Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 159 “Angel
Swan Song” by Jefferson Jay
“Angel Swan Song” was the last song I wrote about my beloved
super-pooch for over fifteen year, Angel. This is not the ultimate version of
this tune I had hoped to post ideally. I wrote it on and for piano. I had to
get piano lessons to even be able to play it a little. I can barely even play
it on guitar really,. It’s an ambitious tune. I wanted it captured for the
record. So this way, in case, I never get around to playing it right on the
piano. At least, it’s here in case anyone ever want to know how it’s kind of
supposed to go. Thank you for your patience.
This song helped me heal after losing Angel. It will likely be the last tune I
ever write about her. I am so glad she remains with me every day in our own
way. I love her forever.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 159 “Ring of
Fire” by Johnny Cash
“Ring of Fire” is an extremely popular tune with my senior
–aged special needs folks. They love it. One of my friends only says a few
words and two of them to me, every week, are “Johnny Cash.” She says with gusto
too. Then she dances, more like conducts the tune. Gives me five and on she
moves. I love life and I love my job too.
Was this song written about marriage? Just kidding. No
seriously, I really wanna know.
I love my wife. XOXOXOXO, Honey. I was just wondering.
My wife says it’s not about marriage. I don’t even know how
she knew I wrote this. She said it’s ‘cause she’s psychic. I’ll bet it’s ‘cause
she saw. So, it’s definitely not about marriage.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 159 “Of Aunts and
Angels”
Immediately upon concluding my “Angel Swan Song,” I received
a round of applause that warmed my heart. They must have felt the emotion I was
bringing ‘cause it doubt it was the flawless the performance they responded to.
Who knows? Self-criticism is almost completely pointless. We’re in way too
close to see anything as it is. It’s best just to love and let things happen.
Enjoy those around you like I do my friends talking her today. Great folks. I’m
blessed to know them.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 158 “The Wild
Card” by Jefferson Jay
Some folks just keep you on your toes. Maybe that’s what
they’re meant for. Maybe that’s just how it goes. I appreciate folks like that.
We always lear n stuff from each other, but we can learn from folks like that
more quickly. It’s like that’s their destines role. To us, for a moment anyway.
Perhaps.
Charlie Kelly. He is the self-professed wildcard in the
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” world. I love that world. Those guys crack
me up. He is a classic wild card. There’s always a lot to learn. There’s always
a road to hoe. Stay alert, my friends. Sometimes these roads have sharp turns.
In Palace, it’s a two or a ten, or four of a kind. In life,
it’s a state of mind.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 158 “Daydream
Believer” by Neil Diamond
Yes, Neil wrote this Monkees classic. Much fun in this one.
I’ll have to play it more ‘cause it is pretty.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 158 “Late Night
Writing”
Last weekend, The Jefferson Jay Band played at Mother’s
Saloon in OB. It was much fun. It always is when we play. That is why we do it.
That and it feels good. The two are related. Then after we closed the bar, we
played til 1AM, we returned to the abode form some after hours band socializing.
More fun was had. Dan was Ultimate Champion. Long story. Not really. Palace.
It’s a card game.
Then I laid my head in bed, but that only lasted a second
‘cause a song instantly popped in my head. It was and now is called “This Is
How Kings Live.” What can I tell ya? I feel blessed. It’s certainly not about
giant castles or royal jewels. It’s about simplicity and appreciation. It is
about humble gratitude. So I got up and wrote the tune. I left my glasses off,
so I couldn’t really see and I did it on keyboard because that’s how the song
came to me and it was enough guitar by 3. I love rhyming. I wrote the tune and
then another. The versions weren’t share-worthy. In fact, the video mainly
exists so I don’t forget everything I do real late. It’s good for that. And
then I wrote another tune too.
So here’s a teensy taste of me at 3 finishing doing what I
do. Existing. Creating. Appreciating. You.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 157 “The
Deeper You Dive” by Jefferson Jay
Golly gosh. Outdoors is nice. Camping and such… Mother
Nature seems like a distant ex. There’s lots to do and not much time,
especially as we wax nostalgic and keep yourself endlessly occupied. Sometimes
the deeper we dive, the further we leap away from where we need to be.
Sometimes we need to be shaken out of our groove. Just to get back in the
groove of doing what we love most. We can forget what that is from time to
time. Too busy we are saying good-bye, when there’s still time left to say hi and
fly.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 157 “Let It Go”
by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Yes,
letting go when tensions, one’s habits, one’s bad moods. These are great gifts,
not to give away so much, but to let go. I’ve never seen “Frozen,” but I’ve
never seen “Beauty and the Beast’ or “The Lion King,” either so that’s not
saying much. I have heard this song a bunch though. Not enough to really know
how it goes. Enough to have fun though. Can’t be worried so much about things,
about what you think you like and what you think you should be doing. Be and be
free. Let it go. Let it all go. The last words of the first 365 remind. “Peace.
Be free. Release” Every day. Over and Over repeat.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 157 "No Quarter" by Led Zeppelin
So, in keeping with the tradition of the "Words" section being a true creative catch-all, today we have a cover. A couple days ago, I was having fun playing around with this version of "No Quarter."I checked and saw I did what must have been a truly skimpy cover of this jam back in the original 365. It had to be 'cause I don't recall it at all. This version is anything but polished but it is neat, 'cause it is different. I think this "arrangement" has potential. It is with that mindset that I share it. Hope you dig the adorable Nigel, myself and the sights and sounds of an OB alley in this bouncy take on Zeppelin's epic "No Quarter."
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 156 “Urban
Intervention” by Jefferson Jay
I was in New Jersey some months back and my visit to
Paterson, New Jersey stuck with me. Paterson was one of the great cities in the
U.S. during the industrialization of the country. It’s been left to rot right
in the middle of affluent suburbs, gigantic malls and America’s biggest city
fifteen miles away. It is shameful. When I sat down one night to write a
million tunes at once. It was only 24, some of those thoughts bubbled to the
surface and found their way into this song. It is racist and classist and
classless for such an urban desecration to be allowed. Separate is not equal
when trash fills the city streets of Paterson and only live in trash cans in
nearby Glen Rock, Ridgewood and a million other rich little towns.
Someone needs to do something. It’s not OK.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 156 “American
Pie” by Don McLean
I love my job. I work with amazing people who teach me tons
every day. Perspective and appreciation. That’s a big part of it. So I busted out this jam today and a
whole room full of folks, many of whom struggle to speak, sang and celebrated the
majesty of this American anthem. They sang and we chugged through verse after
verse after verse together. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’m very
grateful.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 156 “The Charger
of the Opera”
Here, I play the “Charge” chant, which I’d likely have used
as a cover if I hadn’t done so already five years ago. A fiend of mine from work enjoys my
music. I enjoy her take on life. She has told me many times that I should join
the opera. She says all kinds of awesome things all the time. Apparently, she
sings opera too. I had no idea.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - BONUS – 156 “Raquel and
Justin”
One could argue that I should be asleep right now. Two
things about me. I like being a great friend and I like working hard.
Occasionally, these two circles converge.
Weddings. So I’d been hard at work all day getting ready to
celebrate some nuptials this weekend. I pumped out a bunch of videos, wrote some
words. Somewhere in there, the process felt incomplete. It needed something. A
song. An original song. Like “Tara and Steve” and “Lauren and Jeremiah” from
the first 365. Like “Larissa and Wes,” which I wrote just a few months ago.
