Operation 365... Blog 119

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 127 Jefferson Jay - "February" 4-20-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JWKor1TdMI

Whoa. This is like today. I have been recording and preparing a lot of videos the last couple of days in anticipation of our California Tour beginning here tomorrow. Archives, covers, there is a lot of fun stuff for folks to look forward to in the next week plus on the 365. I have not yet done the originals, but the covers and the archives are ready to go.

Here, as we transcend from winter into spring, I offer one more "February," as a farewell to a fine season. Winter is always intense. i learned that a long time ago. Even without the the weather in the west, there is still a coldness, a finality, a death of sorts that occurs every winter. We shed our skins, if you will, and re-emerge ready for another adventure. I know I am. Here is February for you. Tomorrow, April.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 127 "The Hokey Pokey" - Al Tabor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyVKEq15Rzs

So I am taking this doing kids' songs thing to the next level. Over the next week, I am going to bring you a constant stream of little, LITTLE kid classics, done in my own inimitable Jefferson Jay Way. Fun and bizarre. Unique. Whatever. It starts here with "The Hokey Pokey," so put your whatever you're feeling in and shake it all around for a good few seconds while you listen to this one.

I got the chords for this tune and all the immediately upcoming ones from this really cool website right here:

http://www.storytimesongs.com/guitar.html

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 127 "Turning Point"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUywp8IaZSg

As much as I was looking forward to putting up "A Song," yesterday, this is one I wasn't really in a hurry for. I like this song. The music is evocative, but it is sappy, overly emotional, and sad. It was written at a low point in a band I used to be in about 13 years ago. I was really into it, overlooking every flaw and when I realized we were moving to DSan Francisco and it wasn't going to work out, I was bummed. Many more details exist of course, but hat is far more than I even feel like sharing.

Anyway, I haven't played "Turning Point" in years, but I played it enough times to more or less remember it so I busted it out here for you topday. I decided to speed it up and make it a little more bouncy. I also switched around a few of the words. This was mostly done to try to make it fresh for me and so it wouldn't seem as mopey.

What I got from going back through it more than anything, was how unhappy I was back then. The feeling is palpable and painful from the words. I am so thankful that I never have that bleak an outlook on life these days. My life feels like it's changed 180 degrees since I wrote those words. I didn't realize how much so. As I return to the road tomorrow to continue my journey, I hope I am ready to advance to yet another level, another turning point that will bring me even closer to enjoying a life made up of love, peace, bliss and happiness.

I just looked back at the lyrics again. I think what I feel least connected to in it now is the victimized sensation the lyrics purport. I don;t feel like a victim at all anymore. I'm glad. It's not a very attractive trait. There also seem to be some homo-erotic innuendos that I must have missed, but I am not willing to explore that any further. Biiiii...

Operation 365... Blog 118

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 126 Behind The Scenes - 4-2-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX4SSQPiMwc

So I've shown a lot of videos from the sound board area of Portugalia, the restaurant where I used to work. This was one of those rare occasions where I grabbed the camera and roamed through the room a bit saying hello to faces and friends. Blowski, Carlos Soriano, Destructo Bunny, Patricia Mueller, Dan, Amanda Sperry, Chris Zach, Leticia, Olga Cortes, The Soul Man and many more make appearances on a Thursday night roughly two years ago, April 2, 2009.

Enjoy a behind-the-scenes thrill and maybe see some faces you haven't seen in a while. I did. Things change. God bless life. It would be so boring if they didn't. Peace to all everywhere.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 126 "Oh, Susanna" by Stephen Foster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMpdEBtd8LM

I was humming this tune today when time came to pick out a cover. How fortunate. I found it quickly in one of my elementary school music textbooks I have been using these days. It was fun and easy. Insert your own punch line there. I came up with this one today. "Good thinkin', Abe Lincoln." Not bad, eh? Blowski and I just went and bought some yarn and stopped by The Soul Man's. Shout-out to Natalie on Joann Fabrics for the knowledge on the cruelty-free yarn. Keep on!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 126 "A Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eiu9ZEB9cy8

This one's a little bit of a long story, but I have a minute so here it goes. I came up with te music to this a long time ago. I'm thinking like Winter '96 or '97, maybe. I was hanging with Dahlgrens as I was fortunate to do around Christmas in those your years a couple times. I remember looking at the ocean with Kirsten and realizing what Christmas was like in California and being speechless. I remember recording an early version of this with Lars,like it was yesterday. I waited years to choose lyrics for this one because I wanted to make sure that when I did, the ones I chose were right.

A couple years later, I think it was 1999, I went hiking with my friend, Jen Keely, in Ramapo, NJ. It was late in the day and we made our way up this little mountain. We hiked. I'm pretty sure my puppy Angel was with us, but I'm not certain. Jen brought this book of poetry by W. B Yeats and I brought my guitar. When we got to our spot we liked, we sat and she read some. When she read this one I liked called " A Song," I suspected those lyrics might fit this piece of music I'd had waiting, perfectly, I tried it out and they did. I was happy. and then it began to lightly rain. Always a sign that good things are happening.

I was sorta saving this one a little bit. I don't play it much these days but I like it a lot. This version is OK. When it came time to play my original this is what I thought of and this is how it came out. We are getting ready to go one tour of California this weekend, so things have been a little busy. Alas, the 365 can not wait for perfection. Every day for a year is a lot of time. SO here is a decent version of a tune I like a lot that means a lot to me. Thanks W.B. for the lyrics loan. Here is "A Song." It is about mortality... I believe.

Oh, yeah. Everything is perfect. I forgot.

Operation 365... Blog 117

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 125 Wes Davis - Dobro - 3-28-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XXjFfx9lM4

This is my soon to be travelling musical partner, Wes Davis, doin' a little thang on the dobro at our Ocean Beach Road Show performance, one year ago yesterday, March 28, 2010. Wes is a swell, fun guy and I am looking forward to having much fun with him on the road starting Saturday in Santa Cruz. We were supposed to play in Oceanside on Thursday. I only booked the gig cause I am friends with the owner. Apparently, not good enough friends, cause he double booked me and told me yesterday not very cool. If he spent more time focusing on the details of his venue and less time honing his imitation of my late grandmother, perhaps this wouldn't have happened. Oh well, onward and upward as my dear friend, Truesy-Wuesy liked to say., Yes, Don, onward and upward indeed. To Wes, and going north with him. Can't go much west from where I am without getting very, very salty and wet.

Oh yeah! Wes stars in a new movie, directed by Dylan Avery, that just became available for purchase today. Better yet, I am in it! Here is a link. Check it out, if you are so inclined. It's called "Buzzkill," and it's about Wes and his life as a coffee addict.

http://buzzkill.cjb.net/

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 125 "Amazing Grace" by John Newton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28DSIFAOLEo

Raise your hand if you knew "Amazing Grace" was written by a slaveowner who, with the help of God, found the eror in his ways? I didn't. Cheers to the elementary school music text book that taught me. I've always loved this tune. Who doesn't? Heathens? Hellfolk? I don't know and I don't care. I don't believe in either, I don't think. I definitely don't believe in hellfolk. Here it is today for you, "Amazing Grace."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 125 "The Other Side"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doiV2jmJhrk

Another number I made up as the tape was rolling. "Mommy, what is tape?" - Miscellaneous child, wondering what the hell I'm talking about. Yeah, it's a blues. Ever fell like life is tough? Confused ever? Wonder what's going to happen? Tired, even? Yes, me too, from time to time, and here is a little expressive stream of consciousness along that motif. I'm sure there's some wisdom in there. It's just a matter of taking the time to sift through it and pull it all out. One man's wisdom is another man's duh. Hopefully, this does something useful for you. Peace

Operation 365... Blog 116

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 124 Jefferson Jay on sitar and Wes Davis - 3-28-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TkPTVSdZ7M

This was filmed one year ago today at a little collaborative showcase we held called The Ocean Beach Road Show. This weekend, Wes and I (and Blowski) will be embarking on a California tour and I really excited about it. San Francisco, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Oceanside, Humboldt, Marin, here we come. Hard to believe a whole year has passed. Boy, a lot has changed.

I am playing sitar here and Wes is on the slide guitar. The jam is a bit meandery but I think the sitar is cool and I like the vibe. I find it to be interesting. I don't think the sitar is coming on the trip, but wouldn't it be cool if it was. Look for the little snippets of "Little Drummer Boy" and Bob Marley's "Buffalo Soldier in there on the sitar. I was thinking about pulling out the "Little Drummer Boy" and using it as a cover, but that just seemed too easy. God forbid. Peace

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 124 "You Are So Beautiful" by Billy Preston and Bruce Fisher
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvJjxwHwjcg

This song was popularized , of course, by Joe Cocker, here I am doing it for my doggie, Nigel, one of the cutest puppies in the history of mankind . Thank you very much. If this tugs at your heartstring, don't be afraid to cry., It is good for you to keep those emotions flowing. It is hard not to cry when you run across something that's this beautiful. I understand. Hail Nigel the puppy.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 124 "September"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9HbcS4KRpk

Finally, a song I didn't make up today. I like this song. This song mentions marijuana. Officially, I have no opinion on marijuana. I do know that my state, California, considers it medicine and gives it to sick people. I also know that the federal government and many other states put people in jail for a long time for dispensing this medicine. I just know that this is just a song and is not pro or anti marijuana or any other medicine for that matter. I hope that clears things up a whole bunch.

It is spring now, not the beginning of fall, but i like this song. It is one of my many month-inspired tunes and I hope you like it muchly.

Operation 365... Blog 115

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 123 Destructo Bunny - 12-11-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqPIKDhwxGQ

Here is my pal, the wascally wabbitt of wap, live from one of my shows, December 11, 2008. 2008. That year was great. Here is the Bunny, filling in a bit between tunes, throwing down his one-of-a-kind stream of consciousness flow. Dig it.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 123 "Clementine"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dNHW21mS3w

Love this classic. Another super depressing tune, that people think is a happy kids' song. How many of you realized Clementine drowns at the end of this song. Well... she does. This song is supposed to be about the struggles the 49ers found while searching for gold. Sounds more to me like an OJ-esque confession from a guy who figured out a way to get rid of his girlfriend. I just don't know. I like the song though.

