Operation 365... Blog 150

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 157 Justin Mills - "Little Darling" - 4-29-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fv3PPmtV7F8

Hello. Here is a version of "Little Darling" one of my favorite songs of all-time, by my pal Justin Mills. This was recorded on April 29, 2010, one year and one day ago. Justin is joined here by myself on Ashbory bass (isn't she cute?) and The Soul Man on guiro. This performance is special for a few reasons. One, this was the CD Release party for Don Truesdail's first CD, "Hello Nancy, Dasvidanya Bingoland." Secondly, it was my final show at the restaurant I once called home, Portugalia. Technically, it was Nancy Truesdail's show. She organized it and booked it and whatnot, but it was a Thursday, my final Thursday. I hosted Thursdays there for over three years. So all things considered, it was a wonderfully bittersweet night. A couple of nights later. when my Sunday show was canceled without me even being told, I resigned.

"The Port," as we affectionately called was having some troubles staying open. Various local agencies were cracking down on the owner for not having the proper permits to do all the things he was doing. My Open Mic, two days prior, also was canceled, at the last second. Until the night of the show, Nancy didn't even know if this show, which had been promoted heavily, would be allowed to happen. So it was the end, and as often is the case, it eventually got a little ugly, but not this night. This night was the final night of a marvelous era. The owner had lost the right to serve alcohol, so various artists, including myself, intermittently, made their way down to other bars, that WERE still serving drinks. How bizarre. Most of the mainstays took a turn on the stage, tributing Truesdail, a guy we all loved.

Well, it seems difficult to believe that it's been over a year since I worked at "The Port." I feel good. I miss doing the Tuesday and Thursday shows, but my time there had clearly come to an end. That's why I resigned. So, here is a toast to that golden era, and here is one of its finest songwriters, Justin Mills, playing arguably it's best song, "Little Darling." I'm just glad I was a part of the whole thing.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 157 "Taps" arranged by General Daniel Butterfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajv1tQq5Hdg

This is a final farewell to the era I just wrote of. My final show at Portugalia was a year ago yesterday. Portugalia was the venue where many of my archival clips were filmed and the room where my whole wonderful circle of friends blossomed. I had spiritual revelations in that room and countless unforgettable memories. The word is they'll be closing they're doors for good there soon. Like I said, I left a year and a day ago.

When I looked up "Taps" I learned it initially meant "lights out," and is played to end the military day. Seems fitting here. Later, in 1891, they began to play it at military funerals and memorial services and whatnot. wikipedia says both Union and Confederate forces played it during the Civil War. There are lyrics too. "Day is done..." and so forth. I went instrumental. Here is a final respectful moment of closure and appreciation for that spot, in commemoration of all the good times my friends and I had there from 2006 (was it 2005?) to 2010.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 157 "Hello Hello Hello"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osp0GcnrkEw

The future. What does it mean? What'll it bring? Do we realize we decide? Or do we sit back and just watch it all pass by? This is a choice we make. A choice WE make every day. and if you don't decide. Than kiss it all goodbye. What happens. The ground shakes beneath your mind. Where's this all going? Do you realize you decide? You can just sit and stay awake. But is that a chance that's safe to take?

You see as I still improvise, I'm taking chances with my lives. I hope to live create. Will my intentions resonate?

This is another new little something I bring you from my mind. It just arrived there, hanging on the line. I gave it back to you instantly not filtering my stream. Do I know exactly what I mean? I mean a feeling. I mean a thrust, a touch, desire, I mean revealing. I mean revealing. I mean a lusting to inquire. I mean our mind, this life, our times, our tries, our mind. I mean leaving it on the line. I mean a sunny day in San Diego, C-A and I'm inside, excavating our mind. I'm talking to you here on a computer. I should be talking to those outside. Applying to get by. Risking rejection. Taking my words to the streets. Or at least getting something good to eat.

Have a great morning. Loving everything is truly getting by.

Operation 365... Blog 149

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 156 Behind the Scenes - 3-11-2010

Here is another rare behind the scenes look at all the fun we had back in the day. I guess it was only 13 months ago, March 11, 2010, but to me, it feels like a lifetime. Rarely did I remove the camera from it's post, from which many of these archival videos were shot. It seems now, over 150 days in to this crazy experiment, that these clips are more important that I ever imagined. Obviously, among other things here, I'm telling a story. So this is the backstory, if you will

Here you get to see glimpses of my enormous ego, hopefully mostly flaunted in fun. You also get to hear my (politely) berate my soundman. I am sort of notoriously hard on soundpeople. WHat can I tell you? It is kind of in the their hands whether the show sucks or not. Obviously, I can't have that, can I? Nice cameos by Jack Davidson, Paul Lopez (then recovering form smashing his hand), Jennie Buss and various members of the Paul Lopez Music Group, now known as LoPro.

My favorite stuff in here is the bonding between myself and two of my nearest and dearest, The Soul Man and Paul Ruiz. I love the poop out of those guys. Also, stay 'til the end to peek at Robin Lee and Blowski cracking up. Fun!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 156 "Please Give Me Some Food"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geS2FaqpUzc

This incredible song "Please Give Me Some Food," was co-written with my better half, Angel. Angel has been my loyal and loving pooch for over 11 years now and she gets better every day. I lover her so much and it was an honor to collaborate with her on the original song for today.

I added some interpretive dance, and a solo at the end on The Soul Man best guiro ever. Someone stepped on it and cracked it at a show recently and he gave it to me. They didn't even 'fess up. Weak. It was someone in his Viva Santana cover band. They did it on stage. Admit it at least. Come on! I also take a short solo at the very end on slide whistle. honorable mention goes to Nigel the Dog, Prince of Dogs on looking cute. Nigel is currently booking appearances, if you need an unbelievably cute dog for one reason or another.

Angel clearly expresses in her inimitable lyrical style that she is hungry and wants food. I think her lyric-writing, her vocals AND her lyrics are world class, kick-ass and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Sorry to those who don't speak dog, but to me, it was clear what she was saying.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 156 "Oh Yeah" by Yello
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPdwRSqS8YM

Who is Yello? I don;t know. I had never heard of them before. But "Mmmm, Bonk-Bonk, Chickah -ChaickAHHHH!!!!"? Who doesn't love that one? Nobody, that's who. Nobody doesn't love that one. "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"? That other movie with Michael J. Fox that I thought was "Bright Lights, Big City," but was really "The Secret of My Success"? Yes. Both of 'em. So raise a glass to "Oh Yeah." Oh Yeah. Good night now.

Operation 365... Blog 148

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 155 Robin Lee - 12 - 2-19-2009

Here is the exciting conclusion of Robin Lee's set on February 19, 2009. She is playing her classic number "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead." She is joined once again by Jack Davidson on lead guitar and The Soul Man on guiro. Robin's entire set (12 tracks) has now been posted from this show as part of Operation 365. It is a great honor to have such special material to share as part of this project. I guess it's a public service of sorts to hose who care about hits sort of thing, or those fortunate enough to get to enjoy Robin Lee who may not otherwise have known her. As I say at the end of this video, I love Robin Lee. I hope she's doing well and I think about her lots and lots. Peace, wherever you are, Robin.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 155 "Stairway to Heaven" by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSHI5V6NodQ

"Stairway To Heaven" is the greatest song of all time. Blah blah blah... So on. So forth. It's great. It's awesome. It's "Stairway To Heaven." For more info, visit my daily Operation 365 blog at jeffersonjay.blogspot.com

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 155 "Never Gonna GIve You Up" popularized by Rick Astley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSHI5V6NodQ

OK. So I lied to all those people on youtube, but here in the blog, the truth lies. How ironic.
So I rick-rolled em pretty bad, huh? Had to be done. I actually like this song. It is a million times better than "I Hate Everything About You" and "Pour Some Sugar On Me," just to name two. It is by three guys names Stock, Aitken, and Waterman, whoever they are. Whoever they are, they probably made a bunch off this tune, because it was a worldwide #1 hit. Thanks again to wikipedia for the deets. wiki adds that 13 million people have been rickrolled. How they know I have no idea, but let's make it an even 13 million and six, after my latest amazing accomplishment. I had to play it kinda quietly, because Leanne was taking an afternoon nap. I hope you enjoy my incredible amounts of cleveritude.

NOTE: For some reason youtube suggested I add "palestine" to the tags on this video. I did it, but I can't even imagine where they come up with this stuff. I kinda stopped checking as thoroughly all the nonsense I am allowing youtube to plant in my video tags. I am sure they are pulling some fast ones every chance they get, but then again, this is from a guy who thinks the bag of dog treats in front of him smells like a yummy salmon dinner, so maybe I best wrap this up and grab some human food before something bad happens.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 155 "Be Careful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4yGtLgnIuw

A cool thing about the 365 in recent weeks is, I've been writing lots of new original tunes with the express purpose of sticking them in this here Operation. Some of them I think have been pretty cool. Others, I'm sure I wont even realize how cool they are until I can come back when this is all said and done and give them a fair evaluation. necessity isn't necessarily the best reason to write tunes, but that doesn't mean you can't write some good ones that way.

Everything matters in this world. There are no irrelevant instants ever. This song encourages all to take heed the value in our times and in our minds. Be careful. Sometimes, everything depends on it. Love.

Operation 365... Blog 147

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 154 Robin Lee 11 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cvT53x4TS0

Here is another great one from my dear friend Robin Lee. I am almost done posting her entire show from 2-19-2009, something I am quite proud of in my little own humble way. This was from right when she started throwing down jams with Jack Davidson. In fact this is classic performance when she called Jack, "Smokin' Jack Davis, after the song. This was classic for two reasons. One, after that, he told her he no longer wanted to be referred to as "Smokin'." She obviously was referring positively to his playing, but I guess he didn't go for the implications. It was also about this time that Robin learned that his real name was Jack Davidson, not Davis. All in all, hilarious.

