also special about this version are the presence of superdude Wes Davis, and me on the banjo. Hooray hurrah sis boom bah. "Killing's Wrong" is on my CD, "Blue; A Kid's Album," which is available for download at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 73 "Runaway Jim" - Phish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtxngcdNp2E
Was feeling super dog-enthusiastic with the expansion of our family here by one, that one being puppy, Nigel, so I fished out the doggy-based Phish classic, "Runaway Jim." Not only did Nigel oblige by being absurdly cute on screen but he even ran away mid-tune, clearly an homage to Phish's subject dog himself, Runaway Jim.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 73 "Runaway Jim" Outtakes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36SwQEqXX3U
Nigel is so cute I figured I'd add "the making of Runaway Jim" as an excuse to show more of how cute Nigel is and how happy he makes me.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 73 "Rincon and Angel"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJpnnEO5EuM
Feeling in a doggy mood, I dug up one of my Angel-inspired tunes that I hadn't 365'd yet. "Rincon and Angel" is the story of Angel as a youth and her frolicking adventures with her best pal at the time, Rincon. I recorded this song for my CD, "Blue; A Kid's Album," which is available at jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com
Parts of "Rincon and Angel" look at life from a dog's perspective and others aim to get inside the mind of such cute pooches, interpreting their motives. The biggest benefit to having a pooch in my opinion is the incredible influx of love in your life and I think this tune makes that point quite well
NOTE: Now this is a guy who get what Operation 365 is all about.
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/trackandfield/news/story?id=6092994
That's my 365 boy, Stefaan Engels. I will record my song Belgium soon in his honor. Nice work, Stef. Just in from the "there-is-no-such-thing-as-randomness" department. The man, who owns Rincon, who I thought about mentioning but didn't, his named Stefan.
And the fact that that just showed up on espn.com which this track was still bouncing. Borderline, a sign. Stefaan Engles, you're an inspiration.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Operation 365... Blog 66... The Devil's Blog
I'm not so sure I get that whole "6 is the devil's number" thing, but who am I to argue with Satan?
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 72 "P.S. It's You"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23IJTayF9cA
I have meself a little cold today, but I figured I'd bust out this vocally ambitious number anyway. "P.S. It's You," was indeed part of 2010's Summer Songburst, a precious and prolific period in my life. Tonight, I will be jamming this tune and other with my friends in preparation for our Jefferson Jay Band show at Winston's in Ocean Beach tomorrow evening at 6PM. It's free. Hope to see you. If not, enjoy this video anyway.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 72 "Diff'rent Strokes - Alan Thicke
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf2f9LgF3ps
"Diff'rent Strokes" is actually by Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring and Al Burton. That Alan Thicke, what a talented cat. Maybe I should give him a call. I loved "Diff'rent Strokes," the show as a kid, even after it got horribly preachy and cheesy. Could have lived without the Dudley molestation episode as a kid personally, creeped out by it to this day... but how could you not love Arnold Jackson? Just the other day I found myself reading Gary Coleman's wikipedia. Fascinating. Poor trainwreck little guy. I dedicate this version to Gary. Hope you find some peace the next time around.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 72 Jefferson Jay & Friends - "Brand New Mind" - 2-4-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5hEQ6n_v3o
Been really digging the vibe of this 2-4-10 show, one year ago today incidentally, so I will be sticking with it through the weekend. Here the crew is playing one of my tunes, a brand new on at the time called "Brand New Mind." I wrote on January 13, 2009, the one year anniversary of my super amigo, Don Truesdail's passing. Paul Ruiz on trumpet, Soul Man on guiro, Richard Romero on bass and Wes Davis on guitar. These guys are all my dear friends and that's why I felt comfortable throwing these (relatively simple) songs at them on stage even though they'd almost certainly never heard them before. Gosh, it's fun, playing music with your friends.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 72 "P.S. It's You"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23IJTayF9cA
I have meself a little cold today, but I figured I'd bust out this vocally ambitious number anyway. "P.S. It's You," was indeed part of 2010's Summer Songburst, a precious and prolific period in my life. Tonight, I will be jamming this tune and other with my friends in preparation for our Jefferson Jay Band show at Winston's in Ocean Beach tomorrow evening at 6PM. It's free. Hope to see you. If not, enjoy this video anyway.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 72 "Diff'rent Strokes - Alan Thicke
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf2f9LgF3ps
"Diff'rent Strokes" is actually by Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring and Al Burton. That Alan Thicke, what a talented cat. Maybe I should give him a call. I loved "Diff'rent Strokes," the show as a kid, even after it got horribly preachy and cheesy. Could have lived without the Dudley molestation episode as a kid personally, creeped out by it to this day... but how could you not love Arnold Jackson? Just the other day I found myself reading Gary Coleman's wikipedia. Fascinating. Poor trainwreck little guy. I dedicate this version to Gary. Hope you find some peace the next time around.
Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 72 Jefferson Jay & Friends - "Brand New Mind" - 2-4-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5hEQ6n_v3o
Been really digging the vibe of this 2-4-10 show, one year ago today incidentally, so I will be sticking with it through the weekend. Here the crew is playing one of my tunes, a brand new on at the time called "Brand New Mind." I wrote on January 13, 2009, the one year anniversary of my super amigo, Don Truesdail's passing. Paul Ruiz on trumpet, Soul Man on guiro, Richard Romero on bass and Wes Davis on guitar. These guys are all my dear friends and that's why I felt comfortable throwing these (relatively simple) songs at them on stage even though they'd almost certainly never heard them before. Gosh, it's fun, playing music with your friends.
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