Operation 365 2... Blog 294

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 294 “Maggie May” by Rod Stewart

What a tune. It is an honor to play it. A dear friend of mine, Rich “Brother” Robbin was a DJ during a great era for radio here in Southern California. He was the first guy to ever play “Maggie May” on the radio. I have heard him tell the story of it numerous times. He loves radio so much that he literally tears up when he tells the story. That is the extent of his passion. That is how much he was moved by “Maggie May.

It was fun playing the iconic mandolin part on my guitar. I think I sang it an octave lower than ol’ Rod, but that’s OK, .We are all different and we are all one. I love this life. Thank you.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 294 “The Nursery Rhyme Blues”

 

A couple years back, the nice folks in El Cajon invited some of my special needs superstars to play at their Thanksgiving event. I think it was called Mother Goose Fest or something like that. So I thought I’d write something appropriate for that event and I penned this number, “The Nursery Rhyme Blues.” They wound up being unable to play that show, but we had the song and we used it at some other events.

I’m not gonna lie. It’s way neater when they play it. They each get a verse and trade off some of the lines in the chorus and other spots. There’s even a Spanish verse that one of my Spanish-speaking superstars sings. It is for them I share this number.

I am currently directing Episode 4 of my ‘The Hunt For The Great Christmas Tree” series, ‘The Hunt For The Great Christmas Tree 4: One For the Ladies.” They are Christmas musicals. My special needs team does an amazing job bringing my words and their characters to life. It is deeply gratifying to share this experience with them. I think and hope that this will be the best one yet. Humble and happy. It feels great to be whole again.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 294 “The Key to Life”

Once again, here we are, answering life’s constant questions. What is “The Key to Life?” Lucky for you, you have the Operation 365 2 to call a friend and here, we never let you down. In fact, the more questions you conjure, the more answers we administer. That is the reason for the season, my friends. Embrace and celebrate this gift. “The Key to Life,” here for you. No charge.

Operation 365 2... Blog 293

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 293 “Encinitas”

“Encinitas” was a tune I had hoped to do with my band for this effort, but it’s been hard to get the band altogether in a place with a camera for that sort of thing, unfortunately. No matter. I am happy and renewed for the positive. Yes, less than ideal things occur occasionally, but we can’t let that bring us down for long.

No, “Encinitas” was written about an event we played called The Love Fest at The Bazaar in Encinitas. It was fun and this tune states, “When living is a Love Fest, you go far.” No doubt. So I am turning the page back to the Love Fest and away from all the chicanery and shenanigans that has marked my last few weeks. Renewed, refreshed and grateful. Enjoy “Encinitas.”

Hail Nancy Truesdail, born in Encintias. Enjoy Don Fest, happening in New York to celebrate the birthday of the great Don Truesdail next week. Hail. Peace and love to everyone participating in this special event. With you in spirit. Onward and upward.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 293 “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

I wish everybody the best. A fresh new year. A Clean slate, whenever you want. Every year, every day, however much clean slate you can handle. I wish this for you. Only love. I believe Miss Swift said the haters are gonna hate. Well it goes both ways. Lovers gotta love. There must be a balance. For every wild, domesticated…? I don’t know. This theory needs work. Another day. Open Mic starts in 51 minutes and I still gotta shower.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 293 “The Other Brothers”

We are all one. We are related. My man Kip was telling me some cool stuff yesterday about Isaiah and the Messianic Era. About people waking up and embracing something larger than themselves. I love that stuff. I am all about it.  I love. It we are missing link. The link between that and whatever it is we have now. It can’t be Kardashian forever. At some point, folks gotta realize there’s a whole lot more going on that whatever the televisions; saying. Bernie Sanders was part of this and we are “The Other Brothers” and sisters, here to help get this done. Sure beats chasing green paper in a vacuum.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 293 “Bungle in the Jungle” by Jethro Tull

Well, gosh, I’m glad I checked that. On a whim, I wondered if I’d done “Born To Be Wild” before. Well, what d’ya know, I had. Glad I checked. Here’s something else. instead. Peace. Can't find “Bungle in the Jungle.” Darn. Desperation time. 


Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 293 “Puttin' on the Ritz" by Irving Berlin


Loved me some Ritz crackers as a yute.

Operation 365 2... Blog 292

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 292 “Running”

Gosh. Life ain’t getting any easier. Gotta be grateful it hasn’t been harder or worse and hope the hardest part’s behind us. Youch. I wish I could tell you everything, but how deeply sidetracked do I really wish to get? Less than this far, I assure. You. I am here to uplift and not depress, but at the same time, one must keep it real, especially in an endeavor of this nature.