This is another epic Robin Lee tune. Robin is perhaps one of the most underrated songwriters of all-time and I am not hyperbolizing. This is an autobiographical number. I know it specifically helped inspire a song by my pal Wes Davis, whose name in fact, actually is, Davis. I love this tune and I love Robin, wherever she is right now. They are also joined at this performance by The Soul Man, another awesome human being, on guiro. Enjoy!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 154 "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tEX4vd_Xy4

Here is the classic ditty, "This Land Is Your Land" by Woody Guthrie. I've been doing this one with my students and they seem to like it a bunch. I even threw the harmony in there at the end that I learned when I sang this song in music when I was there same age as my students are now. This land IS your land. I really mean this.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 154 "Great Story"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHIjx40riyc

In a fairly grand departure from my recent original posts, I have gone away from my extemporaneous, new song-of-the-day approach to a far more traditional method. This "Great Story," the title track off my first CD, which can be heard or purchased here.

http://jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com/album/great-story

"Great Story" was released in 2004. I have always dreamed of making of movie from this concept album. In fact, the whole story is written in my mind and has been for some time. The idea is what would happen if they world kept going in the direction that it is for another 40. Eight years have passed since I wrote all these tunes, and by all means it has. Maybe I ought to dictate the story arc to one of these here machines some time son. Probably. As the title track, you can kind of glean the whole idea of the story from this one tune. It seems like something big is going to happen. What are we going to do when it does? Should be interesting. Sounds like a great time to have some really, REALLY great friends.

Finally, I have been feeling the reggae vibe lately. In my new originals, at my gig at Winston;s last Saturday. There is just something about playing reggae here in Ocean Beach. All just feels right in the world when that happens. Thanks again Bob Marley for sharing this gift with the world.

Operation 365... Blog 146

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 153 Jefferson Jay - "Enough is Enough" 3-11-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr3WvUJm8R8

This is one of my more fun, yet less-played tunes "Enough is Enough." This song exists for when the madness has gone too far, which of course folks, let's face it, it has. This version was recorded on March 11, 2010, shortly after this hymn was penned. I am joined by the Methuselah of local music, the Soul Man, on guiro and Paul Lopez on congas. Enjoy the fun found here!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 153 "Your Song" by Elton John
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JmCS89kP1M

This morning I was enjoying a delicious breakfast prepared by terrific sweetie Leanne Pearl. Adrianna Martin-Morningstar and super-roommate Josh Rodriguez also attended this feast. At one point Senor Rodriguez was whistling "Speechless" by Lady Gaga, which astute followers of the 365 will recall, I did a few days ago. Adrianna then added that Gaga and Sir Elton collaborated on a mash-up of sorts at one of those awards shows, blending "Speechless" and "Your Song." and with the innocent breakfast anecdote, Operation 365 history was made. It was a fait accompli, folks, and here is the brain baby of our breakfast bunch, today, April 26, 2011, "Your Song."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 153 " A Springtime Serenade"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-02kIEq4Jo

This is a nice little instrumental ditty that just, to me, says "Springtime." I like it, it makes me happy, and I came up with it today. I actually had prepared a prior version of it at school, but when it came down to it, it was just as easy to do another one, right here at home. And that way, I got to play it again. I like it. I don't even think it needs lyrics. A capo, yes, but lyrics... It already says "Springtime" without 'em. Yeah, Spring!

Operation 365... Blog 145

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 152 Paul Lopez Music Group - 3-11-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHaG5d7z0J0

Here is the Paul Lopez Music Group from March 11, 2010. I posted this because I liked the groove and there were some nice close-up shots of my bro, The Soul Man. He is 92 years old and going strong. love that guy. He is the dude on the guiro. Also featured here are Mikey on drums, Johnny Alexander on guitar, Marco on sax, Jim Tuggey on bass, and Paul Lopez on congas. Stick around to the end of the clip to see me hit the stage, looking stunning. Thank you.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 152 "When I'm 64" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=selilD2fwuk

This catchy number got in my head, so I went for it. Pretty fun. Who doesn't love The Beatles' "When I'm 64"?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 152 "What's Going To Happen Next?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z1JyXmF48U

As I was playing "When I'm 64" for my cover today, I thought as crazy as things were in the 1960's, at least they had reason there'd still be a world when they were 64. I thought maybe I'd try to write a song about when I'm 42, and I realized how big an unknown everything is. Who knows if there will even be a world then and if there is who knows what it will consist of. This extreme disparity can't exist forever. There are some nefarious forces out there and while, I don't think about this too much, (cause it's depressing as Hell), I am not nieve enough to think there's no way things can happen.

Let's face it. Things change every day. Whether it's an oil spill or an earthquake or whatever it is. A sky full of fake sprayed clouds. Government-ordered tornados. I just don't know. I do know this. Love is what matters most. The richest man in the world can't buy one ounce of love and everything he owns put together is worthless compared to love. When people begin to realize that love and kindness, and being free in your mind, mean more than stories on TV and the "toys and gizmos" (a George Carlin quote) people have taken as a cheap pay-off for love and freedom they deserve, then things will begin to change for the better.

There is no sense in ever wielding a weapon. Those in charge have more weapons and are dying for an excuse to use 'em on whoever, whenever, for any old reason at all. The true revolution that needs to happen, can only occur in people's minds. No one can take that from you unless you give it to them. They can try to buy you and your time, but only you can allow that bribe to happen. Those of us, who dream for more, those who haven't given up, your time is finally here. We can make a difference. We can change things. We just have to decide. One individual at a time. When enough people come together, united in our hearts and souls, the rest of those still suckling at the teat of capitalism, will be embarrassed. Everything they've collected will reveal itself as relics from an era that needed to go.

Who are you as a person? That's what matters. How much stuff you have? That's just another irrelevant statistic... Like how many time you go potty in a month, or how many beans you eat in a lifetime. It just doesn't matter. Love does.

Oh, and here's a few links that got me all fired up to write what I wrote today.

George Carlin on Keith Olbermann
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNfReMQufFg

US Soldier Awakens to the Terror of War
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNfReMQufFg

George Carlin Discusses Why Things Are the Way They Are
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0yhHHPc7IU

Operation 365... Blog 144

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 151 Robin Lee 10 - 2-19-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ImUjwPkvX0

So it's Easter, and I was thinking all about this resurrection stuff and all these millions of people believing that Jesus came back to life and emerged from a cave or something like that. Now I think it's great that all these folks believe something so scientifically unprovable, with all their heart and soul. I began thinking about how this idea relates to me in my life and I decided then, that I was going to post Robin Lee as my archive for the day, here on Easter.

I was thinking that if Jesus, who was dead, can come back to life and rejoin folks, that Robin Lee, who to my knowledge, is still alive, could some day rejoin us. So, I went on a search for a nice Robin Lee clip to use. I bounced around between a few. Some look the same at a glance. And then I decided to return to this set she did at one of my Thursday shows, on February 19, 2009. Earlier in the 365, I had already posted the first nine or so songs from this set, so I decided to pick up where I left off with the next song from her set that day.

Of course, what are the first lyrics I hear come from her lips when I hit play. "I'm dead, but I'm still alive. I'm dead, but I'm still alive." Then it was decided. Enjoy Robin Lee as I dream hopefully of her second coming. She is joined here on guiro by The Soul Man and on lead guitar by Jack Davidson. Peace. Happy Easter, Oh Great Robin.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 151 "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" by Fred Rogers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuFy37FV9do

I was messing around trying to conjure my original for the day... I was singing about what's happening, how Leanne is taking a nap and how we are going to Patricia Mueller's for Easter and what a beautiful day it is and I had an A-Ha moment, which led to me finding and singing this here classic for you. Did you know Mr. Rogers wrote "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" Well, he did, in 1967. Mr. Rogers was cool and I'm feeling like it's a beautiful day for a neighbor. I love my neighbors, incidentally. They are cool as F-word.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 151 "Back From The Dead"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCLxOqR-4m8

This is my newest song, just wrote it. It's called "Back From The Dead." It asks the listener if they believe in people coming back from the dead. It asks if they believe that, or if they only believe what they see. It asks if you think that could happen today. Are you a person who believes people can come back form the dead? It seems there are millions who believe in this devoutly, yet I never hear anybody discussing those types of possibilities in a serious way in public, ever. I wish that happened more. A more serious belief in the mystical and otherworldly could only help our consciousness in this scrambled and mixed-up world. If it could happen once, it could happen again, right? In fact, isn't a huge part of the whole Easter-related belief system, aka Christianity, that that in fact WILL happen at some point soon?

All I know is if I believed that kind of stuff was going to be going down, than I would doing a lot more important stuff with my time than watching TV and being miserable,like so many are today. That's just me though, I believe in folks coming back form the dead. I believe it every day. They come back to us in their own way. And Im not afraid to admit it. It can happen today. Any day.

Happy Easter... Blog 143

Thought maybe I'd rant a sec before enjoying a Bob's Big Bacon Bagel Blast at Your Mama's Mug. A beautiful day, today in Ocean Beach, it is. A man his puppy, his dog, and his hamster, relaxing near the ocean. Good times. Is there a point to any of this? Any philosopher, any meta-physicist must ask this question from time to time. I, of course, an inclined, to say yes. Why would this whole thing be one big pointless gag? I'm not buying it.

Speaking of stuff I'm not buying, tomorrow is Easter. Happy Holidays to all the Christians out there on their holiest of days, as I understand it. Now I'm down with folks believing whatever they want. I certainly believe stuff that nobody else would believe in all likelihood. Honestly, my problem isn't with Easter, Jesus, the whole God's son/immaculate conception tale, none of that. My problem rests exclusively with anyone of any belief system who is convinced that they are right and everybody else is wrong. Even moreso, my problem lies with anyone who thinks because they believe one thing and someone else believes another, that they will be "saved," while those who don't believe what they do, will suffer for all eternity.