So, while playing some Palace with my friends, I imagined
what it was like when they first met. I don’t know what actually happened, so I
made stuff up. A song was written. And I won in Palace. I’m Ultimate Champion.
Now it’s late. Leanne, my wife, has gone to sleep. I have
quiet and my work is done. What do I do? More work. I typed up the words to
this tune. Then I practiced it, made this recording. Now I am importing it,
editing, it, bouncing, it and writing this note. I named it “Raquel and
Justin.” I will post it. Then I will go to sleep. Unless I decide to shower...
Congratulations Raquel and Justin. All this effort is
because I love you and I am so happy and psyched to celebrate your love, hard-core. It is my honor. Hope you like.
After
all that, I think I’ll post it next week. I’ll show them today, first. It may
be more special that way. Public release is scheduled for Wednesday. Dot your
tees and cross your eyes.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 155 “The
Sounds of the Street”
Due to some excessive Dave Mathews Band blasting by my
next-door neighbor yesterday, I was forced to head out on to the streets with
my dog, my guitar and my iPad contraption in search of the ultimate location.
Whether I found it or not can be debated for generations but it happened so it
was. That’s my simple equation.
Then I got creative and conjured this tune from the skies.
If I had the new iMovie, I could have EQ’d out all that wind noise. I can’t so
instead, I named the tune after it. That’s kind of what the lyrics are about
nay way. I hope you like it. Humbly yours. Jefferson
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 155 “Dueling
Banjos” by Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith
If you haven't seen “Deliverance,” don’t. It is creepy and
upsetting. You very well may never be the same after. I’m not suggesting it’s
not a good movie. It is. Burt Reynolds, Ronny Cox. Ned Beatty, Jon Voight. I can’t
tell you how many movies from that long ago I remember four actors from.
Probably just that one.
That’s exactly my point. It is very hard to forget “Deliverance.”
It is the genie that’s not going back in the bottle. It’s the truth that hurts.
It is the computer move you can’t undo. Regardless, the scene with “Dueling Banjos” is classic and awesome
and probably even worth being forever burdened with the whole “Squeal Like a
Pig” bit. Probably.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 155 “God Bless You”
This video provides an interesting and vivid cross-section of
what I do. I interact and engage personally with the kind, kind special folks.
We bond through music, but mostly through experiencing and enjoying each other
as people. We share joy and it is very rewarding. Music creates a very groovy
context for our ongoing discussion.
In just a few seconds, we learn when it is and what’s to
come over the next few days. We congratulate a birthday woman, receive a
Beatles demand (I’m ready, Jefferson!) and listen to a laugh and a sneeze.
So rich, our moments are: so much richer when we make time
to appreciate them. God bless my friends. It is my pleasure to know them. God bless
every day and every moment we get to spend together. God bless you.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 154 “Mail Your
Fears” by Jefferson Jay
“Mail Your Fears” was written during a 24-song, songwriting
binge I did a months or so ago. This song mentions lightning so, in that
spirit, The Operation 365 wishes best wishes to the Tampa Bay Lightning in
their Game 7 tonight as they aim to get to a second consecutive Stanley Cup
Final.
“Mail Your Fears” is about overcoming your fears, choosing
light and answers over the dim of darkness. We can do this. My friend Happy
Bear always reminds me to breathe. He loves to say, “Thank you all beings.”
Amen. We are blessed.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 154 “Walk Away”
by James Gang
I wasn’t so much planning on playing this one when I walked
out into the alley with my dog, my guitar and a couple of iPads. I sought the
spot I’d seen in my after hours dog walks, slickly painted, colorful “OB
Something-or-other-I-forget-what) Apparently that’s further away than I was
meant to walk today and we rolled up to the first place that looked OK.
A battered little Old Glory hung from a place near the
handle. It was very orange and red. For some reason, this brought me delight,
the comfort one gets from going somewhere familiar. I felt it. I heard a baby’s
faint cries and I started playing my Beatles song. It didn’t work. I played
wrong.
Soon, I’d have to go. Who knows how much this garage gets
used. People drive in alleys all the time. I explored in my mind and landed on
“Walk Away,” a song we played briefly in my band, in about 2007 or so. We made
it through a time or two. It felt good. Playing music’s what I do. It seems. To
me.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 154 “Thanks”
So at the end of this session, I had a moment of clarity and
wished to make sure you all know how appreciative I am for everything. The
birds chirping. The air. Water. Poochies. Everything. Thank You.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 153 “An Early
Break”
Busy days for, these Wednesdays are. Work (music with
special needs adults), break (365 mostly), more work (Hosting Winston’s
Wednesday Welcome Open Mic, 6-9). Today, I’m taking my car to the shop, again,
and I have a meeting here soon, so I am powering through all this fun. This is
“An Early Break,” and it represents a small break for me as I recorded this a
few days ago and that saves me a few minutes right now. Every second counts,
especially on Wednesdays. I think I’m almost ready to write 12 or 24 songs at
once again soon. That is how this baby came to be, the last time I wrote 24 of
these.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 153 “Pearl of the
Quarter” by Steely Dan
“Pearl of the Quarter” is a tune I’ve loved for a long time because
I love Steely Dan and I pretty much love all their tunes. My wife is a “Pearl”
and we live somewhere so that could be called a “Quarter.” No? Yes.
My man, Blair Schultze, King of the KGB SkyShow used to play
this jam at my old Open Mic at the late Portugalia back in the day. And here we
reprise it today. Every day’s a great day to jam the Dan.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 153 “Understanding
Irony”
Today’s “Words” segment is about “Understanding Irony,”
something few people do. I am trying to ascertain if I am one of those people.
I’m not sure this is proof positive either way. Probably not. I’m not sure this
is even interesting or entertaining. What I do know is it’s something and
that’s enough for today. Love you.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 152 “Who Can It
Be Now?” by Men at Work
It pays to have friends. Not many per se, but something
worth far more. Knowledge, wisdom, help and happiness. When I went to my
Johnny-on–the-spot, Dan Porter for a tip on what to play for you today, he
instantly came back with “Who Can It be Now?” Bulls-eye, Senor. Wee-played.
Hopefully, I can say the same. Salutations to Nigel, seen
here bringing the cuteness. Loved this tune when it was on the radio. Still do.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 152 “Talking with
the Dog”
There are some many things to do in a day, far more than one
possibly can. Getting a record done is time consuming and fun, but making such
time often requires a plan. Planning’s not fun. You’re never fooling anyone. No
tricks, nor gags, or wrinkles, clever puns. But on the other side of time,
you’re blessed with silence on your side. To sit and choose whichever road’s
your own.
Fun is the barometer. Fun is the release. Fun is what we all
are after from tycoons down to fleas. There is no price. There are no
substitutes, as true for lice as it is for prostitutes. Fun is the season in
the seas. Fun is the reason that we breathe. Doing what’s right. Helping others
is what’s fun. All else is illusion that we’re meant to learn from.
In other news, Nigel is the unsung superstar of my life and
consequently, the Operation 365. In an effort to put up more front and center, here,
we spend some time trying to engage the endearing pooch in conversation.
