The Tuftees

dissapointed

2003-06-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so im a bit dissappointed in blogger, AGAIN< for changing and limiting the templates available. I was looking to see if they have any new templates and all they have are these lame ass generic templates, and when i cancelled so as to keep what I had, some orange monstrosity was on the screen, i went ahead and chose this one for now, but seriously, I think this place sucks and this may very well be the last post. I dont have patience for corporate conglomerates (blogger has recently been sold to corporate america) and now they want money for a nice site, when before it was free. so...

FUCK BLOGGER!!

First song on new git

2003-06-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well, last night i was laying back on our new couch playing my new guitar and started strumming some chords and the next thing i knew a song was loosening itself from the strings. It was a good feeling to get that first song on the new guitar out. it is a pretty thing, the song and the guitar. I only have words for the chorus so far, but the melody is there and some interesting changes, plus a beautiful bridge (can I compliment myself on writing a lovely song?) and I am excited to keep finding these gems from within this new gift, my Ibanez.

2003-06-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well two wondeful things discuss today. First of all, I went ahead and bought my new guitar. It is an Ibanez AF75 Artcore hollow body electric and it is gorgeous. It really feels so perfect in my hands. I have never played a guitar that felt this right. I traded in my old Epiphone and sold my (gasp!) banjo for it and as far as Im concerned, it was well worth it. It is a smoky sunburst with very dark brown.

Secondly, our set last night at Grand Central Bowl. I gotta say, I was quite skeptical about the whole event, but was happy to have the gig. I thought it was going to have a horrible sound system and that we would be drowned out by the bowling, but all of that was wrong. In fact, I don't know that we have sounded better than here. Their sound system is great and Alex who was doing the work, had everything running through the alleys huge sound board, so you could hear us wether you were in the lane next to us or 20 lanes down, at an even, clear, and loud sound.

As for as our set, I think it went pretty well. I tossed in a few songs that we hadn't practiced just to boost the rock in the set, and because we really couldn't hear ourselves talk to each other, we didnt really hear the cues, but once we knew what the heck, it went great. I thought Jason was especially good, solid and kept the pace. I was a little off in the openings because I was so excited, i was jumping in early, and because i could barely hear the count. Overall though, this was the nest sound we've had, you could even hear all of the lyrics clearly, at least the songs in which i sing clearly.

Here's the setlist:

714
sidewalk surfer
no end no end
sing to me
giddy
tony breed
curse of january
pornography
chains

We were going to play Oxygen rocked up, but because we had such difficulty getting into pornography (which we hadn't practiced in 2 weeks) I decided to just jump to the finale. Everybody loves Chains. That makes me feel real good too, because it is a solid rocker and people seem to really be able to get into it. Sean Farrelly asked me for the lyrics to pornography and lo & behold, since I havent played it, i couldn't remember them, so I just made them all up on the spot. Sorry Sean, but Im glad you liked what I pulled out of my ***.

I'd like to make a special thanks and Happy Birthday to Dave from Sauvie Island Moon Rocket Factory for hooking us up with the gig; Alex for doing a great sound job and for him and his band Metropolitan, for playing a great set. Beautiful 60's influenced pop. Plus, they are perhaps the nicest guys I've met in a long time. I'll do a show with them anytime.

Pins are in the mail and should arrive any day now. If you'd like one drop me an email at jack@thesleepyhouse.com and we'll work it out.

We go on tour next week and I am thrilled. Not just because I need a break from this f*cking job, but also because I am excited to perform every night in different place and drive along the Pacific f*cking ocean and see all my friends up and down the 101.

Jack

2003-06-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night we have a very interesting gig lined up - we are playing at Grand Central Bowl (SE 9th & Morrison) while people bowl. It sort of sounds ridiculous, but a friend said he saw bands there before and that it actually works. We are playing on the lanes about 15 feet back and people will be bowling around us (not on our lanes, but next to us). I am pretty excited about it actually and am thinking about punking out a little, having some stupid fun with the set. Raise the bar and see what happens. I know Jason is up for it, as far as rocking out, and speeding up, and Casey is dying (plus her hair is a fresh blue) to get louder and faster, so who knows what will happen. I dont really like the idea of competing with strikes, so Id really like t just make the whole scene as fun and incorporated as possible. The great part of it is that we will be exposed to whole audience who will never have heard of us before. There is a wide range of people who bowl, so this may open up some new doors for us as well. Either way we are all excited about it and I can't wait to see some fun pictures from this gig. I almost feel like Im doing for the photo-op, but this will be a good fun experience.

We also have a gig set up through Sir Cloister for August 9th at Kelly's Olympian with The Mouse That Roared (solo acoustic) and The Minor Thirds. That will happen just 3 weeks after the tour, so we will be just rolling along. I am so happy we are being able to play out more. The better we get the more we'll be able to have a better product to sell plus I am excited about recording our new material after tour. This is just a great band with a lot of raw potential.

Jack

2003-06-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Friday night at Disjecta was a good time. The Mouse That Roared started the show. We played 8 new songs which we weren't able to practice, but I actually felt like they all came off pretty well. I really like the songs so it was easy for me to go with the flow. Casey had a harder time, since she cut the tip of her thumb off, she wasn't able to even try these songs until showtime. I think she pulled it off incredibly well. Steve changed something mid song and we were able to catch it on the fly. I think by the end of the tour we are going to be sounding like a serious rock outfit. I am really excited also to have a larger pool of songs for us to use on tour.

The Tuftees played second and Jason, fresh off the plane, was in full rock form. He really kept it together and saved me from going too slow on a couple songs. He really has rounded out the Tuftee sound. Casey as well, was in great form, singing back up for the first time, despite her shaking fear, she sounded great. Jeni Tuftee played the melodica during You Cant Always Get What You Want, and the crowd loved it. It had a slight feedback going on which gave it a bit of an edge. I heard someone say "beautiful" from the audience when we finished that song. It was the one song I was most worried about, mostly because it is such a well known tune by one of the most famous bands in the world, but I think we did a great job giving it our own sound. We also kicked it up a bit with the new toy, Big Muff. The song "Tony (Breeeeed)" rocked out as hard as I hoped it would, as did Chains, which was an audience favourite. Considering it wasn't a very latge crowd, I felt that I got a good idea for what worked and what didnt work. The opener wasnt great, but once we (really, once I got comfortable) we took off, gaining confidence with each tune.

Minmae closed out the show. They did what they always do, rock the house down. Steve on drums is quite the perfect fit. It was the first time I think where it was apparent that all three members of Minmae ere enjoying each other onstage. With past drummers it always seemed like Sean needed to be sure they knew what was going on, but with Steve, there was none of that. They were extremely comfortable with each other and Josh especially was smiling throughout the set. I really love where they are going and the sound that Sean has coming from his guitar is simpl gorgeous. It is going to be a treat seeing them perform and grow while on tour.

Here's the Tuftees setlist:

1. Pilgram
2. 714
3. No End, No End
4. Giddy
5. Sidewalk Surfer
6. Tony (Breeeed)
7. You Can't Always Get What You Want
8. Lady Jane
9. Tell It All
10. Chains

And yet more good news, last night, right before heading over to Jason Tuftee's 31st birthday party, Coister called to offer us a show at Kelly's Olympian on saturday August 9th. It will be 21 and over and from what Cloister says, the owner likes to be sure his bands are good and drunk, so this should be a great show. If it goes the way I am hoping, there may be a special guest with us.

Jack

2003-06-20T12:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight is a show at Disjecta. I am pretty thrilled, but my belly is already giving me problems. I constantly wonder at why i put myself through this. I have such a delicate stomach when it comes to being nervous. I just need to remind myself that everybody there wants me to do well and perform well and have a good time. I get too excited. Plus tonight my mom will be there, though really, I think that has a sort of relaxing feeling. I also like to think of my dad before I go on, because he did this his entire life and his ease onstage is something I wish to find within myself. Of course, the more I do it the easier it becomes, sort of.

Mouse will be an interesting set, to say the least. We only went over 8 new songs with steve wednesday, and without chris or casey, so it will be something. Part of me thinks it will be really really good, raw and exciting. On the other hand it may show that we havent practiced.

Jason flies i from an out of town job at 8:15 and will be going straight to the show from te airport. I hope he isnt too tired. It is a three hour flight for him, which isnt too bad, but may still tire him out. A long day for him.

I think this is going to be a really exciting show and I also think we are going to have a decent crowd.

I missed Bronwyn's cd release last night, mostly because my guilt at leaving my mom at home while I am at a show doesnt bode well with me. She didnt travel 2800 miles to stay home alone. I love her and we had a nice evening together and casey got to see Bronwyn with our friend Jason Kelley. According to them it was a great show and lots of our friends were there. I am really proud of Bronwyn and where they are headed. I like the sound of their new CD and am glad someone has put it out for them.

I also missed Ross Beach & the Hell Pets last night too. They always seem to play on a night when there are three other things happening. Soon Ross, soon, I will experience the glory of the Hell Pets.

OK, hope to see you at the show, and please, say hi!

Jack Tuftee

2003-06-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

The Tuftees are coming. Friday June 20th at Disjecta (116 ne russell, portland or).

We have been having really good proficient practices lately. Our communication is growing and we are really exploring all the facets of the songs we are learning. The band is really coming along wonderfully. Yesterday's practice wasn't much to speak of as far as our performance (we were all quite tired just the same) but what we accomplished as far as getting the set list, the songs and the changes together, is way more important than sounding good in our basement. I think our show on friday is going to be really good and may surprise some people. we have been getting louder on some songs, while getting softer on others. I need to curb my enthusiasm for my new toy (Big Muff pedal) and keep focussed on what works best for the songs themselves.

It looks as though I may be able to create the cash flow to get a new guitar. Its an Ibanez hallow body electric. I am trading in my Epiphone Gibson model and selling my beloved banjo (to a good and deserving friend) for it, and will hopefully need no more than 45$ to cover the difference. I am planning on breaking this beautiful guitar in on tour with Mouse That Roared.

Speaking of Mouse, the unemployment rate here right now is at 8.2% which totally horrifying. I am really concerned for my friends who are not working at the moment, and concerned for myself as I hate my current place of employment and really want to better my income somehow. I need to find a way to get more out of my money. Moving may be an option, but is it necessary or worth it? That is the question I have had in my head for some time now.

Friday will be great andwe are getting together with Steve for a mouse practice (yay!) wednesday. My mom (who is in LA at the moment) will be back in town for the show, so I really want to make her proud.

Hope to see you then.
Jack

2003-06-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Mouse Maus!!

We went ahead and did the deed last night. Took it all the way with pink Floyd's classic Careful with that axe, Eugene. It was certainly the highlight of our set. The opening # was lacklustre affair, steve called out one song i started to play nother song and he started to play yet another song before we figured it out, plus the sound was weird. We really didnt get it together until floyd, but overall i think it went well. I sure had a hell of a lot of fun. I love the Maus!

Sauvie Island Moon Rocket Factory were also fantastic. They reminded me and casey a lot of ourselves and what we are hoping for with the Tuftees. The thing is, Jason has a rock heart so our stuff has taken a harder turn. we both love where its going, so it is all good. i really like hearing a band with a similar musical ideal. i love the songs and i love their presence. I cant wait to have Moon in my life. i sure would love to get a on a bill with them, I think we would compliment each other very well.

The Minor Thirds were stellar as usual. Chris was drunk on whiskey, god love him, and was as cute as ever. They played some incredible versions of Ive Done The Math and Fire & Rain (I never get the song i called out played, until last night, woohoo!) and well, the whole set was really entertaining. They are so great with Jake on stand up bass too, The perfect addition to their band.

So, a great night and more great nights to come.

Friday June 20th @ Disjecta, $5, tour sendoff show, Lightning Versus Squirral featuring The Tuftees, The Mouse That Roared, Minmae, 9pm, all ages.

Jack

2003-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Mouse practice saturday was a blast. We are going to have a fun show tomorrow night (tuesday at Ladds Inn in Portland, OR). We have some new songs (new to me not the band) and one cover, which will make it all worth while for me. Hold yourself in check ladies and gentlemen, The Mouse That Roared brings you, Careful with that axe, Eugene! Pink Floyd. Really. No really. It is going to rock. It is really going to rock. Steve Maus just cracks me up like no one else. We are going to have a great tour too. I cannot wait to hit the road and play Maus for two weeks.

Not much else at this point. Two great practices this weekend, a show tomorrow, and next friday Disjecta including the Minm(a)e, tMTR, and the Tuftees. 9pm. 5$ (sliding scale 2-5$).

See you soon, Jack

2003-06-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Practice last night with Jason went extremely well. I am still playing Curse of January too slow, and I don't like the way Falling Star sounds (it may be that it remains a great album track), but overall we sounded pretty good for being without a practice in over a week. Our next show, Friday June 20th at Disjecta on 112 NE Russell in Portland, OR will be great. We are really excited about it. We have about 15 songs we know and can play, we just need to figure out which ones we want to do. It looks as though we are rocking more and more and moving away from the chill acoustic atmosphere I started out going for. I must say that I am not complaining in the least. Rocking out is a ton 'o fun and we are sounding at out best with the faster tunes. The best song though, last night, had to be the Stones cover with Jeni playing the melodica. That will be a great surprise on the 20th. Hopefully her shyness will be masked by the melodica, it truly sounds awesome. I am considering just playing electric, as our sound is really growing beyond what my initial scope was. Like I said, Im super happy with that, but I also want to be playing the right instrument for the set. Next week Im going to play both electric and acoustic and see what I think. We can easily fill an hour with plenty of space to groove. We didnt even get to all the songs we know. It just made me so happy to see us grow and see that our collective positivity is bringing us closer as a band.