Now, I'm well aware that there are a lot of good religious folk who don't believe this sort of elitist nonsense, but it is those who do, who do a great disservice to mankind. That sort of negative faith and superiority complex, truly brings the world down. It's a bummer. If we could all accept and embrace each other in our differences and our similarities, if we could replace our fractured spirit with a soul far more united, then, the human race could resume it's path toward something holier than mass profits and extreme greed. Is that what Jesus was supposed to stand for? How is that hypocrisy overlooked by these allegedly spiritual folks? Probably the same way the Catholic church has overlooked child molestation for generations.

Any decent religious person is tolerant, loving, accepting, and humble. So what I'm saying is have a great Easter, but if part of your holiday, is counting whose going to Hell for being Jewish, gay, or different than you, in any way, than you are nowhere near the holy man or woman that you think you are.

Happy Easter.

Operation 365... Blog 142

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 150 Nam Ninja - "Apollo" - 4-28-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2rsVsleNJ4

Here is the Nam Ninja at my Open Mic on April 28, 2009, playing his tune "Apollo." One of the most rewarding things about hosting the Open Mic is watching performers grow from week to week. After a year or two, the strides some folks make are truly inspiring. The Ninja did a nice job when he first joined us, but he wrote a song inspired by me, which rules and I could also see the Destructo Bunny influence in his music growing as the weeks went by. I hope the Ninja is doing well. Peace to the Nam Ninja.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 150 "Sparkle" by Phish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVlEu2Roq0k

"Sparkle" was on the list of tunes that was definitely going to get done some day, I have already tried a few versions of this one, but for one reason or another they all didn't come out right. I played pretty fast on the end of this one, so that is cool... and I hadn't done a Phish tune in awhile after doing very many at the start of this wonderful monstrosity. Hail Sparkle!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 150 "Is It Dying?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcUM9i8QEC0

Got to admit, a few day lately, like today for instance, not so much feeling like doing the 365. It is a tough spot. What do you do? Just not do it. I guess that would be one option. Especially in the wake of 4/20. But no... I soldier on, for one reason or another. Today's song "Is It Dying?," is about this very topic. What's next for the 365, it asks? I am pretty good about writing songs on the spot, as long as they're about whatever happens to be on my mind, This is what is on my mind right now, but thankfully, I am almost done with this for today and I can move my mind on to thinking abort other things like cleaning my apartment and what I'm going to eat for breakfast. Maybe I'll eat a shower for breakfast. That would probably be wise.

If you have any impassioned opinions one way or another about the 365, speak now, because, one thing everyone on this planet has in common is, who knows what's going to happen tomorrow? Not me. Maybe I'll be free. If not, the number of days left is 215.

Operation 365... Blog 141

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 149 Eric Weiss - 4-28-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6qNOkoAvpE

Here is fine gentleman, Eric Weiss, doing his classical guitar thing, at my Open Mic on April 28, 2009. Eric also has some skills in the electronic music world, but I have enjoyed his classical guitar stylings, myself. Enjoy his virtuosity as Robin Lee, Destructo Bunny, and a roomful of others, appreciate the work of good man, Eric Weiss.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 149 "Speechless" by Lady Gaga
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBfiMBcYQVQ

I have been wanting to do this one for a long time, since some students of mine at one of the local high schools, turned me on to another fine tune, but the hugely talented pop star, Lady Gaga. I had been waiting to make sure I did it justice, but today was the day. It's number was up. Wish I had been warmed up or any or all of that, but today was the day. I did OK. If I didn't dig this tune so much, I wouldn't mind my mediocrity. Lagy Gaga, there, sets the bar nicely high. Oh well, maybe this version will turn some of my friends on to a tune, they may no know otherwise. Hope you dig it. Nice work, Steph. Really cool tune. I like your whole act. You've got it going on. Congratulations.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 149 "Ultimatum"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnz8cOh7NKU

Don't you hate ultimatums? Hardly a peaceful solution to be drawn from any of 'em. Sometimes you may feel like your back is against the wall, but nothing will put your back against the wall more completely than an ultimatum. Honorable mention goes to blackmail and those times in the movies when the bad guy tells the good guy he better do what he says, or his wife, daughter, and/or son will pay the price. I hate when that happens. To quote the dumbass, woman-beating, anti-Semite Mel Gibson, "Give me back my son!!!!!"

Operation 365... Blog 140

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 148 Shivaji Shinde - 4-20-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYYij3dhYHM

Here is Shivaji, the doctor of heavy metal at my Open Mic's. This clip was filmed at my final Open Mic at Portugalia on April 20, 2010, one year ago yesterday. In this clip, Shivaji is introduced by yours truly and then he plays his biggest original hit, known affectionately as "Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun." That os the transliteration of his opening riff. I like Shivaji. He invited me to go shoot guns at the range once. I said no, cause I was afraid he'd shoot me. I don't really shoot stuff. I think he was offended. Sorry Shivaji. Welcome to the 365.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 148 "Here Come the Yankees" by Bob Bundin & Lou Stallman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGOBSjANQDY

wikipedia says...

"The official fight song for the Yankees is "Here Come the Yankees", written in 1967 by Bob Bundin and Lou Stallman. While it is not used as often, it is still heard frequently in instrumental form, most prominently in radio broadcasts."

I am going to the ballpark for the first time today, so in a way that officially launches my baseball season. I love baseball. I am a huge sports fan. That surprises some folks who don;t know me that well, but it's true. I love baseball the most, though, Tonight I am going to the ballgame with Leanne and The Wilkins clan. Cory and Laura Wilkins are blind so they will receive 9 unfiltered innings of my play-by-play and cutting analysis. What fun. I alo have been offered tickets to tomorrow night's Phillies-Padres game as well and I want to go really bad, but I am supposed to go to band practice. Talk about torn. Doh! Tonight, though., Padres-Phillies The Pads will be lucky if they score one run. Fortunately, my amigo found someone else to take the ticket, freeing me from my moral dilemma.

This song brought me great joy as a small boy, sitting in my high chair. It led off Yankee telecasts in those day and nothing gets me more fired up for baseball then this here tune. Thanks to those dudes for writing it and thanks to my puppy Nigel, for being so cute in all my videos lately. We think we might try to make a million dollars off his cute little butt. Anybody know a good dog agent?

I just realized that the audio was not on in my recording so I had to use Screenflow to get some audio to go with my fabulous video of "Here Come The Yankees." Enjoy!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Outtakes - 148 "Here Come the Yankees" by Bob Bundin & Lou Stallman
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3yKftKOONk

Here is the alternate version of "Here Come the Yankees" with the overdubbed vocals. I liked the Scrrenflow one slightly better, so that it the official "cover," but I liked this one too, so it is an outtake. Peace

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 148 "We're Going To The Ballgame"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMnLcjsZXVU

I decided to let my enthusiasm about going to the ballgame for the first time this year lead me through my original for today. I realized they have the "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" song, but that's only one. There's certainly room for another baseball song, don;t you think? There must be. There is. Something a little funkier I thought would be cool, something a little more 21st century. Who even eats Cracker Jacks anymore anyway? Well, I;'m gonna have a good time. i could tell a few more fun stories about it, but I'm going to the ballgame!

Operation 365... Blog 139

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 147 Beer Money - "Home Again"- 2-17-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvCjvC2um8M

Happy April 20th everybody. Today is the one-year anniversary of my final Open Mic at Portugalia, the restaurant that I hosted shows at for 4 1/2 years, The word on the street is that "The Port" as we affectionately called it, is about to go down for the dirtnap, once and for all. Honestly, I can;t believe it took this long. I decided quite some time ago that I would focus on the myriad of great memories I had there over the years and forget and forgive all the nonsense that happened in my final days on the job. I feel good about it. I can only hope the folks over there are mature and evolved enough to see it similarly.

If I'd thought about it, I would have used something from that Open Mic or from our 4/20 supershow in 2009, but I am very happy with this selection. Here is Beer Money, featuring Joe and Jen Stevens doing there song, "Home Again." Make no mistake about it. Portugalia was all of our homes away from home for years and I will always be hugely appreciative of that time and opportunity. Joe has his moments of extreme eloquence and the ability to summarize a situation in a moving manner., He does that here at the end of the clip, so please consider sticking around for that. I join the Beer Money on this one, with a little lead guitar, from the heart and from the soul. Peace.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 147 "Easy Skanking" by Bob Marley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJwlMvJireo

Who doesn't love Bob Marley? (Racists?) Could there ever be a better advocate for the use of marijuana as a medicinal herb than the great Robert Nesta Marley? How about as a man? Marley put himself at great personal risk to speak out for what he believed in. I look up to that so much. His career is one of the most moving and inspring that I know if and his body of work leaves no doubt that he was a man of conviction, and no doubt as to exactly what those convictions were.

Marijuana is legal for medicinal use in the state of California, and many others, yet prisons nationwide are full of "criminals" convicted of marijuana-related crimes. What year is it? 1965? Any Bob Marley tune would be a fitting tribute to the stoner-appointed holiday of 4-20. I chose "Easy Skanking," because I love the message. Marley has many tunes with super heavy messages. can relate. Marley sang about racism, slavery, the culture declining into materialism, and a united Africa. This song is about relaxing and how he chose to do it, which was with herb for his wine and honey for his strong drink. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year of alcohol-related deaths. How many die of weed each year? Zero. When is the last a a doctor anywhere prescribed several beers or shots to someone who was in pain, or suffering from cancer, or glaucoma, or a bunch of other stuff? Never.

Pharmaceutical companies will sell you a million different drugs to try to relax you. That is perfectly legal. Marijuana is a plant that grows in the ground, but it's illegal. Could it be because the government is not making a ton of money off it? Yes, I think so. I admire and respect Bob Marley's intolerance of corruption and inequality. Nobody is perfect, but Bob Marley as an ambassador for weed, freedom, and reggae music? The whole world wide, I can not imagine a stronger representative. Jah Rastafari. Long live Bob Marley. Happy holidays, weedheads.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 147 "Light It Up. It's 4/20"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngeTEU48-xc

I've written my share of reggae tunes over the last however many years. How many would I have written if not for the existence of Bob Marley? Probably none. What an inspiration and what a great advocate for reggae music and the Rastafari way of life. I am not a Rastafarian, and there is a lot I don;t know about it, but I would almost surely choose Rastafari over several other religions, if forced to make that sort of choice. I am really glad that is not the case, though and I get to choose what I wish to believe, every little detail at a time.