Ultimately, we spoke in a language everyone could clearly understand. Hail
cute.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 152 “Chulajuana”
This
is a brilliant song. It may be misunderstood. Such is burden of making great
art. Love to Leanne and Dan without whom there could be no “Chulajuana” song.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 151 “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
It's a pretty enormo day on the 365. Thanks to the Padres latest guffaw, my video upbraiding them has over 4200 views on Facebook since yesterday and, let's check, 66 views on YouTube. I will also be appearing on The Scott and BR Radio Show on the Mighty 1090, 1090AM in San Diego and www.mighty1090.com around 5PM PST probably.
You see, I'm just a wee bit of an expert on Padres malfunction and the National Anthem as I was scheduled to sing it on September 3, 2013 and I stood there and they played a recording of someone singing it and like The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, I had to stand there and pretend it was normal. Fortunately for me, the voice that played for the thousands in attendance was my own and not a random lady, but still singers sing. I don't know exactly who pretends to sing. Actors, maybe. Lip sync contest participants? The Pads mess everything up 'cause they're clueless and unprofessional. This was, yet again, proof.
In case you still don't know what I'm, talking about, Saturday night, The Padres invited The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus to "sing" the National Anthem at "Gay Day" (not the official title) at Petco Park. They, then humiliated their guests by playing a recording of lady singing it through to the end, with no clarification or announced apology. Thats' really the short version of the story. The Padres are a dumpster fire.
In case you missed it, here, again, is a link to the tune I yanked out of thin air yesterday as a response the the Padres' latest unimaginable mistake.
So, I was thinking what, nice, can I do for gay folks to help 'em bounce back from this baseball bummer? I did what folks do when they're wondering something these days and I searched Google for "gay songs." I thought maybe I'd cover one. Obviously there is no such thing as a gay song, but I figured I'd dive in and discover. Why not? #1 on the Top 50 list I found was "I Will Survive."
Would have been appropriate but we already did that here in Op365 2 so that's out. Then "Freedom! '90" was #2. I don't think I even know that tune, so no dice there. Number 3, fortunately, I'd played some lately, so "Over the Rainbow" it is. I'm not so sure how that song, or even, rainbow for that matter are really gay, but who cares, since we're all one anyway. Enjoy rainbow lovers, Wizard of Oz heads, and anyone who likes IZ, cause he arranged this version with a little bit of What a Wonderful World in there for funsies and good measure.
Now I gotta run. Talk later. Lunch time with my friend, who may or may not happen to be gay.
Wait, one last thing before I go. I would like to dedicate this number to a great friend of mine who has found peace and love in island life, much like IZ, the fella who arranged this piece for ukelele. Congratulations to Petey, and my future friend, her new fiancee David. We, here on the continent, are all so happy for you and your love. An island love song for some true island lovers. It doesn't get more romantic that that. We salute you. Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - BONUS – 151 “One Step Away”
I am literally, well, more figuratively, “One Step Away” from going to dinner now. It's been a long and exciting Monday. Went on the radio with Scott and BR. More on that in a sec.
I just realized I posted this tune yesterday. That means another video is needed. May as well leave this too. Why not? More steps to come.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 151 “ JJ's Message to the 'Dres"
Yesterday, I wrote a song. "Don't Make Fun of The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus." It has somehow been seen about 5000 times on Facebook and a whole bunch more on YouTube. How neat. I went on the Scott and BR Radio Show on The Mighty 1090AM and debuted the tune. It was amazing.
This is the rant chunk on the end of the full "Don't Make Fun of The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus" video. That can be viewed here. I thought it deserved it's own zone. Come on, Padres!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAPldf7rTFQ
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 151 “Here to Help"
That's basically what it all comes down to, isn't it? Either we're part of the solution or we're part of the problem. I'm one of those "love brothers" Scott Kaplan mentioned on The Mighty 1090 today. So whether it's The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus or you right now, I'm all about it. Even for the Padres. Or the WWE. I'm “Here to Help." Like we all should be, honestly.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 150 “A Step
Away”
Some times we feel like everything we’re after is just “A
Step Away.” This song’s about that. I think. I’m still uncovering what those
song and the 23 others I wrote on a sweet San Diego day several weeks ago are
all about. I had fun playing a bunch of them yesterday with a sunny halo over
my dome. And now it’s Sunday. Sweet Sunday. Only one thing to do. Meet with
Steph G at high noon and make more videos for you. First, these, I’ll power
through. Always fun things to do.
Maybe we’re never a step away. Maybe it just means we’re
close. Maybe we’re already there and we just thing we’re “A Step Away.” That’s
wouldn’t surprise me at all.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 150 “Fly
Elsewhere, Jim”
This video was initially going to be called, “If You Believe
What You Read…” Lots of folks do. Most of them are misinformed. Ha. Then I
realized the true subject of this video is the planes that are constantly
buzzing over my head and cockblocking my videos. Unsolicited cameos, Jims. Disapproval,
planes. Disapproval. It’s Sunday. Quiet time. Shhhhh…
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 150 “Making Our Dreams Come True” by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox
I just learned this number’s not called “Laverne and
Shirley.” Nothing flicks my nostalgia trigger more than theme songs of
the TV shows from yesteryear. Just listening to ‘em makes the tears all pile up
behind my eyes for some reason. And it’s not just acute adult onset allergies
like my wife is attempting to allege.
Honestly, It transports my instantly to a simpler time and I
am putty. I can’t resist it. It’s 1979 all over again whenever I hear any of
‘em. “Alive,” my initial intended target for this morning, “Facts of Life,”
“Get Smart,” “Monday Night Football,” Good Times.” There’s a million of ‘em. I
am grateful to have lived when I’ve lived and to still be alive to enjoy. Huge
hail to Penny Marshall who seems like she would be really cool to meet. And to
any one whoever spoke Yiddish, without whom, this song and life itself, would
be different.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - BONUS – 150 “Don't Make Fun of the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus”
Folks, I was reading the Twittersphere and was yanked into extra innings (much like how The Bat Signal affects Batman), by this unbelievably awful controversy, that some are calling a hate crime, right here in my home field of San Diego.
The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus was scheduled to sing the National Anthem before last night's Padres-Dodgers game at Petco Park. Sounds simple, right? Not for the Padres. Instead, they played recording played of a woman singing the song. The SDGMC stood there mortified. In the link above, it says that fans in the large Baseball Night in San Diego crowd laughed at and mocked with cruel and painful taunts.
Shame on you, Padres. Let people sing the song, darn it. It's America. That's the whole point. We let you field a bad baseball team. We fund it, in fact. Let people sing the song you asked them to come sing. It's rude not to... Duh. And if you did, it would prevent you from "accidentally" insulting your guests, one of the least elegant faux pas on the planet. Gauche, sirs.
Many years back Roseanne Barr, at her peak of fame, sang an awful version of the National Anthem in San Diego. She was out of key, grabbed herself and spat. I think she was joking. She was not a singer. She's a comedienne. What did they expect? The Padres are an organization that struggles to meaningfully move forward. They struggle to not offend their friends and their fans. It's sad. Despite ownership changes, and changes in the front office, life goes on in last place for the Padres.
The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus needs a huge apology, one at least as long as the statement they provided, reprinted below in full. I was so up in arms over this enormous snafu, I launched myself into immediate action and I accidentally (and repeatedly) referred to the The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus as the The San Diego Gay Men's Choir. For that I apologize. I simply could not contain my fire and my muse.