For more information take this,
{Oh My Darling, Clementine is an American western folk ballad usually credited to Percy Montrose (1884), although it is sometimes credited to Barker Bradford. The song is believed to have been based on another song called Down by the River Liv'd a Maiden by H. S. Thompson (1863).}

Hunter S. Thompson?

And this..

{The words are those of a bereaved lover singing about his darling, the daughter of a miner in the 1849 California Gold Rush. He loses her in a drowning accident, though he consoles himself towards the end of the song with Clementine's "little sister".

The verse about the little sister was often left out of folk song books intended for children, presumably because it seemed morally questionable.}

Well, I got "Clementine" out of a kids' book so they left this out.

How I missed her! How I missed her,
How I missed my Clementine,
Till I kissed her little sister,
and forgot my Clementine.

Whoa! Scandalous. Speaks to motive. Does it not?

Thanks to wikipedia for the info.
P.S,. wikipedia also thinks the song is call" Oh My Darling, Clementine." Maybe it is, wikipedia, maybe it is...

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 123 "Your Face"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjRZBWBiPS0

This song is a hybrid of Ugly Kid Joe's " I Hate Everything About You" (my 2nd most hated tune ever, after Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me,)" Cream's "I'm So Glad" (another historically annoying song,) and every Rolling Stones tune. There may be a little Cory Wilkins in there as well. I was a bit frustrated on top of not really feeling it, trying to bang through the 365 here on a Sunday. I tried U2's "One" a few times, for the cover and then took a few additional stabs at the classic Mott the Hoople number, "All The Young Dudes." Got the through the first verse OK on both of 'em, but just didn't have it to make it through the duration without F'ing up. So I fell back on the classic standard "Clementine", and then it was time for my original.

This song, "Your Face," just came out. It's not meant to anybody in particular. I am not mad. Just a silly l'il manifestation of a little compiled frustration. I feel better now. I like how this song is rock n' roll and that it probably seems real lovey-dovey from the title. I made it up five minutes ago, right here for you. I hope you feel better now. Peace

Operation 365... Blog 114

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 122 Beehive - 4-2-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4eDEq-8U-s

This is my pal Beehive. I haven't seen him in awhile. He played my first 12 Hours and 24 Hours of Free Music shows, as I recall. He is a world class beat boxer and at this set from April2, 2009, he played some mandolin as well. Happy Saturday.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 122 "You Are My Sunshine" by ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYb6EyhPCkk

I have loved this song since I was a small child. My mom used to sing it to me. Those are probably my first happy musical memories. I have since discovered there is a whole other dark side to this song, but I'm choosing not to go there. There are all these crazy heartbreak lyrics that decided not to include. My friend Justin Mills did a mean version with all those lyrics back in the old days of a couple years ago. There is also a mystery about who really wrote it. I didn't want to get into that. If you want to learn about all that, check out
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Are_My_Sunshine

I prefer the version I heard over and over again with the chorus repeated over and over again. The first time I saw Tom Petty he played it too. It's just one of those tunes, for me, that you hear through your whole life and it holds a special place for you always. It is cool how music does that. Paul Ruiz is featured here on trumpet and Leanne and Nigel on awesomeness and love. I'll dedicate this one here to my mom.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 122 "Seven" 9-8-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjxg1zbw0M8

This is a jam I wrote with my longtime songwriting partner, Scott Baslaw. Together, (since 1992), we are The Demarests. Good times,. We have 3 albums, 1992's "From Russia With Love, 2000's "EMBARGO," and 2007'as "Our Time Is Now. I recently told Scotty I would send him a new copy of "Our Time Is Now, if he agreed to find me on Skype. He has some strange fear of the internet. Well, yesterday, he relented and we skyped. That made me think to show him a tune I recorded and THAT made me remember I had this. "Seven" is our most recent collaboration. I wrote my first songs ever with Scotty, what seems like a lifetimes ago.

Here is "Seven," recorded live on September 8, 2009. Spencer Katzman, another longtime friend, joins us on shaker and mandolin solo. This clip was filmed by Sarah Haughton. Special props to Joan Baslaw for inspiring Scott musically on this endeavor. Love is so so sweet. I love me some Scotty and Spence.

Operation 365... Blog 113

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 121 Chimney Fish with JJ and Soul Man - 4-15-2009

Got to admit I'd been looking forward to getting to this point in the 365 for quite awhile. When I was contemplating potential exit strategies, this here Day 121, seemed like it might just the ticket. You see 121 x 3 equals 363. I've thrown in more than a few extra videos, so I've done more that 365 videos right here and now. Of course, as we are now here, that is of course not going to happen. Can't quit yet. Still got too much steam... and ten extra seconds fo free time, so I'm not going anywhere, at least not yet... baby.

Here on Day 121, we go again to the Chimney Fish acoustic from my birthday party, 4-15, 2009. Chimney Fish are/were (they broke up) Brett Walling - vox, Jeff Shaefer - guitar, Andy Davis - cajon, Luke Oskam - bass. The Soul Man appears on guiro. This was at the end of the long night of fun music. I was sitting in on the cool Brett Walling tune, "When I Was Young."

One of the things that happens frequently at shows is the occasional heckler. Unlike most hosts, I secretly look forward to those moments because I am more than capable of easily handling your average heckle-meister with ease. So this day, some guy talked some smack (it was actually before the tune but I stuck it on after), I dealt with him, but for this video, I let him get the last word. The point that's he a big sillyhead is not lost though, so don't worry. Fun times.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 121 " Home On The Range" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaAZh5hHi9s

I think this begins my era of sharing some classics form the music schoolbooks found in my classrooms. This song is fun. The schoolbook says FDR liked this tune, and how could he not. What I would give for his carcass to be propped up and re-inaugurated. Seriously. I'm so sick of fake clouds. I wonder if we will ever have organic skies again. They certainly didn't have that sprayed-sky crap back in those "Home On The Range" days. Here's the big difference between fake could and real clouds. Real clouds move. Spray doesn't. It just hangs there in the sky. Anyway, whatever. I try not to think about it too much. It's a bit disturbing.

This song is fun. It is so short I decided to do it three times. Redneck version, croony version, slightly serious and super speeded up version at the end. Oh, home on the range.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 121 "An Original Song"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ-z0bKd_p0

I hope I'm not going too far conjuring these original tunes. Today I went blues/cute with my newest hit, "An Original Song." I busted out this one for you today. I like it. L'chiem.

Operation 365... Blog 112

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 120 "Our New Jam" with Paul Ruiz - 4-13-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YA5CSltCnbc

Here I am rocking out with My friend Paul Ruiz on April 13, 2010. He was trumpeting and I was playing my gu zheng. I enjoy playing the gu zheng. I took a few lessons. Here we did a little something. I hope to be playing more gu zheng and more hanging with "The Genius" (Ruiz) soon.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 120 Ricardo Gutierrez - 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfaMnxLrNAs

This is Ricardo at the pinnacle of our little world on December 18, 2008. Great times. Watch through to the end for a special appearance by the one and only, Don Truesdail. Ricardo was right, The vocal was too low. I posted it anyway, because I loved the spirit of the whole thing so much. Peace to Gutierrez and Truesdail.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 120 "Ohio" by Neil Young - 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nfWjZ4d9g8

Here is a classic I played with Chimney Fish back in the old days quite often. At this set, December 18, 2008, we were acoustic. Perhaps Andy Davis had returned to St. Louis for Christmas. It was that time of year. It was our Christmas party. In fact, and this was the end of the night. Some pretty funny after song banter, between Senor Oskam and I.

"Ohio" has Brett Walling on vocals and guitar, Jeff Shaefer on guitar, Luke Oskam on bass and The Soul Man on guiro. Great times!

P.S. I woulda wrote more but I've had a couple beers and Swan Diego State lost today. Final Four run over. They did a pretty good job. D.J. Gay. Gonna go eat some dinner at Leanne's. Angel says it's time to get going.

Operation 365... Blog 111

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 119 Jefferson and Will Raffle SDMC Grand prize - 3-4-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC2uEY6jDKE

Here it is folks. The grand prize drawing at our San Diego Musicians Collective benefit on March 4, 2009 at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach. Musicpower.com donated an electric guitar and Will Edwards and I were thrilled to cap a great night of music and fun giving it away. The San Diego Musicians Collective was started to improve conditions for music and musicians here in San Diego and you can read more about it and sign up for a free membership at sdmusicians.org. I'm not gonna tell you who wins, but he makes really great ice cream. That's a hint.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 119 "Against The Wind" by Bob Seger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6O0GXSna8U

I have fond memories of sitting with my Dad in his Corvette listening to his tape of Bob Seger in The Silver Bullet Band. "Against The Wind" was my favorite track of the bunch, that and "Betty Lou's Gettin' out Tonight." My Dad moved out by the time I was11 and it was never the same. I'm not gonna lie, but I'm glad I had that time when I was a super small time to bond. It is more than some people get, I realize. I don;t play this tune much and I only went through it once. Today is a long day, workin', playin' music at the Farmer's Market here in OB from 6-8, but this tune popped in my head and I was glad I could bust it out, for better or worse. For better or worse... Ha. Like we have a say... I guess we do.

It is a matter of perspective. I was reading from my book, "The Power of The Subconscious Mind," last night. It was suggested to me by my friend, San Diego radio legend, Rich Brother Robbin. It is a great one. It reminds us that if you think positive thoughts, positive things will happen. UIt argues that the subconscious mind is extremely powerful and can manifest anything and will manifest whatever thoughts you are thinking. How's that for an incentive to think like the you you want to be. It will make i so. I like it. "Positive," my pal Rasta John used to say repeatedly, back when I lived in Arcata. It was always a great reminder. SImple and sweet. Hope I see him when I'm up there in a couple weeks. peace

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 119 "The Glory Found In Your Mind"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWbnRVlyUcI

I am really beginning to enjoy doing these improvised songs here lately in the 365. I still have some other songs I could do, but I am getting better at this and I like it. It is good practice for my brain. For a bit, I was doing these basic chord numbers so the last couple days I have tried to change it up with a funk jam, and now a reggae. It is fun singing in the reggae voice. I thank Bob Marley in the song and now here again for being everybody's reggae inspiration. I have been thinking about this book I have, "The Power of The Subconscious Mind," and it talks about thinking positive thoughts. That was the inspiration for this jam pulled form my subconscious, freestyled, if you will, to borrow a term from the hip-hop vernacular. Gonna go have to teach some kids tune, so I will let what wisdom there is in the tune, speak for itself. Thank you for listening. Peace and inspiration in your mind.