I am going to play some sort of reggae song today for this 365 here. I just haven't chosen which one yet. Will it be "Great Story," the title track of my first CD? WIll it be "Step Up," one of the highlights of my most recent album "Yellow?" Those tunes by the way can be heard and purchased right now at www.jeffersonjay.bandcamp.com, if you are so inclined. Will it be a special new song to commemorate this holiday for medicinal herb users? Hmmmm... Now to decide.

OK, it's done. This new song is called "Light It Up. It's 4/20." Of course this song in no way recommends the use of medicinal herbs without a doctor's prescription because of course, you know, that would be wrong. If you're confused about my message, please understand that I am a teacher and I tell the kids every time they ask, that I have never done any drugs and never would. I am against that. I tell them. Now that we understand each other, I felt, the least I could do was be an undertand neighbor to my Ocean Beach compatriots and give them a song to sing will they medicate on their appointed holiday. The rest of you... light a candle or something. Make this song your own. Isn't it Passover? I think Easter is coming. There;'s got be some reason to light something safe on fire that resonates with you... Do whatever you want. I think that's one of the planks of the stoner agenda. Is that right?

That groove is still floating in my head. I could have played it for hours more. Yes, I just made that up on the first try, moments ago. I hope you like it. The melody is still singing in my head. "Light It Up, cause its 4/20" Ahhhhh...

NOTE: In honor of 4/20, I forgot to post these last two videos and the blog. Can we say that I was celebrating? Trying to find a fitting way to commemorate this bowliest of days. The funniest part is, I actually did all these videos and the blog yesterday. I just plum forgot to post the last two. I was a bit stunned when I went to look at yesterday's blog and it had never been posted. Ditto for yesterday's last two vids. Because it was 4/20, I think I'm gonna let myself slide and call it part of the observance. What choice do I have? I could stop I guess... Ahhhhh.... sweet relief. Ha! No, that would be too easy.

Operation 365... Blog 138

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 146 Destructo Bunny - Part Two - 2-17-2009

Here is Part Two of Destructo Bunny's set from my Open Mic on February 17, 2009. The Bunny freestyles conscious hip hop and brings it hard. This clip features a little freestyling at the end, by none other than yours truly. Didn't know I got rappy, did ya? Yeahhh, once in a while, for fun. Keeps my skills sharp. Ha! Catch cameos by Robin Lee and Blowski at the video's start. Enjoy the rappin' rabbit.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 146 "Ma Nishtana" or "The Four Questions"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blwIrHuxLmk

Maybe, I missed my true calling. Perhaps I could have been a fine cantor, singing at temples and making a fine living. Too bad, from a a young age I found Hebrew School to be an insufferable bore. That's actually probably where some of my bad school habits began. I just couldn't take it, so I dropped out. I still feel a sense of relief when I recall it.

But it IS Passover now. At least that's what someone told me at our gig in Julian, the other night. SO I figured I'd bust out this Passover standard for all the Jews and Jew-curious folks tuning in to the 365. "Ma Nishtana" or "The Four Questions" are sung by the youngest male at the Seder, the traditional Jewish Passover feast.

What has changed, this night,
from all the other nights?

That in all other nights we eat both
chametz and matzah,
on this night, we eat only matzah.

That in all other nights we eat
many vegetables,
on this night,

That in all other nights we do not
dip vegetables even once,
on this night, we dip twice.

That in all other nights
some eat sitting and others reclining,
on this night, we are all reclining.

There is the question, and the four answers, for you extremely curious folks. I think I was supposed to sing the question before each of the answers, but honestly, it was enough already. Don't you think? It was for me. The problem with the Seder, usually, is that it takes too long. Way too long. The food rocks, but some folks insist that the dinner take five hours. That was almost as annoying as Hebrew School. So I wasn't gonna let that happen with my Passover jam here. I kept it brief. Pretty fascinating stuff, huh? Happy Passover, y'all.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 146 "A Cha-Cha-Cha"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zluRNcqkOhA

So I was gonna sing some gibberish for ya in a cantor voice, but then I thought that might come off wrong after "The Four Questions" and everything, so I ad-libbed to something a little jazzier. I gave it a little hi-hat thing at the top, inspired by Jim Coker, Tom Ratzin, and I play we all did in high school called "Word Play," and then I just got loose from there. It is very important to get loose. Some folks are just so tight. It's a wonder if they ever have any fun at all. Seriously.

I went jazzy and then I cut left over Cab Calloway pass and made my way musically to the Gumdrop Mountains. As I scampered through a field of toms of all sizes, I juked and jived, dropped a few cha-cha-chas to leave pursuers gasping in the dust. Then I made a break for paydirt, musical glory, all over your 365 faces. That's what I do. I music. I'm Jefferson Jay. A cha-cha-cha...

Operation 365... Blog 137

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 145 Destructo Bunny - Part One - 2-17-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ofb3ibFtCM

Here is my pal, Destructo Bunny live form my Open Mic on February 14, 2009. The Bunny freestyles conscious hip hop and brings it. He is a force of nature. Behold the rabbit. It is the Year of the Rabbit. Did you know?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 145 "If You're Happy and You Know It" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC5oB3QR6nI

Holy technical difficulties Batman. I've recorded like 50 (actually 5 videos) or today and for one reason or another they are hexed. First, I took a bold step artistically with my a capella version of The Village People's "In The Navy." Who wouldn't have loved that, right? Cuddling with Nigel and everything, but NOOOoooooooo, the mic on the computer was set to static fuzz.

So I went outside to this picturesque, cozy, little spot on a lawn chair in my backyard and recorded a bunch of jams, for today and beyond, "Down By The River," some other stuff. Nigel kept exploring and distracting in the middle but we made it through. I went to transfer the files to my desktop and all the clips skipped. Boooo.. So what's a guy to do. I've taken all my time for 365 and still have -2 videos to show for it. Well, I better get creative real quick, cause this brother's time is up.

I think I've got an idea... So what I did was, you see, was take a bunch of the clips I filmed earlier and add the audio for the video I just recorded for "If You're Happy and You Know It." That's like when the Native Americans used every part of the bison, so as not to waste. That's right, I said it.

The ironic part is, the sun was shining in my eyes and I felt pressed for time, so I don't really look happy at all, through all that much of it, particularly the outside stuff. Isn't irony delicious? That reminds me, I'm supposed to have dinner ready by 7. Doh! Ha!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 145 "Short"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvjK8QO2P6Y

I was a bit more excited to share my newest tune, before it got all jacked up by all that skipping business I mentioned. Yeah, my computer was skippin' and trippin' when I recorded my outdoor jams for today and I am here, kicking it in salvage mode. Enjoy my newest song, a little instrumental called "Short." Sorry it skips.

Operation 365... Blog 136

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 144 Jefferson Jay - "P.S. It's You" - 4-6-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4kJvslK-qw

Yesterday, I posted our "Running Out of Time" from our show on tour at The Naked Lounge in Sacramento, April 6, 2011. Here is our next song in the set list that night, "P.S. It's You." I really like "P.S. It's You." It's a song I penned during my Summer Songburst creativity period in August 2010. For years, we closed shows with "Running Out of Time." I think we will be using "P.S. It's You" in a role like that for some time to come.

It's been an incredible weekend. We had maybe the best band practice I've ever been involved with for The Jefferson Jay Band on Friday. The great vibe was in the house. Awesome jamming. Blowski, Paul Ruiz, Soul Man, Richard Romero, the lovely Leanne on drums, and myself. We really had a blast. Then last night, Steve and Tara's wedding was epic. And the whole band is coming to Wynola Pizza Express tonight near Julian to celebrate my birthday. Hooray. It feels nice to be a blessed man.

This set featured Wes Davis on drums and Blowski on keys. Special thanks to Alex Race for filming.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 144 "You Don't Have To Cry" by Stephen Stills
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Xx14xi5aYA

Like many other covers I've done here on the 365, I've always enjoyed this tune. It was in my head for a minute just now when it came time to do this and I was glad I hadn't used it up yet. I have great memories of sitting in my dorm room with my friend Paola, Alex Race's wife now incidentally, and some other friends, harmonizing some Crosby, Stills and Nash songs, having a jolly old time. This song I think is sweet. My voice is a little haggard from all the awesomely fun Steve and Tara wedding stuff yesterday, but it's OK. I think the enormous zit on my head is big enough to distract from that anyway.

Kisses and peace.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 144 "Tara and Steve"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxR9eOcoZcA

This is one of the most significant videos I have posted on the 365 so far for many reasons. First and foremost is I wrote this tune earlier in the week for my dear friends Steve and Tara, who got married yesterday. It was a wonderful ceremony. Everyone had tons of fun. I feel great about Steve and Tara and their promise of enjoying the rest of their lives together. Cory Wilkins Band played. I sat in. So did Steve. I MC'd. That was fun. Leanne and I danced and got drunk and a bunch of our other friends were there celebrating too. It was an awesome time.

I wanted to share this song with them, but I hadn't got down singing and playing it at the same time yet, so I recorded the guitar in iMovie and then did my Screenflow thang to put the vocals in. With that, I was able to also have the lyrics on screen. Thanks to Nigel the Puppy who rebounded from falling out the window of my moving car in the morning to make a sweet cameo rocking in my arms. Nigel was not harmed in the near-death experience, Leanne caught him by the leash. He must have been flailing there like a rubber chicken for a few seconds. He emerged unscathed.

So I burned a CD for Tara and Steve. I walked into the living room where they were putting together a little video presentation for the couple and they wound up including this here "Tara and Steve" video in it. After, Steve took the mic for the only time in the whole thing and said some generous words about me. They gave me cake and everybody sang "Happy Birthday" to me, which was unexpected and hugely appreciated.