“You Sing Like a Girl” San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus Statement on San Diego Padres National Anthem Incident
SAN DIEGO, May 22, 2016—What should have been a night of joy and celebration at Petco Park last night, instead turned into a nightmare raising serious questions about homophobia within the San Diego Padres organization and its relationship with the LGBT community.
Before the start of the last night’s San Diego Padres game, 100 volunteer singers of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus took to the field to proudly sing the National Anthem. Instead, in front of the large crowd gathered for the LA Dodgers game, the San Diego Padres played the recorded voice of a woman singing the anthem.
No attempt was made to stop the recording and start over. No announcement of apology was made to the singers or their friends and families in the stands. No attempt to correct the situation occurred other than to force the 100 men to stand in the spotlight of center field for the song’s duration and then be escorted off the field to the heckles of baseball fans shouting homophobic taunts including “You sing like a girl.”
This incident followed several days of troubling comments and behavior within the San Diego Padres organization. Three days before the game, San Diego Padres representatives aggressively sought to prevent singers from performing the National Anthem unless they purchased a ticket to the game—even if they did not plan to stay for the game—which was not part of any previous discussion or written or verbal agreement and would have cost the small, community-based non-profit thousands of dollars. The demand eventually was rescinded on Friday following repeated complaints made by SDGMC and San Diego Pride to San Diego Padres management.
With this as background, we call on the San Diego Padres and Major League Baseball to immediately launch a full and transparent investigation into the incident to determine if someone or some people intentionally engaged in anti-gay discrimination or a hate crime by playing a female’s voice to represent a group of gay men with the purpose of denigrating and/or ridiculing gay men. The historic significance of such an act is not lost on the LGBT community—especially in relation to professional sports—and added to the depth of embarrassment experienced by the singers and their families.
We also call upon the City of San Diego City Attorney’s Office and the City of San Diego Human Relations Commission to independently investigate this incident to determine if members of the San Diego Padres organization engaged in activity in violation of the San Diego Human Rights Ordinance or engaged in any deliberate hate crimes based on sexual orientation.
We applaud San Diego Padres President and Chief Executive Office Mike Dee for reaching out to our organization to apologize and to offer to meet with LGBT leaders to discuss the incident. We look forward to this meeting. We believe it is important to work together with the San Diego Padres organization to build bridges within the LGBT community rather than burn them down as happened last night.
However, we are very disappointed with the San Diego Padres dismissively brief two sentence statement at 9:37 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, 2016 which did not appropriately address the gravity of the situation nor pay due to the 100 volunteers who took to the field in celebration and were led off in humiliation.
Padres, this is a matter that could have been easily avoided. Why invite a choir, or anyone to pretend to sing? You do this all the time. It's why you recordings on hand that you play when the The San Diego Gay Men's Chorus are standing in centerfield, so ridiculously handy. Too handy. It's an insult, however it happened. I apologize to the SDGMC on their behalf, as a San Diegan and a baseball fan.
No more lip syncing, Padres, on or off the field. Let's get serious about respect. Let's get serous about singing our country's National Anthem and then, let's get serious about winning at least ONE World Series for San Diego. We deserve it.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 149 “New York
State of Mind” by Billy Joel
Songs can take you on a journey. Billy Joel’s songs take you
on a journey to New York City and surrounding areas as well as anybody. Billy
was here in San Diego a week ago today. I missed that. But he’s here with me
every day. Anybody from where and when I’m from feels that way. Hope you have
incredible days.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 149 “Why Billy
Joel Matters to New York”
Here, I try to find words to describe the profound
significance of Billy Joel to folks from my home zone and era. New York. New
Jersey. Thirty, forty years ago.
No offense, Kansas
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 149 “The Train
of Destiny”
So I’m finally getting around to diving into these last
24-tunes-at-once tunes. I binge tune wrote three times a few months ago, I did
a 12-song batch that I named “Welcome.” Those 12 have all been posted here. Then I did a 24. I think
those have all been posted. One or two may have slipped through. Them, later,
I’ll get to.
Since then, I’ve improvised a bunch of tunes and “written
written” a few others. Now, these tunes’ time has come. Some of them seem
pretty cool. One or two, I have slightly forgotten. No fear. They’ll come back.
Great gig last night at Mother’s Saloon with the band. Fun
times earlier today play at the North Park Street Fair or whatever they call
it, Arts Festival or something. It was fun bantering with passer-by children on
scooter, joking about the nearby Porto Potties and remarking on how we are all
one. I made up a tune and everybody sang “Hooray.” Fun sharing the stage with
Hummingbird Hotel and M.E. Law. The Hummingbird Hotel plays in Salt Lake City
later today. That’s quite a schlep. I salute them.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 148 “Outside
Licks”
So it was jam time today. Time to play a couple jams before
our gig at Mother’s. Even picked out today’s cover, “All Along the Watchtower.”
Then, this happened. A symphony of lawn machines all cranked up at once. Weed
whackers. Large lawn mowers. All of ‘em. So we used some good old fashioned
American ingenuity and went with the vibe. Dan and I stepped outside and got
busy. Jamming with the sounds of what’s around us.
Large fun. These licks are outside, like jazz licks. Cheers
to Dan Porter for getting his mow on. Ornette and Thelonious would be proud of
these “Outside Licks” I like to think. Thanks to time for speeding up and slowing
when that’s what we most need.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 148 “America” by
Neil Diamond
So next I thought, what might sound amazing with a million
lawn mowers and a fan blaring their sweet sonic affection. “America!” Of
course. Eureka. Excelsior.
So I got into it, cause that’s what you do when you play a
Neil Diamond tune. You strap on your patriotism and let her fly in the
explosion-filled skies on the Fourth of July. Or something like that.
Independence and such…
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 148 “Your
Mom’s So Incredibly Cool”
So I was feeling a little giddy. It’s been a fun day. We
jammed out with the lawn mowers. Got a gig tonight. Excited to play at Mother’s
this evening. It’s always a good time. Then I started thinking about moms. And
then I thought about your mom.
Well, not your mom exactly but the mom of my future unborn
offspring. I started picturing her in all sorts of pajamas. She’ll be home
soon. We have a gig tonight. She pounds the drums. So to you, yet-to-be
conceived, (dare I name you), Cletus the Future Fetus, “Your Mom’s Incredibly
Cool.” Well played unborn, well played.
OK. Confession. This song is not based on actual events. It
is a fictional song from the perspective of a guy who lives near here and hooks
up with the moms who take their kids to Richard A. Milf Park, which is only a
few blocks from here, actually. I feel better now. It’s no more me than “Hey
Joe” is Hendrix and “Down by the River” is actually Neil Young. At least in my
song, nobody gets shot. In fact, it’s a love song, technically.
I'm not sure this song is OK. I hope it is. It’s a joke…
Gotta joke… right???
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers - 147 “Fat Bottom
Girls” by Queen
v
I can honestly say I love ladies of all colors, shapes,
creeds and sizes. I just wish when I was single more of them had loved me. No, seriously.
I think all kinds of ladies are attractive, so I salute Freddie Mercury and the
Queens' salute to ample broads. I use broad in the loosest sense of the term.
Like Queen, we can never take ourselves too seriously. Life can be gone in a
“Flash” Ahhhh-Ahhhh.