In other news, last night, as I stayed up late for a change, I realized my target market is people who want to feel better in this life. People who care about things like that. Those are the people I am meant to find. People who appreciate being kind.

Operation 365... Blog 110

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 118 "Crocodile Rock" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin

I've loved this song since I was a kid. I'm pretty sure this is Sir Elton's first visit to the 365. My opinions on Sir's music have changed over the years, but his old stuff is epic. "Buh-buh-buh-Bennie and the Jets," "Your Song," and all those other classic hits. I'm sure we'll see Sir Elton again before it's all said and done. "Rocket Man," anyone?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 118 "The Chic Freak of The Week"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7t_dzdu6Lo

Been enjoyin' makin' up these spur-of-the-moment songs lately. I guess it's a good skill to develop. Helps me get musical thoughts off my mind that might otherwise go forever unwritten. Obviously they lack the polish of previously penned numbers, but achieving balance is something one can strive for, for a lifetime. This is one is about the Paris Hiltons, Lindsay Lohans, Kim Kardashian, and Snookis of the world. People who are famous for no reason, essentially other then their high society, high maintenance, and sometimes just flat out high, ways of being.

That people look up to this and that children emulate these ladies empty, banal, vapid, and materialistic manners is but one of many stinging indictments of modern society. Hey, nobody's perfect, but if no one says anything about it ever, that's basically saying it's OK. It may be OK for them, but it is not OK with me. I wish you the best ladies, but remember this about your looks, your money, your drugs, your jewels, and your fame. You can't take any of 'em with you. I hope y'all treated some people right on the way up, 'cause it's a long, lonely way down if you didn't. Do you think those ladies read my blog?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 118 Jefferson Jay & Will Edwards Raffle Studio Time - 3-4-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7FQgfizfTc

Normally, I reserve this space for live music performances, but obviously there are other important things to archive, otherwise. Years ago, I started a non-profit organization with hopes of providing better for the musicians and the music-loving people of San Diego. Musicians have it rough here in town, to make a long story short, and I conjured a little plan to improve conditions for music and musicians here in town. Will Edwards, my dear pal, jumped on board as the Vice-President (I am President) of this operation years ago and we continue to work in what little free time we have, to try to keep this project and the dream associated with this project, growing.

Perhaps, the most successful day in our organization's young history was the fund-raising benefit concert we held at The Belly Up Tavern on March 4, 2009. It was a blast. The Greens of Mind played, as did Mary Dolan, Chimney Fish, and Rhythm and the Method. We were able to gather a bunch of terrific donations and we had ourselves a fine raffle and raised some dough. The grand prize was an electric guitar, donated by musicpower.com, but there were many other great prizes including a free recorded song at Will's studio here in SD.

In this clip, we raffle off that studio time and then I introduce Chimney Fish. I included this because I was thinking about this slice of life and felt like sharing it. You also get to see Will and I banter, which is delightful and hilarious. Tomorrow, I will post the grand prize drawing, so stay tuned to see who won. If you are interested in more information on the San Diego Musicians Collective, please visit our website and sign up for a free membership at sdmusicians.org. Thanks and peace.

Operation 365... Blog 109

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 117 Will Edwards - 12-6-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4yDH-uAJVU

This is Will's first song at my 12 Hours of Free Music concert on December 8, 2008. It was a great day. Will is one of the smartest and nicest guy's I know. He is a charitable fellow and he cares about the community. I don't know if that's an important thing to most people tese days, but it definitely is to me and I value Will's friendship greatly. I don't know the name of this tune, but if I did I would tell it to ya. I hope he is doing very well at this moment that I'm thinking of him, right now.

This clip was filmed by Dylan Avery.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 117 "Oh! Sweet Nuthin" by Lou Reed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mQGiwqsy6g

I first discovered this tune through Spencer Katzman during our years in the acoustic group Elin Tea. Good times. Mostly. I love how this song is about how fragile all of life is. I have been reminded of that a bit today and I thought this song would reflect that nicely. I was rolling along smoothly through the jam, feeling pretty good about it, when my young pup, Nigel started jamming out, chewing up a plastic bottle. As much as I love his creative contributions, this one threw me off a tad. But it's all good. Sweet Nuthin... There is no perfect. Everything is always changing. Enjoy the golden moments while you've got 'em, because different ones will follow. Nothing is ever the same. Nice work to Lou Reed and his bandmates in the Velvet Underground.

When I went and saw Phish with my brother in Vegas on Halloween in 1998, they busted out the entire "Loaded" album by Velvet Underground, which features "Oh! Sweet Nuthin." That was pretty cool, too.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 117 "Make It Through The Night"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4HPB6CXfG8

Another made-up song today. Even though, I've only heard it once (the time I played it), I believe it sounded like more a of an already-made song, than most of my made-up-on-the-spot ones. I think it falls in line with my other offerings from today,. Melancholy, whimsical, contemplative, reflective, a bunch of other words that mean things like that. It was done as a bit of an homage, unofficially, to my man, Will Edwards, who has been on my mind today for one reason or another. I think I will take this moment to dedicate to him officially. I did it slightly in his style, at least as much as ne can on a song they just made as they were playing it.

Operation 365... Blog 108

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 116 Sene Africa - 4-15-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl3LSSoUEdA

Here, again, are my friends Sene Africa. Been rediscovering a lot of great archives in the April 2009 period, Just about 2 years ago right now. Here, Sene Africa are doing what they do best, having fun, sharing their love for their music. Sene Africa, incredible musicians from Senegal, who I'm proud to call friends are Amadou Fall on kora, Ibrahima Ba on guitar and vocals, and Abdullai on djembe, I don't know his last name, They are also the nicest people you'll ever meet, if you do. If you get the chance, I highly recommend it.

Can I go off the subject for a moment? I love devout religious people. Hypocrites, on the other hand, I'm not nearly as fond of. Amadou will tel you he plays for God. I have known him a few years and every time, I've been around him, he's carried himself in a manner that echoes that commitment. Amadou's family have played the kora ceremoniously in Senegal for generations. They build it by hand from cow guts, gours, fishing line and everything else that creates a strong kora. Just saying, I love these guys. They exude kindness and love and I don't know that one can exceed that level of devotion.

Back to business, here these guys rock, 4-15-2009 was the date. They were joined at this performance by Laurel Grinnell on drums. This was a bit of birthday party for yours truly. Amadou heightened the festivities by throwing down some dancing tips mid-jam here to members of the band Riddle the Roar, and my Greens of Mind, bandmate Barbara Tolbert. A good time was had by all.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 116 "Captain Jack" by Billy Joel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4I6u2eTYa0

It is Saturday night. Just got in from dropping the Soul Man off after a delightful housewarming party at Melissa Eisler's house. I brought the pooches, Angel and Nigel. My beloved sweetheart, Leanne, is at Tara's bridal shower, so I am just chilling, waiting 'til she comes home. How 'bout those San Diego State Aztecs today? Getting it done and going to the Sweet 16. Sweet! (digression) So I got home and "Captain Jack" popped into my head. I have been thinking of my friend Dick, who is the mastermind behind Mariposa Ice Cream. Mariposa is a shop in San Diego here, the Normal Heights neighborhood. They make the greatest ice cream in the world.

So my heart is with him, because he is handling some temporary health issues and I was thinking of him. He is quite a character and there is a lot of love between myself and Mariposa. For some reason, "Saturday night, and you're just hanging around," those lyrics appeared in my head and I thought of this tune and I thought of Dick. This song is a little rough-around-the-edges, east coast type of song and Dick is without apologies, a little rough-around-the-edges, east coast type of guy. So Dick, my bud, this one's for you. Enjoy your evening tonight even though you won;t see this until tomorrow. Love to Anna. Peace.

Oh, I almost forgot, huge props, to my boy, Nigel, for his epic work backing me up on squeaky mushroom here. He'd never even heard this tune before and I'm not even sure it's in key, but his spirit and perseverance elicited a squeaky mushroom performance, the likes of which the world has never seen on "Captain Jack." Stay tuned through the end of the video for some bonus footage of me and Nigel jamming out and and Angel's priceless reaction to my recorder solo.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 116 "The Simple Life"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEBNW6SRT5k

"The Simple Life" was written with Melissa Eisler. I went to her housewarming party today. It was lovely. She and I wrote this song awhile ago. We used to play it our back in the day here and again. I have numerous recorded live versions of that, but she has expressed discomfort with being shared here in this 365, so I decided to give a go to my first ever successful solo version of "The Simple Life."

I probably changed it up a little bit, most likely. There are 2 vocals usually and I haven't played it in some time, but I think the point gets across. Live a simple life and help people, realize our interconnectedness and you will be cool. That's it in a nutshell. At least from my perspective, and that's what you get here in the Operation 365.

Operation 365... Blog 107

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 115 Patricia Mueller - 4-2-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDDi2-oHZXk

Patricia Mueller is my friend as well as the gifted pianist, who started my Thursday night shows, for a long time. She would begin at 7, classin' up the joint so nicely, and the show would follow from there, often concluding between 1 and 2AM. Yes, these were long shows. I take my work seriously and was glad to provide opportunities for as many fine musicians as possible, to share their wares with the public.