The heat is killing my brain and this blog isnt exactly what I meant it to be like today. I really just wanted to confirm that The Tuftees will be rocking in full swing come showtime and we all look forward to this summer and a slew (hopefully) of shows throughout the northwest.

Jack

2003-06-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

So, I need to keep this ONLY about music. I am passing on too much. Jason has been out of twon so we havent practiced, but we will thursday, and possibly friday. the show is really 3 weeks away, very exciting. We also have to practice with Mouse, as we'll need to do a full set there as well. A lot to do in a short time frame. All good though. i am pretty confident we'll have it all together and put on a fun night at Disjecta.

that's it. musically.

2003-05-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Things feel kind of weird for me right now. i mean, shit i dont know. I see all these good things happening for my friends' bands and i am trying so hard with my band and I just feel like I am up against a limitless wall. Especially when i know they arent even trying that hard to get things moving, they move. Perhaps thats where Im going wrong. Like dating, as soon as you stop trying to meet someone, you meet someone. I keep telling mysef i am happy where i am and am content to be a nobody in a sea of nobody's becaue i love to play and write songs. that is true, but it is also a line of shit. I do want someone to put out a cd for the band. i do want to go on a tour sponsered by a label, or be attached to a bigger band and given a chance to perform. It's a touch frustrating because, due to my personality, I am always on the fence. I love anonymity, but at the same time, there is something wonderful in applause.

I really plan on woring hard when we have our next record together. I really think we have a chance to get it to the people. I think a lot of it is getting it in the right hands and the way to do that is to continually meet people and be open to them. It will happen, i feel it so close to me.

Im just sort of whining here and I do apologize. As always I accept all comments per the usual avenues.

Cheers,
Jack

2003-05-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

"Some are like birds
flying upwards over the mountains"

-Iron & Wine

Today, on my walk to the bus stop in NW Portland, I found a cdr with "the Theif" written on it. i picked it and figured, lets see what we got here. Turns out, I scored the as yet unreleased new Radiohead CD. I gotta tell you right now, this cd is great. it is, unfortunately, typical Radiohead music, but still, a much better fare than Kid A. Some beautiful piano, fun uptempo guitar, and as always, it is all only good because of thom Yorke's elegant voice. Fans will love it, those on the fence will appreciate it more than the last two releases, and the critics, which always love Radiohead, will probably consider average fare. I love it and I've only listened to it once. The first and last songs are the two which stick most for me, kind of like a Toto cassette I once owned, so all i had to do to listen to my two favourite songs was flip the tape. Ha.

Jack

-"The universe provides."

-Aunt Tricia

2003-05-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today, hump day, wednesday, whatever day, I feel really blah, down, meloncholy. I am not sure of the reasons. Well, there are reasons, but not specific to a muci page, though music comes from these experiences, my music, my experiences. Even non-fiction owes its attributes to the writers' experience. Anyway, i know I feel down when I have lost songs by david gray on my headphones. Come on, who the hell do I think I am. Its completely different than his usual crappy cds, this one is simple, t the point, not flushed with weird prchestral dynamics or over-synthed. I just like it, especially when Im in this frame of mind.

Where is she going? who has she become? Why do I feel like a strnager? Perhaps the stranger is me?

2003-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

It seems my dreams are becoming enmeshed with my personal reality. I just thought I remembered sharing music last night with new friends, but alas, it was a dream. i like the sense of the surreal. I am happy. I learned how to drive a forklift today. I have smiled a lot this morning. I just sent scott jocobson a lot of song titles/ideas. Maybe he'll send them to me upon completion.

The Mouse That Roared got offered a show at the Department of Safety for Sept ot Oct. I got the email, which stated they have no idea who we are or where they received the cd from, but they love it and want us to play for them. We will oblige. I am waiting back for the details. I am going to try and get Minmae & The Tuftees on the bill too, but won't push my luck. This is a place I really want to play. I have heard such wonderful things about it. This is truly becoming a wonderful year for me and music and friends and home life and love life and everything life.

Talk to you soon,
Jack

2003-05-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last night we had a great practice. Jason has had a funky week and was ready to get it out at practice. We threw down some hard shit on some softer tunes, finding new grooves and different ways of hearing the same songs. I am truly excited about how we are growing together and developing. We are learning how to interact with each other musically and I love where Jason likes to go with the skins. When he picks it up it rolls, when he chills we all chill. Sometimes though, they look to me for direction and Im just lost in my own little world and then realize they cant read my mind. Im simply not used to giving direction, but it will develop and we'll keep pushing ourselves further. I really like the way the new songs are going, faster, louder, fun stuff.

2003-05-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday i spent the better part of the morning, and then late evening, recording new songs. I sat in my little office and recorded my little heart away. Six new songs with sparkle and life. Very exciting. After all my efforts, it turns out I am writing shorter songs. Most of them are around the 2 minute mark, one is a whole 1 minute 8 seconds. All good as they say. i am pretty excited to work on these with Casey and Jason. We may start practicing fridays as well as thursdays, or perhaps in lieu of thursdays. Jason has been working on keyboards for some of the songs and Jeni would be ideal to perform those parts, so friday works better for all of us to meet. i am very giddy with excitement.

I missed a good time at The Penguin Pit sunday night. Casey and i were out for most of the afternoon, enjoying the glorious day sunday was, and never checked messages (we don't too often) and so never got the last minute invite. So sad as I heard they played some apples in apples game or something. Sounds like fun. Hopefully next time.

We are making a long overdue dinner for Steve and Jen tomorrow night. Casey is dishing up some sort of vegen flair for Jen and I am cooking up some chicken in the oven. Should yummy all around. We'll see what Cloister thinks of the new 13 minutes and 48 seconds of new tuftee material.

Guess thats it for now.
Jack

2003-05-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

We had practice last night and it went pretty well. One song I brought in sounded good instantaneously. I wrote it while thinking about Kyle and so the words reflect him in that sense. It was sort of slower and intimate when I worked on it at home, but when Jason threwdown the beats, it pepped up in a way I wouldn't have taken it and the song simply soared. We played it twice just because it rocked so smoothly. The way we played it, I had to sing a litlle faster so I flopped the words a little, but i think that was ok, since I barely know tham anyways. The other two new songs sounded ok, Mercury still isnt doing what I'd like it to do and for some reason I just love the song. The other oneis the one Jeni helped out lyrically and I really like it. It isnt down right just yet, but the second time through it sounded like it was getting closer. It will be really good I think, when we do find the right groove. Casey was also really tired and not as into it as she usually is. I think working full time again is getting to her. Once she's in the swing for a couple weeks she'll be fine. We also played No End No End and it as usual, rocked out. We did a slow and lonely version of Lady Jane, which I really liked. I am proud of that song and admire the many facets it can take. We have played it fast and slow and i play it differently at home alone too, and I like every incarnation of it, so I dont think it ever falls short of my expectations.

Overall, things are working out great with Jason. He is really easy to work with and isnt afraid to try new things until he finda what he likes. I don't really real comfortable telling him what I hear, but really, he plays what I dont hear and thats exactly what I want. So he really is the best man we could have found for our little band. We are getting better, more comfortable with each other personally, and it will all be to the music's benefit. It's really great having new friends who we love to be around too. He and Jeni & Asher are all wonderful and its like being at home when we are at their house.

That's it for now.
Jack

2003-05-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

Well, another show behind us, and I am as always elated and sad. I already miss it. This time out I was very very nervous for no known reason, and my body is a bomb when I get too enxious. Anyway, it was our first show with Jason and it was a blast. The sound was sort of spotty, my guitar wasn't exactly in tune, and they didn't have any microphones! (thank god I brought one of mine, as a spare, or there wouldn't have been any mics) so the back up singing which we had been really excited about, wasn't exactly up to par. But we made the best of it and it seemed pretty well received. I liked the low lighting, but chris really wanted more light, unfortunately, he kept blinding us with this huge wierd lamp and we just had to ask him to turn it off. People also seemed very chatty all night, except when Chris was playing very quietly. I was glad people were quiet because he was simply beautiful. His voice sounded wonderful and his enthusiasm for the music was remarkable. It was, overall, a great experience and I hope to join them again. Also, Casey & I got to play with them onstage for a title I cant remember. Casey sang back up and I played the typewriter. So much fun. Their new cdep is just sensational and you should all visit tape mountain and order a copy. They are cheap too.

Jason seemed really excited about the evening as well and was excited to continue and find more gigs and keep practicing and recording new material. Casey wants to beef up the music a bit more and rock out. I am down with some of that.

So, Thanks so much Minor Thirds for the show, a great and beautiful evening. Oh, I should mention two other things, One is that Charlotte has a beautiful voice and I was so pleased to hear her sing solo, and Two, Sauvie Island Moon Rocket Factory was awesome. I have been wanting to check them out for sometime and they were totally great. Well, i say they when it was really just one guy, but he was great.

Jack

2003-05-10T13:11:00.000-07:00

What exactly is a Tuftee? Google brings us up in the first 4 of 5 listings when entering the Tuftees. I did a people search and sure enough, there people with the last name of Tuftee. Mostly french people actually, a cyclist and someone in wisconsin is all i remember. Then of course, there is us, the band.

We are going to do some recording tonight at Jason's. He had this image of all of his equipment in the basement by his drumset so everything was a click away. He is going to run his 8 track through his computer or some such thing beyond my grasp. I have lots of over dub ideas too. This is, though, to be clear, just a trial recording. We want to see how we sound and where the new songs are heading. i am as always super excited about it just the same.

Here at work there are tons of musical ideas bobbing in me brain, lingering, dropping fragments of lyrics and dissippating into the unknown as smoothly and as sweetly as they have appeared. I am so full of sounds and moods I want to capture and I truly beleive that Jason and Jeni are the ones to join Casey and I in this need to play. Four kids in a sandbox. What more does anyone need?

I hope everyone is happy and striving to achieve and pushing themselves to move beyond what keeps them from their goals. I want every one of you to push your personal envelop and tear through your inner struggle and shine.

Jack

2003-05-08T13:01:00.000-07:00

I am a happy boy today. I am looking forward to our reheasal tonight at Jason's. We have six really great songs we (casey & I) have been working on since we last played with Jason. Tonight we are going to record our play and see how it sounds. We think it would be nice to give out an EPs worth of material to share with our friends. It would great for people to hear where we are going and what we have been doing. I think it will also be good for us to hear ourslves during this transition and see where we need to work on improving.

That said, I often wonder if I am over-committed to this musical life. I know Casey doesn't feel as driven as I do to play as often. I would practice everyday, and I do, but alone. If we were all devoted and wanted to truly acheive something, which I think we can, than a more aggressive approach should happen. As it is, I know that Casey isn't into it as much as I am and sometimes I feel like I play around the house too much. I don't know Jason well enough to read his emotions on the subject, but I understand that we as a band are just starting out, so its good to take it easy. I don't know. I am so excited about the tour and about us as a BAND that I just want to play everyday and write songs everyday.

We are going to do a cover, which is sounding so good. I cant wait for ???? to hear it sunday night. I hope ???? likes it, I am confident ???? will. I think what we have done with the song really makes it our own, which I think is what a good cover should do. It should transcend the original and sound like the band's own song, even super familiar songs by Elton John or something.

I need and I don't need chocolate. Desperately.

The Minor Thirds CDEP is really really good and people are going to love it. We have been listening to a copy Casey got because she will be doing back up on one song, and it truly is great. Very lush canopies os sound. A good step in the development of The Minor Thirds' sound. Sunday will be a blast.

2003-05-07T12:50:00.000-07:00

Two great tastes that taste great together! (Damn, corporate identity wins again.)

First off, I'd like to thank my generous host, photographer and Tuftee visual chronographer, Jason Kelley, for throwing the first throw down of the season last saturday. It was a great time and I, yes its too, got way too high and drunk for my own good. Actually it was good. It was very good.

Secondly, this sunday is the Tuftees first ever show with Jason Herrick, our drummer. We are super excited not just to play, but to open for one of our favourite Portland bands, The Minor Thirds, who are releasing a CDEP on Tape Mountain that same night. We have six songs ready and tomorrow night we are going to try and record our reheasal to see if we have some decent material to give out to our friends. We'd love to have something to share. Our journey is still young and full of promise (oh god barrios, move on) and we are super happy with the direction we are going. Also, we have a cover song that we are really really excited about. A good friend of ours wrote and I know he won't be throwing out any "cease & desist" orders on us either!

So check us out Sunday at The Obsidian Gallery on SW Washington between 4th & 5th above Kellys Olympian in downtown Portland, Oregon. Show starts at 8pm. I have no idea when we go on, but there is a lot of good stuff there, 4 sensational bands, a live comedy troupe, and a comedienne, Rachael Petruska. 3$.

Oh yea, and I saw what is now a contender for my favourite ever movie, Stalker. It now rivals my favourite movie, The Thin Red Line.

Jack Tuftee.

2003-05-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

What a great day. I woke up reeling in the wine and weed buzz from the fantastic monthly potluck dinner last night at Brian & Lauren's. Made my way to work, feeling groovy and uplifted, even though I went to bed feeling, emotionally, depressed. Turned on the computer, popped in my fresh new devandra Barnhart CD (amazing) and there is one message. Usually a sad image, that sole number. The lonliest number. Not today. Today it was from Chris of the fantastic Minor Thirds. He ws asking if The Tuftees would be interested in being an opening act for their CDEP release of "Saskatchewan". (I mispell it every time, because I spell it differently every time.) Well of course I said yes. So, my dream, which was mentioned in this space not too long back, was to be asked to play a show, and Chris & Charlotte (& Jake (a minor third?)) fulfilled my small dream. What a great banch of pals. So, we will debut with our new line-up to include Jason. We get a smooth 5 or 6 song set (we'll prolly lean towards 6, but we have some short fellas that may slip in through the cracks). I am thinking of doing all new songs, but then i remembered how great some of the others sound with Jason, so who knows. We have practice tonight and we'll work it out.