Some years back, I collaborated with a choreographer and young girl on an adaptation of “Little Red Riding Hood.” It was a two-woman show I believe, a fun project. I think I shared one of the tunes from it previously here in the 365 2. “Just Friends” I believe it was called. That song was from when the Wolf and The girl decide it’s easier just to be friends than to fight all the time. This song, “Running” was from one of the many pursuit/chase scenes as the Wolf is on the scent of Little Red. Symbolism, anyone? Double meaning? I need a rest.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 292 “Take This Bottle” by Faith No More

I had fun playing Faith No More’s “Take This Bottle.’ I sort of half remember messing up once or twice, but with the shenanigans I’ve been managing these last few days, I am going to have to go with it just like the van I bought, as is. At least you were notified before you bought it.

Ahhh, to all the fun time 199-1995 in and around UMASS-Amherst with all my delightful angst-filed friends and the perfect soundtrack to serenade us through out. Off the great album “King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime.” To this day, I continue to gain greater of understanding of what that title means. Thanks for your support.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 292 “You Gave Me a Tape?”

Gotta love unexpected generosity. Now what to do with this terrific cassette tape? Crank it up? First world problems. Thanks.

Operation 365 2... Blog 291

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 291 “F”

Van misery cascasded into its second week today, unfortunately. What an unwanted kick in the teeth this has been. Trusting strangers, It should be great, but it ain’t. Nosiree. I bought a van. This fella lied about every single thing. I have been paying out the nose for weeks and no relief. Hemorrhaging. It’s not what I want to talk about.

“F”

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 291 “The Twilight Zone Main Title Theme” by Marius Constant

It’s been a wild week. Murphy’d be stoked. Don’t get me wrong. I’m grateful. There’s plenty to be glad about, but my attempts to buy a decent van have gone horribly awry. The world is having a kicking me in the jimmy frenzy in this regard and it is less than fun. So in honor, of this unfitness, here is “The Twilight Zone Main Title Theme” I hopes that my fortunes turn around shortly and I can return to more of the happiness and interesting banter that makes life and Operation 365 to do. Reviewing my mishaps/getting swindled is tough enough without the entertaining updates my quest here has me ply.

Me ply.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 291 “Knock Sensor”

I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a “Knock Sensor.” Now I’m spending more money than I have for a pair. Hooray. Could be much worse. Alive and breathing. Just ripped off bad on an old van. Anyone wanna buy a 1999 Sienna. Everything recently fixed. I need another new start AAP, I’m afraid. A lotta damage been done, but that’s my problem. Who wants a Toyota minivan?!? It actually works now, more or less. It’s sweet… I miss my ’83 Monte Carlo…

Operation 365 2... Blog 290

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 290 “Do Not Trust a Shyster”

My ego and bank account continue to hemorrhage here in a Sunday. Really sucks when you trust the wrong person, especially when you can't afford it. Oh well. Con men are out there. Theres your helpful Sunday reminder. Two weeks ago today, I bought a van. It was a metal box of lies. Every day, I think the disappointment discover and every day, lately, it finds a new way to disappoint me more. Nothing actually happened today per se. It's just a life hangover for the draining of all my funds and two weeks of daily bad news. All we can do is try to learn from our mistakes and help others to not be thick-headed idealist suckers, like me. I hate to think like that, but if I don't how am I going to learn to not fall victim again? I don't know. I am still processing. By midday and I got a late start today, I tend to feel more like myself, and less like a dumb-ass who trusted a morality-deprived stranger. Oh well. I hate to share shit like this, but it's got to get out somehow. Maybe it can help someone not get taken advantage of, like me. If it seems too good to be true, it possibly is. Strangers, don't trust 'em.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 290 “Less Than Enthused”

So, I guess this creative process is part of my healing and dealing with the fact that I got swindled by a con man on my new van. I am disappointed in humanity for bringing me this vile piece of living trash and I am disappointed in myself for falling prey. If we're all one, which I believe, than I guess I am a vile piece of living trash too. No wonder I'm disappointed in myself. Oh well, there's lots of day and life left, so I have to put this behind me, hope this van only sucks money out of me and not actual life and put my best foot forward. You know it's bad when all I've got are cliches to get me through. That and this venting here with you. Thanks for listening. 

So, while I'm less than enthused, I'm gonna go and save the day and have fun despite the disappointment. Love you.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 290 “San Diego Super Chargers” by Captain Q.B. and the Big Boys

Speaking of disappointment... Chargers charge! Phillip Rivers interception. That's what I call it when the Chargers slip and fall face first in a puddle of their own vomit. It's Sunday tradition her in "America's Finest City." Every week, we get to watch the innovative ways they find to disappoint and devastate their legions of fans. Fear not, this is just an opening act, for when they abandon their fans and move somewhere, where no one loves them. Here, they're loved because they're from here. That's the only reason, 'cause they've done next to nothing to earn the affection of anybody, honestly. They're a disgrace and so are the Padres. They kind of remind me of the guy who sold me that van. Clueless, hapless, and always paying on a karma credit card, many many months overdue. 

To charge - To rip defeat from the jaws of victory in a heart-breaking manner. That's the definition of "charge" in this context, if you ask me. That's why they're the Chargers. Captain Q.B. and the Big Boys are not a real band. Maybe that's most fitting 'cause the “San Diego Super Chargers” are not a real team.

