Operation 365 2... Blog 319

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 319 “The Groove”

A few days back, in fact it was last Thursday, I came up with this song. I was teaching a class and I was using this initial groove here as an example of something in some sort of songwriting way. I kept going and made up most of it right there and then.

At first I thought I’d change the lyrics later to something more “serious.” Then I realized I liked the lyrics and I finally had written a song I could actually easily remember the lyrics to. Hallelujah, right?!? So, I’ve actually been having a blast playing this tune and learning it better for a few days now. Kinda catchy… It has “The Groove.”

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 319 “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera

 Last thing I expected when I stepped outside today to sit down and do my videos was to falsetto belt out this song I loved so much in 1986 or thereabouts. I was a real emotional sap for a seventh grader and songs like the “Glory of Love” and “Mad About You” by Belinda Carlisle really got me going for whoever my seventh grade crush was that month. Plus Karate Kid 2 was epic. Yes, my musical taste took some time to evolve. But those ‘member berries. (See this season’s South Park) really are the gift that keeps on giving. Once you get going, you just can’t stop. So I primped, I crooned and did whatever it is you do in managing to power through a version or two of Pete Cetera’s “Glory of Love” tune. Whoa.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 319 “Head Over Heels/Safety First”

Folks, be careful out there. When you’re sing Peter cetera songs in public there’s as good a chance as any that folks are gonna be falling head over heels in love with you. It’s more likely than not, I’d say. So, in hopes of avoiding any sort of “Fatal Attraction” situation, please be mindful and keep a firm hold on your sexiness, cause you never know when the wild stallion of lust will do its dance and try to break away. Safety first, my friends, safety first.

Operation 365 2... Blog 318

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 318 “Revolution” by The Beatles



So, they say you want a "Revolution?" Is there a cooler song than this? I think not. "Revolution 9" maybe? Mad respect for The Beatles. Duh. Hail all the brothers from all the other mothers. And al the sisters too. "All You Need Is Love" Amen. Can I get a hell yeah? Hail Bernie Sanders. Hail all my peeps from the UMASS days, especially The Almighty Shan and Chris Deveau, who is in the house as we speak. Thank the Beatles, kids. Thanks Beatles.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 318 “Fun Fun Love Love Love Love 411”

So, I've been generally saving songs from my Christmas musicals for some other surprise venture in the future, but here today, I' make another exception. Sundays are hard to do much extra work. Sundays are best for chilling and relaxation in my humble opinion, so I had this little vid of me playing “Fun Fun Love Love Love Love 411” from the other day, and that's just swell. 

“Fun Fun Love Love Love Love 411”is the big number the cast sings at the end of this year's Christmas musical, my "The Hunt for The Great Christmas Tree 4: One for the Ladies." As part of my tremendously satisfying job, I write and direct the Christmas musical every year. It is greatly gratifying. “Fun Fun Love Love Love Love 411” is the "number" you call in the even of an X-mas emotional emergency. I love this life. I hope someday to get to share my Christmas musical, with you and the world in more complete detail. Special needs actors exclusively, bringing this warm X-mas musical to life... I think the world is ready. Hallelujah!

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 318 “On Freaking Out”

Let's face it, folks. It's an epidemic. Perhaps there is good reason folks are freaking out every day. I'm not game for it. There's better ways to deal with whatever ails you than a full-fledged freak out. Of course, we all have our moments and some turmoil call for a release of some emotions. That said, there's a time and a place and way to handle these things. 

Far more often than not, there is no four-alarm fire nearby and folks are just freaking out about nothing. Yes, nothing. Folks, get a hat like man. Place it on firmly and place your panic and pouting in the past. That's right, folks, you can do it too. Whatever you think is so egregious, likely isn't. Maybe you're just in the habit of not handling matters. It's OK. You too can change. I too used to freak out. Then I moved from New Jersey and settled down for about 20 years and now, I only freak out once in awhile. You too can live The California Dream. Somehow we're still letting folks in. No wall, folks, No wall. Be free.

Operation 365 2... Blog 317

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 317 “Help Me Rhonda” by The Beach Boys

Remember the old days??? Oh, I do. Like so many of you, I remain a sucker for the old days. Back in high school, I was in a student/teacher rock band called The Boptones. It was fun. It was a coming of age for me of sorts. As a junior, I struggled. The one song they gave me to sing lead on was "Rocket Man by Elton John. If you don;t know that song, it is very hard to sing. I flopped fabulously in rehearsal. I'm sure everyone had a fun time with that. After that disaster my consolation prize was “Help Me Rhonda.” I wasn't feeling it. I made it through a little tune-up concert before cutting it myself. It was a mercy death.

Many years later, I was working at my special needs job, and one of the seniors requested this jam. I still had in my head I guess, and busted out the whole thing there on the spot. Now it wasn't right, but they didn't know that. I t was close enough. I stuck with that vision awhile. Eventually, I found the right version. At least the on the internet told me was right. Here it is for you. Happy Saturday, my friends. 