Thanks again TMT, we love you.

2003-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

So, sunday night we went to see the Minor Thirds perform following some comics. The comics were ok, they needed to shorten their acts a bit, otherwise it was fine. Rachel's set was, and am happy to say, some of the best displayed that night. Still too long, but i am told she was recording it to clean out some of the act, so I can see that. I also think she should chill on the self-deprication she throws in from time to time. She's a spakplug of a personality and doesnt need to be so down on herself. Those reading this will note that I too am way too hard on myself, so maybe I shouldn't talk.

The Minor Thirds were quite stunning. Chris sort of took off after mid song on the opener and it was balls to the wall from then on (sorry for the analogy chris). He was in good form in every way, and quite the showman. I dont think they need to follow comics, but i thought they really played a great show (I'm not kissing your ass chris, i really dug it). I think the energy really helps.

Was asked if there were going to be any Tuftees shows soon and unfortunately not until June 20th. If something came up we would be all over it. We are still getting in the groove, but there is no better way to get better as a band than playing out. I need to get my shit out there more to set something up. I'm such a baby when it comes to that.

Why does everyone seem to do everything on the same night. I had fully planned on seeing bronwyn wednesday night and casey needed to remind me that we have dinner plans, group potluck which is a monthly deal. What the fuck. I missed the last two Bronwyn shows and am none too happy about it.

Sorry for my potty mouth today, I am in the foulest of moods, so if you want to help out, offer me a show, jack@thesleepyhouse.com and you'll make my day.

Jack

2003-04-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Went to sean's birthday party last night. Had a wondeful time. I think I was the only one to bring gifts and then I sort of felt stupid, though I know I shouldn't have. I was happy to share with sean and I know he appreciated it, I guess I was just too hyper sensitive.

It was nice hanging out with thier new drummer, Danny. He's a good guy and it will be fun touring with him as well as the rest of the crew. Josh got me a 40 of Lucky's beer and I got pretty wasted. Glad Casey was able to drive my ass home. It was a fun night and I am really glad to be in with such good people. The egos are not around and I really appreciate that.

Jack

2003-04-25T12:52:00.000-07:00

So, this is a Tuftees journal page, so I will try and keep it related to music. I shall and will ultimately digress from time to time, but truly, this is a Tuftees Journal.

That said...

We had practice with Jason Herrick last night, our new drummer. I now know his whole name and everything. That will help tremendously with the bio. We have decided that every thursday will be practice in his basement at 7pm. Sweet oh sweet, do i love it so. We started out with what we all feel is a good one to loosen up and get moving with: Tell It All To The Lord. We really can play this one well, I especially love what Jason has brought to the song. Once we've gotten our musical smiles in place we move steady on. His beats are smooth and he's not afraid to play quietly, which for me, is a real plus. I need to be able to sing and play quietly in order to find the nuances of the songs. I struggle vocally more than anything and to be able to not feel like I have to shout makes me gleeful inside. The 5 Tuftees songs we are working on sound really good, Lady Jane especially. We ripped through an amphedamine version of Chains, which we all truly loved. It may be that i am learning and facing vocal challenges well. The song went so fast I wasn't sure i'd be able to flow the lyrics, but I was and it made me sing them in a different dynamic which brought a new layer to the song. We were all jazzed up after that one. Then Casey & I brought 4 new songs in. The first one, which Jason liked, still needs some work. I think it would sound better with softer to louder and back again kind of drums. We'll find the beat for that one. Plus, Casey will be singing back up which that song really needs to give the full effect, otherwise it is weak. The most difficult song which still has no name, though I wrote Easter Morning Tape across the top of the page, sounded so good I wanted to cry. It was as though Jason knew exactly what i wanted before i knew what I wanted. He really hears what casey & I hear and I think that is so important. So after our practice we were all happy and feeling more like a group. This is what I truly love about music: group. That's whay its called a band. I really like being a three-peice too. I think some keyboards would be lovely here and there, and perhaps casey could do that in the future, but right now, we have this bizarre Lucksmiths thing happening and I am simply floored by it. I want so badly to record soon and get a good CD of this band that is the Tuftees. It is a true representation of what we are doing. I love the debut CD, but I also like to move forward and have on disc who we are at the moment. Ever-changing, ever-evolving, ever-growing.

I really felt magical yesterday and I think the break through is just the spot of confidence I really needed. I feel strongly about the new songs and I am feeling even stronger about all of the members. We work well together and have a good vision we are playing towards. We are all excited and dedicated to the band. I couldn't really ask for more. So now I shall redeem everything i mis-judge and disqualify about myself and persue the best songs in me and present them as I have always wanted them.

The Tuftees are coming.

2003-04-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

Damn! They post-poned the Adaptation release because Cris Cooper won a stupid Oscar (Oscar and its logo are trademarked, so fuck em.). Can you beleive it? I was so dissappointed I had to watch American Idol...again. I think Clay will win, but perhaps Mr 205 has the tix. Why do I know all this kitsch? Oh yea, because it perpetuates the American dream. I almost forgot. The I had to sit through one of my least favourite and most overhyped addicting shows which sucks, 24, starring Keifer Reefer Sutherland. So convaluted and forced, yet un...able...to...walk...out...of...the...room.

Sent a Tuftees CD to a Japanese label called Trolley Bus. Looks like a fine outfit. Still haven't heard back from the Belguim dood who said he got and would get back to me. Perhaps he cant find a clean pair of shorts after listening to the music.

So we (the new Tuftee line-up of Casey Tuftee (bass), Jason Tuftee (drums) & Jack Tuftee (guitar and vocals)) decided on thursday nights for our practice sessions. I am really excited to get these newer songs moving as well as tweeking the older ones to fit our style as a group. I also love us as a three peice ensemb.

Um...

Tonight they will send the copper-haired marine back to the ranks of the unknown on AI. Or the ever-annoying Trenyce who won't ever allow her fingernails to touch anything. Ooh, that annoys me. Don't tip dee nails pleez. Thppt!

Jack

2003-04-22T12:38:00.000-07:00

Things I am looking forward to in no order:

-Seeing Adaptation tonight on glorious DVD!!
-Minor Thirds Seskatchuan EP release party
-Minmae at Blackbird thursday
-warmer summer days
-fresh salad from our garden
-Tuftee band practice with Jason (so many new songs...)
-chocolate
-seeing the ocean
-being stoned (I am so broke)
-Elliott Smith's long overdue new CD (this summer)
-Touring this summer
-recording the new songs with the new drummer
-Sean Brooks' 31st Birthday party friday at Kelly House (be there, you're all invited!)

I have nothing else to say today. Bye.

2003-04-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

The show last night, our first as The Mouse That Roared, went quite well. The people promoting the show have no idea how to set up a PA system or do proper levels, so our sound wasn't exactly what it should have been, considering the equipment on hand, but nonetheless, we played well. I was particularily pleased with my simple slide guitar on (I really do need to learn the titles of these songs). I felt good about it and it sounded pretty sweet. Chris as usual, was having a blast on drums, I don't know that I've ever seen him smile for much actually. It was a 20 minute set, we played 5 songs and Steve sold 4 CDrs. Not bad. We knew the songs and Casey's bass was right on. It was better than I thought it was going to be, not that i thought it wasn't going to be good. I guess I am just really super happy than I am a part of this circus and that i get to travel for two weeks with a great bunch of people and play music I believe in. What more could I really want?

Steve was a great lead singer too, for what little of his vocals I could hear, he was hitting the mark. By the last tune I was ready to let loose and hen the highlight came, I turned up the dirt a bit and we let loose. I did my best Sean Brooks impersonation to the delight of Steve and Chris and we simply smiled knowing we were playing it the way it should be played. It is too bad the sound wasn't that great, but we'll make it better next time.

Jack

2003-04-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

A quickie blog (oooooh.....)

Playing our first show tonight as The Mouse That Roared. We are all pretty happy and excited about it. We go on at 8:30 and only have a 20 minute set, but it should be dazzling just the same. It will be a good boost for us before we hit the road in July. Being a part of a band that does not have me as the front man is very lovely. I have quite a nervous tummy and am feeling a lot easier about playing knowing I am not the main dood on stage. I am also really proud to be on the new Mouse record because it is off the charts fanfuckingtastik and the whole world will soon be privvy to the talents of one Sir Cloister Maximus III Esq.

Oh, and Chris, when is Seskatchuen (spelling please) come out? I need my Minor Thirds fix.

Jack

2003-04-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I recieved the video of our show from the Red & Black and am happy to say that everybody rocked out! Except the Tuftees. I am worried that we really blew it big time. Casey reassured me that people were grooving and having fun, so it didnt matter. She also reminded me that we had never once played together before. I still want to put on good shows, with a band that is tight. i am really happy to have Jason playing drums full time with us, but i don't see how it would be possible for him join us on tour, tho that is what I'd really like to have happen, especially since it looks like we may have 5 shows along the way. I'll have to see how it goes. i do want to continue reminding myself that the album is good and that we sound good with Jason, specifically because we practice and we will continue to sound better. It was just a small dagger to the heart. Seeing yourself look bad and also seeing that you feel so good about it, ouch. It wasn't for me. I love performing, I just need to be more careful with preparation in the future. I want to be on a lot of bills and put out music and play and play and play. I am too hard on myself too often, and Casey reminds me of that also. I'm too tough a critic on myself.

2003-04-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Z, the punk cat which occupies a lot of space in my house, is outside, walking stealth-like through the tall unmown grass. He walks like he is on the prowl. He scratches at some dirt, gnaws on a sprig of grass, and sits in a bed of yellow tulips. His new favourite sleeping quarters in the yard, the bed of tulips. He has also been trying to get his other feline friends into the house. We keep chasing cats out of the garage. Some, a big fluffy black cat, actually tries to follow Z into the house and we have shoo him/her away. So nice that he has friends though.

I have been writing new songs and am so very excited. I am equally excited about having a drummer for the band too. Jason is a great guy and he is coming along with some good beats to go with our songs. I am looking forward to giving him new material so he doesn't have to feel like he needs to imitate someone else's work. The Tuftees sound has changed yet again, but closer to what I was hoping for in the first place. It's not as 70's classic rock like the record. It's a three peice with acoustic. It's really coming along and I am loving it. We may not be the best players, but our joy and enthusiasm will take over. Also, the tour is happening and the shows are almost completely set. The Tuftees will have like 4 spots, which is awesome. We are travelling as Mouse That Roared and all Tuftee shows are gravy and an excuse to get naked on stage! Anyway, That is just the cat's meow as far as this Tuftee is concerned.

Saw The Aislers Set last night and they were just terrific. I am so happy I finally got a chance to see them. Great songs, great energy, and just lovely to watch as they really punked up their sweet songs. Also, the finest I've seen the crowd at Blackbird. The band who opened, Hella, not my style, had nothing but cock in the audience. My friend Jen walked by and said "It's Man Land in here." Once the sets changed, the crowd changed and the diversity was there. It was a lot of fun.

Jack

2003-04-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

Last night's dream written in haste...

I am getting a ride home from Jill, a co-worker and we live in a dream city, so we need to go over this huge bridge to get downtown because she needs to make a stop, plus she wants to show me something along the way. Their is a steep hill which becomes the bridge. As we descend she turns off her lights and as we speed onto the bridge, the two pillars which hold the suspension look like the world trade center towers with her lights on, and with the city approaching in the nearing distance, it also looks like the towers are a part of the landscape. It is simply a beautiful and remarkably large and awesome site. The she hits the brakes hard as the traffic, all fo which hasno lights on, is at a standstill. people are out walking so we get out and we see masses of people running out way. We turn around and their are hundreds of men in white suits (chemical warfare style full body suits) approaching from the way in which we just came all armed. people are jumping off the bridge to escape but there are boats in the waters pulling them from the water below. I turn to Jill to put my hand on her face for reassurance and when I touch her face she becomes the black guy in Far From Heaven (also the actor who plays the president on 24) and he is drying. The next thing I know I am hit from behind and blackout. i come to in a large field and we are all being trained/brainwashed for the government to fight the war. I jump from a high cliff into shallow water as part of my training and try to escape. No go. The we are climbing a ropes course and Vin Deisel is two people ahead of me and right in front of me is Buffy the vampire Slayer and I catch up to her and she is cared. I lean in and we start to kiss and it is wonderful and when I pull away I am Seth Green. Vin Deisel yells from above and jumps grabbing us by the shirts as he falls and pulls the both of us into the water. he says he knows a way out and stay close. We go underwater and begin to swin toards and underway viaduct. Then the alarm goes off and I wake up. It was kind of cool hearing the alarm from underwater because all three of us were looking around wondering what the noise was.

Weird indeed. Jack

2003-04-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

So I am going for broke, finally. Sent in the Tuftees to a Belgium label, we'll see what transpires. I have a good feeling about it though. Still want to find a label, so the hunt continues, unless, of course, the Belgiums want me...

Casey & I recorded, rather hastily, an ep for my friend Jeni's birthday monday and guess what ckicken butt? We really loved the outcome. Sometimes the best things come by mistake. I had an idea to record everything and get my vocals loud and what not and now we want to do a whole record this way. I have lots of new material, sort of, still working on lyrics, but lots of music. We're on our way though.

The tour is coming along beautifully. We are securing dates and sending out promo packs. I am learnign a lot and am very excited to be backing Mouse on this tour, along with getting to watch Minmae every night. There will be a few Tuftee shows along the way, which is a sweet bonus.

Gotsta go. Jack

2003-04-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

An email from my friend Laurie which hits the mark beautifully...