So here is a song that throws down how I really feel about these two little lovebirds who first met in the high school library of the school where they work. Romance comes when it feels like, and when it does, it feels real good. Cheers and congratulations to Steve and Tara and everyone else who came and had a blast at their bash. I'm sure none of will never forget it. I wish I could tell you all the funny jokes I'm thinking right now. Scandalous. Oh, and Leanne caught the bouquet. Ha!

Operation 365... Blog 135... Happy Birthday To Me!

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 143 JJ with Wes Davis & Blowski - "Running Out of Time" - 4-6-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SexxlVCRHkg

I wish to start this birthday blog of mine with a thanks to all the folks on the Facebook and in real life who have gone out of their way to salute the anniversary of the day I was born. It's only 9:35 AM and I' ve already wrote notes back to dozens of friends on the Facebook and Nigel jumped or fell out the window of my moving car. Fear not. That pup is fun. Resilient little bugger, he is.

This "Running Out of Time" here, was one of my personal highlights on the tour for several reasons, the largest of which was the presence of my friend Peter Nairn at The Naked Lounge in Sacramento, that night. Peter and I co-wrote this jam years ago, after my "Songwriting and Collaboration" class that I was teaching at SDSU, finished. He was one of the students. In his fifties, Peter runs casinos and is a great British fellow. He and I wrote 5 or 6 tunes after the class was over and a couple of them made it to my CDs and still get played and we became pals as well. Hadn't seen him in awhile so it was great to catch up with he and his wife, Ingrid. It felt to great to show him we are still playing these songs.

"Running Out of Time" is one of my most significant songs by a landslide. My band played it twice as it changed years on New Year's Eve. Well, once we missed the countdown and it was awkward, but the next year we hit it spot on. Also, my friend Hugh Gaskins really liked this song and had his band learn it for his wedding last year. I sat in with them on it at the wedding and it was a really cool experience to play one of my songs with someone else's band. My friend's band and HIS wedding, no less. Very cool. As this was happening, my wonderful girlfriend Leanne fell in love with me, or so she claims, and that is the last thing on this planet that I am going to argue with. Hallelujah!

Today, our dear friends Steve and Tara are getting married. I am the wedding announcer, like I was for Hugh's wedding. It will be a fun affair. Huge congrats to them. Enjoy "Running Out of Time" from the Naked Lounge in Sacramento, CA, recorded on our recent tour, April 6, 2011.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 143 "Happy Birthday" by Patty and Mildred Hill
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_sc-Fw7beo

So this tune is a big bunch of drama. Let's put aside my stirring and disturbing tribute to myself and Marilyn Monroe for a second. Did you know people are fighting about who wrote this song. Guess why? Money. How'd ya know?

Long story short. These two ladies, Patty and Mildred Hill supposedly wrote the melody for "Happy Birthday" in 1893. Some say they borrowed it from some even older popular song, called "Good Morning To All." Then the lyrics first appeared in print in 1912. So how is someone collecting royalties for this still? Glad you asked. Some company, The Summy Comapany, in fact, got a copyright on it in 1935, crediting authors Preston Ware Orem and Mrs. R.R. Forman. In 1990, Warner Brothers bought this company for 15 million dollars. It claims the copyright goes until 2030 and i'll bet you a tons they somehow finagle it that that's extended indefinitely. The reason is, these huge corporations have so much money that they feel the laws dont; apply to them. If they don;t like a law, they just lobby (or bribe) whoever is necessary to get it the way they want. This is the same reason Disney has kept Mickey Mouse from becoming public domain even though that should have happened years ago. It never will.

Thanks to wikipedia for all that info. SO yes, Warner Brothers, a company worth billions, felt the need to "acquire" "Happy Birthday", from someone it appears had nothing t o do with writing it, just so they can make even MORE money. Capitalism begats extreme greed. Is there any end? It's "Happy Birthday" from Christ's sake. Why do you have to own it? Or steal it? Or claim tro own it, when two ladies wrote it over 100 years ago and you paid them zero. Greed. It makes me sick and misses the whole point of existence. To share, love and celebrate life every precious second that you can. That is the point. Not being a greedy bastard.

Oh, yeah Happy Birthday to me. I hope this video disturbe you, but only a little but. Slight discomfort only. It's supposed to be funny. Ha!

NOTE: youtube thinks it's funny. They said add "funny" and comedy" to the tags, so congrats to them on their new great sense of humor.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 143 "They Say It's My Birthday"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDZ-CWTN2AE

So, I went and found a song that IS in the public domain to give me a little boost on my original song for today. Thanks to Mr. Traditional for his work on the classic "On Top Of Old Smokey." I was trying to re-post a "Happy Birthday Angel" song I made up for my pooch on her 9th birthday a year and a half ago, but I couldn't figure out how to rip it off youtube to give it the 365 treatment. I went back to the drawing board and found this future annual birthday treasure, "They Say It's My Birthday."

I can easily envision generations of elementary age student tributing each other on their special days with excerpts from this future classic. Crowning, homosexuality, caesarian deliveries, Facebook. I think it has all the push-button phrases that will frame children's perspectives moving forward. It is all very clear to me now. The future of birthday songs has arrived. It is here on the Operation 365. Happy Birthday. Me.

Operation 365... Blog 134

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 142 Jefferson Jay Explains Operation 365 - 4-6-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuHpO_sB2LQ

Here I am on out tour, at The Naked Lounge in Sacramento, CA, explaining to my audience what the 365 is all about. I figure maybe there's someone else out there who missed the memo last Thanksgiving and wonders what all the Operation 365 silliness is about, so here I explain it for one and all.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 142 "Yakety Yak" by Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTUHT4n01Io

Been super busy lately even by my own standards. I won't even tell you what I just had to pass on, to type the nonsense here for you. It would have been great though. Trust me. I filmed this on break at school in front of a map of the world. I figured if I can't go all over the world right this second, I can at least sit in front of a picture of the world

I just leaned it is actually spelled "Yakety Yak" and was written for The Coasters in 1958. I gleaned it from a 5th grade children's music textbook. One of my co-teachers comes in at the end. Yakety Yak. Don't talk back.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 142 "Sitting In Front of a Map"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Y-MTEP9wQ

So here, I'm sitting in front of a map. This song has potential. Someone was telling me that Operation 365 is living art, a piece of performance art, if you will. Wes and Blowski had a lot of interesting feedback on the 365 in the van on our tour. Unfortunately, we discussed SO many things, it is hard to sort out and retain the important bits from the everything else that comes in 9 days on the road. If any of the 365 is performance art, or a living video project, or what have you, than this clip is for sure.

Here, my co-teacher is sitting in with me as I try to squeeze my "original" for the day in the few not even really spare seconds that I had today. I was sitting in front of a map, so I sang about countries, or tried to, anyway, in an elementary school sort of way. I am scrambling to write this blog as we speak so I can scurry to band practice immediately. Hope to squeeze in a shower. Would love dinner, but that's simply not going to happen. Maybe after practice. Happy birthday to me tomorrow.

Operation 365... Blog 133

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 141 " Jefferson Jay and Paul Ruiz - "February" 4-13-2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfU79ioL9s4

"February" is one of my favorite songs that I've ever written. I wrote in on February 1, 2010 as a make-up song to the month February and a display of my talents to a Brazilian girl I was hanging out with, that had never heard me play. My pal, Paul Ruiz, was over when I wrote it and he sat in on trumpet then and again, yesterday, April 13, 2011. This was filmed near an orange tree in the Blowksi Compound, my friend's abode where we hang and play music.

Nigel the puppy made a little poop in Blowski's yard. We stood near it. Blowksi commented on it at the outset of the vid. I have recorded a number of versions of this jam in archives because I so enjoy playing it. A detail about this song. The chords are F7, Em, and B7, (F, E, and B) for almost the whole song. F-E-B, get it? Febuary... Pretty cute, huh?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 141 "And She Was" - David Byrne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-niBQMiARU

"And She Was," an awesome tune by David Byrne, performed The Talking Heads, was in my head earlier today. I realized it was not on any Talking Heads album I have, and I have a few. So I went and got it and looked up the chords and what d' ya know? They weren't that hard. Happy day!

I have been trying to do my vids in interesting outside spots that I go, instead of just sitting in my chair. So today, I appear live, outside, my girlfriend Leanne's apartment, sitting in the mulch outside of her next door neighbor's abode. Thanks Rudy. Yeah, I was playing a little shyly because I hadn't asked first and I didn't want to annoy anyone, but he came out as I was leaving and assured me I could play in front of his place any time I want. Leanne didn't realize I was recording, so she walked by right in the middle of the song and started talking to me. These have been busy days and I haven't yet caught up from returning from tour.

David Byrne claimed this song was about a girl he knew taking LSD in a field next to a Yoo-hoo beverage factory in Baltimore, Maryland. I like Yoo-Hoo. They lyrics I read were about neighbors, a girl, and a yard, so the place I picked seemed fitting. Well, Paul Ruiz and Nancy just stopped by, so bye!

I'm back. I just noticed that there is a huge hissing sound on this video. It's the ocean. Leanne lives one clock away. On that part, where Leanne walks by and starts talking to me, she didn't know I was recording. Obviously. This was the second time I played the tune. I hope I remember to play it again more.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 141 "When I Try To Open My Eyes"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzD7N8hHvRU

This is the next level version of the tune I wrote yesterday, "California Sun." I was feeling the tune and I wrote a bunch of lyrics then I tried to stick 'em together, and, as often happens when playing instrumental stuff, I didn't play the parts long enough. It seems long when there's music only, but when you add vocals, things tend to need to go a lot longer. That was the case here, so I changed it as I was working on this song today at 2 o' clock in the morning. As I got near done, I realized, this part that I've had sitting around for years would fit perfectly at the end of this one, so I stuck it there.