Patricia also plays keyboards for Acoustic Booze, the Blowski-led band, that I play drums for. She is a delightful young woman, and has earned herself the nicknames, Petey "The Sweetie" Mueller and Patricia "The Militia" Mueller. Here she is the on April 15, 2009. Our dear friend, the great Robin Lee at the outset of the vid, rolls up and sits piano-side for this number. There is a nice friendly exchange between Petey and Robin. After Petey's set concludes, I included the initial moments of the on-stage portion of the program. Richard Romero would usually follow Patricia's piano set, and at the end of the video, we hear the first few words from Richard, as we prepared for another fun-filled night of fun and music. Hooray Petey! Hooray friends.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 115 "Wild Thing" by Chip Taylor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyp8t4oBbxg

["Wild Thing" is a song written by New York City-born songwriter Chip Taylor (James Wesley Voight, the brother of actor Jon Voight). Originally recorded by The Wild Ones in 1965[1], "Wild Thing" is best known for its 1966 cover by the English band The Troggs, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1966.]

There's a little info I learned from wikipedia about "Wild Thing." The thoughts flood my brain, Sam Kinison and Tawny Kitaen. Charlie Sheen in Major League, prior to his nuclear meltdown. Good times. Great tastes. Good feelings. Just woke up. About to snag some 'fast with Chris Zach, my man. A fun Saturday about to begin today in San Diego. Hooray!

My dearest of all friends, Tony Russo, once said you should never trust a guy named Skip. I can't know for sure, but I bet he woulda felt the same way about Chips too. I agree with you Moosie-Goo. No chips for me... At least that's how I played poker last night. Couldn't even get myself the bronze. The first line of my video didn't record cause' my comp was bein' a bit slow on the uptake. Never fear though. I used some of my amazing video editing abilities to make sure it was amazing for you. Kisses!


Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 115 "San Diego State Aztecs - you Better Frikkin Win"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3GX5Wme3Yg

If this isn't the greatest song ever, then what is? I plum don't know. What I do know is, my San Diego State Aztecs are playing in the 3rd round of the NCAA Big Dance March Madness at 3PM PST today and they best be taken down them Temple Owls or we're gonna have words when they return to Montezuma on the Mesa. Hail D.J. Gay. Genius. Special appearence by my man, Chris Zach.

Operation 365... Blog 106

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 114 Jefferson, Dylan, Destructo and Howard Jam -4-9-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8tOSqzfX9k

I am currently the process of considering ways of reinventing the 365 so it can keep my interest for another 251 days. Different persons, perspectives, instruments and environments will all be considered and ultimately implemented. When one stops growing, one dies. Not down for death quite yet, nuclear clue be damned. Despite all that, I imagine the archives section of the program will largely remain the same.

Today, I offer a jam between myself on electric guitar, Dylan Avery on bass, Destructo Bnuny on drums and our friend, Howard, on some sort of Native American flute. Here are a few moments from a much longer jam a the end of the night on April 9, 2009. Words.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 114 "My Favorite Things" by Rogers and Hammerstein
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKJgl_hQDiE

I was working for awhile on Trey Anastasio's tune "Sweet Dreams Melinda" today. It has an intricate little intro and I worked on it for about an hour, but still eventually decided it was not ready for the bright lights of the 365 yet, so another day. Instead, I chose a classic, "My Favorite Things." Who doesn't have a million vivid memories with this tune? It almost universal. Some of my earliest musical memories involve doing this number in grade school. Now I find myself leading classes thorough it, myself, daily. I jammed this with Pete Kelly in my band years back and have rocked out to John Coltrane's amazingly classic version, on the album of the same name, countless times, each time amazed by his incredible abilities on the saxophone.

I have always wanted to conjure my own version of this song, replacing Rogers and Hammerstein's lyrics, with a set of my own favorite things. I even wrote some lyrics for it once awhile back. Ultimately, I'm afraid, they would reveal to much about my inner self to do this, maybe even more than this entire 365. OK, so Yankee World Series, uhhh... sunsets... what else do I really want to list? Sushi? Do I really want to list everything I like in a song. Who am I Steely Dan in Hey 19? The Wu-Tang Clan? Rebecca Black? I am Jefferson Jay and here is my version of the "My Favorite Things, 2011 classroom edition. I'll keep it simple that way

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 114 "Daniel Day-Lewis and The News
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1caPVd_q-jU

I briefly considered naming this "Nuclear Cloud," but I think oI have grown through my phase of trying to do things just for the attention they might bring. I saw some "hand dancers" on TV as I got my bagel and coffee this morning and I was embarrassed for considering that, even for a day. I'm not sure it would be worth getting lots of attention, if it required being as sucky as possible to do so. So, anyway, in attempts to reinvent my 365 in the name of fun. I just went for it on this jam and had a good time. Hope you like my whistle and my rhyme on my newest song "Daniel Day-Lewis and The News."

Funny as I sit here, proud to re-invent myself again and again, I wonder if I should send my semi-shameful "President's Penis Is On Fire" song to Tosh.o. I don't know if I can bring myself. Someone wanna do it for me? Then technically, I'm not responsible, just joking, but in case you're taking me seriously, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6_JKMUlUB8
... and tosh guy's email: tosh.0@comedycentral.com

You know what? Maybe I'll do it myself. And maybe I'll include this one too.... And I did. I think I'm going to listen to some Shinehead now.

Operation 365... Blog 105

Absurd world. To pay attention is maddening. So I stay out of it mostly and therefore, have roughly no idea what's going on in pop culture. And wonder why I'm so out of touch in peaceful relative anonymity. Anonymity's fine, unless you hope to make it as a musician. Then, knowing people and what they like, helps.

My friend Dylan Avery posted this song called "Friday" by some random child Rebecca Black his Facebook last week. He told me that I should cover it if I wanted to get tons of hits. I resisted listening to it for a few days, because I knew it would be bad. Eventually, I relented. i's horrible. It's over-produced garbage that sounds like everything else. And there is the rub. Being talented, original, or different, is not really valued in society today. At least not in the places I know. Maybe in some small circles. When I grew up, it was. I think this is what they call a generation gap. I grew up learning of the generation where artists spoke to the young people and people wanted to band together to make the world a better place. It certainly needs that now more than ever. I think that makes me a dinosaur.

Maybe artists still do talk to the young. It's just not about anything I know anything about. I am too educated and woefully under-informed. Anyway, a week or so later. I was finally gonna force myself to cover this horrible song to try to get some attention. "Friday" has 12 million hits now and is no less awful than it was last week. Dylan said it's too late now. Time Magazine has already written an article about the best covers of it. One, I found, done in "Bob Dylan-style" had over 300,000 hits.

I don't know if I'm disgusted or disappointed. If I'm either, I'm both for even having to consider all this. I am relieved I dont have to play that crap song. I am flummoxed at my recognition of what's hip and how many galaxies away from it, I reside on Integrity Island. If you haven/t heard of Integrity Island, it's because it's some undiscovered Avalon (fantasy place) in my imagination. Now back to our regularly scheduled program, (old songs, originals songs, and something from my Archives). The world is depressing. That's why I try not to pay too much attention to it. The only problem with that is, when you check back it, you are heartbroken, by how much further it's fallen, since the last time you looked. See Everywhere.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 113 "Friday" by Rebecca Black
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhGtulkaGE

I got through as much of the P.O.S. song as I could. In case you don't know in the last week, this version of this song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0 has got over 12 million hits on youtube. My friend super director, Dylan Avery, said I should cover it days ago, to bring attention to all this other work I'm doing. I hesitated, resisted, and now finally, capitulated. I got through as much as I could, in what I'm calling, "the mercifully-shortened version." I reggeae'd it out somewhat. "Fun fun fun fun." Genius lyrics. Oh brother. What's our world coming to? Happy St. Patty's Day.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 113 Sene Africa with The Soul Man - 4-9-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3u99r7rbTE

Sene Africa are some of the greatest musicians in the world... if you're into that sort of thing. hey have literally played for kings. Amadou Fall, one the world's kora masters, had a birthday the other day. He is my dear pal. Happy Birthday. Ibrahima Ba and Abudllai appear on guitar/vocals and djembe respectively. They are also awesome. Speaking of awesome 92-year old, World War II hero, The Soul Man, is with them on guiro, creating a group, unlike any other that can be found in the world anywhere, possible ever.

I know getting giddy about such things makes me old-fashioned. God bless. I guess. Maybe it's trime to pray. That's what Sene Africa would do. Soul Man too. Life is learning...at least the good parts.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 113 "The President's Penis Is On Fire"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6_JKMUlUB8

WARNING: I purposely did the crappiest P.O.S I could come up with, just to see if it would get 12 million hits. If it does or if it doesn't, I apologize. If it appears in the video that I am cracking up and/or losing my mind, don't be alarmed. It is only because I am such an incredible actor that I can communicate such teetering madness, so convincingly. Charlie Sheen is my inspiration in this arena. For my next move, I hope to make a sitcom, in which I play a character exactly like myself. F it. Let's even name him Jefferson. This is all high art to me. Acting. Winning.

I feel compelled by my paranoia/awareness to remind audiences everywhere that I am joking. As far as I know, the president's penis is not on fire. But honestly, how the hell would I know? I hope it's not. That would probably hurt. For the record, I repeat, as far as I know, the president's penis is not on fire. Thank you for voting.