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 317 "Wrapped Up In Blue"

As I mentioned yesterday, one of my personal highlights if this 365 so far, has been improvising songs from scratch for you, birthing songs if you will. Here is another fun example of this. I've been looking forward to sharing this high energy number since concocting it on Tuesday. I gave it a fun name, based on the first worlds that came out of my mouth when I started singing, "Wrapped Up In Blue". 

I think it's a nice song name, an homage to the legendary "Tangled Up in Blue" by Bob Dylan, off one of my favorite Dylan records, "Blood on the Tracks." So I hope you like it. I look forward to going back, when this entire 365 enterprise is over, and checking this tune out, learning it, writing down the words and maybe playing it for years to come. Who knows? Not I, sir, not I.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 317 “Cross-Dressing, California, and Cannibalism”

Here, I go on another one of what I imagine someday may be trademark rants about a million things all at once. Who's better at being all over the place at the same time than me? Probably no one. Here in another one of my rants from radio practice Monday, (I am working hard) I touch on some of my favorite topics, “Cross-Dressing, California, and Cannibalism.” 

Yes, Halloween is a great justification to cross-dress, isn;t it? Here, I address how I feel about that. Then we discuss California wand why it's awesome and where the line is that makes Californians flip their poop, Finally we return to the big stories of the week the election (oh, so briefly), and our big story, Derek Wolfe, the Broncos D-lineman who told Chargers QB Phil Rivs, he'd eat his kids. We are unequivocally against this on the 365. Just thought you should know. Onward to Sunday, my maties. Roll ho!

Operation 365 2... Blog 316

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 316 “This Is the Theme To Garry’s Show” by Joey Carbone



Well, I think we'll start off this fabulous Friday by hailing legendary funny man Garry Shandling. I was fortunate as a youngster to find myself watching "It's Garry Shandling's Show." Apparently that was on Showtime. I was charmed immediately by it's catchy theme song, written by Joey Carbone and performed by Bill Lynch. Interesting story about how that played out here:

http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2016/03/24/why_the_theme_song_for_it_s_garry_shandling_s_show_is_the_greatest_tv_theme.html

So all these years later, that song's still in my head and now I I have the pleasure of sharing it. I don;t want to meet a million famous people. I mean if it happened naturally, sure, why not, but I am not a starf---er. I'm into meeting cool people in cool situations, Otherwise, I'll pass. My point there is only that Garry Shandling seemed like a cool dude. I have been recently enjoying his "The Larry Sanders Show." Hail Garry. I hope the afterlife is treating you marvelously. Thanks for all you did.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 316 “Climb Away"

Welcome to "Today in Improvised Songs." I may miss this part of the 365 most in 50 days. I guess I could keep doing it, but there's nothing for motivation like your word and duty to do something every day once you said you would. At least that's how it works for me. It's fun. I will go back through each one of this (feels like) million songs and see which ones seem suited to standing the test of time. 

This one, I know little about. That's what happens. You make it up. Then you make another up. and then they're all there, made up. So, "Climb Away" my friends, to wherever your heart takes you. "Climb Away" and feel high... literally.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 316 “A Few Words with Philly Rivs”



It's Day 316 on the 365, folks, and while I can't say I've read the Bible, I'll bet you San Diego Chargers Quarterback Philip Rivers (aka Phil Rivs or Philly Rivs) has, especially the section where it says, have a million kids. I'm pretty sure there's something to his 316 number so I'm taking the opportunity to break it all down with my man, Phil Rivs. Here, I had the pleasure of squeezing in a few moments with his voice. (Thanks for the loan, Phil).

I am not afraid to ask the tough questions. That's what I do. Lots of fun with Phil. It might just be tape of Phil. It's hard to say. What a great sport he is. Not so much a "sportsman" or "at sports" per se, but a great sport nonetheless. I threw in a few words on kindness (ironically( and progressive thought for those of you willing to stay to the end.

Speaking of folks who stay 'til the end. I leaned that losing NFL head coach, Rex Ryan, a Cubs fan, took his coaching staff to Game 7 of The World Series and left during the rain delay, before the dramatic conclusion. Hey Rex, you go to baseball games like you coach football, poorly, with little clue what's happening, and not sticking it out through the finish. At least you are consistent. 

Hail you.

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Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 315 “Embracing the Now”

Folks, the world didn't change yesterday. It just seemed that way to tons of people. We are in the future and expired ideas and conventions no longer belong. We are the truth that we create. That is what the Cubs did last night in claiming their first World Series crown since 1908.

I thought I wasn't ready for now. I picked the Indians exclusively for that reason. I knew the Cubs were better, but I thought I wasn't ready for them to win. I am. I already was. I realize that now. I hope we are all ready, because the world is far more than the two people running for president. It is every one of us and how we can become champions and help our teammates become champions. 

We can do this every day. The Cubs can. We can. And one step further, we are. Saving the world now, we are all champions. Thanks for opening my eyes Cubbies. Congrats to all their fans. Congrats to everyone actually. Lovable winners has a nice ring to it. 

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 315 “Go Cubs Go” by Steve Goodman

Yes, the Chicago Cubs are World Champions. The shirt Bill Murray wore during Game 7 was strangely similar to the shirt Phish frontman Trey Anastasio wore during their epic performance of David Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars" album in Las Vegas, Halloween.  