Hi-
i just went to the library and took out The Last Samurai. I can keep it
out until Aug. 15th, which is a good thing, because I am right in the
middle of another one of your book suggestions from quite awhile ago-
Norwegian Wood. I had bought it and tried to start it w few times, and
could't get into it. I almost gave it away, but since all of your
suggestions always hit the mark for me, I thought i'd better try again- and
sure enough, its got me completely drawn in and everything the characters
are going through seems very relevent to my life right now. The right
book at the right time is an amazing thing. Next, I will dive into the
last samurai. I like that its long- I like long books that you live with
for awhile, look forward to being alone with, and that you are sad to
leave as though a part of your soul gets torn out every time you have to
leave it and go to something much lower on the chain of existence, and
that when you actually have to admit to yourself there's only one
sentence left, and you've then read it, your whole world is just a little
bit shaken up and turned upside down- and you may even feel like crying.
Today is a perfect day to read in the bathtub, but alas, I don't have
one!
Do you?

2003-03-28T12:40:00.000-08:00

7:14 and the bus rolls across the Burnside Bridge east to west. The Cherry blossoms have arrived and so has the heartbeat of spring. I know that every march brings the beauty of the blossoms, yet I am enraptured evermore. I always stop and gaze at the waters as my bus stitches the gap, but when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, it becomes something so much more magical. The waterfront park is green, the blossoms are pink, the water is greenish black and my mood is always quietened (is that a word?). Spring is coming and the world knows more than man. Spring is coming as the bodies becomes bits. Spring is coming as the bodies become blips. Spring is coming when there are no bodies. Spring will always be coming when there is no I. Thank earth for Spring. My ehart leaps, my mind flares and the sexual yearning grow deeper. Spring and the cherry blossoms and the bounty of sex. Spring and the cherry blossoms and the beauty of sex. Spring and the cherry blossoms and the reality of

All else becomes quiet. All else is deep. All else is worth nothing. Spring is coming.

2003-03-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

This site has been acting weird, so I hope this goes up OK.

Been having one of the strangest weeks regarding music. I had recorded a remake of a song I wrote with a previous band to be on the new Tuftees record. My intention was for it to be a tribute to them for all they have given me as friends and fellow musicians. They have decided to send a "cease and desist" email to me saying I cannot use the song. I really can, which is what makes it funny to me. Legally, I can cover an AC/DC song if I wanted to, as long as I paid AC/DC 6 cents for every CD sale. Anyway, it became a tragic farce. I have decided not to put it on the CD, not because they don't like the song, or because they don't want me to (I really feel like having it on there just to spite them), but because they have shown that our friendship isn't worth releasing a tribute song to. (That was a strange sentence.) Anyway, I am pretty saddened by their methods. They never once bothered to talk to me about it before issuing that ridiculous email. I did have fairly good communication with one of them, who explained his point of view clearly and admirably without the psuedo-legal nonsense the other felt compelled to send. So, I respect their standing on the song, though I am hurt they don't see, and don't appear to want to see, that I only made the song because I miss them as friends and bandmates. There isn't much I can do really. We have a difference of opinion and I can live with that. I love these guys very much and it pains to feel so distant from them. If anyone os wondering why they don't like/want the song on the Tuftees record, well, basically they feel I have not stayed true to the original (which I thought was the point of a cover) and they don't like the song either (which doesn't really bother me, though I think they are hearing from a skewed perspective). The best explaination I can to give is that they feel we should preserve the song as it is, unless we as a band want to change anything and re-record it. That's cool. That's all they had to say. It didn't have to get personal. Anyway, it reminded me of an interview I caught once with Bono from U2. The reporter asked him what he thought of the Pet Shop Boys' techno cover of "Where The Streets Have No Name". All Bono could do is shake his head and lower his eyes and say "What have I done to deserve this?" Fair enough, I think that shows both sides of our story. I think we both see ourselves as Bono. Geez I hope that makes sense to anyone who actually reads this blog. I think I have sold 3 or 4 CDrs, so if they want 24 cents each, I'd be happy to mail them each a quarter for their troubles. Keep the change, as they say.

Other than that I am still really excited about the record, which now comes in at a sweet 36+ minutes (still longer than Spoon's recent, and brilliant, release). We plan on shopping it around a little, but will most likely be put out on the grand Sleepyhouse Records. Which reminds me, if you are Simon Fuller, who send us an email about our music, I just wanted to say Thank You for your kind and generous email. Your comments about my songs really made my day, as did your comments about all of the groups you mentioned. It makes a world of difference to know people enjoy what you put out to the world.

OK, I think that's it for now. Hopefully the bugs have been exterminated and this site will properly update itself, but since blogger doesn't feel it neccesary to tell its users that there are problems, I may never know.

Love Jack Tuftee

2003-03-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

March 14th at the Red & Black Cafe in Portland, Oregon was "a magical" night.

First of all, I need to thank everyone involved in the event. You all helped in ways I could never have accomplished on my own. Secondly, we raised 110$ for Jennifer Corinne's Lung Cancer Fund. That is actually twice what I thought we would make. A lot of people gave more than the suggested donation price and I thank you.

Jason Hart sealed the deal coming through with the most beautiful poster for the event as well as the Alphabet Singles cover art. Check his site and hire him, he will not let you down.

REK came up from San Francisco and played a rocking set. People in the audience who not expecting the thunder found themselves moving to the beat and really getting into it. They proved to be one of the finest rock outfits in the greater NW region. Their new songs are even better than the old, and the old standards sounded fresh and invigorating. They really put a spell on people. I am really happy they were able to make the trip and perform. I am so proud of my brother Erik who plays bass and backing vocals. He really impressed a lot of people with his intensity and obvious joy he has in performing.

the Tuftees followed, having never practiced, and really, i don't think it would have been any better if we had. The first three songs sounded great, though my vocals were a little quiet and that was the only complaint, but since i couldn't hear myself and the folks on the system said it was fine, i didn't really mind. After that we sort of lost our collective shit. We invited Garth to sing Too Shy (which he cowrote) and since the band forgot how it went, it ended up sounding quite a mess. Sean Tuftee came to saving grace by dropping his pants while I made my way into the audience with my guitar to watch the spectacle I was a part of. After that we started disrobing and kicking shoes into the audienceand basically going nuts. Casey just sort of laughed at every move and kept herself busy keeping the songs together on bass. May she never stray from my side as she saves the songs every time. I actually thought we got better towards the end of the set, people didnt want us to stop when our set was over. Steve Tuftee was topless on drums and shouted "Fuck it! Lets do Oxygen, one...two..." and then I invited Rich (REK) to come up and sing it as went into it. He ripped his shirt off and went crazy on it. Itas funny because I recorded the song he and I wrote 3 years ago, on keyboards for the record, but we pretty much tore it up punk rock style, especially with Rich screaming vocals and parading the stage. i again found myself in the audience playing the guitar and watching what I was creating. it really was quite beautiful.

Luke Janela followed, whom I had never met. he has a sweet-gorgeous voice and plays a cello and uses his toes to work a drum machine. pretty great stuff. We exchanged cd's and his quite great. Do a google search and support him.

S. Brooks finished up the night asking people to shut up or leave as people would not be quiet as he tried to play. I loved him for it and he ended up killing us with a great set, as usual. My brother went up to him afterwards and said, "John talks about you like he's in love with you. Now I know why." A pretty nice compliment if not an off-handed diss to me, but that's E's style (I mean that in a good way).

We did well, I sold 10 Tuftee tee shirts, 5 cd's and 17 records. Since it was a 7" release party, i assumed people would buy the record, everything else was gravy. Oh, we also sold almost all of our magnets we made, about 20 at a buck a peice. it all adds up and shows that what costs nothing for me to make is worth selling at shows.

Thanks again to everyone involved. Hope to see you soon. Check the site for photos to come shortly. Jason Kelley did the shoot for me and they are fantastic.

Jack Tuftee

2003-03-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

I got the final mix of the upcoming Tuftees musical revue. It really is something amazing. I could not have come near the greatness without Steve and Sean being onboard. I am really fortunate to have made such good friends and co-conspirators of music. I am so excited to get it to the people. Casey and I have been thinking about sending it out to some labels, just to see what happens really. Sean seems to think that there is a place for it out there, which gives me hope. If nothing happens though, we (The Sleepyhouse NW & Try Not To Look Records) will put it out. I am hoping someone else will love it and toss the cash in the barrel and shoot our fish into the world. We can surely hope.

Also got a copy of the new Mouse That Roared cd, which is one of the most beautiful records I think Steve has ever done. He has really had quite an outpouring this month. First, the new Minmae album, The Tuftees, S. Broox (solo acoustic) and TMTR. He is such a talented guy. I think his record will get put out by someone. There is no justice when quality is not recognised.

Next weel we are having our 7" release party (I love how dirty that sounds) at The Red & Black Cafe. The cover was designed by Jason Hart, another ncredibly gifted friend who made the most beautiful silk screen of two birds on a branch. It gives off the very intimate essence of the music and is quite perfect. The posters too will be from this idea and will also be breathless.

Tonight Casey & I are meeting with a potential drummer. If this works out, we will be way ahead of schedule. I have a year planned out, musically, which has been kept too with such vigor, I only hope come october I am not reeling in the year with regret. 2 1/2 months into 2003 and I am almost where I had hoped to be by June. The record is done, we are meeting with a drummer and the first 7" for The Alphabet Singles is almost ready to go. (Actually, it should have arrived by now and I am very anxious about it. I received the invoice tuesday, which usually means the product will arrive in a day or two. Perhaps today, but really, as long as it gets here before or on friday, I dont really mind. What good is a release show without the release? (Again, I like the innuendo of that last line.))

We have also been making Tuftee magnets for the show and they rule! I got a bunch of shrinky-dink paper and we used a bunch of great colored pencils and went to town. They will be free with purchase of a Tuftee record, or 1$ a piece. Hopefully we'll do well, because I want to put all the money towards the Tuftees official release if we dont find a kind soul to put us out. I will also use the money for the 2cd volume of The Alphabet Singles. I have my two bands picked out, and if Rich doesn't have any, then I'll do it myself (a lot more expensive, but worth it. I think Rich'll pull through though, he always does.

So next weekend my brother Eric and two of my best friends will be in town and I am so giddy with excitement it is killing me. I know this style of mine. I get all happy and excited, then everyone shows up and I am so anxious I get weird internally, then its all over and I almost didnt feel any of it. Hard to describe, but I remember when I was a kid, the night before we would go to Disneyland, i would sleep in my closet on my laundry and laugh with excitement, getting almost no sleep and then sleep walk through the day, leaving me with a more vivid memory of the night before than the actual event. This has happened sexually as well. But that's not for this blog.

Anyway, next weekend will be a great treat.

Oh, and I heard back from Seth of The Quails. They will be in town for a show on April 13th at The Blackbird. They are touring with The Aislers Set (awesome group) and it looks like The Tuftees will be housing the whole shebang. That'll be fun, and then 3 days later Casey parents will be in town for our show with The Mouse That roared April 17th at Disjecta. So much goodness, and still I want mare. More shows booked, more music recorded, more friends to enjoy, more beer and wine to drink, more laughter and smiles...

Jack Tuftee

2003-03-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

Doubts. Clouds. Listlessness. I hate em and I have em. Yesterday I sat at the coffeetable and made shrinky-dinks all day. Dont think I stopped to eat or take a shower or check email or even watch tv. I sat at the coffeetable and made shrinky-dinks, all day. That was the excess of my productivity. Today at work i wish I was home right now cowering over the plastic paper with my color pencils drawing designs and making shrinky-dinks. Thats kind of amusing to me actually, because what i was making perfectly describes my emoions of late. Shrinky-dink. My next project is to buy adhesive magnets so I can put them on the back of the dinks and make Tuftee magnets to sell for a buck each at our show. Anything to make some cash flow into my pocket. I really want to put The Tuftees album out myself, but financially it just isnt feasable. I also want to go right into the next 7", but for the same reasons I simply can't. I am in search of a better paying and more rewarding job.

The one other thing I did yesterday was play my electric guitar really loud for a whole 20 minutes. That's when Casey came home and then, well, we had discussions about my use of my day. Which I didn't like at all.

So I am at work now, on lunch, and am hating every second of it. Of course, in these lean Bush-era years, i am simply glad to have any job which pays me something. At least I have just enough to squeeze by. The next 7" will come out though, with the glory of Minor Thirds and Mouse That Roared on my side. I don't know what Rich has in store for his side. I should have the 100 copies of the first release any day now, and tomorrow night i should see the prototype for the cover, so all is better already. I'll just shrinky-dink my shrinky-dink mood.

2003-03-03T16:03:00.000-08:00

Having a strange and cold day here to myself. Have been out of it all day too, sort of in the clouds, a sense of self-separation or something. I guess I am just feeling quiet and internal. I have spent the better part of the day making Tuftee shrinky-dinks, to turn into magnets to sell at the show for a buck each. I really like the way they came out. Saturday morning I made a flier for the march 14th show, which I really like. I also made Sleepyhouse NW inserts for the 7". I will hopefully see a prototype of the cover on wednesday while having dinner at Jason & Laura's. Otherwise I am feeling like I am having less and less to do. This makes me feel even more restless. I have been quite productive lately and I don't like it when I feel like that productivity is drawing to a close. I love more than anything the sense of accomplishment I get when I see a project brought to its conclusion, but here I am wanting to keep it moving. All my energy and ideas are towards one goal: The Tuftees. I feel elated and ridiculous at the same time. My next project will be to work on a one-pager for submissions, shows and magazine reviews. Once I get the final mix, and potential cover back from Steve, I will start making copies and trying to find a) someone willing to pay for it to be released; b) a review in a magazine; c) more shows. Hopefully something positive will come from meeting with Jen's boyfriend who is interested in playing drums with us. I was thinking a keyboardist would be a logical next move. The obvious next move would be a lead guitarist, but frankly, I think it would be more fun to have the keyboards instead. Besides, if Sean is available, he'll play lead. I hope Steve doesn't move. I really love the sense of community and a musical "something" happening here. There is a nice group of interesting and talented musicians I am around and I really like the idea of all of us going somewhere. There is a lot we can all do for each other. The next 7" will be an action I take to help get people heard. I can't wait for REK to visit, I really just miss my friends.