Operation 365... Blog 104

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 112 Robin Lee 4-16-2009 "Sleep When I'm Dead"

Decided to go with more Robin Lee today. When I opened my set from my birthday two years ago, 4-16-2009. I realized yesterday's clip was not from that day. So I delved into my archives on a search for yesterday's Robin Lee clip. Eventually, I found it was really from 4-2-2009, not 4-16. I went back and changed. This is really from my birthday two years ago. Jack Davidson joins Robin here on lead guitar. Here, she is playing one of her most classic jams, "Sleep When I'm Dead." Hail Robin.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 112 Robin Lee 4-2-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RThRaqeWgxI

NOTE: So. It's September 10th now. Researching, I realized in my enthusiasm to post Robin's whole set from 4-16-09, I accidentally posted Robin Lee's 4-16-2009 version of "Sleep When I'm Dead" a second time. What to do? The best solution I could come up with was to replace this first one with another clip from April 2, 2009 and that's what I'm gonna do. They say you can never go back again. I say, you can try anyway. I will be removing this link, because it is now posted here,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJbue23yT-8

and because if I don't pull it, youtube may eventually figure it out and pull it itself. So I will spare them that responsibility. Jack Davidson joins Robin here too. I don't know the name of this song.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 112 "I'll Feel A Whole Better" - Roger McGuinn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM8NlAwsenA

In a rare move, I decided yesterday that I wanted to do "I'll Feel A Whole Better." Interesting, perhaps a self-fulfilling prophecy, I am longing to feel a bit better. A mixture of exhausted and worn down, working, preparing for the tour, Rehearsing a lot. Hoping I didn't accidentally slice my tendon when I mistakenly cut my wrist months ago. I'm going to see Dr. Handler, the hand doctor on Monday. Wish me luck. Peace. Taking care of this responsibility gives me one less me to do. I learned of this tune through Tom Petty's version on "Full Moon Fever."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 112 "The Next Great Escape"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMLNErzRBL4

It got to be time to do my original video for today. We've been rehearsing a lot for our upcoming tour lately. We were working today. Wes suggested I make something up and play that for today. I tried to make something up, but initially I accidentally played my tune, "Wooden Boats." I'm a little fried, so I knew I would need to write something real quick and play it. I wrote this. Took me five minutes to find the last chord. Wes and I jammed it a few times. He is rocking out on the drums these days.

A lot of philosophical discussions about success in music these days. It's tiring. Important. Tiring. I like this song though. Looking forward to playing shows in Northern California. I think it's about escapism in our modern world. Or something.

Operation 365... Blog 103

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 111 Robin Lee 4-2-2009 1

Here, again, is my dear friend, Robin Lee. I love her so much. Have I mentioned that in this blog before? Good, I hope so. This is from 4-2-2009, two years ago. "Hunker down, get happy, you have no one else to blame for your misery, your sorrow, and your undue pain," the lyrics form this tune advise. Robin's generosity with her wisdom and perspective, has always been one of my favorite traits of hers. She's pretty funny too.

I hope this finds her well. I have a good feeling ti does, which brings me enormous joy. I dream of a world where we can sip tea into the AM, with instruments around, peaceful and happy. This is the first song from her set that night, She is joined by Jack Davidson on lead guitar here. Peace to you, Robin.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 111 "Drunken Angel" by Lucinda Williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq-toMs1kbc

Here is another classic tune by Lucinda Williams, from her epic album "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road." This tune is "Drunken Angel." My friend Robin Lee, (I posted a tune of her's earlier today, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZvs4ngKuVw ) and Lucinda have awesome heartfelt tunes, dripping with emotion, integrity, and interestingness. Their music has always reminded me of each other's. I would like To Lucinda play some time. For that matter, I would like to see Robin play. In lieu of those shows, I will re-watch today's videos...now.

In other news, my dog Angel, who is 11, has never been drunk. She has never even tried alcohol that I've seen. She isn't interested in it. I love my pooch, Angellica.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 111 "Ebby" written with Paola Race
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc_xYGvA8zU

When I first moved to California in 1995, I was lured out there by my friend Paola and her boyfriend at the time, Andy. They were my good friends from UMASS. Paola had decided to do a year abroad and chose Humboldt State. Andy went. They encouraged me to come. When faced with a rapidly declining social scene at UMASS as my only alternative, I accepted their offer. I figured, they were awesome people so at least I'd know good people in my new home. I have been a Californian ever since, more or less.

So at this same time, I started playing guitar. One of the main reasons my social scene was getting suckier in Amherst was my band broke up. As the band's singer, I struggled to find a worthy new project, so I started playing guitar at age 20, with the hopes that someday, I could be a much more self-sufficient musician. It has worked. So, upon my arrival in paradise, Humboldt County, I was inspired, naturally. Paola and I, who used to sit and harmonize on Crosby, Stills, and Nash songs in the dorms as freshman, wrote a handful of tunes and this is one of them. A story...

So "Ebby," here is probably the 3rd or fourth of the 5 tunes we wrote. She'd make the music mostly. I'd do the lyrics mostly, with some sharing on some songs. I would usually manage the organizational part of the process. So I am explaining it to her after I wrote it down on this tune. I'm telling her, " the first part is Part A, then we go to Part B," when Paola interrupts. She asks incredulously, "Well, why doesn it have to be Part A and B? Why can;t it have some other name?" Shortly thereafter, I realized my explanations of "it's just easier," were a waste of breath, so I agreed to call them whatever she wanted. I remember. This first part, she named "ebby," the second part, she named "lim-Sa," and the solo bridge part, she named "lim-sa-mi."

Ahhh, the good old days in 1995 on Tilley Court. We ultimately recorded these tunes at a room at Humboldt State. Got some nice recordings before they went back to Massachusetts. I stayed behind., Years later, Paola, re-relocated to Northern California. I spoke to her yesterday and am thrilled that she will be attending our gig in San Francisco on me, Wes Davis, and Blowski's upcoming April California tour. I'll be returning to Arcata, among other old homes. Final funny footnote to the story. I thought., "Ebby," was a nonsense syllable. Years later, my first friend in San Diego, was a young lady named Julie Boyden. She transformed from a devout virgin, to devout and remarkably pregnant very suddenly, and when she had the baby girl, (who is about 10 now), she named her "Ebby," never having heard of the song. Some may see massive randomness in that. I see massive connectivity. Gosh, I love this life. Hope Julie's well. Paola, see you soon in Sac-Town.

Operation 365... Blog 102

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 110 Charbra - 1-26-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhGAN2ZYMs

Here are my friends Charbra, playing a song from their set at my Open Mic on January 26, 2010. Charlotte James (left) and Barbara Tolbert (panda hat) are currently playing in an electric band by the same name and and going on at least four years of being "married" on Facebook.

I play with the in a side project with these young ladies called and "The General" Justin Mills, The Greens of Mind. I plan on sharing some of the unofficial "Greatest Hits" of The Greens, real soon in this here 365. Enjoy Charbra.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 110 "Helpless" by Neil Young
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXP8CAzsWc0

"Helpless" is one of Neil Young's million awesome tunes. I saw Neil Young at his Bridge School benefit in 1998. It was a pretty big day in my world. The Yankees played Game One of the World Series against the San Diego Padres that day. It was the day Tino hit the grand slam off Mark Langston on the pitch after what many viewers swore was Strike Three. Ahhh, life. My mom also got married for the third time that day. I saw Phish and Neil Young play "Helpless" together on stage. It was beautiful. I don't remember, but I may have cried. Two weeks notice wasn't enough to catch wedding #3 for me. No regrets here on that one.

I decided to do an upbeat, countrified, different version of "Helpless," Today has been a crazy day. I feel helpless against the sprayed up skies, my puppy's comprehensive, poop-aided assault on everything I own, and my inability to accumulate any reasonable amount of dough ever. Does it ruin my life or make me sad? No, not at all. Do I look forward to having different things to worry about than those? Absolutely. Then again. If they can spray the skies to look like clouds without people knowing or caring and an earthquake and a tsunami can ravage Japan in moments, maybe I should be happy with puppy poop/destruction and only enough money to have everything I need always, as my biggest problems. GOd bless perspective. I feel better already.

Oh, one more thing. I have recently lamented that nobody in popular culture is standing up for anything anymore. Hogwash. Neil Young always has been and absolutely, still is. He is a shining light and a how to, as far as artists go, on mandating, quality, integrity and a clear view of what is relevant and righteous in the world, whether it is popular or not. Hell yeah Neil. God bless you. You may be the coolest dude alive.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 110 "Billboards Are My Friend"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LvCd_0XSqc

"Billboards Are My Friend" is the story of a guy, who believes and lives by everything he reads on billboards. he is either your average American or a really dumb guy depending on your perspective, I suppose. He is a silly example of capitalism gone to absurd extremes. The song is based down here in San Diego in about 2003, as some of the references are slightly dated to here and then. For instance, The San Diego Gulls minor league hockey team doesn't even exist anymore. Pure Platinum and Deja Vu are San Diego-strip clubs.

"Billboards Are My Friend" was written with Ernie Navarro and Jeanette Anderson in or right around 2003. Ernie and Jeannette were songwriting students of mine back when I offered a Songwriting and Collaboration class at San Diego State University. They were really cool and when I offered a private version of the class one time, they came out. This time, it was days after I broke my index finger on my right hand and I wrote all the of the lyrics to the new song lefty. I still have the original lyric sheet and it looks pretty funny, kind of like-candle wax dripping letters. Hope this tune finds Ernie and Jeannette well. It's been too long.

Operation 365... Blog 101

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 109 Four Gypsy Guys I Think Are French 1-31-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J70ku5AwkVQ

I would feel worse about forgetting these guys' names if I'd ever known them in the first place. These guys showed up in OB and were all of a sudden playing all over the town, in the streets, wherever. I booked Karla Mi Lugo, a new fast, friend of theirs, and she asked if they could come play too, and I said sure. I remember that they were French, I'm pretty sure. I think we spoke some French a little, un peu, if you will. I hope they are doing well. If anyone knows them, or their names, specifically, tell me and I will add them to these comments right here. This was filmed at one of my Sunday night shows on January 31, 2010. Peace

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 109 "Goodbye Cruel World" by Pink Floyd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5n3B7cgN6E

This little gem may be the depressing peak of the greatest album of all-time, Pink Floyd "The Wall." Disc One ends with our anti-hero, slitting his wrists in the bathtub, only to emerge in Disc Two as some neo-Hitler type character who takes over the world until he has to face "The Trial." Nothing is better to help one through a dark time than deeply disturbed and depressing music. "The Wall," in particular lifted me up through some of my darkest hours.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 109 "Firecracker Jack-O-Lantern"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JNP8S1E_C8

I have this one class that inspires me to create. Twice, I've penned tunes for them lickety-split, and they seem quite enamored with the experience. They oooh and aaahh even after the song is finished as I transcribe it from the board into my laptop at warp speed. They're like, "how do you do that?" I say "practice."