A man named Jonathan did me a solid 5 years back. He granted me The Tealmobile. I remain grateful, even in its final days in my care. Thanks Jonathan. Jonathans have been incredibly generous to me these last six years. Thanks Jonathans. Due to God's magic gift of Facebook, Jonathan asked me to cover this song. The Cubs closed the deal and I obliged. 

Cheers to the Rammelbergs and my boy, Chris Sulit. They are my Eddie Vedder, John Cusack and Vince Vaughn, as far as Cub fans go. I never heard “Go Cubs Go” 'til then, but I played it a bunch today. By the time I was done, I even really liked the tune. I may even play it again some day. Great WGN product placement in there. Hail to the Champs!

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 315 “(I’m) Going to Chicago”

So I wrote “(I’m) Going to Chicago” a few years back. It was one of the tunes I knew I would do in this 365 but I saved it... just in case. Well, guess what. It happened. The Cubs, for the first time in lifetimes, are World Champions. I am happy for them and I am happy for me, 'cause I live in a world where that can happen. They deserved it. They were the best team all year.

I wrote this song, I vaguely recall, about hard times. Shortly thereafter, I flew through Chicago and got violently ill in the airport. I don't think The Windy City appreciated my word play. It's OK. We're even now... I hope. Thanks to my wonderful wife, Leanne on the vocal aid.  “(I’m) Going to Chicago” has a whole new meaning now. Now, it's the home of the World Champions, the Chicago Cubs. Congratulations everyone. Anything is possible. We are all champions 'cause we are all one. 

Peace.

Operation 365 2... Blog 314

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 314 “The Harmony Hop”

Happy Pi Day on the 365, a super busy one for me personally. I appeared early this morning on 950AM Altitude Sports in Denver with host Vic Lombardi. We discussed my “Original” song from yesterday, “Please Don't Eat Phil Rivers' Children." Good fun, it was. Hail Twitter. Thanks Vic.

Then I went to work and did a day of directing my Christmas musical, “The Hunt for the Great Christmas Tree 4: One for the Ladies,” Also huge fun. I wolfed chow at In N’ Out and now I’m trying to squeeze this in between a little gig a picked up playing for my neighbors with the band at The Ocean Beach Farmer’s Market, followed immediately by Winston’s Wednesday Welcome Open Mic at Winston’s from 6-9. I see the future. In it, I’m fatigued. Here, I am trying to somehow squeeze my videos into that teensy window. Oh, and there’s a Game 7 in the World Series tonight too.

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 314 “Hello Mary Lou” by Ricky Nelson

Here’s another old school jam I was turned on to by the Seniors at the special needs place that I work. Hail Ricky Nelson. Boo drugs,. Bad for you. Bad drugs. Bad for you. Booo them. Yeah freedom. Yeah freeness. Fine lines. 

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 314 “Refs Racist Versus Raiders”

Those darn preconceived notions… Black is bad…. Pirates are scary. Too many others to name, but I think there is an unconscious conspiracy against the Oakland Raiders and has been for some time. It’s affecting little black doggies and kitties too... Hail little black doggies and kitties. Gosh. Refs. Get over yourselves. Don’t see you what’s going down?

 

Operation 365 2... Blog 313

 Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Words – 313 “My Halloween Costume”

Yesterday, Halloween, was a long fun day. Practiced my radio act, like I have the last few Mondays. 'Twas fun. I was a teensy tad fried on my last segment, but for whatever reason, I am sharing it here today. As usual, I recall I was all over the place. I know I stumbled on to some chatter over what costume I was going to wear. I love nonsense, for fun, not for serious. So enjoy my silliness

Hail Dylan Avery, on today, his 33rd birthday. Hail my colleagues at Winston's and the inspiring Electric Waste Band, who we enjoyed last night at their steady Monday night gig. Hail the World Series on the night of an exciting Game 6. Hail you for reading this. I appreciates it. I doos.


Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay - Originals – 313 “Please Don't Eat Phil Rivers' Children"



So in the course or researching my practice sports radio show, I figured I ought to learn a little more about when actually happened in the Chargers game. Par for the course happened. Four sacks endured by Philly Rivs and three interceptions out of his arm one which went back for a touchdown. Derek Wolfe, a Broncos' defensive linemen I never heard of, apparently is a carnivore. He claims to have soiled his relationship with Phil Rivs by telling him he was going to eat his 8 kids. I hope he paid Mike Tyson some royalties for stealing his "children eating" line from way back when.

Wolfie, “Please Don't Eat Phil Rivers' Children." It's not a lot task. Back when people had respect, just winning the game was enough, but shows you what I know. Keep your filthy mouth off Phil Rivers' children!

Operation 365 2 - Jefferson Jay – Covers – 313 “Midnight Rider” by The Allman Brothers

What a lovable tune, "Midnight Rider" is. I'm surprised I haven't played it sooner. Bring your own harmonies. BYOH. "Brother!" - Hulk Hogan.