Thanks top my main man, Daniel Porter Ratcliffe on the song
suggestion, iPad provision, OnSong recommendation, and the harm a knees. Never
harm a man on his knees. I tell ya. An incredible nightr at Open Mic, last
night was. Wonderful performances from everybody including The Soul Man with
his brother Joe Fos and Paul Ruiz, The Pearls, Leanne and her father Tom Pearl,
and birthday boy Hugh Gaskins with Tom, his friend Eric on guitar and The Soul
Man. Another satisfying professional adventure.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 147 “Rock Back
Forever” by Jefferson Jay
I wrote his song during a 24-song songwriting binge some
weeks back. I am still learning and discovering all these tunes and this one I
think is OK. OK in a good way.
I just seriously considered pulling this video. I like
this song and don’t feel that this performance portrays this song in the best
light. Pun intended. Alas, It’s 5:14 and there’s much to do other that this, so
it’s gonna have to fly through the sky, maybe even into your eyes. Hope you
like it. Everything happens for a reason and that’s going to have to take the
day this time. Hope you like it anyway. Love.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 147 “Mustache Pros
and Cons”
There's a lot of thing to consider living in this world today. Even things you don't need to consider, you consider. I do some of that here today. Here I share some wisdom as a mustache-having human, but then I realize with true freeness, individuals must decide what is best for themselves, and not just do what may be right for me. Wishing you all a giant honking freeness. Make your Yuletide gay.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - BONUS - 147 “Plantman (for
Michael)” by Gary Young
So, after finishing up my posting for today, I checked in on
Facebook. I post stuff there when I’m done. Makes sense, right? Then I see the
feedback I’ve been getting. So, doing that, I saw my Facebook-posted videos
(Thanks Dan, for another good suggestion) have been generating some amount of
talk. Yeah! How rewarding! My dear pal Michael said he wanted this one from
yesterday at the real speed and because it’s him and he cared enough to ask, I
am bouncing that video right now. Hooray! Produce! Creart!
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 146 “Tabling
Why” by Jefferson Jay
Over a given 365-day period, most folks are going to have
days where they don’t feel like being seen. Today, I had to get creative to
meet my mandate. Fortunately yesterday, I was on a little roll writing tunes
and I conjured this piece as my special needs folks were coming in for their
time with me. You know you might be on to something when someone is singing
along before you even finished playing the tune the first time. Granted, this
friend is extremely enthusiastic, as star, in fact, but I’m always searching
for the signs. Everything means something and beyond that, everything means
everything, so it’s very important and such to do this…
I like the name “Tabling Why” and the little catchy hook
there at the end my friend sang on. She even does her imitation of what she thinks it sounds like when I sing at the end there. Pretty humorous. I like the thought of it. Maybe I’ll
revisit this tune and write it all the way through. Like remembering the words
and such… Wait. It just came back to me. D A E. It was meant to represent day,
which I believe I sang in the first line. It was supposed to be about a day.
Somehow it wound up about everything. It always does.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay– Covers - 146 “Plantman” by
Gary Young
A classic early 90s fun thing for me to do was sit around
with my friends on our breaks form college and watch Beavis and Butthead and
laugh our asses off. It was great.
We cried. Those guys ripped this tune up good one day and like most of the
stuff they did back then, it cracked us up. The song stuck with me. I even
thought I wrote it by accident once. I was bummed. When I “learned” it just
now, I realized I never wrote it. My song was slightly different. Maybe it’s
not too late for it to come back to life. Hey. Worked for Jon Snow.
My new favorite thing to do is speed things up and slow
things down. Movie magic. Why not? Well, it takes more time when your computer
is as old as mine, but otherwise, it’s fine. So I’m writing this while I wait
for this video to catch up and allow me to play with my pitch. It’s time.
It’s amazing what you’ve got to do these days to get maximum
entertainment out of something. See Miley Cyrus, Donald J., Trump, and every
reality show.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 146 “TCB”
I am trying to take care of my business. Have to head to
host Open Mic at Winston’s shortly. I’m shaggy. Need to shower. Nigel has been
trying to take care of business himself lately. Breaking out. Destroying shit.
Leaping on to counters. All kinds of insane shenanigans. And everything we do
to attempt to curtail these behaviors, he outsmarts. It is no fun. He is sleepy
himself. I’m pretty sure that moment of “grooming” captured here is the only
time he’s moved in quite awhile. It’s quite exhausting, being free, apparently.
I hope this resolves itself shortly. Nigey has been a good
boy for a long time. This sudden departure from his norm has grown alarming. He
has gotten out on the streets many times as of late. I guess it’s good to know
he has survival instinct. We’re launching a new hashtag where folks can follow
this story up to the minute and share their wise words in the discussion
regarding Nigel. #prayforstay
Maybe he wants to go and find his mama. If this was a Disney
movie, that would definitely be the reason. That or spaghetti.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 145 “You Should Finish That Song”
I’m surprising myself all of a sudden here on today’s 365. I
thought I had a plan all worked out and now due to a surprisingly catchy song
slated for the “Words” segment, I’m switching things around some.
So earlier today, I was eagerly awaiting my special needs
adults in a room with my guitar. Occasionally, I fill these moments, sketching
out new tunes or hacking away at some videos and today was no exception. I
stumbled on to a chunk a tune that was decent so I even ran it back a few
times, before pushing it as far as I intended to for the time being. It was at
this time that the folks were heading on in and I was shifting in the direction
of our regularly scheduled program.
I was then caught off-guard in a wonderful way with some
nice words from a colleague on how neat she thought that tune was. She didn’t
even know it was mine and I hadn’t even finished writing it yet. So I’d intended
to use it as today’s “Original” but with it being only a fragment, me wanting
more reason to return to it, and the fact that I conjured two other interesting
originals this afternoon, this video, with the kind sentiments attached, is
today’s “Words.”
Hopefully, before too long, this jam will be rocking in the
“Originals” club too.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – BONUS - 145 “This Land Is
Your Land” by Woody Guthrie
Covers are getting harder to pick as I get over 500
different ones between the two 365s. Sometimes, I slip and do one twice. Today
this happened again, I played “This Land Is Your Land” some time in the middle
of the first 365 (Thanksgiving 2010-Thanksgiving 2011). I remember playing the
tune some time since then and realizing it had all these awesome amazing words
I’d never known about. That made me think I’d never played it. But I checked,
like I do, and I did.
So here it is anyway, with all Woody’s all insurrectionary
words from back in the day.
Oh, and this post would be incomplete without a re-affirming
of my love for Bernie Sanders who is actually giving songs like this a meaning
in our modern world. Feel the Bern.
“It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.” – Yankee great Yogi Berra
“It’s
never over” – Green Beret John Rambo
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 145 “Darling
Angel” by Rebel Souljahs
So then I played some other cover and even though it was
just a short while ago now, I have little if any idea which one it was. Maybe that’s
a sign you’re working (or 365ing) too much. Nahhhh!!!! Think deep, young
warrior. Think probingly back into the last 20 minutes. You can do this! If not
I have to wait 12 minutes while the video loads from the GoPro. Doh! Hmmmm….I
played a song…. It was called…. A man sung it? Hmmm… A woman…????? Doh!
Patience. No thanks. I got an idea.