This song, "Firecracker Jack-O-Lantern" was a rare one that I started with the title and went from there. It tells the story of some kids who get what they have coming when they take to the streets misbehaving on what me and my friends back in Jersey used to call, Goosey Night, the night before Halloween. Don't worry. I explained to the kids that this is just a song and they should never do any of hte things any of the charaxcters in this song do, ever.

Operation 365... Blog 100

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 108 Brett Walling and Jeff Shaefer - 10-1-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vARDSH2Aq5g

This was recorded at a particularly drunken night in our little Ocean Beach subculture on October 1, 2009. This night Brett Wallling and Jeff Shaefer, then of the band, Chimney Fish, were doing an acoustic duo set, backed by The Soul Man on guiro and Paul Lopez on percussion. There were four people dancing up front for most of the show, but it fluctuated, depending on who was buying Brett a drink at the time. The two men dancing go so into it, they started taking their shirts off. It was first class hilarity. The larger dude actually ripped his shirt off. My tape had ended and that makes the moment I most wish I hadn't missed from this entire era. Maybe the funniest thing I ever saw.

This song is called "The Songs I Can Not Sing," though many referred to it as "The Marijuana Song," back then, because he says that several times in the jam. This song is also classic, because Brett sings about "the sad iguana" in it. I believe this is the night I asked him on stage who the sad iguana was and he told us it was him. Classic.

I had a lovely visit at Jeff's new place last night. It was lovely. Kudos to Senor Shaefer and Charlotte James on their co-habitation. The place looks terrific.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 108 "So Far Away" by Dire Straits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWg0PtG67dk

This is a great tune off Dire Straits awesome album form the 80s, "Brothers In Arms." While the record is best known for its hits, "Walk of Life" and "Money For Nothing," I always enjoyed the album most as a whole for all the sense of calmness it breathes through all its mellow tracks including "So Far Away."

It5 is funny, I was patting myself on the back for not singing like Tom Waits on my version of his "Singapore" earlier this week, and then I found myself days later, trying not to sing like/ straight up mimic, David Bowie and Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler. What can you do? God bless.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 108 Black Pet Pig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXJzmHQzSa4

This is another instant classic, that I wrote with some local elementary school students that I was teaching this week. I like this song a lot and the group I wrote it with is quickly emerging as one of my favorites of the week. I am currently subbing for a teacher an indefinite long-term assignment. So I work at 10 schools and travel around between sharing my love for music with the kiddies. SOme refuse to sing. Some start crying. It's goof fun, largely.

This is a catchy song and if a black, pet pig craze ever happens or I ever get more proficient at marketing myself and my music, maybe I'll have the pleasant problem of figuring out how to get these kids some of the royalties they'd have earned. Anything can happen. Yep.

Operation 365... Blog 99

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 107 Justin Mills - "Saving Up" - 12-11-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Uvwv-pc0jE

This clip is sort of a Part Two to yesterday clip of Justin Mills from 12-11-2008. This song, "Saving Up," immediately followed, "Stick Around," two awesome Justin Mills classics. Justin is again joined by Wes Davis, fresh back from a Tahitian adventure, on harmonica and tambourine. I miss Justin's jams, He doesn't play out ever and I am glad I get to enjoy them via video and whatnot. Justin, Leanne, and I enjoyed happy hour at The Blue Parrot yesterday. A fun time was had by all... well, at least Justin, Leanne, and myself. There may have been a casualty or two, but nothing that demands rehashing right here.

This period, late 2008, was epic, for me and my friends, around here, in a perfectly understated way. We had great friends. We were happy. We looked out for each other and everyone was respectful and kind, pretty much all the time. Although the "scene," as it was, survived a bit longer, egos, greediness, and short-sighted thinking, began to barge their insidious way into the whole thing and that is why we've got a whole new scene now, with equal quality and a good deal less quantity. Less drama, equal love. None of these beasts had reared their ugly heads yet in the bliss that was late 2008.

Hail Robin Lee. Hail Truesdail. Hail the General, Justin Mills!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 107 "The Broken Van and Puppy Poo Blues"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MIGeDUDmY4

Today was a bit of rough day, even though I'm feeling MUCH better right now. I woke up and found out about the earthquake in Japan. My Aunt Rosanne was afraid I'd be washed away, but I was meant to live another day, well, at least til 5:28PM, so far. Yesterday, I drove the van I got for our upcoming tour, to work. I got an amazing deal on it, essentially free. For some reason doesn't provide much consolation as the bills keep piling up. First, a new catalytic converter to pass smog (California nonsense), then it wouldn't drive when I went to leave school yesterday. I guess that has something to do with the battery. When we jumped it, it drove like poop. Apparently it needs a new clutch too. We brought it to my guy, Marcelino, in North Park. He said it wouldn't cost much. This morning I learned not much means 700 dollars. When I went by after work, I learned the axel is about to go to. Make that 900, and we still haven't found out what the deal is with the battery.

Meanwhile, my beloved pup, Nigel, is pooping his way through life, these days, all over my house and Leanne's at every hour of the day, it seems. I have no dough, despite working constantly. I feel like I care a lot about the world and try to help people, work hard, have many talents and sometimes, it just seems like that and a dollar might get you something at McDonald's. I try not to have pity parties much and while and complain. I am very happy and appreciate all my friends, my girlfriend, my pooches, my family and all the love they bring to my life so much. Sometimes, I just wish the world seemed more fair.

That's when I resolve to trust karma, buck up, get through the day, and remember how much better off I am than so many people and so many ways and appreciate it. That is aslo a perfect time to sing the blues. The blues are the world's best way to complain and still be cool. It's like they invented a whole style of music for it. Gosh, I love music. So , i sang a little blues song here about what's going wrong, and hopefully, what's going right a little bit, before in a move emblematic of my hanging by a thread, I snapped into one of the song I do with my young students, "This Train," for the end of the clip.

"This Train" is an old spiritual number, so much for keeping God, and his various cultish followings, out of the schools. Ha. Hail salvation. Did I mention every San Diego elementary school teacher is getting pink slipped this week. Nice world.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 107 "Fortunate Son" by John Fogerty
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvfdAok4Gm8

Getting through the cove today was rough. Was just SO not feeling it. Tried a bunch of jams. Each seems more contrived and pointless than the next. I even just talked and ranted into the camera for a little bit, just to get things off my chest. Then I finally found a song, and a classic one at that, that was just as dejected as I was. Of course, that always makes you feel better. Not as much as finishing work and going home, but definitely a start.

"Fortunate Son" is great. I couldn't agree more with its' message. I long for the days when popular superstar rockers put out stuff like this, before our whole stupid "culture" jumped the shark. John Fogerty wrote this jam and played it, of course, with his legendary band, Credence Clearwater Revival. Just watched it again. Pretty soulful version, I must say. Long live the blues, 'cause when they're gone... it's 'cause there ain't no people living left.

Operation 365... Blog 99

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 106 Justin Mills - "Stick Around" - 12-11-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57VmV1FN_74

Another gem from back in the day. I would like to clarify something here real quickly. As much fondness and admiration as I have for "the day," as it were, I am far more smitten with this present moment right here. There are some things about back in the day that are, by their very nature "back in the day" things, like kicking it with Don Truesdail and Robin Lee, for two examples. But I am a man of the present, and my present, right now, is as delightful, as any present, I've ever experienced.

That said, I am a student of history and an appreciator of good times. Those times in 2008 were instantly classic and being able to relive them in whatever limited manner I can, is still a special treat.

Speaking of things that can't happen in the here and now but did back then routinely.. this set from Justin Mills. These tunes are from earlier in his set, before I joined him on stage with my cuter little Ashbory bass, with Wes Davis, freshly returned from some months, photographing fish underwater in Tahiti, backing him on tambourine and harmonica. The show was December 11, 2008. Great times. Justin, as you may heave read previously in my blog, doesn't play his awesome tunes out live ever anymore. He is as known for his long breaks from the stage locally as he is for his awesome compositions. In a small circle, his work is greatly appreciated. This is a rare cut even by his standards called " Strick Around." I think this tune is f'n awesome, for reals. I will be sharing another Justin number form this set, "Saving Up," tomorrow, so be psyched. I am.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 106 "Handle With Care" by The Traveling Wilburys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gZ4wV5ngrc

"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."

Figured I'd put that there just to be safe. It's a long story.

I wasn't planning on doing this tune today. I had "So Far Away" by Dire Straits in my crosshairs, but couldn't find the music because it was not meant to be. "Handle With Care" was though ands that is nice, Tis is one of those tunes, like "Bell Bottom Blues," "Sweet Home Alabama," and "Ziggy Stardust," that my good man Chris Scelzo used to lead our circle of friends through choruses back in the days of long ago. Like almost the 80s. Those were really impactful and special times for me. Formative, practically. That cluster of tunes will always be special to me. "Behind Blue Eyes." It was the beginning.

The Traveling Wilburys, you probably know, were a supergroup with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Roy Oribson, Jeff Lynne, and George Harrison. how amazing. I can't imagine a more amazing jam to sit on than the ones those guys must have had. Friendship, respect, creativity, fun. Awesome. I strive for that in my life daily.

Special thanks to Gordo the birthday dog and Dylan Avery's arm. Dylan called me "Kenny Bloggins."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 106 "It Is Gordo's Birthday"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao7M2FAZGnA

So it came time to record my original song for today... These have been busy times. I'm working a new job teaching elementary school music, one of my preferred jobs, all things considered. I am also doing the 365, preparing for my tour, volunteering, and being the best doggy daddy and boyfriend I can be to my puppitas and my girlfriend, Leanne. I am very happy, but wouldn't mind some more free time.

My dear pal, the great director, Dylan Avery and his dog Gordo have been staying with me for a couple days too. Tragic how being talented, intelligent and committed to making the world a better place, doesn't equate to being able to make any sort of a living these days. What can you do? As a specie, and a society, we are a work in progress. Well, they are here for a couple days. Did I mention Nigel the irresistible puppy has been giving us one heck of hard time recently. He peed on my bed. We still love him but.... uggghhh. Anyway...