I recorded this one in Leanne's house. Nancy called right before I got tot that part I was just talking about. I think I'll leave it in. Keep it real, if you will. This song is about going down the road that will make you feel good; making smart, safe, and healthy choices instead of what may seem right short-term, at the time. I like it. Leanne says it sounds like a hit. Stick around to the end for a special appearance by the mystery chord.

Operation 365... Blog 132

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 140 J. Mitchell - 9-1-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZK0pIWtzn8

J. Mitchell is a phenomenon, the likes of which the world has never seen. There is only one. Comedian. Musician, His talent is so thick it is artistically is practically incomprehensible. And I am on a J. Mitchell kick. Non-fans of J. Mitchell's work, un-understanders as we in the know call 'em, will be glad that tomorrow will be a J. Mitchell free day on the 365, but when I want to rock and shake it up, rest assured J. Mitchell will raise again to provide, humor, insight, a smiling face, and an appreciation of the stage that few others can call their own. When materialism fades, and people regain perspective as to what really matters in this life, J. Mitchell with be the next Justin the Beaver, and maybe this here video will have exactly what it takes to get 457 million hits. I'm just saying stranger things have happened. Have you seen J. Mitchell? I love that guy.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 140 "The Woody Woodpecker Song" - George Tibbles and Ramey Idriss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxP0b__RIC8

This is pretty thin for a cover. I'm not gonna lie. I thought I wrote a song earlier today. I was playing it for a little while, feeling all good about myself. It was a pretty impressive little piece. It would have been a step for me as a songwriter. Jazzy, bluesy, deep, thick. Great stuff. After I was recording it with Paul Ruiz, my trumpeter amigo, when I realized it was actually the first riff from a song by another of my amigos, Don Truesdail. It was the start of his jam, "Virgo Ascetic." I'm still getting back from tour and trying to get resettled.

So I played the riff from "Woody Woodpecker" and that's what you got. I saw Trey Anastasio of Phish play it between song a couple times. I liked it and learned it. Now I too play it here and again. I even learned the rest of the riff, but I botched the one time I tried today. I played it in the classroom earlier today and kids these days don't know who Woody Woodpecker is. Can't say that really surprises me. That cartoon is really old. They know Tom and Jerry though so, who knows?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 140 "California Sun"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iFFFrm3u90

Sticking with my new motif of changing up the 365 to include more ballsy outdoor locations, I come to you today from the backyard at the Blowski Compound. The Blowski Compound is the home of one of my all-time best amigos, Blowski. It is a space where I have been blessed to be making music and having amazing times for years. So I come to you today from in front of his orange tree, surrounded my dogs and nature, on to pof a hill, overlooking the ocean. Here is a little, little something I dug up when I realized the song I had written that I was REALLY into, was actually by Don Truesdail. I will now go work on a modified version of these riffs with some lyrics, I'm a writing, and maybe you'll see that soon too.

Oh, and on the name... I thought "California Sun" would be a cool name for a song, so I used it. Peace, love and understanding... or as I say to my students in a rapidfire delivery... "Questions, comments, thoughts, feelings, opinions, beliefs, conjecture, speculation? Anybody? Anyone? Anything?" Usually I get blank stares, when I say that. That's sort of what it's there for, but twice in the last two days after I said that, a young girl, at two different schools, raised her hand and said, smiling, "I believe in God." I replied, "That's good.", and in an attempt to encourage all ideas I added, "People believe all kinds of wonderful things." Another wonderful day in Ocean Beach.

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Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 139 Jefferson Jay and J. Mitchell - 10-6-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVf8bCyR-3g

Here we are, back at my Open Mic, on October 6, 2009. In those days, Richard Romero would start the show on Tuesday 9Open Mic night) and Thursdays (my weekly showcase featuring some of the best talents at the Open Mic). There were a couple of folks regularly featured in the second spot over the four and a half years this Open Mic existed. Ricardo Gutierrez jumps to mind first. Don Truesdail held that spot a number of times. At about this time, latish 2009, I met J. Mitchell. The first night he came out, he was there before me, watching Richard Romero, presumably.

A fellow named Scott... Sean? Scott... Well Sean or Scott was his name, I learned, shortly after arriving, had just saved J. Mitchell's life. Apparently, he was choking on something and Sean/Scott calmly, smoothly got up Heimliched J. Mitchell, saved his life, and the show went on just like that, and the show hadn't even started yet. That was my show.

So here, a little while later, I introduced the start of the show. You can see Richard Romero standing behind me. You can see how I encourage my audience to get involved and applaud. It worked you can see by the astounding ovations received by otherworldly one-of-a-kind human J. Mitchell. He proceeds to kill it both comically and musically, as only he can. I then return to introduce the next performer, Mr. Fish Tacos. Enjoy.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 139 "You Give Love A Bad Name" - Bon Jovi
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMgvfAY9um8

Here is a little ditty that came out when I was in Junior High. I am still feeling croony and this song seemed like it might fit the bill. I remember like it was yesterday, walking through shop class. Mr. Samse, I believe. when Liz Iomazzo, who was an aspiring popular girl at the time, was singign this song to herself, stopped dead in her tracks and said to me, "You know, you DO give love a bad name." Ha! It's amazing the stuff that sticks with you from your formative years.

So here is some Bon Jovi, a band that arguably gives New Jersey a bad name. Well, I guess it's pretty hard to do that, now that I think about it. Probably the biggest mystery ever is how that band is still so popular, over 20 years later. Maybe that's unfair. I admit it. I loved their "Slippery When Wet," album. I was 12. I particularly liked, "Never Say Goodbye," and "I'd Die For You." What a sappy kid I must have been back then... I liked 80's Chicago music too. I'd have to say I'm pretty fortunate I've turned as well as I have in terms of musical taste. Thanks to Phish and all my old buddies at UMASS for a huge assist on that one.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 139 "Because of You"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW1b9TiRFtY

So some of my friends said, "Hey, Jefferson. The funniest thing about Operation 365 is that you do all those videos from that same chair when you live surrounded by beautiful nature." I paraphrased that but it resonated with me. I had been thinking that it is time to reinvent the 365 a bit to keep it growing, interesting and fresh, for myself and whoever else is listening. So consider this Day One of that.

This spot I filmed from today is about 1000 feet from that seat. I'm sitting in it right now. Pads and Reds are tied 2-2 in the 9th. Thanks to votkasports.com for their helpful stream of the ballgame. Honestly, I've watched maybe one pitch, but it's in the background while it's close and tied and I'm typing. So, I still need to figure out a thing or two about the wind factor, but hey, it's day one. I like this tune. I just made it up when I stepped on the sand there by the steps down to the beach, but I liked it enough that I played it three times to get the f-ups out and make sure I played at least one version right.

Who is "Because of You" about? It's about whoever you think it's about, because once you hear it, the song is as much yours as mine. Whatever it means to you is valid. Equally valid to whatever the author thought. A thought is a thought. Maybe it means more to another person than it could ever mean to the author, for whatever reason. Who's to say that's wrong? Not I. Who's it about? I know who I think it's about. It's about "you."

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Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 138 "Yankee Doodle"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bBoSKROYdU

Before we left for our excursion, I recorded a host of tunes in what I called, "Songs From When We Were Six," week. "Yankee Doodle," here is the final tune in that collection. Hail the Yankees and may the win another World Series, their 28th, here in 2011. Hail baseball, the greatest of all sports, hands down and enjoy this classic of a tune. I had fun playing... Just thought of a dirty joke. Decided not to share it. Probably best for all concerned. Cue that theme song to Yankee baseball that got me so fired up as a three-year old in a high chair so long ago. Hail Bill White and Phil Rizzuto.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 138 "Home's Where I Belong"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnE6gzQCqeA

If my enthusiasm about being home was not evident in any way before, it is now. I picked up my guitar and started to play and this is what came out. Special appearance by my wonderful puppy, Nigel, who I missed tons. He looked like a puppy when I left and now he looks like a full-grown dog. I heard he even learned to pee with his leg up while I was away. The things we miss on the road...

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 138 Jefferson Jay & Wes Davis - 3-28-2011 - cut-off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f0M916e7Ws

Here, Wes Davis and I played a little pre-tour practice version of his tune "Pistons," on 3-28-2011. It is not the world's greatest version, thus I left the roughest parts on the Alan Silva, but I included it because it captures a little but of where we were at right before our tour almost two weeks ago.

We have come a long way and predictably, a lot has changed after a week playing music together all over California. We gained some invaluable experience, learned tons about what we like and don't like, and improved greatly as musicians and performers. At least that, is how I feel about my role in all this. I don't wish to speak for anybody else. "What's next?", Wes asks as the video concludes. Good question, Wes. Who knows? Not I, but we will see soon enough, I suppose.

Peace

Operation 365... Blog 129

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 137 Charbra - 3-3-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEF23UmFlnQ

This is some early Charbra, before they officially embraced the moniker, Charbra, which I handpicked, just for them. They were still l trying to work the Charlotte and Barbara angle at this time. It couldn't have been more than a couple of weeks later, when I put the subject of their name to a vote for the audience. They overwhelmingly, perhaps unanimously, demanded Charbra be the girls' name, going forward. They girls had no choice but to capitulate Their public insisted. Enjoy some early Charbra, playing my very first favorite Charbra song, "Reign Over Me."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 137 " Rock A Bye Baby" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aN7Ek8otBE

This is my thick, croony version of the classic lullaby, "Rock A Bye Baby." Is there even any other lullaby anybody knows? Bob Marley is to reggae as "Rock A Bye Baby" is to lullabies; by far the most well-known. I added my deliberately silly rap version at the end. If you love mediocre lullaby rap songs, this is one you won't wanna miss.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 137 "A Capella Rap Tour Recap"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn0oiNq4Wjk

So it's the final morning form the road, back here with Wes's mom in Santa Cruz. Gotta finish up the vids here quick as an 8-hour drive home awaits. It's already 10AM and I work tomorrow. Fun. Actually, I eagerly anticipate sleeping in my bed, among other things. I decided to go with this "A Capella Rap Tour Recap," because like Operation 365 tells a story in a backwards sort of way about my life and my friends, this rap thing does the same for our tour. Not so much in what's said, but in how it's said and what's not said.