Yeah!!!!! I remembered. It is a song I’d never heard before this
morning. “Darling Angel” was suggested to me by a friend at work. Before I knew
it he and another co-worker were singing along with my version. How cool. Shout-outs
to my eternal pooch Angel, who of course, this makes me think of. Of course, I
only think wonderful loving thoughts, We had an incredible fifteen and a half
years. Cheers to colleagues for educating me and sharing the wise good vibe.
I did a "normal-er" version and it was fine but I am having fun with movie magic and went with this one. With any demand whatsoever from fans of this tune, I would be happy to release the "real-er" one as well. Nanoo Nanoo.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 145 “The
Hillside” by Jefferson Jay
So I was about to finish the video recording portion of today's 365 work. (That immediately predates the uploading, transferring, editing, bouncing, blogging, posting, and social media portions of a day's 365 work, for those keeping score at home.) All I needed to do was a "Words" chunk. Unfortunately nothing inordinately witty was at the top of my head at the time, so I did what all songwriters do in their moments of need. I launched into song.
That's when things got a nipple surprising. I just wanted to check to see if nipple could be used in this context, to mean a small amount of something. While I didn't get great news on that tip, I was pleasantly surprised to see a black woman's beautiful boob on the the internet dictionary. That was an unexpected treat. I wonder if there's a male nipple in the vaginictionary. Wow, we've ridden off the rails. Well, at least I think you can clearly see while I wasn't trying to say anything funny.
Instead, I pulled this interesting tune from my sub-conscious about many of the different scenarios that can lead to one needing to be sent to the hillside. Presumable, this fictional hillside is place for reflection and healing and rejuvenation where can go and be rest assured that they will be returned to bearing the faculties of a reasonable person or persons post-haste. While the American dream may be peril, thankfully, dreaming in America is alive and well. Folks, step away from the dictionary.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 144 “Our State
of Mind” by Jefferson Jay
So I did a special thing today. I wrote y’all a tune. This
is a slightly different and more involved process than just hitting record and
creating one straight form the imagination for ya. This time I actually grabbed
a notebook, a pen, and wrote down cords and words. , verse, chorus, bridge, the
whole thing. It’s fairly satisfying. Although, I’m not at all certain “writing”
tunes creates “better” tunes than just winging it, it is satisfying to me in a
different way. Art is always so personal to the artist I guess. I just hope it
opens a channel and crested some connection, some thought and some
communication between me and all of you. I truly do.
So let’s briefly discuss what I’m singing about here. Why
not? “Our State of Mind” is a good title, I guess, ‘cause that’s exactly what
this tune is about. We all have thoughts in our head that we never share, our
deepest inner-most dialogue. This is where our true honesty feelings, thoughts,
beliefs, opinions and ideas exist. This is a private forbidden place. This
space is taboo. Very few taboos remain in our modern world, but out true raw
thoughts are one of them. Why share passions and risk being embarrassed,
ashamed or worse yet, not entirely understood? It is a nakedness beyond even
nudity itself these days. Ironically, outing ourselves, discovering what we
believe and connecting, growing and building upon those connections is what our
world needs more than anything else for us to flourish and prosper in the
modern age. We are scared to confront our problems, individually and as a
society so we allow trivia and minutia to carry the conversation and try to
hide away from our thoughts.
More irony is that we have inside is beautiful like a
sunset, or a giant tree in the breeze. It is natural and it is nature. It is
animal and it is spirit, cosmic, truly magical. So this song is about us
confronting our fears, finding the courage to reveal to ourselves and the world
our state so find so we can ultimately all connect, invest and evolve our state
of mind as a people. Money is an illusion. It’s a silly game. We place paper
over brains. Illogical realities like these have led to us to hiding our
selves, our passions and our transcendent inner beauty. That inner beauty that
we have and share, that is what saves the world, when it’s all said and done.
If and when we let it. That’s the beautiful truth.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 144 “Suddenly
Seymour” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
When there isn’t an ready answer in the present, like on
what cover to play for today’s 365, you can always count on the past to steady
and support you. Today, went way back into my past, 1992 specifically to
conjure this classic for you. Yes, Little Shop of Horrors, the musical from
which “Suddenly Seymour” comes goes back far further, but to me it will always
be 1992.
It shoulda been a simple time of celebration those final
days of senior year. Senioritis. Proms and the like. For me, not so much. My
best friend, Tony Russo, had passed away under extremely questionable
circumstances just one month before. The administration of the school made me
decide while he sat in a coma if I was going to stay in the play or not. I was
Seymour. I had the lead role and we were rehearsing a lot during our February
vacation then and the needed an answer. I did it. Rehearsals happened.
Characters clicked. I channeled more torn up soul into the Seymour character,
which was much darker than the movie version portrayed. It was therapeutic, the
beginning of my long road back to health.
I remember a sold out auditorium filled with 800 people. I
remember standing on the little side stage they had built for this number hand
in hand with Laura Currie, singing our hearts out. I had known Laura since we
were little kids, elementary school. I can still feel her squeezing my hand
tighter to pull my up to the exact right pitch for that last climactic note of
this anthemic song. It is vivid as anything.
I am sure many high school students in every tune have
similar memories. The details our different. Which song, what show. Hopefully,
and thankfully most of those kids didn’t have to do it amidst the darkness I
was living, but we all have our paths before us. Exactly what we need to go
though. Survival, each day, is an accomplishment. That’s the truth.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 144 “Don’t Joke About
Your Mother”
Folks, a serious note today. If you want to wind up like me
at the end of this video, don’t heed this advice, otherwise “Don’t Joke About Your
Mother.” A very serious message from your friendly neighborhood Operation 365
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 143 “Everybody
Loves You Now” by Billy Joel
I was playing this slowed-down version of “Everybody Loves
You Now” at work the other day. A colleague said it made he imagined himself
listening to that going for a nice drive. I decided I’d covert it some day
soon. I knew Billy Joel was coming to town here, San Diego, some time soon. I
did not realize it was last night. Perhaps if I’d been all embedded in social
media I’d have seen a thousand pictures but I did not.
So this morning, I learned that this all happened and I
sought out his set list. I was psyched it see it full of different songs from
all his album offerings. I also thought it was neat that he’s playing cool covers
and bunch of different tunes at different shows. Hail you, Billy.
I hope you are truly loving life. This song, you wrote is
about how much everybody loves you and how it doesn’t really translate to
happiness. This is an old song so I hope you’ve found the peace that you have
sought.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 143 “Billy Joel SD Show Review”
I wasn’t there. That would have been cool though. No matter. I have opinions. I’ll offer ‘em anyway. They may be insightful. They may be irrelevant. I looked at the set list. I’ve seen him play before, many moons ago. I love the man. Billy Joel-love is a birthright when you were born in New York and raised in New Jersey in the 70’s and 80’s. It probably still is. Sorry I missed you Bill. Maybe one of these days I’ll sit in, or we’ll break challah together. There are no limits so, who knows?
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 143 “No
Limits” by Jefferson Jay
I’m ready to dip more deeply into my last 24-at-once song
chunk that I birthed some weeks ago now. I’d been waiting hesitating to get into
it, because I am still trying to internalize the previous 24 songs-at-once
thing. I think I’ve about done that now. I think I’ve posted a few of these
before, but now I plan to share from there. XOXOXO. This one’s called “No
Limits” and it’s about how we really have no “relevant floor” and no ceilings.