So it was time to record me original song for today and I extemporaneously launched into this little number, "It Is Gordo's Birthday." It is this kind of fun and frivolity that makes a birthday fun. I decided to stick with the song. It speaks for itself. Leanne and I took Nigel and Angel and Gordo to The Blue Parrot earlier, for a little doggy birthday bash. It went splendidly except for Gordo briefly jumping, Justin Mills' dog LB, and Nigel eating all the way through Gordo's leash before we even noticed.

I love Gordo. I have baby-sat him many times. He is a personable, funny, and well-mannered guest despite his wappy tail and his occasional, unintentional, couch jizzing. So I sang him a birthday song, not knowing how it would go. He has considerable stage presence as does his famous American hero papa, who is going to buy him a birthday steak as I'm blogging. Amazing how we live in a time where being able to see, and reporting what happens, can make you an American hero and destitute pariah all at the same time. Kinda makes me sick a little. Watch Loose Change 9/11: An American Coup, if you haven't yet. It may open up your eyes.

http://www.amazon.com/Loose-Change-11-American-Coup/dp/B002FOQY7M

Happy birthday Gordo, March 10, 2011. LB is your friend. Remember him next time, you cute, handsome strapping lad, who I adore. Gordo, the dapper doggie, occasionally known as Schweeb.

Operation 365... Blog 98

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 105 Tuna Boot - 12-9-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mavtSbCvh7A

I like this video because it really captures that era at its peak. You can feel the energy in room at my open mic that night, December 9, 2008. This night, a new band, Tuna Boot, played its second night at my open mic. They would go on to play dozens more times at my show and becoming close friends with the whole bunch of us. Eventually, Mark, the guy on the left, moved to Chicago and Tuna Boot, broke up. To my knowledge, Scott, the guy on the right, still ives in town. I wonder what he's up to.

I miss these guys and their tunes. I miss the energy of the old days. It was a good era. It is over now though. At least, we have it here to re-live vicariously through the videos. All eras end, like the era where some people thought Charlie Sheen was sane, for instance.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 105 "Let's Dance" by David Bowie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSW3PpSMLR4

This song rules. Funky, crazy, frenetic, fun. I have fond memories of my old, college friend Gilcrest sharing his rendition of this fine Bowie 80s jamboree. It took awhile. I'd never played it before today and it has a bunch of chords i never heard before, I blended a few attempts together here. Much fun. Cameos by Dylan Avery's pooch, Gordo, (Avery is watching Gordo's namesake Mike Gordon at House of Blues right now) Nigel the pup, Shanti the hamster, and guiro-playing nonagenarian, The Soul Man.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 105 "The Storm's Coming"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa77UQLd1Y0

This song is a song I co-wrote years ago with my friend Matt Reischling. Matt is leading an L.A. based band these days called Confessions of a Corn Silo. He is my good buddy from way back. We've been through quite a bit together. Highlights and there are many include his song "Cowtown," our countless jams and feasts, and our chicken rock craze of 2009ish) Bock Rock. That is famous rock songs, sung like chickens. Yes, we are pioneers.

I miss him and I hope he is doing well. It seems he has some shows here and again up there. We haven't caught up in awhile but we are bros for life, I like to think. This is one of a couple tunes we;ve written together. He had another vocal part he would sing to it that I can;t do while singing "no more harm." This song was about, among other things, my well wishes for him(and everyone else) in a sometimes, dark, seedy, and dangerous world. It was a stormy night in San Diego when we wrote it and all that stuff about the palm leaves whipping against the walls really happend. I wish the artist formerly known as Petaluma Son (a previous incarnation of the Reischling musical experience back when this song was written) eternal love, life and prosperity and I hope to see him real real soon.

Operation 365... Blog 97

I feel comfortable saying I think this is one of the more interesting days of the 365 in quite awhile and I don't even know what the archive will be yet. It almost wasn't quite as good, but I made an adjustment, that I'm happy about. Here it goes.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 104 Amy Garcia - 12-9-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhTy2wJI_bM

This was filmed at my Open Mic on December 9, 2008, my brother and sister's birthday. Here we have Amy Garcia, a very talented singer/songwriter, with whom I go back a number of years. I have no idea where she is right now. Last I heard she moved to Denver, long ago. Amy has an awesome voice and always exhibited a very pleasant disposition in the many times our paths crossed. I hope she is doing well in 2011 and keeping up the funky, soulful work. Peace to Amy Garcia.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 104 "Singapore" by Tom Waits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cssnYdWIJH0

So I don't always watch my videos too too carefully, before I post them. I mean I am not striving for perfection as much as competency and consistency. So today, I recorded a Blondie tune, I always liked that's pretty easy, "The Tide Is High." I was watching my version of "The Tide Is High," preparing to post it, when I realized, I thought it was pretty terrible. Well, maybe not terrible, but not good. My voice sounded shaky. Not to mention I'm singing about what kind of girl, I'm not, for half the tune. I decided it needed the Kevorkian, a mercy killing, even though, it was all dialed up ready to go, without any major mistakes. I couldn't have it.

Well I was left thinking, I need something interesting and preferable something with a lower voice. I thought about Tom Waits, an artist I admire and adore, whom I haven't yet covered here in the 365. I found this cool webpage that has like a million Tom Waits songs written out. http://homepage.mac.com/ramonrempel/tomwaits/songs.html

I dabbled with a few of them, before settling on one I've always loved off the epic album, "Raindogs," "Singapore." I decided there was no need to do a Tom Waits imitation on top of a Tom Waits tune, so I made it my own and had fun using a deeper, crooniery voice for my unique rendition of great Tom Waits song, "Singapore."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 104 "My Knee Grows"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pix2wMot6Y

So, in all likelihood, if anybody's following, this will be one of the "controversial" moments of Operation 365. I, obviously, think this song is funny. And I also realize, not everyone will agree. Some of my friends even went so far as to suggest this song may be racist. Hogwash, I say. It is a play on the old Woody Guthrie-style talkin' blues, with some silly lyrics, featuring a play on a word, from long ago.

There is nothing racial or racist about this song at all. If this makes you uncomfortable, my apologies for your discomfort, but not for my innocuous song. I was on the can and and got this idea the other day and busted it out. I think it's funny and that's why I wrote it and recorded it. It is not the kind of song, I would play live, I don't think. So Operation 365 strikes again, bringing the world a song of mine, it otherwise never would have heard.

I like absurd. Treating silly subjects in a serous manner. Sometimes even tangentially touching on serious topics in the crossfire. This is one of those times. I hope you like it. If not, it should be pretty darn easy for you to never hear it again. If you do like it, but pretend you don't, because you think it is politically incorrect, don't blame me if your knee grows. I told you so.

NOTE: youtube refused to let me post my whole explanation of "My Knee Grows" for some reason. It didn't object to the title of the tune, so as I used process of elimination and I narrowed it down to the first paragraph. Something in the first paragraph, youtube found objectionable, so I had to post this at the end of my video spiel.

"youtube refused to let me post my whole explanation of this tune, so if you want to read the first part, please visit www.jeffersonjay.blogspot.com"

I don't get it, I can't even guess what youtube has a problem with, so I won't. Who knows maybe this song about knees is where Operation 365 gets legs. It will be interesting... or it won't. Either way, 261 days to go.

Operation 365... Blog 96

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 103 Jefferson Jay and Joe Khoroosi - Sitar jam 1 - 5-10-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9a8U2WhDJU

This was a jam I had with Joe Khoroosi back on May 10, 2010. This is just a small snippet of it. He is a gifted musician who was over laying some violin tracks for my upcoming CD, "The Great New Way." We jammed out for a bit afterward. I was playing sitar a lot for awhile just after I got it, not so much as of late. I am hoping to get back into it more real soon. I miss it. It is fun. Hail sitar.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 103 "Cold Brains" by Beck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqUJTCLU9bU

I ave always loved "Cold Brains," by Beck, off his epic album, "Mutations." Beck is great and this song is really cool too.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 103 " Like You"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TerKy-E496s

So it was last night. Leanne wanted to go to bed, but it was only like 9:30. This is not too unusual and usually I happily oblige. I mean, it's like we go to sleep at 9:30... But we have this tour coming up and I was feeling like I should be practicing some of my songs a bit more and was feeling pressure from myself to play some of the new tunes with my new string before crashing. Leanne, awesome as she is, had no problem with my unorthodox alternative.

So I played a few of my new tunes for awhile. Special thanks to Elixir, the string company, which sent me some strings for free to try out and use and send back my opinions on 'em. They are trial string s that are not out yet. Three days in and I think they're awesome. Anyway, after I played for 15 or 20 minutes, I started writing a little number about Leanne, to express my appreciation for her. I wrote this. I was going to play it for her before we went to bed, but it was 10:20, by then. Time to hit the sack. She will watch it for the first time on the 365 later today.

Nigel is honking his mushroom squeaky toy and it is almost as cute as it is maddening. He is the Ornette Coleman of mushroom squeaking. Ahhhh.... he just switched up to his Chewbacca toy, which is silent. Sweet sweet relief. I have a couple other hilarious stories my friends told me this morning, but they involve poop and pee and puke and drunk girls and puppies and I think I'll save 'em for another lifetime. Peace

Operation 365... Blog 95

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 102 Jason Burleson "Today's a New Day" - 3-10-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37PHj5aKM5A

Ola amigos. Today's 365 starts off with another fine song from our friend, Jason Burleson in the Archives. This is his number "Today's a New Day," recorded at my Open Mic on March 10, 2009. Jason's my pal and he's been going to my shows for many years. Sometimes, he'll get this tune going with a little sing-along thing where he walks into the audience. It's pretty cool.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 102 Kellis McDonald - 12-18-2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUvrSNaqAq4

Facebook told me a couple of my friends have birthdays today. Philly B, former King of my Open Mic and Kellis McDonald. When I was going through clips of Kellis to use last week, I found this clip. Well, the music I loved, but I was literally learning to use my video camera at this time so the video footage is horrible at best. laughable, and it's all my fault. I decided to save this for an outtake , cause the music is so damn good , though, So I'll post it today, cause it's just sitting in my Outtakes folder and today is his special day. I don't suppose this would count as a present, but it does show that he is on my mind. Hope you're well, Kellis. Hope to see you soon.