2003-02-28T16:56:00.000-08:00

Last night we had to foregoe a party at Joe Lopata's (much to our regret, as at 1:30 in the am a very drunken and lovable aforementioned JL called saying "you suck, but we love you and you're not here..."), in order to record with The Mouse That Roared. Steve, who recorded and played drums on the forthcoming debut from The Tuftees, is Mouse and his new songs are simply gorgeous. I got to play some acoustic guitar, pink floyd-like in one spot, and trumpet. Casey was bass extrodinaire, as she made her way through the entire 12 song catalogue in less than 3 hours. She has only heard 3 of the songs. She rocks like no one else on bass.

That's basically the news. I hope to able to do a little distro for TMTR when the cd is ready, but he ma end up getting it sold to a "real" label. I hope he does, cause he has the talent.

OK, late late later, mein leiblings.

Jack T.

2003-02-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

So, friday night, Casey & Sean & I headed over to Steve's house to listen to the fist mix of The Tuftees album. It went very smooth. We listened to the songs talked about what we all thought was good, bad, ugly, needed changes or didn't need changing and drank a lot of coffee. It was also really good for me to listen to it with others, as I have been listening to it in my own little shell, where my sense of self-deprication gets the best of me. I really needed to hear that others were as happy with it as I am. There are some things that need work, and yesterday we went back to the Kelly House Studio for some more vocal overdubs, but now we are definitely finished. I should have the changes hopefully by tomorrow night. This is very exciting. Now we need to deal with cover design and whatnot. So much fun still to be had.

Jason is going to design and do silk screens for the Alphabet Singles cover art. I am very pleased with this turn of events and only hope he can get it done timely, as I should have them by the end of the week, and would love to get Jesse his before his tour. Anyway, Jason rocks when it comes to design and I couldn't be happier that he wanted to do this project. It keeps with my wanting this project to be of my community, with as many good talented people as possible helping out. The Sleepyhouse NW is all about community.

That's it for now.

2003-02-21T19:17:00.000-08:00

Went over to the Sad Penguin House last night for food and music. Met some really great people there and heard some sweet music too. Caught up with a guy from work who got fired for reasons he is in denial of. He sang too and much better than I had thought he would. A nice guy, I'll leave it there.

Ross from the Hell Pets played and he was just wonderful. I really loved his voice and his songs. I am hoping we are able to check him out when his band plays march 13th, the night before our show. With guests in town and such a busy weekend we may not get the chance, but I'd love to have a show with them. His guitar, a beautiful double f hole acoustic he got for 10 bucks in New Orleans, was really the best treat for me of the night. I was instantly in love with it. A true pleasure to play.

I also must say that Chris played six new songs for an upcoming Tape Mountain release, and I think they were the best songs of his yet. Charlotte really liked one, a sparse and emotional song (which is nice between some of the funnier songs), which I really loved too, but wasn't my favourite. I just think his songs have really grown a lot. Perhaps it was the tour and the confidence that comes from a good tour.

Everyone else was really great too, just a sweet cozy crowd. We played Too Shy by request, and when I stated it may be the last time we play it, I was immediately booed, which immediately made me feel good. I'll prolly play it at the benefit just the same. We also played Tell It All To The Lord, an abridged (I for got the words) Drifting Leaves (Casey's current fave) and The Curse of January, which came out pretty well, I think. Joanie really liked it and it means a lot to me when non-musicians like something of mine. It was fun to play acoustic too after the rawk n roll weekend at The Kelly House. It was also really great to see Jake. I think it has been like 2 or more weeks since I've seen him. It is really great to have a friend I am so easily comfortable and at ease with. His good nature rivals mine. Together we could drive the whole world into smiles.

Really happy with the cover now for the 7" and am going to print them all here on my printer with paper from Essey. Its going to be great, I just need to redo a couple things to it and its good to go.

Don't remember what else I wanted to say. Casey has one of my Kyoto records playing and it is really a nice feel here at home. Soft and cozy and slightly edgy, keeping my mind open to all possibilities.

Loving life right now.

Oh, my old San Francisco band Paint is seriously considering putting out a 10" of our unreleased material which I think is a great idea. We have no plans on playing them live, but really would just like to get them made for further closure and because they are great songs. We stopped because I loved playing out and they hated it. C'est la vie, I guess. Portland has been so kind to me, especially regarding my music and the ability to make, record and play it live. I love it here.

OK.

2003-02-17T10:40:00.000-08:00

The Tuftees.

This weekend Casey and I went over to our friend Sean's house to record an album. Our friend Steve was going to do all the recording, and then the mixing. We were all set. I was of course, nervous as all get out. These are my songs we planned on recording and I wasn't really sure how we were going to go about it. I had never worked with Steve before, though Casey and I play in his band The Mouse That Roared, it has been a new step in our friendship. Well, once we were off and running, my only lay in my vocals.

We set up a couple hours late, but we had nowhere to go anyways, so we got it together and with Steve on drums, Casey on bass, and myself on guitar (this gorgeous Rickenbacher, black, very John Lennon) we began recording the basic tracks. Now I write all my songs on a half size acoustic. So all these songs coming from a larger amplified sound caught me slightly offguard, but I was loving it. Hearing Steve put his Ringo* drums over it all gave each song a new breath of life. I was losing my shit in excitment and this was only the beginning.

We recorded 9 of 10 songs I brought to rcord. Clowns just wasn't working. Steve couldn't find a tempo that slow and I couldn't bribng myself to play poppier than I was. So we simply moved on. No big deal really. Looking back, I think it was a good idea, to skip it. It doesn't really fit in the overall sound. Not for this record.

Once the basic tracks were laid down we went ahead and started overdubbing. Sean came down from his room, escaping the internet for awhile, to record piano. He simply amazes me with his abilities. It was kind of strange too, because, while he played the piano, he reminded me in an offhand way, of my father. A lit cig barely hanging on to his lowerlip, straight back and rocking with the music, eyes shut and head thrown back every now and again. It was real good to feel my father's presence in the room. When recording music, I often grope for his guidance. He didn't let me down this weekend.

So we did three songs with Sean on keyboards, then he heard some guitar and went to town. Then he and Steve got an idea at the end of Lady Jane. Steve played the mellotron while Sean went crazy on guitar, finding some insane souned and they just took off. Then i heard a light in the darkness and brought it back with nylon half sized guitar. Then Sean added some different kinds of fun. The song runs just under 10 minutes. unbeleivable. My little three minute song about a girl I saw on the street while I was on the bus became this huge, I don't know what. That was the end of day one. Twelve hours and we were on our way.

Day 2, another 11 hours, went equally as well, with more PBR and doughnuts and pizza. What a life. Steve said he had a dream of Lady Jane and went on to throw down some trbal drums that really sent it through the roof.

We went ahead and had Sean lay down lead guitar on the songs he felt something for. We figured we'd record the loudest instruments first, for the sake of the neighbors. Sean is a god amongst men on the guitar. He just feels the emotion of the song and the lyrics and pours it out. Where all that soul hides comes out in music. We are extremely lucky to have his talents on this record. On the song 714, it sounds like Santana via 1970 coming through the speakers. My god he just let it out. We kept laughing like we were playing in a stadium outdoors somewhere, which totally reminded me of Rich. Then Casey and I started seeing him in the room, doing his goofy dances and shaking his hair. He will totally love this record. His presence is there just as much as my fathers.

After the guitars were taken care of we did the vocals. I had a rocky start because I was too in my head. Once I relaxed and hear some tracks back, it gave me more conifdence to hear how my voice was coming off the recording. I am so excited and happy with how Steve captured my voice. I think he took all the delicate parts and mixed them with each other in an Elliott Smith sort of way. It will be this softer voice over this 70's stadium rock style songs. It's pretty great actually and I am really proud of my vocals once it was all done. Sean came back down from his lair and put some back up vocals on a couple tracks and then we went ahead to do the one song I was most looking forward too. Oxygen.

Oxygen is a song I wrote with Rich. The words are his and melody is mine. I wanted it extremely sparse and it is. Casey plays bass to perfection while Sean plays the piano. I sing over it in a very delicate and emotional way (I hope). Then Steve, in his glorious and beautifully talented way, got one of his ideas and recorded a timpani over it. Oh my god does it pull it all together like the "Dude's" rug in The Big Lebowski.

And like that, we were done. Sean had to take off to do some grocery shopping and the three of us listened back to the extremely rough mixes. It was mind blowing really. I feel like the luckiest boy on earth. We made a rock n roll record. A true to heart, from the gut, rock record with all the tricks in the book. Steve will be doig all the mixing for what he says will take a week. Then we will get together and listen and see if there's anything we want to change before he makes a final mix and cd. Then it's up to me and Casey to put it out. We were so happy last night, getting home around 12:30 in the morning, eating soup and pickle flavoured potato chips with peppermint tea and a video. Life really has been kind to us and we couldn't be prouder of the work we did this weekend.

Why can't this be our entire life? Why do I have to go to a job tomorrow which fucking hate? Something is mixed up in our society, but 2 days, we were a band.

The Tuftees.

2003-02-12T12:08:00.000-08:00

I've been reading this book called The House of Leaves, which sort of looks like a story about a haunted house, but is really about these three characters and the inner turmoil of their lives. Things that have been repressed within themselves, choices they've made, life's oftimes problematic childhood, etc. It is scary on two levels which I want to discuss briefly.

First, it is scary as a book about people being haunted in their house. Now this is a reall short way of describing it, it really just needs to be read and experienced. The scariness really gets to me, it shakes me and pulls me in and I have trouble putting it down. So I read it right until my eyelids fall into oblivion.

Second, it is scary because, the way the writer goes about discussing the characters' pasts as well as seeing how the house's manipulation is really an inner manipulation of each's person, really scares me. It is as though they are being forced to face their demons and move forward with life or end life, in one form or another. The process is painful and life-changing.

This book is scaring the shit out of me on both levels. I have been having nightmares since I have been reading it and I haven't had a nightmare in I-don't-know-how-long. Last night's was a freak out. I woke at ??o'clock and went to pee, with this eerie feeling that perhaps I wasn't up, that I might be in one of those dreams where you think you're awake when you're not. But I wasn't I was awake. That weirdness erased my dream immediately and I was upset I couldn't write it down. Then as i was dong my business, I fely like I wasn't alone. I was afraid to open the bathroom door. I could hear casey breathing her deep sleep in the bedroom. I opened the door and thought for sure I saw a young boy, maybe 6, standing in the dark. A shadow of a boy. A blink and he was gone. Just my inner self going a bit haywire.

Two nights ago I had a weird nightmare where I was in a musicians apt and he was acting weird, and there were a lot of people there. What was scary in that dream was my inner emotions and feelings of fear and insecurity in this person's prescence. I have been forgeting them as I wake, and the harder I try to remember them the more quickly they seem to be erased from my mind.

So, I don't know, is this a good recommendation for The House of Leaves? I wasn't really trying to write a review, but there you have it. I'm scared and it is affecting me.

2003-02-08T13:10:00.000-08:00

David brought in Soup from Blind Melon and we are listening to it at lunch. Right now. As I type and swallow soup, we are listening to Soup. Full ingestion for every sense. Oh, but my nose is stuffed and I can't smell anything, so all sense but the sense of smell. Who needs that kind of overload anyway. Blind Melon. Wasted talent, man. Wasted life. Truth be told, that's it. Waste.

Have been very frustrated lately trying to come up with a decent concept for the cover art for the 7" and now I think I have it. I sent it to Rich and Sean to get their feedback. Haven't heard yet from Rich, but Sean said he loved it; reminded him of something GBV might do. That was all I needed to hear. I'm pretty happy with it and can't wit for those suckers to arrive in the mail. Even though I paid for it, it will be a sweet reward to put a record on the turntable and hear myself come through the speakers. It is all i want, to be pressed in wax. Is that so much to ask for.

Casey and I played through our songs for the recording sessions next weekend. I am so thrilled about the opportunity, but at the same time, with me being so hard on myself for so many other things, I feel like I will blow it and my voice will suck and my songs are lame and and and... But last night I don't know. I felt really happy and confident and was in love with my little songs again. Perhaps it was the nasal reverbs from my headcold as I sang, or something, but it felt real good and relaxed and fun. Casey and I sounded pretty good, and the songs just seemed right. It will be a relief to record them and be done with them. Some I am simply too consumed by, or have played too often, to really want to hear them again. I can see why bands fall stale as they play the sam songs on tour for 18 months. What a waste. Thank god for independance. I really don't know why any musician would want to be with a huge label. It seems like you'd have to be huge to make any money. If you are only a marginally popular band, you would be better off staying independant. Why owe a damn record executive 100,000$ for a record when you can make the record, more to your taste, and probably sell nearly as many copies without having to be in debt and tour forever just to make ends meet at the end of the year.

So we were working on a new song and I really like it. Casey wasn't happy with her bass, but she'll find it, she always finds it. If there is one thing about Casey, she can play bass. She truly makes some of these songs move because of her bass lines. I am so grateful for that gift. So this new song came shortly after I was working on a different new song, a song for a friend who is broken-hearted at the moment. It was doing something and not doing something at the same time and I was not happy with the words. So I sat back, put the guitar down and played a song in my head and found another lyric waking from it's silent sleep. It was that style where all I had to do was write down the lyric and play the guitar. The song was done on it's own accord. I just needed to translate it from my brain to the air of music. Those always, always ten to be my favourite songs.