Thanks to George Washington Carver, Sir Walter Raleigh, Kristy McNichol for
existing so I could exist them in this song. Not to say they exist merely to be
in my song. More to say that if they didn’t, it would be a lot less likely. In
a world with no limits though, I guess it could have happened regardless. I
love you.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 142 “Orphee Aux
Enfers” by Jacques Offenbach
Yesterday, I was minding my own business and the next thing
you know I’m dancing what I believe to be the can-can with my boy, The Fabulous
Nigel. Here, a day later, I’m feeling less than completely social, so I share
this dance with you.
Research comes first though. What’s this tune called? Who
wrote it? Well, it’s called “Orphee Aux Enfers” and it’s by Jacques Offenbach. Jacques
busted it out in 1858, and according to my friends at the big ‘Peed (Wikipedia)
"In 1858, the government lifted the licensing restrictions on
the number of performers, and Offenbach was able to present more ambitious
works. His first full-length operetta, Orphée aux enfers ("Orpheus in the
Underworld"), was presented in October 1858. Offenbach, as usual, spent
freely on the production, with scenery by Gustave Doré, lavish costumes, a cast
of twenty principals, and a large chorus and orchestra.[87]
As the company was particularly short of money following an
abortive season in Berlin, a big success was urgently needed. At first the
production seemed merely to be a modest success. It soon benefited from an
outraged review by Jules Janin, the critic of the Journal des Débats; he
condemned the piece for profanity and irreverence (ostensibly to Roman
mythology but in reality to Napoleon and his government, generally seen as the
targets of its satire).[88] Offenbach and his librettist Hector Crémieux seized
on this free publicity, and joined in a lively public debate in the columns of
the Parisian daily newspaper Le Figaro.[89] Janin's indignation made the public
agog to see the work, and the box office takings were prodigious. Among those
who wanted to see the satire of the emperor was the emperor himself, who
commanded a performance in April 1860.[89] Despite many great successes during
the rest of Offenbach's career, Orphée aux enfers remained his most popular.
Gammond lists among the reasons for its success, "the sweeping
waltzes" reminiscent of Vienna but with a new French flavour, the patter
songs, and "above all else, of course, the can-can which had led a naughty
life in low places since the 1830s or thereabouts and now became a polite fashion,
as uninhibited as ever."[90]
That stuff seems pretty interesting and I figured if I
copied and shared the whole thing, I might actually read it. I’m going to try
again. Done. You know Led Zeppelin got their name from an “outraged review.”
Hail the can-can. Hail Nigel.
Here’s a link to Jacques’ version. It has 8 and a half
million views.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 142 “Commotion” by Jefferson Jay
In a crowded room. The folks abuzz because it's Friday afternoon and they're alive. I meditate and improvise. Singing words from a human mind. I bring it to you here direct and live. Sweet creations from the seed of an invisible dream. There's a commotion about and love all the time.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Words - 142 “Something Great to Say”
Today, I had something really great to say to you guys. Watch if youwanna see how that worked out.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 141 “Scarborough
Fair” by Simon and Garfunkel
Hello and Hooray. Another glorious day. Feeling full of life
and love after another five days of fun in the California sun. TGIF though, and
I’m not the kind of guy who says things like TGIF. I like TGIA better. Thank
God I’m alive and you can say that any day. It’s fine
Many moons ago I was a freshman and The University of
Massachusetts and CDs were a big new thing. My mom sent me a special package,
which included a nice note on the CD, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. It
was a very meaningful gift to me and I’m glad I found my way to playing this
song after all this time. I seem to be developing a snazzy, stylish way of
covering Simon and Garfunkel tunes, as this seems to be a sibling of my “The
Sounds of Silence” cover from a month or so ago. Hallelujah. I love you.
Charlotte James on “That sounds good.”
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 141 “The Tony Gwynn Blues” by Jefferson Jay
I’ve been meaning to get to this one. I even tried it yesterday,
but it went horribly awry. Today, we actually honor Number 19, unlike my awkward
almost offering yesterday.
A few days ago would have been San Diego icon Tony Gwynn’s
birthday. He passed away a few years back. He was from here, starred in
football and baseball at San Diego State. Then Tony was the best thing ever
about the San Diego Padres by a lot for 20 years. He was a first ballot Hall of
Famer and then coached the San Diego State Aztecs baseball team, which played
in Tony Gwynn Stadium, until his tragic death of mouth cancer a couple years
back. Damn tobacco.
I had love for Tony even as a boy back in New Jersey. I
remember he first came up in 1982 and his 1983 Topps rookie card was a personal
favorite. So, I wrote this blues tune the day Tony Gwynn died and he is still
hugely missed in San Diego. Peace Tony.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 141 “The Guide to A Good Life”
Here’s some helpful hints. I even broke it down in the end
to four simple steps. Enjoy, learn, and love “The Guide to A Good Life.”
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers - 140 “Take My
Breath Away” by Berlin
Had a little fun today at work playing as San Diego classic
for the folks. “Top Gun” is a San Diego movie and folks here like it a lot.
Like New Yorkers like Billy Joel a lot.
So it is with mild reservation that I say Top Gun is
extremely overrated. Then again, we always have to ask ourselves, “How did I
arrive at this point?”
I suddenly recall Senior Year of high school. I was chosen
to go to theRYLA conference. Rotary Youth Leadership Award, Hooray. It was fun.
I became instantly bonded with a guy whose gone on to do a lot of amazing
things, Conor Grennan. I miss him. Conor, myself and a lot of other people who
were really cool, Debbie (Forgot her last name), Amy Janosky, Marcus Seiler,
others... It’s been decades and I still remember those days. We drank a beverage called “Liquid Schwartz” It’s a long
story, but it involved sugar and water, I recall. We watched “Top Gun” to analyze
leadership styles in a seminar. It was bored to tears. Perhaps that is the
hidden reason why I think "Top Gun" is overrated. That, or it just is. Maybe. Who
am I to say? No one. I take it back. "Top Gun" is fine. It’s all completely
subjective. I don’t plan to criticize any more major motion pictures in this
365. Ha.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 140 “The Tony Gwynn Blues” by Jefferson Jay
I’ve been meaning to get to this one. A few days ago would
have been San Diego icon Tony Gwynn’s birthday. He passed away a few years
back. He was from here, starred in football and baseball at San Diego State.
Then Tony was the best thing ever about the San Diego Padres by a lot for 20
years. He was a first ballot Hall of Famer and then coached the San Diego State
Aztecs baseball team, which played in Tony Gwynn Stadium, until his tragic
death of mouth cancer a couple years back. Damn tobacco.
I had love for Tony even as a boy back in New Jersey. I
remember he first came up in 1982 and his 1983 Topps rookie card was a personal
favorite. So, I wrote this blues tune the day Tony Gwynn died and he is still
hugely missed in San Diego. Peace Tony.
Incidentally, this version was recorded on a clay pot in
1910. Hail Sepia…
Well, change of plans, due to an audio malfunction and my
sepia color scheme unfortunately making it appear that I’m in blackface, I’ll
have to try this one again another time.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 140 “Born to Be Alive” by Jefferson Jay
Instead this tune gets to live. Hooray. It may not have
survived otherwise. I ripped it out of my mind a few days ago. Here, we’ll give
it wings and see if it can fly.