I have a number of outtakes I haven't used sitting around. Maybe I'll use them in cases like today. Maybe they can be extras on a DVD set someday. I have no idea.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 102 "Hevenu Shalom Alechem (We Come To Greet You In Peace)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJpZ-jN4uF4

When I taught music in Encinitas a few years back, I would enjoy going through the music text books from time to time and playing songs I was familiar with. This was one I would play here and again. I may have missed my true calling. Perhaps I should have been a cantor. Maybe it's not too late. Well, consider this my audition, temples. I come to greet you in peace.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 102 "Raining On Phelebe"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccsZkBc-v9w

Long story. Well, I saw on Facebook that it;'s my friend, Philly B's birthday today. That made me think if this song that I never ever play because the name in it sounds like his. So a few years ago, I was visiting Jersey and I had dreams a couple nights in a row where somebody was singing the chorus to this tune over and over again. It was a vivid memory. After this happened two nights in a row, I wrote the whole thing down and wrote this song about it.

I didn't know what Phelebe meant so I looked it up and only one thing came up.

http://www.neopets.com/ntimes/index.phtml?section=1475&week=158

This link, if you don;t feel like clicking, tells the story of this little bunny girl who wants to write but loses her book out by a tree when it starts to rain. The girl is scared but she overcomes her fear and finds a friend. I thought that was trippy and built it into my tune. When I returned to San Diego, I played this new song for myt dear friend Robin Lee, who was over visiting. She laughed her ass off. I'm not sure I've ever seen her laugh that hard. She thought the whole thing was hilarious, in a ridiculous sort, crazy person, sort-of-way, and who knows, maybe she was right. It was from my dream though. So here it is, a super random song I never play, "Raining On Phelebe." Happy Birthday Philly B.

Operation 365... Blog 94

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 101 Aqua Dulce - Winston's - 3-17-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUAoFa9kJa4

Decided to post the rest of that footage I have of Aqua Dulce from St. Patty's Day 2010. I forgot I had this but stumbled upon it yesterday going through stuff. Here is the rest of it plus some bonus, between-set, chilling-at-the-bar footage, Good times. Great tastes. Good feelings from San Diego's premier Latin funkfest, Aqua Dulce.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 101 "The Lion Sleeps Tonight - popularized by The Tokens
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG1nh1WYYZE

I love this song. I used it to successfully audition for the first band I ever got into. Granted it was a student/teacher rock band in high school, but still, we did play a sold-out 800 seat auditorium. I wouldn't mind that happening several hundred more times.

This song was written by... There appears to be some controversy aout who wrote it. Apparently it's an old folk song a bunch of people tried to get paid for. I wrote on my vid that some 3 dudes wrote it, but wikipedia doesn't even mention them. So if you want to know the story, or at least a small part of the story go here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_Sleeps_Tonight

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 101 "March"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4pC7xUowSo

Amidst all this song-writing with kids this week, I got a little fired up and I busted this one out real quick, like 5-7 minutes, for an audience of stunned students. I had wanted to write a song called "March" for some time, and March 1, 2011 turned out to be the day. I have already penned the month-inspired classics, "February," "April," "May," "June," "September," and "November." My friend , Spencer Katzman wrote "December" and "January," for a band we had in the late 90's, called Elin Tea. Even though those last two aren't mine, per se, I feel a strong bond to those jams, so I am in the least of a hurry to get to those wintery windows. Perhaps there's a deal to be struck.

"March," for some time has been the main one in my crosshairs, and I am glad to be able to scratch it off the list. Of course, I do a little play on the word," March," but that's to be expected. "February" symbolized" making peace with an old adversary, "April" has it's own double meaning about time and the flexibility of people and words. "May" symbolizes the hope of spring and the summer bounty that follows, and "June" refers to June Cleaver. "March" is about the path to helping ourselves and our world, and that a rhythmic repetition is required to achieve required sought progress. I have wanted to write "March" for a long time and I am glad it's written now. It will be interesting to see if it finds it's way into the rotation of songs that get played. Now, March.

In other news, I wrote a little jam this morning called "My Knee Grows," about a guy who is like Pinocchio, except when he lies, his knee grows, instead of his nose, Thanks to operation 365, you might actually get to hear that ridiculous ditty some time soon.

Operation 365... Blog 93

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 100 Hanging with Paul Lopez
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBhI2gS4eIY

Today is the 100th day of Operation 365. Hooray today.

I was hanging with my friend Paul Lopez on time about a year ago and he asked if I could film some of him playing to put ion the internet. He is pal of mine and we've done each other a number of favors over the years, so I said, "Absolutely." So I am sharing this here with you. I think he wanted to post it on his own or something, but I havent; seen or heard from him in awhile and I saw him, it made me think of him, and the rest will be history as soon as it's finished happening. At the end of this clip, you get some live Lopez. I believe, but am not certain, that that clip is from his set with his band Aqua Dulce from Winston's from St. Patty's Day of last year. That would explain the green ties.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 100 "Blowin' In The Wind" - Bob Dylan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_K-1bWazA

"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."

I'm pretty thankful to Bob Dylan and his folks for letting me use his legendary tunes. So much so, that I don't mind writing this little note above. My project wouldn't be the same without his tunes. Thanks Bob.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 100 "Peace and Happiness"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9ME34gbRuI

I wrote this jam with some of my elementary-school age students earlier this week. I like this song a lot by little kid songwriting standards. I think they make some salient points, those whipper-snappers. This song is called "Peace and Happiness." Much fun. Hail youth-spun, sense talk.

Operation 365... Blog 92

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 99 Wes Davis "City Lights" - 8-23-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xAcxcK8Mg0

Wes is joined here by Ian Livingstone on mandolin on this performance of his tune "City Lights" from August 23, 2009. I love Wes. Let me tell you a little bit about his world right now. Well, he is in the process of re-re-relocating back to San Diego with his super long term on again, off-again sweetie, Becca. He, like many folks, I know, is desperately trying to figure out what to do in this world that will feel right in his soul, be creative, and help him earn dough to survive. So far, pretty standard. One thing, Wes has going for him that many others don't (aside from some degree of fearlessness and tons of talent) is that he is the star of a new movie called "Buzzkill," coming out nay day now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkLVoECtPek

Our pal, the esteemed Dylan Avery, directed this film. He also did "Loose Change," and my "24 Hours of Free Music" movie, so it will certainly be first class. What do with a movie about you, I wonder and Wes must wonder too. I am in the movie a little, but it's all about Wes. Wes quit coffee and that's the "point" of the film, but it's really a bout Wes, and what will make it good is that he's interesting. He plays, he surfs, he climbs, and he plays with music with me from time to time.

Making music is not what you think it is. The last two days, he and I have been working on designing a poster for our April tour. Music is not graphic design, but if you hope to make any money doing it, and don't have any to invest up front, than it's that, and a lot of other things too; Buying a van, promoting on the interent, phone calls, working a job to afford to live. Living is a key pre-requisite to enjoying one's self playing music. I am interested to see what comes off all this Wes business and if you are in California in April, we will be too, and this is where.

March 31 - The Royal Dive, Oceanside, CA 9:00PM
April 2 - Asana Tea House, Santa Cruz, CA 7:30PM
April 5 - Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA NOON
April 5 - Mad River Brewing Co., Blue Lake, CA 6:00PM
April 6 - Naked Lounge, Sacramento, CA 8:00PM
April 8 - The Sleeping Lady, Fairfax, CA 9:00 PM
April 9 - Giordano Bros., San Francisco, CA 9:00 PM

Hope to see you real real soon.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 99 "The Epic Journey of The Yodeling Pirates Part I"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvoueLQugE0

This is another jamboree I wrote with student children on Monday. Maybe it was Tuesday... They named it, "The Epic Journey of The Yodeling Pirates Part I." "Campfire Yodeling" and "Vegetable Treasure" would also have been acceptable answers. Like I said, the other day, normally, these tunes would never be shared and would already be two days into their stay and "Song Heaven." I use that to inspire them to play the best version possible of their new song before it rests along while. Essentially, I'm encouraging them to give their song a good life. In many cases this is their first foray into the elite fraternity/sorority of the world's songwriting humans. And this group is one of those places, like the Hotel California, that you can never leave. Cheers, kids your immortality is consecrated in the only place left that matters in this world, the world wide web. I think it's called the internet now. I liked the alliteration better.

TAGS: songwriting lesson, Jefferson Jay, teaching songwriting to kids, teaching songwriting, lesson, how to write songs with kids, how to write songs, education, standards, great test scores, music for kids, pirates, llamas, vegetables, positive message, positive meaning

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 99 "Rocky Top" - Felice and Boudleaux Bryant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rczNWfItkzQ

Another student-inspired song. Today, was my fourth day subbing elementary music for a fellow. Today, I decided to try to play the tunes he is doing with the kids even though I don't "know" them and couldn't find the chords written down anywhere. I do "know" the tunes, even if I don't "know" how they go officially, so I said, let's go for it. I busted out the guitar and found myself doing surprisingly well on classics, such as "This Train," "Lollipop" (the 50s hit, not the L'il Wayne song), Stand By Me, This Land Is Your Land," "Lean On Me" (I played piano on that one), and others.

My favorite of all the jams they're doing though was "Rocky Top, Tennessee," better known to them as "Rocky Top." (I just learned the name of the song is actually "Rocky Top," and it was written by a married couple named Felice and Boudleaux Bryant. Hail research and accuracy.) As a fan of the iconic jamband Phish, the official state song of Tennessee (1 of 7) has special meaning to me. I heard Phish play it at several shows, and each time was a thrilling, fun way to spend time existing. So to play it myself, is exciting. Especially, considering I figured it out, on the fly, from my head, with a room full of excited 12-year olds singing. This song makes me happy.

Technically, I was even paid to do it. See, I'm on my way back to being a professional musician, again. Hopefully, more surely than slowly. Every day things are changing. Thank God. Otherwise, life would be so dull.