"Nothing's ever going to come between my dump truck and me." -S. Hoon

2003-01-30T13:38:00.000-08:00

Last night Casey and I met with The Mouse That Roared. We were both a bit nervous, and at the same time, anxious. After getting lost, only 25 blocks from our house, we went in to this beautiful home and made our way to the basement and the playing field they have. Planty of amps and guitars for sure. After talking for a little while, Steve went ahead and starting showing us songs. We started with my favourite from the cds he gave us, and it went quite smoothly. Now Steve and Chris are both sort of goofy and funny in their own ways, Steve being the talker, and we could see their enthusiasm, even if they were trying to stay maintained. The song, after only one play, sounded quite good, better even, than the recorded version. I think having the two guitars play off each is perfect for Mouse's sound.

I really want to say that my time playing with Rich came full circle for me last night. I have learned so much from him over the years, that I don't think I fully realized how much until last night. This guy Steve showed me his rhythms, and then I went off and did my thing with it and Steve seemed more than pleased. What i went for was accentuating feelings of the song that were inbetween what he was playing, giving a nice mattress of sound for the thythm section, and for Steve to go off and noodle some. I don't think he thought it would be as smooth going as it was either. Bu the time he was showing us perhaps the tenth song, he barely showed us the chords, he just went into it, and Casey and I both just picked it up. Now Steve's songs are very much like mine in their subtle simplicity and emotional character, tossing in the sense of humour and turn of phrase that I really like about my own songs. It was way too easy. That's how it really felt. But it also felt like we were really gelling. Like we were really being a band.

I like to practice, but I like to play out too, and they seem to want to practice only when they play out. Hopefully, with us as a potential unit, we will change that a little and practice more often and create more gigs. I really love the songs and am all too happy to be a part of someone else's songwriting. This is a great pleasure for the both of us.

On a side note, Chris may be one of the finest drummers I have ever met. He simply knows what is perfect for every beat in a song. He plays in Bronwyn as well, and I think sits in for other bands on occasion. Every time I have experienced his drumming, I am further impressed. he is a quiet soft spoken man with a great sensitivity to music and people. I am really happy to be able to play with him. I really hope this grows into something.

That's the update. For the next ?Jack? record (we are in flux with a name as we have come across five other jack- bands here in portland) we are going into the sutio early february and hopefully will have something solid by march.

Jack

2003-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Casey and I took the time to clean out and organize the garage. What a cleansing sense of releif. Now we have some space and a large table to do our artwork on, without having to worry about the mess in the house. We also put all of our boxes on a pallet and got them off the floor which gets wet due to the leak in the far wall. I still need to mention this to the landlord, as the water damage looks quite extensive. We can live with it as it is, but it does mean we lose space in the garage.

I have so many ideas for boxes and prints that I want to make. I went to work today and left thirty minutes later. For one thing I hate my job and the management has no idea how to best use its employees' time and skills. So instead I decided to come home, finish up in the garage and get to work on some projects I have been dreaming about. So exciting.

I also have a story idea I plan on getting into once we finish the record. We should be hitting the studio (Essey's basement) next weekend, and then Steve will be mixing and overdubbing. I really can't wait. I have a cover idea from a painting of Lauries. She is such a talent.

Anyway, so much going on, plus I'm looking for a better job. Whew, better get to it.

***

Listening a lot to Coldplay's A Rush Of Blood To The Head, totally addicting and serene and beautiful.

Reading Kitchen Confidential by a guy whose name escapes me, but it is a great read. Mostly fun stories of life as a cook and chef, as well as how he got to where he is and why. Think Hunter S. Thompson as a chef and you'll see why I like it. Also reading A Gentle Madness by another bloke whose name escapes me. A great book if you are into bibliophiles or are one, as I am (note, it is not sexual, well, not really, but I know when you see 'phile' at the end of a word you immediately think naughty).

nEW mICROPHONES RECORD COMING OUT NEST MONTH, BE THE FIRST IN YOUR 'HOOD TO HAVE IT.

Oops.

2003-01-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

So, Casey and practiced the songs we'd like to do next week for the band recording. Now we won't get a chance to practice with those guys, so I thought it was a good idea for us to have the songs down so it'll be easier to show them, and so we know the essentials. I was getting really pissy about my voice sounding horrible. I know it has to do with me being stoned and watching American Idol on TV the other night. I was watching and thinking to myself, "My god Barrios, you can't sing!" It's bad enough that I have low self-esteem and push myself too hard to do more than I should, but I love the things I do and want to do them as best as I can. So with tese feelings swirling about, I felt as though I have been kidding myself the whole time. I was getting pretty frustrated and taking it out on Casey, who was simply laughing at the cat. I let her side glances at Z be the focus of my frustrations, which wasn't fair. I just felt even worse after. I hate when I know I am acting like an ass, yet can't seem to stop myself from acting out. I just said we were finished for the night and walked away. It seemed the only sensible thing to do. I really need to come to grips with what I have for a voice and work harder on getting the most out of it and not worry about the rest. I am not in this to be the biggest star. I am doing this because I have a genuine love for making and sharing in the process of making music. So next week i am really looking forward to getting these songs recorded, full band style, and then move on from them. We have been playing these songs for nearly a year, adding new ones as w have them, but mostly, these songs are the best ones. We have played many songs live and have learned through the experience which songs seem to work and which don't. I am really happy with the songlist we will be working from. Now I just need to relax and let my voice be what it is and do the best I can. These guys wouldn't be wating their time if they thought I had nothing to offer by way of music. That said, I am headed in the right direction.

2003-01-21T13:04:00.000-08:00

Casey and I have been going over our songs in an attempt to find the best ones we think will work for our upcoming recording seesions. We are going to be recording a full band album with Steve from Mouse That Roared and Sean from Minmae. They had recently made an amazing record called Belloq which has been haunting my inner self in an amazing way lately. So we contacted them ad one thing led to another and here we go.

So we are practicing these songs but are still hoping for a fresh feel with the recording, especially since Steve, who will be playing drums, and Sean who will be on keys, guitar and back up vocals, will not be as familiar with the songs as us. We are hoping this keeps the session feeling fresh and improvsed. For myself I am all too excited about this prospect. If the recording comes out as good as I am hoping (this is due to Steve's wealth of recording experience) we plan on making a pro looking release.

Anyway, not much else going on except for my crappy job and a day of rain here in Portland. Hope all is well in the world where you are.

2003-01-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

As I drove over the Burnside Bridge, the balisk of a building which towers the city in its soft pink elgance and soft pink damage, rose like a stalk; windows like polariods of the rising sun and deep blue of morning sky. I dared to look back at the scar of sun scorching the wide morning clouds behind Mt Tabor. The snowy peak of Mt Hood was near purple, swelling in the maddening glory of 7:10 am. If it wasn't for motion the moment would last forever. If it wasn't for motion the moment would never had come at all, nor would I have been here to experience it. The flood of questions poured their game upon the dashboard like sun-faded newspapers and ungraded graduate papers; a litter of untouched interiors.

Do I exist?
Am I experiencing the sunrise?
Am I hurtling through morning traffic on this steel bridge?
Am I a passenger, a driver, or what?
Will this moment live on eternally?
Has it all dissappeared and been forgotten?

The building silouettes time like a dial around our small hungry city, as the sky changes, the light changes; the clouds move and pass never to repeat form or elevation.

Existence has such clear unmistakable images which stay longer than our own physical lifespan.
At the standstill is a moment.

Experience the sun rise.

2003-01-15T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hello mein lovelies...

The hues of pinks are shattering my brain! What glorious sunsets, tranquil sunrises... Life in the space shuttle earth is being nothing better than enchanting these long winter months. Portland this time of year is quite breathtaking; chill artic air mornings; drizzling rain on and off and on again; green green green foliage. I could go on and on and on and on...

Last night I did some studio recording on my own. Trying new sounds, new ways of capturing myself. I had a lot of fun, tho I don't think the music is noteworthy, I am learning and playing and that's what is important. There are so many ideas in my brain that I just need to keep going for a higher level and push myself to grow as a musician and song writer.

I received some photos yesterday from my old friend Laurie. There are photos of her recent paintings and my god are they great. She has grown into such an artist, not just in paint, but in mind and spirit, where true art is made. She is having her first one-woman show in Philadelphia next month. I wish I could afford to go, but money and reality keep that in perspective. I am so happy she sent me some pictures, for they really are remarkable.

My time off the clock is about up. Talk to you soon.

2003-01-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Sorry it has been awhile, but some problems at work have kept me from usual style. But enough of the negative vibe already.

The Alphabet Singles are on their ways to Vinyl Mastering and in two weeks they'll be at the pressing plant; then two later I'll have them ready for sale. Woohoo. Casey and I are giddy with enthusiasm. We have four great songs from four great bands. Rich from Sleepyhouse has sent a beautiful song called Kitchen In My Soul which I think, is hands down his best solo song yet. He had to rework it for time issues, and I think it is really better shorter. Jesse Jarnow has also sent in an amazing song called Airplanes, which has at least a zillion tracks running on it. Just gorgeous! That rounds out side A. For side B we have Sean Brookes, playing as Essey Brookes. This song comes from Casey's Birthday Celebration Compilation and features him on keyboards singing what has to be his most heartbreaking song yet. Jacksleepy finishes side B with Lady Jane, one of 4 mixes for this, my faourite song from the Jacksleepy Cdr.

I cant wait, and I wish I could tell you more, but I have to sign in now. We are no longer allowed to use the internet at work, so perhaps at lunch I'll be able to post again.

Studio 77 loves YOU.

2003-01-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

What brings its fresh face in the new year, the flu! Casey has been sick until the new years eve, then on new years day, I got sick. What a way to bring it all home. No worries though, my year comes with a plan.

In 2003 The Sleepyhouse NW is planning on four 7" releases starting The Alphabet Singles vol1 to include Sleepyhouse, Jesse Jarnow, Essey Brookes (minmae) and Jacksleepy. Rich and I have decided to go with four bands per release. I am really happy with that as it allows us to put more music out quicker, as well as support more musicians. The second release will hopefully include Stone Figures, The Minor Thirds, The Mouse That Roared and Celesteville. I have many other bands here in Portland which I would very much like to support in this way, as well, I beleive Rich has music he wishes to support. This opportunity is really a thrill for me and will be one of my priorities this year. My goal is 4 releases, one every three months. I dont think that is out of the question at all.

Another priority for me, as well as for Casey, is to find a drummer for Jacksleepy. After our wonderful time playing with Sean and Jake, we have committed ourselves to finding a drummer and truly expanding the Jacksleepy sound. We have the space in our house, and we have the desire to make it happen.

I do have other goals in life and plan on challenging myself to do more this year. Musically speaking, I think we have a lot to look forward to. On Rich's end, he plans on taking REK on the road as much as possible, which will be great for them as a band. They have been holed up in the studio, practicing, writing songs, and gelling as a band, but it is live where they will find their footing. Mosstock was a great start, but they really need to spread themselves thin and come out of it strong. I have all the faith that will find their audience and make a big splash.

The Sleepyhouse Records

2002-12-28T12:41:00.000-08:00

Drizzling rain. A mouthful of leftover curry. Minmae in my headphones. Small treasures create moments of bliss.

Last night Sean and Jake came over to work on some of the new Jacksleepy songs. Sean read an interview with Jim O'Roark and got inspired, so he wanted to try and work on some of my songs as producer, of sorts. He put some amazing keyboard work on Minnesota, the sort of drone that I wouldn't have found for that song. He layered it beautifully. Jake heard the song and immediately wanted to put a drum track down, but only where the song picks up near the end. It was incredible how my little nylon stringed midnight-stoned song about missing Casey turned into an epic song of loss with the help of friends. After our initial 'success', we went ahead and played some Jacksleepy songs, recording a total of eight tunes, one done twice. I was having a great time. Sean and Jake are so easy-going and fun to be around, plus they are takented musicians who heard something in my songs which I didn't. It was also the first time in awhile where I got to jam as a band and it felt really great.

I love what casey and I do musically, but we both feel we could continue forward if we found a drummer. Now both Sean and Jake have their own projects, so this is really as friends and fellow musicians whose schedules worked out, but what an uplifting sensation for Casey and I. We were truly inspired to move forward.

The sound is definitely lo-fi rock house. It sounds like we were in a small room because we were. Our spare room is maybe 10'X12'. We hung the only mic I had from the ceiling fan and placed ourselves as best we could to get all instruments on the track. I stood on a chair to get my acoustic and voice closer to the mic, then Sean got on another chair so he could get the nylon acoustic on as well. The drums were plenty loud, Jake playing the brushes, yeah; Casey's bass was simple, we turned up the amp to the right volume and voila! We were making music. It has a certain backporch feel, and it is that loose raw energy that I love about the session. I just can't wait to get home and mix these songs down to CD so we can all have a listen. We all immediately heard things to add to the mix, wether vocals, keyboards, or lead guitar.

It was just a great night with great people. I am inspired the more. Casey and I will begin a global search for the perfect drummer starting now. Just felt like sharing. I'll let you know how it sounds after I burn it. Cheers.

2002-12-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. Bertrand Russell said that.

We had a really nice holiday, fun, relaxed, lovely gifts for each other, lots of love. Casey & I took a long walk through our new neighborhood. We found a swing in a park, but I couldn't swing for more than a few moments as I was living with a migraine on Christmas. Then we just wandered about looking at houses and seeing how people decorate their homes for the holidays. We found one house which has a manger housing baby Jesus with a unicorn while a small gathering of plastic dinosaurs mingle about. Their are also army figures and tanks in the vicinity. Fun. Plus, they have these lights which go around the lawn, the lights themselves are illuminated shrunken heads of children. I dont know if you can buy lights this way or if they put a hundred doll heads over the lights, but it sure looked good. There was also a prehistoric looking bug on a rock which gave me a fright.