Operation 365 2... Blog 289

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 289 “A Fond Farewell”

Ahhh. When vans were vans. I got ripped off by a shyster on craigslist. Yes, it’s unfortunate. He lied about every single thing and now I’ve already doubled what I initially spent on my new van, I was duped. Doh! No sign of clearance yet either. Failed smog today. Learned that the plates, like the registration sticker, was fake. Fear not. I called the cops immediately. My car’s not stolen. Hooray… Boo…

In news from brighter days, my old van was a loyal soldier, passed on to me for a song. Even with all the repairs, it always felt like I was ahead, essentially the opposite of my current van matter. I’m OK now. Thank God for resiliency. Please God help with my Van nightmare. I rarely pray in public but…

I loved The Tealmobile. Still do. Savored our final drive, if this was that. I shared a minute or so before my phone filled up, just like the lifespan of the auto we’re saluting. I love you. You were my first stick shift. My wife taught me to drive in you. Eagle Tiger Tour April 2011. A loyal soldier through the end. Thanks Tealmobile. To a Great Beyond, Excelsior!

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 289 “Tall Tall Tales”

I wrote “Tall Tall Tales” awhile back. Maybe not too long after the end of the first 365. It’s a song about life as if it was a tall tale. I loved these things when I was a kid. Paul Bunyan. John Henry. I suppose I still do. It’s just been a long hiatus since I read one.

So here’s this song. I hope this is a good version. A weary Saturday and a long week. I long to finish my duties and kick back. Don’t we all. Donald Trump said some dumb things in 2005. That’s the big news of the day. It is randy. Really dirty randy.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 289 “You Light Up My Life” by Debby Boone

I was hungry. Now I’m not. I ate this sandwich and sang this song. I looked it up. I learned it won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1977. Wow. This is a sick cover and a world-class video. It is really real. Yes, it’s really real. Eating attractively has never been my strong suit. Thanks God. For everything.

Operation 365 2... Blog 288

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 288 “Captain Comeback”



Been a zany few days. At some point, each one of us needs to bounce back. Now who knows from what? Shockingly, some slight semblance of secrecy still survives. Enjoy it. Here, I share, but I like the fact that I don't have to. I choose to. Been climbing the hill that is getting my new car registered and my old car sold. Just took The Tealmobile (my teal Eurovan) for my final drive in it, most likely. It was nice to have that last ride. My long time mechanic friend Marcelino confirmed the inevitable. It was a good ride. A great ride. Tomorrow, my "Words" section will feature a final good-bye.

Whew. What a busy day. Exciting and busy. That's especially impressive considering I spent almost three hours in or around DMV.So i play this really fun card game called Palace with my friends. I devoted a day of the 365 2 to it some months ago. We play these series. No money. All fun. I have earned quite a reputation as a guy who fights to the end. I fall behind some games, and then magically “Captain Comeback” appears and me fortunes sail. I dominate.

So this is the theme song the marching band I hired played, (a very stripped down version of it,). They marched from miles away. Their sounds crescendoed just as I completed my tremendous comeback. It was magical. Paled in comparison to the whole comeback I did with "Kashmir" at the end, but that's a story for another.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals– 288 “Humble”

It's great when great things happen. Hooray. But if you play it cool, that's the way. Folks rarely want to hear about your tired sorrow, and they also often would rather skip your tales of your heroics. There are plenty of other topics to discuss. I teach some folks some things like in the course of my occupation occasionally. That, in itself, is humbling. Who am I to teach anyone anything? I like getting to learn. 

My friend once wrote a book called "Be Cool." The only words on the only page were." Be cool." It's an easy read. It's a harder live. Trying's fun. It leads ya right back home. And ya get much more humble than home. And home is wherever you are. 

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Covers – 288 “Closer” by The Chainsmokers



So I had no idea what cover tune to play today. I've been pulling from videos I recorded earlier in the week for a couple days. Had a bunch of original stuff, but no covers I liked. You never know where you'll wind up when you wield an open mind. So I typed in popular songs. That didn't work. Then I added "chords" to my Google and that led me here. 

https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/top/top100.htm

01. Elvis Presley - Cant Help Falling In Love With You         

Did that one a long time ago.

02. Justin Bieber - Love Yourself   

Actually even did this one. 

03. The Chainsmokers            Closer

04. The Chainsmokers            Closer

Now, I only got to number three, so I didn't know it was also Number 4. Now, how about that? This song must be great to be the 3rd and 4th best tune on a website. Wow. I went for it. I think it's a duet. Either that, or a schizophrenic situation it seemed. In either case, it was fun to play and it had no changes. Probably no time to write changes, chainsmoking and all, like these guys do, or so they claim. And on life went, still no more informed what The actual Chainsmokers sound like. Maybe I'm a little "Closer" to knowing. Or perhaps I'm no "Closer" at all. Bless you, perspective. God bless you.