My fatigue is tangible. My normally sharp mind is more than slightly dull from a week of sleeping in the van and odd spots. So I figured, I'd go full disclosure and share the treasure if the truth right there. What have we learned from this excursion. Not sure too much new stuff... Well, I learned these new things. One, most people, when it comes down to it, don't want three dudes in a dog staying in there house, even if they thought they did, when it was only theoretical. Also, booking shows in the road through your friends sucks. Two shows we had got messed up, by no fault of our own. In both cases, I called friends who successfully set up gigs and then, felt, because they are friends with me, I gather, that it would be OK if they totally didn't follow through on the plans they made with me. It's OK. We made the best, adapted, adjusted. No dire damage, but I won't be making that mistake again.

Perhaps they biggest thing I learned was something, I'm still not even sure about. I don't know, for sure, if this is what I really want to do anymore. Let me clarify. I want to play music. I want to travel and play for people, but as you may be able to glean from this vid here, I'm tired. As much fun as it is, life on the road, is hard. I'm not sure I would want to rough it in this manner too many more times. Maybe some sort of progress, leading to greater space and beter accommodations, would make it more like my dreams and less like the nightmarish parts of it all. So to recap, finally, tour was fun. Had a blast with friends. Everything was perfect, but more in the everything-happens-for-a-reason way, and less in the everything-went-exactly-as-I-would-have-planned way. Basically, I'm tired and I want to go home. Tour was great. I'll rejuvenate. I hope when we go next time, I'll be able to focus more entirely, on the getting better, playing music, having fun with my friends side of it and less worrying about where we're going to sleep, where everything we need is, and what mysteries await, and our next show on the tour.

Special thanks to Alicia and Kaleena in Santa Cruz, Francesca and KPOO, Dylan Scahtz and Ally and Mad River Brewing Co. in Blue Lake, Natalie Green at HSU, Ian at The North Coast Journal, AJ Johnson and William at Naked Lounge in Sacramento, Jade at Asana Tea House in Santa Cruz, Lauryn Bradley for putting us up in Tiburon, Jesse and Kevin at Giordano Bros. in SF, my sweet Leanne for helping me post vids, and and all our friends who greeted us warmly and and made us feel at home, even as we lived like the homeless for a week, all around California.

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Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 136 Hugh Gaskins and The Soul Man - 3-3-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbXuBRN1zDE

One of my finer accomplishments as a person to this point in my life is bringing together these two forces of nature, Hugh Gaskins and The Soul Man. Energy, power, performance, immortality, even, arguably. When they met it was like when the irresistible force and the immovable object first got together to drink whiskey and tequila, respectively. We are lucky we're all still alive. I'm surprised the world didn't just plum explode. I love these guys. They are my amigos. I included the introduction so you could here a little bit of my adoration for this tyrannical twosome. I dubbed them "The Titans of Rock N' Roll," and recorded a CD for them that I'm pretty sure nobody has ever heard.

Hugh busted a string on this song here. I used to call him Poppa Strings, because he would do that pretty much every time he played. He's cut that back a bit now. Hugh is a great guy, and so it The Man of Soul. Long live The Titans of Rock N' Roll.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 136 "Three Blind Mice"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xu2dy5tQmrY

What a gruesome tail. No pun intended. I have fun here with this little number, "Three Blind Mice". Another one for my school is out, back to school week. What could be more fun than "Three Blind Mice?" Unless you are the mice, I suppose...

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 136 "The Golden Gate Bridge Banjo Blues"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdcSesCYHnM

The tour is nearing it climactic crescendo, it's apex, if you will, as we wait to pay the toll on The Golden Gate Bridge. It has been fun, unpredictable, and a bit exhausting. True quality slumber can be elusive on the road. The" L-Train", my long time friend Lauryn, put Blowski and I up last night. Merci beacucoup, Mademoiselle. It was also very nice to catch up with my old pal, Paul Szcepanek (it's spelled something like that), bassist of former Marin County supergroup, Jumbo.

Here we are in The Marin Headlands. I filmed a little banjo jam for ya' here, I'm calling "The Golden Gate Bridge Banjo Blues." A final shout-out to Francesca, a DJ at KPOO, 89.5 San Francisco, who had Wes and I on her show last night, and was a gracious, supportive, and talented hostess. Had much fun outlining my idealistic agenda and laughing on the air, once again. I adore radio. Thanks to Francesca, The Golden Gate Bridge, "The L-Train," and KPOO. Oh, they don't want to be called K-POO, I read there. They prefer it pronounced K-P-O-O. Thanks K-P-O-O. We had fun.

Operation 365... Blog 127

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 135 Ean Greene - 3-3-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfsEntVb0Pc

How it took me this long in the 365 to get to Ean Greene, I have no idea. I have often commented my audiences that his name is the best in the business as far as I'm concerned. I just love the way it flows off the tongue. Granted I have to mispronounce his first name every single time to get it to rhyme with his last name. Rumor has it, it is actually pronounced Ian. I'm not sure I buy it. If his name was really pronounced Ian, why would he so graciously let me tell everyone it's "Eeeeeeeeeeen Greeeeeeeeeeeeeene" for so many months and years.

Two other interesting things about Ean Greene are 1) he's lefty and 2) he is one of the few remaining non-Canadian hockey fans on the planet. Talk about a group that's almost extinct. I'm pretty sure there's more dinosaurs walking the planet then American hockey fans. It's actually an interesting sport. If only I cared, at all.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 135 "This Old Man" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OYjeVJQuu0

This is short and sweet, acoustic, death metal version of "This Old Man." I've always felt this is they way this song should be done and this is how I'm teaching it to my students. You never know when your class may include the world's next Lemmy. Lemmy kids need teaching too. Why sing when you can bark like a dog? That's what I say.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 135 "Quixotic the Xylophone Umbrella"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgqwtmU8A_A

Here is a little poem jam, Wes, Blowski and I wrote on Hippie Hill in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA. We each wrote a line, one at a time, with no knowledge of what else had been written. What does this say about all of us. Who knows? It is interesting though. You can hear our different voices and attempt learn whatever it is you want to know about any of us or all of us from this peculiar exercise.

Artistic? Yes. Quixotic is an interesting word. I'm not sure I even knew exactly what I meant when I wrote it. As is often the case, when I use words, in these circumstances, I think I used it correctly. More importantly, what does that word tell me about myself? Who I am and why I am that way. I do think I mispronounced it, incidentally. A very interesting word, quixotic, with synonyms ranging from wild to romantic, from Utopian to foolish, and from loving to impractical. We will see what this future holds. What this poem,"Quixotic the Xylophone Umbrella," clearly held, for that moment, was the present. Also appearing, on excellence, is Angel, the worldwide wonder dog.

NOTE: youtube has started suggested I add "tough guy" to my tags. Don't think I forgot about you, youtube... You've been getting away with some stuff, thinkin' you're slidin' it by. I'm on to you, youtube. I've got you in my crosshairs.

Operation 365... Blog 126

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 134 Jefferson Shares and Introduces Ean Greene - 3-3-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLJpwoohI-Q

My introductions are a big part of my show that I have probably underrepresented here in the 365. I have no idea whose gonna want to watch a bunch of videos of some super handsome, funny guy introducing people over and over again, but I've put up so many music clips, I am beginning to search for other sides of the same story to share with you. Here I am sharing form my experiences as an elementary school music teacher. Ironically, I was doing well enough then to not even need to teach as much, but now, I'm back.

Actually, had some real rewarding experiences at the schools that last week before spring break, doing practice concerts with my groups. My choirs sound excellent, way better than I expected and it makes for some richly rewarding experiences at the old office. Nice enough to alter my life's plans? No, but it beats diggin' ditches, they say, and I am inclined to agree. Enjoy as I guilt my audience into expressing appreciation. It is good for the soul.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 134 "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0kLjJBmSOI

I went Black Crowes on this rockin' "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," another gem if I may say so myself from "Songs From When You Were Six" week. I was gonna call it, "School's Out, Back to School," in honor of my spring break, but I figured I'd go with something more universal. We were all six once, assuming none of my blog readers are five years old or younger. Soulful, bluesy... why it's "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star."

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 134 "Cool Puppies"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XOiIgQ7GmE

So I am in the van (the VW EuroVan.MV, for those keeping score at home) outside the venue we played last night, Naked Lounge in Sacramento, CA, chillin'. They boys are walking around Sacramento. Wes left his phone at he place that we stayed last night so we've been hanging out waiting to get it back. That is slated to happen here soon. So I busted out this bass that I reacquired from an old friend yesterday, and I played a little funk groove here, right quick, to fill this original space for the day. Wes whistled a little and Blowski threw down some improvised lyrics, inspired by a couple pit bull puppies nearby.

The show was tons of fun last night. Angel has bad gas and is dropping bombs on me mercilessly. I need to get out of this van before I day of methane inhalation. Foul. Not cool, puppy. Not cool at all.

Operation 365... Blog 125

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 133 Jason and Hester - 3-3-2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwgmwx1lprw

Here are Jason Mitchell and Hester Hamman, a talented duet, who played my shows often for a bit back then. This is from my Open Mic on March 3, 2009. They are playing one of their finest numbers, a Jason Mitchell original titled, "Sunlight." At the actual gigs I booked them for, they always dressed really nicely. Here they are in casual mode for the Open Mic.

Hester, I have known for quite awhile. She used to bartend at my Open mic at O'Connell's. Every so often, she would emerge from behind the bar to belt out some blues with Gabriela LaLicata, always to the delight of the spirited crowd assembled. Hester is a really cool woman. I think she lives in New York City right now. I think she said she's working on a musical. Best to you, Hester and Jason.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 133 "The Alphabet Song" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5XEp2vy69E

Here is one of the more soulful renditions you'll ever hear of "The Alphabet Song." I'm not certain, but I would venture to guess that this is the first tune I ever knew. It stands to reason. I am bringing it, much like The Rock at Wrestlemania. That's just the way I get down when I sing my ABC's. Can you dig it?!?!?!?!?