*

Music news, my friend Sean is coming over tonight to work on some of the songs from the Jacksleepy CD. He s going to put some piano on Minnesota and we shall also try a few things on some other songs. We'll play it by ear, but hopefully this will really help take the songs to a higher plane. He is doing some pick-up drums for Mouse That Roared sunday, and has talked with us about the possibility as well. We would love to have a drummer, even part time, just to round out the music a bit more. We love our soft sound, but both Casey & I have a tendency to want to rock out a bit. Our friend Jake is someone else we are trying to court for such purposes. Mostly, we just want to play with people we like and respect, and they both fit the bill. One step at a time though.

I have been playing the electric a lot around the house and have come up with some new chords that I really like. Casey has been so busy lately, we havent had a real practice since the Birthday celebration 2 weeks ago. But there may be a show in the near future and we will be ready. If the show does happen, we hope to have a drummer sit in with us.

I suppose I need to work.

Oh, and I was just told that some scientists cloned a baby on the 26th of December in the Bahamas. I guess they are doing DNA checks to see if it is true. Could the second coming be a clone? The world is at 6's & 9's and all I want to do is get high and snuggle with my baby.

2002-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Marillion

Yes, Marillion. When I was a teenager, Fish's voice and lyrics were everything to me. Poetry and music and emotion. Lost love, long sequences of storyline songs, concept albums. How much I loved concept albums when I was in high school. Marillion, though, took it to an extreme. They made a four record concept anthology. One character carried through from the dark underworld of his soul to the light, through Dantesque passages of friendship, childhood, love and losing love and the emotions gathered in straw from the pain of loss. Yet, there was an uplift to the ending, a woman, a friend, the end of alcoholism, the end of suffering, the end. The outcome of choice was really none of those, but the truth in which we all desperately, secretly search for, the Self.

I am currently listening to the last album in Marillion's run with Fish as lead singer, Clutching at Straws. What I hear now, with time and a vast 15 years experience behind me (I am so young still, it is a precious shame) is over-bloated lyrics and way too many silly guitar riffs behind the main body of music. It still moves me and it will always move me, but I hear what people didn't like then, or now. I could use less of those elements, but to take away from what shaped myself and what I love and how I listen, I wouldn't exchange it for a spot on Top of The Fucking Pops.

Clutching at straws is a concept album about addiction. Mainly, alcohol addiction, but also the addiction to love, and most importantly, the addiction we all face and almost never recognize, the addiction of loss. The character is addicted to the emotion of loss, his lost love. I don't think he really loves her still, but he doesn't know how to live without feeling her absence. When Fish sings "where do we go from here?" he means more than a political ethos (as the song prescribes) but also 'we' as in 'I', where do I go from here?

the more i see
the more i hear
the more i find fewer answers
i close my mind
i shut it out
but you know its getting harder

Yes, it is getting harder, globally, locally and internally. Internally. "Where do we go from here?" It is an retorical question, but in a sense I cannot define, I feel there is an answer deep at the heart of it.

Fish sings:

Racing the clouds home
you can shut your eyes
you can hide it away
it's gonna come back another day
racing the clouds home

What does it mean, to race the clouds home? Basically, what it means to me, is that at some point in one's life, you have to face what is inside of you. We all grow and develop and change, but we also have secrets and demons. Not until we face that which we burrow inside our hearts will we ever truly be free.

I don't know what my point is. I don't care. I love this CD and am glad I came across it after so many dormant years. Perhaps a concept album is in my future.

"Read some Kerouac
and it put me on the track
so burn a little brighter now"

2002-12-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

La scalfittura Tosches è il genere di produttore che può renderlo al crap della polpa produttori di chiamata oggi piangere con invidia.

2002-12-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

What I'm reading:

Survivor by Chuck Palaniuk
In The Hand of Dante by Nick Tosches
some new poetry by Sharon Olds
Where Dead Voices Gather by Nick Tosches

I just finished The Devil & Sonny Liston By Nick Tosches

Nick Tosches is the kind of writer who can make the pulp crap they call writers today weep with envy.

I am also listening to Spoon - Kill The Moonlight

*

Soft deep blue morning sky; square glittering gold luminating the low skyline; black-green hills of Forrest Park holding silent vigil; the Willamette River never strays from her course, murky blood of the earth lapping the concrete shore.

2002-12-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

What I'm listening to as of 12-18-2002;

Right this second, The Oranges Band - "ON TV"

in me stereo,
The Milkshakes - favourites (39 songs, woa!)
currituck county - a 7" I found in SF, beautiful
Chris Piuma - when
Jesse Jarnow - funnycryhappy
Karl Blau - ?

That's about all I can think of at the moment.

When digress becomes the norm...

2002-12-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hey, I turned thirty-two. Big deal. The real big deal was a great show Rich put on friday night at the Peacock Lounge. Our friends made, some passersby stumbled into it, and all in all Rich made his money back, plus enough to tip the doorman and barkeep. That was as successful as we had hoped it would be, financially. Thanks Rich.

As far as the sets were concerned, and since this is the Jacksleepy page, I'll concentrate on our set. How wonderfully self-involved it all seems this early in the morning. Anyway. We had asked RC to play some drums with us, keeping it simple and playing with brushes. It sounded really great to me. We did the first 4 songs with him, then did one alone, then I played Minnesota solo capoing at the fifth fret (a new style I like with my vocal range), and then Casey and I did 4 more songs and then RC joined us for a rocking finale of a brand new song I'd only just written a few days prior. It was really the best tune we did. Many at the show will argue for their personal favourite, Too Shy, which is a great song, written by a great band I used to be in, Paint, but was not our highlight. I think folks just like to meow. I mean, who doesn't like to meow?!

What happened for me was the solidification of the idea of a drummer who actually practices with us, knows the songs better, and lives here in beautiful Portland, Oregon. I was so comfortable with having a third member, someone to face, creating that circle of music a band makes when they are playing together and feeling good together and on what is known as the same page. I really miss being in a band. I miss other band members helping to develop the sound of the music. All in good time. As our friend Chris said in an email, paraphrasing, no one in Portland is doing what we do, and we may not need a drummer to do it. Thanks Chris!

For now, we are real proud of our current record, which we are finishing up. It is available through the usual channels. It is only 5$. It is a sweet deal if I do say so myself, and I am, so I have. Um...

*

One thing which struck me about being in San Francisco, which was my home for 8 years, was how much I wanted to be in Portland. I missed Portland a lot and felt a bit out of place in SF. I visited my frields at Project Opportunity and on one hand, I am real happy to see people thriving and doing well with their lives, and to see them thrive, but on the other, I felt so removed from their lives, like a voyeur almost. It was bittersweet as they say.

Wandering around SF felt no different. I really just wanted to hang with my friends and not be in the city. I am not a cityfolk. That's OK. That's good. I really have a place where I feel like I belong. A pleace where I feel like my music can make a difference, where more people will hear it as it is and not for what they want to hear. There are always naysayers, but for some reason, I feel like the community here is more wide open to giving independent music a place. It is refreshing and wonderful

gush gush gush. blah.

The weather here is cold and yet darkly beautiful.

I am 32 and still finding my way home.

I wish I had the shirt I wore in a picture when I was 5.

2002-12-11T12:57:00.000-08:00

Darkness has taken over the fair city. Rain comes down resilient to our silent plea's. Alas, winter is still winter, and I am still taking the 20 bus to work, and the Willamette is still moving idly under the bridge, the golden lights of the low built skyline still sparkle through the beaded windows. What more could a boy ask for other than The Escape From Winter Weekend Tour!

I spoke with Rich last night, moments before the lids came crashing, blackening out another myopic evening. He said he had three songs from the Jacksleepy proposed set-list for friday, in which he feels cozy behind the drum kit. Works for Casey & I. I think it is a really good idea that he only does a few songs. Casey will be playing keyboards on two songs and I am doing a solo song. I may do two, but I don't like the idea of Casey sitting through two solo songs. It will be quite an eclectic set. I also want Rich to shake some shakers on Tin Plane and then roll into Awun style lead guitar near the end. While practicing that song last night, Casey and I both heard it, Rich's style, at the same spot. So it is destined.

I am also quite thrilled with my choices for saturday's Mosstock event. I get two sets to play around with and I plan on taking advantage of my situation. They will be fairly short sets, but that's just fine with me. I have some fun things lined up. Hopefully people will pay me some mind. I'm sure it will be a glorious event for all involved. Besides, it'll be my 32cd birthday, so I will enjoy the day all the more.

Jacksleepy has a new song too. I had these words floating through my head as I walked from said 20 bus to work, and the melody took its place there as well. I found a receipt in my back pocket and started scratching the words out, as drizzle enclosed my quiet space I took upon a windowpane. I quickly emailed a better version to myself upon entering the workplace. My only fear was the melody, they have a way of straying from home when songs write themselves in the early morning hours. When I did get home I got to work trying to get the melody back, or as close to the tone I had heard. It's not exactly the same, but it would have never been if it weren't for drizzle, a handy pen, a receipt, and good friend and lover, Muse.

As I was working out some bass line, which is phat but will not be used on this song, Casey came in to the studio fresh from her after work shower and said, "give me the bass, let's do this." Or something close to that effect. I paraphrase therefore I am. Anyway, we worked it out and recorded a very nice version. The words seemed to work themselves out quite nicely, as I thought for sure I'd have to rewrite some of the tight spots. We listened to it about a thousand times and each time feeling the spirit rise and the glitter sparks off the rung bell illuminate and inspire. A new song, our first in our new house.

*

Sleepy here at work. Very sleepy. Going to see Bronwyn tonight and also have a long list of to-do's before we leave tomorrow night. I plan on getting the Sleepyhouse compilation CD put together immediately after work. I am pretty excited to do it too, as I think we have a really fine assortment of music and musical styles happening at The Sleepyhouse, all of which seem to work together, regardless of how different in style or genre. The collective is growing and breathing and becoming. It is a beautiful thing to love.

Hope to see some of you at the show friday and/or saturday.

2002-12-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

Christmas shopping gets stranger every year, and apparently, at least for me, easier. I have everything I plan on getting, save for 2 people which I plan on getting while in SF this weekend. This is all I have to say about christmas, excapt that, may it snow here in Portland!

Getting very excited about the shows coming up this weekend. It should be a really amazing weekend. Casey and I have been practicing, and it is going well, but I still fear it may all crumble. I know this fear comes from our last performance together, which wasn't great. We shall do a great job, I am just prone to worry.

Our new house is making us quite happy. We have had several sorts of friends over and with each new venture it seems as though the compfort level increases. I love our living room space, I just want to hole up there every day and relax. It is too good to be true sometimes, how good it feels to be living in this house.

I don't have anything else to say. I'm at work. I'm not supposed to be, yet I am.

2002-12-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

Je prends le metro à l'arrêt d'Amirauté. Une chose au sujet du metro dans Hong Kong. Son grand. Ils l'ont vraiment installé bien. Il y a quelques lignes et quand une ligne rencontre des autres elles ont structuré la station de sorte que vous ne deviez pas monter ou ne niveliez pas vers le bas pour transférer; son juste une promenade à travers une grande plaza à l'autre côté. Ceci crée un modèle de trafic intéressant des personnes. La plaza est très large habituellement et quand les arrêts de train aucun sait si le train de transfert viendra bientôt, ou si son déjà là, si son été là long et partir environ. L'une ou l'autre manière, chacun fait des précipitations folles à l'autre côté. La première fois que j'ai dû transférer, j'ai eu un sentiment étrange de connaissance au sujet de ce des précipitations. Alors je me suis rappelé; son exactement comme les précipitations folles que vous voyez en films de nature quand les tuttles de bébé hachent et courent leurs petites jambes outre de l'essai d'arriver à la mer avant qu'ils soient saisis vers le haut par un oiseau ou un crabe. Tous les nous sont des tortues de bébé et si nous ne faisons pas attention le train de transfert partirons et nous mourrons sur la plateforme. Son vrai.

2002-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

res incesso humilis, successu excelsa et velata mysteriis
*
a lowly thing at first, but then sublime and veiled in mysteries

2002-12-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

I had a great talk with my brother Eric last night, who happens to be the man behind Stone Figures. We spoke a lot of recording and inspiration, and of being inspired and yet everything that comes out is not up to your expectation. This happens to me a lot more when I am writing fiction. I think it transcends art genre and is tricky for the artist whatever the medium. You run into walls. It was really good to hear how he has been trying to work through his current block. It's not to say that ideas aren't coming through, they are, he just hasen't been able to bring them to the life he hears from them. I get that a lot, and sometimes I just assume it is my inability to perform at a higher level. But that can easily become a cop out for me. He says he has been recording and putting his ideas down, it is that they are not finishing themselves. In an essay, novelist Kurt Vonnegut once described writing a book as being a three step process. The first step is a "?", the second a "." and the third a "!". He said that he has often in his career written many 2 part novels without attaining the neccessary exclamation point, which is what makes the trip through the book necessary. It is true with music, which Eric is finding out. I told him that he must stay with his routine, which he already knows. The breakthrough, I continued, comes when you work through these first 2 steps until that breakthrough to the third, and once that comes, the floodgates open and the vision comes to fruition. He liked that.

Rich discussed how he went through a tragic period in life and found his voice through music to cleanse himself from the experience. What he walked away with was the key to his creative door. Now he knows how to unlock the door and utilize that inner space without the attached drama in life. This is a tricky place to get to, and even trickier to be able to re-establish the space without the attached emotion, but that is what artists strive for, that shiny key. Eric is on track and from listening to him last night, I sense he is very close to the bone. It feels good to hear him grow and struggle, as we all do.