Shoutout to Shinehead, who I quoted in the middle of this
tune. Raggamuffin Roughneck Shinehead.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 140 “Rusty Kuntz"
Was watching Yanks-Royals a tad during Open Mic at Winston's last night. They must have been talking a bunch about first base coach Rusty Kuntz, 'cause he was on the screen a long time. This led to a chat with my man Travis Oliver about Rusty Kuntz and that led to a Facebook thread today starring not only Mr. Kuntz, but former Beavers pitcher Dick Pole and late NASCAR driver Dick Trickle.
Here, I review what I just told you and add another name to long line line of dignitary sports superstars. Hail to those guys. They deserve it.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Originals - 139 “Dangerous
World” by Jefferson Jay
It is indeed a dangerous world. Nobody gets out alive. And
that might actually make it safer. I hazily recall writing this song for some
high school students one day showing ‘em how it’s done. I believe it was at
Hoover High where the great Ted Williams played high school ball. It’s a
dangerous world over there. I know from personal experience. I have stories.
“Believe that!,” WWE champ Roman Reigns.
So, I wrote “Dangerous World” that day, I think it was right
around the same time and place I wrote an earlier 365 2 original “Kansas City
Queen.” Well, we played until very late last night at Winston’s. I’m about to
power through this and get smart before Open Mic at 6, back at Winston’s. Three
days in a row of Winston’s for me this week. #winstones
Luckily I recorded these videos earlier this week. Hail
planning and preparation. Here it goes. Be safe out there folks. I’m serious.
There’s a lot of upset folks, a lot of folks not paying attention on the road.
When did everyone get so opposed to signaling? Maybe that’s a California thing.
Too cool for signaling. Too cool to pay attention while you drive. Too cool to
put your dog on a leash. I don’t get it. Be safe. Peace.
I might need to write a song called “Safety Meeting.” I
think that could be cool. Is doing any of this cool? Who’s to say? Whatever it
is, it says something. I’m going to end this bit with a quote from Bob Marley. I
doubt there’s anyone who’s had a career I admire more, especially in music.
Here’s a chunk of “No Woman, No Cry” (which I did on day 253 of the first 365)
that appeared to me just now.
My feet is my only
carriage
So I've got to
push on through
But while I'm gone...
Ev'rything's
gonna be alright
Amen, my friend.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Covers - 139 “Love Street” by The Doors
I’m not so crazy about the “Time After Time” I had in the
can, so I’ll have to make another plan. A nap sounds nice… so I’d better get on
it.
Hello. So this version is “Love Street” slightly abridged. I
deemed it better than the previously rejected “Time After Time.” It’s OK and
will have to do for today, because I’m tired and need a power nap. I tried some
other fin things and did some research today about some potential future
covers. I’ll have to take it back outside soon too. My lone rue in this regard
is that I didn’t get tot he part of the true where Jim says, “I wonder what they
do in there…” and that whole chunk after that. Even 365ers have limits. At the
bar closing up with the band ‘til 2. Then back at work by 9AM too. Back to
Winston’s for Open Mic in about 2 hours too. Whew.
Thus, we get the first chunk of “Love Street” and I hope I’m
sawing logs soon.
Coming soon: The George Washington Bridge tune.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Covers - 139 “Love Street” by The Doors
I’m not so crazy about the “Time After Time” I had in the
can, so I’ll have to make another plan. A nap sounds nice… so I’d better get on
it.
Hello. So this version is “Love Street” slightly abridged. I
deemed it better than the previously rejected “Time After Time.” It’s OK and
will have to do for today, because I’m tired and need a power nap. I tried some
other fin things and did some research today about some potential future
covers. I’ll have to take it back outside soon too. My lone rue in this regard
is that I didn’t get tot he part of the true where Jim says, “I wonder what they
do in there…” and that whole chunk after that. Even 365ers have limits. At the
bar closing up with the band ‘til 2. Then back at work by 9AM too. Back to
Winston’s for Open Mic in about 2 hours too. Whew.
Thus, we get the first chunk of “Love Street” and I hope I’m
sawing logs soon.
Coming soon: The George Washington Bridge tune.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 139 “What Words
Won’t Do"
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 139 “Oh Mercury”
I was really psyched to riff on “What Words Won’t Do"
but that will have to wait for another day too. Instead, I sang a new thang
called “Oh Mercury”
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Covers - 138 “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter
Welcome home me. I am back on the 365 Train, over my doubts
and ready to complete the project and honor my word as best I can. Onward.
Upward. Always. In 1997-8, I lived
in San Francisco. I briefly had a office temp job where I would listen to the
radio all the time in my Union Square cubicle. It was OK. Standard stuff. I
learned about a bunch of late 90’s tunes, I’d not have known of otherwise and
they’ve stuck in my head to this day. “Sex and Candy,” “Closing Time,” “The
Way,” and “Bad Day” were all in major rotation back then.
Fast forward years later to my special needs adults music
job and one my guys, he doesn’t speak much. He loves music, has done many song
and dance numbers of his own to the modern hits with his mp3 player. Pretty
awesome stuff. He busts out Maroon 5, Carrie Underwood, Katy Perry, all kinds
of stuff I barely know. Pink. This fellow doesn’t speak much. Recently he wrote
down “Bridge to Terebithia” and “Bad Day” on a napkin. I guess this song’s from
that movie and he loves that movie. He was telling me a new one came out and he
was going to see it. I played it for him. He was stoked.
Today, I woke up. I dropped a bunch of things. My car broke
down in the middle ofo the street. I got towed, for the second time in a few
weeks. I am waiting on the results form the mechanic. Meanwhile, sweet pooch
Nigel has become a escape artist and is destroying things and challenging out
abilities to contain him. We’ve been forced to go Guantanamo on him. Pretty
absurd for an adult pooch.
What
do ya do, me? Play tunes. Produce. Share. Be aware that these happen. Stay
strong. Move forward. It’s going to be a long one. We, (The Jefferson Jay Band)
play Winston’s tonight at around 11PM. It’s going to be a great one. It has to
be. There’s not enough to give any away. It’s only 12:47PM. Think low, as in
low process from the Ebers Street Garage.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals - 138
“Dragonfruit” by Jefferson Jay
So, after I played “Bad Day” I played some other original
tunes for awhile. An old song, some other stuff I made up. I filmed it. It was
meditative, therapeutic some. The songs I played were OK, usable, mostly, but I kept going. eventually I landed on dragonfruit. I'm not even sure what dragon fruit is but I was inspired a little and I rolled with it. Maybe I should look it up. It's probably a fruit, I'd bet. Computer, right click, define. Computer doesn't think that that's a word. Google knows more. apparently it's a "pitaya," (a fruit) and it's two words. That and a "Free Online Geek Dating App." Oh, brother.
I prefer www.farmersonly.com myself.
Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words - 138 “The Box of
Love"
So I experienced some adversity today and I am managing. Today, I draw on my own harrowing nonsense to provide some wit and wisdom and tips for overcoming and hanging on in the face of overwhelming odds. Some times life, folks, will kick you in the Jimmy (or the lady equivalent thereof, heretofore known as the "Jenny.") Here's helpful hints how to handle harrow when it happens.
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