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 133 "Shelter Cove"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JccJfk0yoPo

Here is a ditty I diddled on the banjo in the majesty of our campground at Shelter Cove. Blowski and Wes had run off to some waterfalls and I stayed and played a new little song. We then went and spent the day on the black sand beach nearby. A beautiful day. We checked out The Avenue of the Giants later and I just had my world's favorite sandwich, the grilled tofu, at Wildberries. It's good to be back in Humboldt on our day off on the tour. Much fun. Stick around for the end of the video, if you'd like to see my superpooch Angel, frolicking in a creek right near our campsite.

Was meaning to post this a couple of days ago, but we have been in some remote locales these last few days on tour. Now we are at Naked Lounge in Sacramento, having arrived hours early for our next show on tour. Feels good to be uploading some vids and processing the footage the other days from Shelter Cove. Looking forward to catching up with some old friends tonight and having another good show on tour. Last night we played at Mad River Brewing Company in Blue Lake, CA. They were really cool and have very yummy beer. Hooray. It's great to be here. Hope you enjoy this taste of where we've been hanging.

Operation 365... Blog 124

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 132 Paul Lopez Music Group - "OB Love" Pt 2. - 3-25-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nk2NGy5MkI

Here is the Part 2 second song from The Paul Lopez Music Group's set on March 25, 2010, "OB Love." Here they featured, Jim Tuggey on bass, Mikey on drums, The Soul Man on guiro, Paul Ruiz on trumpet, Marco on sax, Johnny Alexander on guitar, and Paul Lopez on percussion.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 132 "Bingo" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFr2UiJcQ2U

Here is some "Bingo" for ya. Had a blast doing all these kids' jams, songs from when you were six, if you will. I don't even remember exactly what I did with this one, but I imagine it was zany and fun. Dig.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 132 "Coffee and Tea"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDblXOLLiXA

We just played our gig on campus at Humboldt State, one of my alma maters. It was fun, Wes and I sold some CDs. We are having a fine time on our tour. I am once again enjoying the world's finest sandwich, the grilled tofu, at Wildberries in Arcata, CA. In a little bit we'll head to Blue Lake to play at The Mad River Brewing Company, where they brew the delicious beverages, Steelhead and Jamaica Red.

One of the challenges on our journey has been uploading videos from the road. The incredible Leanne Pearl has had my bck, posting pre-recorded "Archives" and "Covers" vids form SD. I have been doing the originals from wherever I am. I have one I want to share from the woods the other day, but for now, in the interest of keeping things consistent and moving, I bring you another short. This one, "Coffee and Tea" was recorded at The Golden Harvest Cafe in Arcata, CA as I sipped coffee with my breakfast. I was just inspired enough to slice of this taste of my day for all you 365 devotees everywhere. Peace and love. Coffee and tea.

Operation 365... Blog 123

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 131 Paul Lopez Music Group - "OB Love" Pt. 1 - 3-25-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qImc1GXvR0U

Here is the second song from The Paul Lopez Music Group's set on March 25, 2010, "OB Love." Paul says at the end of Part 2 of the clip (coming tomorrow) that it's an original song. I like this one. I was a hue fan of this group as they came out of the gate. They have changed names and personnel. They are called LoPro. Here they featured, Jim Tuggey on bass, Mikey on drums, The Soul Man on guiro, Paul Ruiz on trumpet, Marco on sax, Johnny Alexander on guitar, and Paul Lopez on percussion.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 131 "Camptown Races" - Stephen Foster
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH-zUv8LelE

Who knew that this was a super racist song written by Stephen Foster in 1850. Who knew that Stephen Foster is considered the father of American music? Probably some people, but not me. Where would I be without wikipedia. I don't know, I do know this Foster fellow also wrote "Clementine," which I recorded last week.

wikipedia says here that "Camptown Races" "is a comic song in Mock[1] African American Vernacular English dialect." It then proceeds to list a ton of racist-as-heck verses, all of which I wanted no part of and left out. OK. I'll reprint one here, just so you can see how awfully offensive it is,

"De long tail filly and de big black hoss, Doo-dah! doo-dah!
Dey fly de track and dey both cut across, Oh, doo-dah-day!
De blind hoss sticken in a big mud hole, Doo-dah! doo-dah!
Can't touch bottom wid a ten foot pole, Oh, doo-dah-day!"

So not cool. Maybe I'm missing something, but it sure doesn't seem like it. I did with my own old time flavor, sans all the obnoxious 1850's racist crap.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 131 "Shelter Cove" - POSTPONED

Here is a ditty I diddled on the banjo in the majesty of our campground at Shelter Cove. Blowski and Wes had run off to some waterfalls and I stayed and played a new little song. We then went and spent the day on the black sand beach nearby. A beautiful day. We checked out The Avenue of the Giants later and I just had my world's favorite sandwich, the grilled tofu, at Wildberries. It's good to be back in Humboldt on our day off on the tour. Much fun.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 131 "I'm Doing This"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9LJ8AN5Q0U

OK. So I couldn't get the campground video to post, so here is my audible. It's called "I'm Doing This." It was recorded live at Wildberries Market, in Aracta, CA, just now.

Special thanks to Leanne Pearl, who is wonderful, gorgeous and is helping me upload some videos from home while I am out on the road. See you soon, honey.

Operation 365... Blog 122

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 130 Paul Lopez Music Group - 3-25-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tt8PV5DMOHQ

Here is the first song from The Paul Lopez Music Group's set at my show on 3-25-2010. I was a huge fan of this group in its first days. They have made some personnel changes and now I don't think they play much, but they still have my unequivocal support. They feature Jim Tuggey on bass, Mikey on drums, The Soul Man on guiro, Paul Ruiz on trumpet, Marco on sax, Johnny Alexander on guitar, and Paul Lopez on percussion. Good times, great tastes, good feelings.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 130 "For He's a Jolly, Good Fellow" - Traditional
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aW-x3jDikU

Another fun song. How festive! Let's just dedicate this one to The Soul Man, 'cause I'm not sure a jollier, better man exists. Hail The Man of Soul.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 130 "Deliberating Sleep"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT4kKfsRKFc

It was late last night, actually, this morning. We are on tour. Stop One. house of Davis, actually his mother Alicia. So far, tour has been a blast. I wrote this song earlier today technically. We were hanging out late and I penned this little number, trying to convince myself to go to sleep some time soon. I was going to call it "Sleep," but then Dylan Avery, who is here with the tour, reminded me Phish has a mediocre tune called that. So, I offer you, live from the road in Santa Cruz, my newest number "Deliberating Sleep." Please stick around 'til the end to enjoy an almost-too good performance by Wes Davis as The Dancing Warrior.

Operation 365... Blog 121

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 129 Paul Lopez Music Group - Soundcheck - 3-25-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHlzzUuAJXE

Here is a little soundcheck right before the start of the Paul Lopez Music Group's set on March 25, 2010. I posted 'cause I liked the vibe and I think my boy, Paul Ruiz, plays a pretty smokin' lick on the trumpet there. Paul Lopez Music Group is now called LoPro. I'm not sure if they're playing much around. Ain't seen Paul Lopez in a little while. I hope he's doing well. Also, not The Soul Man, looking cool, as always, sipping a pre-show beverage in the corner of the stage to the right.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 129 "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIYa2I-n_eI

Who doesn't love "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt?" What song is more fun to sing? None. Sone songs are more fun to sing. I think they should make it the national anthem. That could usher in the era of fun. I like it.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 129 "Laughing"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pcEZkdh2g8

This is another pre-tour celebration song. A shout out must be given to Steve who I met at High Sierra, many years ago, and his song "A-Hoo." I wonder where that guy is right now. I'm sure Spencer Katzman remembers him. Darren Nelson and Christina Didier probably do too. I will be seeing them soon. Enjoy my mad joy spilling over in this celebratory future hit, "Laughing." I think this one may have some legs.

Operation 365... Blog 120

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Archives - 128 Jefferson Jay - "April" - 4-20-2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IRLShrfo_0

Happy April everybody! Here is another version of my song "April. Gosh, I love this month. I think it stems from when I was a kid and baseball, spring and my birthday all came every year at this time. Here I am playing it with, Jack Davidson on guitar, Ricardo Gutierrez on djembe, and The Soul Man on guiro. This was filmed at my final Open Mic at Portugalia, the restaurant/nightclub, at which I used to do many of my shows, on April 20, 2010. I heard a rumor, from a reliable source, that "The Port," as we affectionately called it, might be going down for the dirt nap. I would say I'm sad about it, but I'm not.

Actually, I'm stoked. The dude in charge there clearly needs to move on to other things, because the good vibe ship has long since sailed under his management. I am 0% happy about anyone's misfortune, whether they created it themselves, or not. To the contrary, I love that room and if this increases the possibility that I could return to my favorite musical home of all time, that would be a gift from up above. So stoked at the mere prospect, however slight, that this may NOT be a clip from my final Open Mic at this location. Hope springs to life this time of year. New beginnings everywhere, even when you least expect them. Gosh, I love April.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 128 "The Itsy Bitsy Spider"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysU6WUWvhWM

What a daring arachnid! Dig this kids' jam as I bring you 365ers a week plus of songs from when you were six.

Operation 365 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 128 "Giddy About Going On Tour"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPb6R1eWt34

I'm not going to argue "Giddy About Going On Tour" is my best song ever. It's almost certainly closer to my worst. Heck, it breaks into "We Got To Get Out of This Place," a song I didn't even write. What it does do, though, is share the enthusiasm I'm feeling one hour away from Spring Break and only a few hours from my first touring experience in 8 years. I am stoked. Can ya' tell? Cue the theme to 70's sitcom "Good Times," cause I'm ready for a rock n' roll wold ride.. and I'm not even joking.