*

I have a habit of making copies of mix cd's I make for other people, so I can go back and listen to it when I want to think of that person. This morning I cam across a cd I made for Lucy when she travelled to Europe with her family. Every song brings her to me, and I sense her presence inside. I hear her shuffling in her room, with these songs and others like them coming through the walls. Memories come in many forms, music following as close to smell as I can tell. The sens of smell, as we know, brings back memory stronger than any of the senses. Music must be second. I can smell Lucy from hearing these songs. Hi Lucy.

Suppose I should start work now.

2002-12-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

Ce week-end Casey et moi est devenu confortable dans notre nouvelle maison ici ? Portland. Le mouvement ?tait lisse et le d?ballage et concevoir de notre maison est des charges d'amusement. Je suis particulary passionnan'au sujet de notre espace de bureau. Mon nouvel espace de studio est divin. Je ne peux pas attendre pour commencer ? rouler la bande (ou ? cliqueter le rec).

Sur cette note, j'ai r?cemment de la grande r?troaction des gens concernant le nouveau CD de Jacksleepy. Je veux juste remercier Sean et riches de leur temps et oreilles. J'ai un bon nombre d'id?es sur la fa?on dont am?liorer gr?ce CD aux deux. Il m'indique ?galement combien je manque des efforts collabotative. Il a ?t? grand faisant ceci sur mes propres, et puis encore mieux avec l'aide et le jeu bas ?tonnant des casey, mais je manque vraiment l'aspect de l'"bande ". Si tout va bien je trouverai un batteur et alors nous verrons o? le bruit dispara?t. Nous avons le garage ? installer pour cela aimable ? la chose et attendons avec int?r?t les possibilit?s.

C'est ? son sujet, je suis un short de peu ? l'heure. Si je devais dire toute autre chose, il serait comment est le PE de grand grand Chris ce qui il a donn? m'? la semaine derni?re. Je les pense suis toutes les couvertures des normes, musique de montagne. Quoi qu'il en soit, v?rifiez-la dehors , il est la vraie affaire.

Jack

2002-12-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend Casey & I got cozy in our new home here in Portland. The move was smooth and the unpacking and designing of our home is being loads of fun. I am particulary excited about our office space. My new studio space is divine. I can't wait to start rolling tape (or clicking rec).

On that note, I have recently gotten some great feedback from folks regarding the new Jacksleepy CD. I just want to thank Sean and Rich for their time and ears. I have lots of ideas on how to improve the CD thanks to both of them. It also tells me how much I miss collabotative efforts. It has been great doing this on my own, and then even better with casey's help and amazing bass playing, but I really miss the aspect of "Band". Hopefully I'll find a drummer and then we'll see where the sound goes. We have the garage to set up for that kind of thing and are looking forward to the possibilities.

That's about it, I'm a bit short on time. If I had to say anything else, it would be how great great Chris' EP is which he gave me last week. I think they are all covers of standards, mountain music. Anyway, check it out, he's the real deal.

Jack

2002-11-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

"Most of my heroes don't appear on stamps."

-Chuck D

2002-11-29T07:25:00.000-08:00

Everybody's talkin' about Tofu-Tofu...

I'm talkin' about Thanksing at the XKGB House yesterday.

But first...Casey & I did the bulk of our move to our new house in the morning with great help from Sean Farrally. It went pretty well, although we still have a lot to do after work today. It feels so good to know that we will be going to our new house instead of our basement apartment.

After the move yesterday we got ready and went over to Jill's house, which is the XKGB House where Ang*elo used to live. It is the first place I played in Portland, the first show of the Sleepyhouse's summer tour, and where I met many of my current friends, including Sean Brooxx. Basically, it was a beer drinking extravaganza which included Aaron Miles recording us playing songs for his KPSU radio show, which aired later that night. I didn't really think he was going to use anything we did, us being drunk and silly and whatnot, but he did. At 9:30 Casey woke me up (I had a migraine since 7:30 in the morning and immediately went to sleep after we got home) and said the show should be on. Sure enough at 20 to 10, Aaron played the tape of us. I got pretty excited for a couple reasons. One being that I had only heard myself on the radio one other time, while with Paint in San Francisco. So I was really happy to hear me singing and strumming on the radio. Then Sean played a funny "un-turkey" song, then a short Minmae song, then we did a take on John Lennon's Give Peace A Chance, exchanging "peace" for "tofu". The sound was pretty good and Aaron's mini-disc player picked up a lot of good room noise, which gave it a "live" feel, even though there were only like 10 of us there. Sean and I also made up a Thanksgiving song with me on guitar and back-up while he sang and evrybody else clapped along. It was a pretty funny song, the most brilliant part being "no genocide, we'll live side by side". It was also funny hearing the interviews Aaron had with Josh and Leigh, where one could also hear Sean playing some other song in the background, something funny because you could hear Casey laughing inbetween his verses. Overall it was a lot of fun and yet another day where we felt at home and with family. Jill's cooking was absolutely delicious and everybody was in good spirits. We couldn't have asked for a better day (well, I could have done without the migraine).

2002-11-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about the band I saw monday, Mouse That Roared. Not so much the band, but the drummer and how he played with the songs. It was so close to how I hear drums for Jacksleepy. Casey agreed with me when we discussed it on our way home. The idea of drums in my songs hasn't left me since. My friend Jake has a drum kit, which I saw piled in his room, not really set up. I have it in the back of my head, that if not he, perhaps myself, could use those drums to record new songs with. I like my drum machine, but real drums are what I truly believe in. I can see having them set up in our new garage, no problem. I think as long as they were recorded as early as possible, the sound being too loud for neighbors shouldn't be a problem. We'll see.
*
Got a terrific letter from Rch last night. Basically, he sat down with a pencil and fresh sheet of paper and wrote out what he felt about the new Jacksleepy, song by song as they played out in his headphones. I really loved what he had to say. There were some insightful mixing compliments which were especially appreciated. I put a lot of effort into my mixing for this record. I used layers of keyboards, which is completely new to me, as well as some natural sounds (birds, rain), and multiple vocal tracks, and he really seemed to get what I was gong for. On one song his gut reaction was to turn down the birds, which was my gut reaction. But after hearing it softer for a short time, I knew it had to be louder, and he got that. It took three listens for him to come to the same conclusion, but he got it. It made me so proud to see that I conveyed my thoughts properly.

I was also pleased to read that he did understand, on a more personal level, where these songs have come from. He enlightened me some on this point. The idea that these songs are Oregonian sounded strange to me at first. Now I understand, it is that I am an Oregonian and the sound and lyrics reflect that change. He also talked about how my last CD, "Smiling At Strangers" was more of a personal inbetween CD, where you could hear my loss of place and missing friends, whereas now you can hear a settled man singing songs which are happy and full of love. That was certainly part of my plan. I am in love and I am happy. I definitely wanted to stay away from sadder themes. Plus, I don't feel pulled to or away from where I am at. I simply am.

I guess what I'm saying is that it really fulfills a part of the process to have someone as close to me as Rich understand and appreciate what I have put to disc. I can't wait to get the music in the ears of other friends and new friends and people I will never know, except through the music. We are playing in two weeks and it is going to be a great show.

Thanks again RC for all your support,

Jack

2002-11-26T08:30:00.000-08:00

I saw a great show last night. Yet again I will speak of the power of Minmae. Free show at the Blackbird here in Portland; 2$ PBRs and great music. One of the most lovely aspects was our (Casey & I) sense of community. We knew a lot of people there, and it felt like home. Chris gave me an EP of his (which I listened to when I got home at 1am, I mean really, does anyone go home and not still feel the heat of a fun night), plus he introduced us to Sarah of Bron-wyn, then there was our friends Jake & Joanie, Sean, Jill, Josh, Dan & Ben; Tony from Norfolk came by for dinner and Minmae; Mouse That Roared (whom we've been on 2 bills with); the great Ang*lo; our good friend Mr Farrelly. I mean come on, we felt at home. It was great. Plus the fact that our friend's were tearing the roof off the place didn't hurt either.
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Another beautifully foggy morning. The view was less than a block in the fog. I couldn't see the shapes of buildings until the bus was more than two-thirds across the Burnside Bridge. I love these mornings. Of course we are having the all-time low rainfall in the history of recorded rainfalls for November, but still, the soft beauty of these faux noir mornings is just something to behold.
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Jacksleepy is going with the monkey drawing for the next cover. We envisioned his face across t-shirts, and I think that was the clincher. Even though we move into our new house this week, I think we will be well prepared with fresh product for our "Escape Winter's Rain Mini-Tour" in three weeks. Hopefully we'll be able to pull off a couple shirts in time for our journey.
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For the readers of good books. I have been reading Nick Tosches latest novel, InThe Hand of Dante, and must say, it is an amazing work of fiction which should not be missed. It has me so excited about turning the page. It is full of everything I want in a book, and nothing has been written with this much bravado since Lawrence Durrell. Check it out.

Here's a sample, p71,

"The stuff of the lagoon was an endless liquescent sigh, beneath the blue and golden light of endless sky. The clouds were the creamy white gardenia blossoms of that boundless lush blue. The sigh of the gentle lagoon, the sigh of the moving clouds, the sigh that swayed the palms were as one and all-embracing."

2002-11-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

I had really great day yesterday. It started with Casey & I getting our pictures wrapped for our move later this week, plus a great tofu/marsala (?) breakfast she made. We listened to Nate Ashley's new CD "The Darker Corners of Your Heart" all morning before heading over to Jake's house.

The day became one of those days which takes you away in directions which are wholy fun and unexpected. We got to Jake's and Joanie was there and Jordan was watching football. We talked and Jake showed us around while we waited for Chris to arrive. They were all slightly hung over from Ouzo the night before. First thing we did was head over to J&M's Cafe for breakfast, which was pretty cheap and very deliscious. Next we went to Scrap where Casey found lots of stuff for our new house. She also had tons of great ideas from poking around there. I found this big pile of monkey finger puppets. It is a drawing of a monkey with 2 holes for fingers. At first we thought we would use them as inserts, but much later in the evening we thought differently.

Our new cover idea is to use the image of the monkey, but not use the cards. Instead we'll use the cards as advertising for the new CD. We can write upcoming shows on the back, thesleepyhouse info, etc. And the cover of the CD would be the monkey image on the front. It's a simpe line drawing, which works well with the music, I think. It's the innocence of the drawing which parallels the music. I hope. That's our idea anyway. We've got many, we'll see how this one turns out.

Then we all piled into the van and headed over to a vegan shoe store. All the shoes were made out of synthetic materials, not animals. Jake bought a great pair of sneakers, the exact pair I would have bought had I money for such pleasures. We then headed back to Jake's, where I thought we would probably just drop everybody off and head home. Instead we went in and lost track of time. When it dawned on us that maybe we should go it was almost time for the Simpsons. We had such a great time listening to music and talking and sharing that I thought we'd never leave. I certainly didn't want to leave. I wanted to play and hang out and just keep eating Joanie's guacamolie all night. But we did have things to do and we are moving in a few days and we need to be ready for that. But we had such a lovely time with new friends, it really made us feel more at home here in Portland. Finding like-minded souls who share in your enthusiasm for life and home-made music and art is really refreshing.

Also wanted to say that I feel really inspired musically and writerly. I have lots of story ideas I plan on getting down once our office space is set up at the new house. I have also been playing around with new song ideas, all of which are dissappearing into the ethers of our final days here on SE 73rd. All my recording stuff is neatly packed and ready to go. But I think the change and the positive feelings from that are bringing out lots of new ideas. Casey wants to make a punk record. I like that idea.

2002-11-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

A lot of weight has been lifted from my dreamy mind's eye. I needed so much to have some kind of feedback on my new CD, and just the quiet hints from Rich on his initial listening made me very happy. I think knowing that it finally got out there helps enormously. That someone can listen to it without me being able to tamper with it, without me being able to say, Oh I need to fix this.. It has been an anchor these last two months; an albatross of enormous size chained to my guitar. The songs themselves have been written, but I, having too much time, reworked and played and added and subtracted until I felt happy. I know that I was never going to be satisfied and that I needed to tell myself that I was finished. Like writing a poem, it is never truly finished, there just comes a point where you have to say, I am done reriting this piece. I needed that for this CD. Now that it is flown the coop, I am satisfied with its early life. That's not to say I don't want more critique, but I am saying that I have released it into the universe, therefore releasing it from my creative chains. I let it go.

Rich has some nice words to say, and soon I will get a letter with concrete critique, which I am extremely grateful for. It gives me such great pleasure to make something, set it free, and have its rewards come home to me. I am really happy to be able to play the new songs next month and am looking for ward to setting up some shows here in Portland. Casey has been learning the parts on keyboard, which we hope adds a certain charm and depth to our live show.

Visit ^*^ for purchasing info.

My next step is to finish the cover art & packaging. Casey, Jake and I are going to a place called Scrap on sunday, where I fully expect to find the makings of the final packaging. I am also in the process of making more copies of the Birthday Celebration Compilation to give out to friends as a bonus. Plus it's a great preview of the best music being made in Portland right now. There is also the fact that I plan on releasing 7"s from the bands on the comp, so it gives added pleasure for me to share their talents. So much to do, so much to look forward to. I am so happy in my small yet ever-expanding world.

Thanks,

Jack

2002-11-21T18:19:00.000-08:00

At the bus stop this morning the sky was a shatteringly bright blue with pink clouds dribbling across. I liked the way the flashing yellow street lights looked in the foreground.The birch tree on the corner, with its pool of yellow leaves at the base of its trunk, looked like a Scheile Painting I think I have in a book. It was fantastic. As the 20 bus made its lumbersome way to the bridge, the fog got more and more thick. While approaching the bridge and one third the way across, you couldn't see the landscape of the city on the other side. The Willamette River is not that wide as it weaves its weary way through town. To not see the skyline from the east side was stunning in its absent beauty.

Jack

2002-11-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

Got an interesting email from Rich this morning. Says he has the day off, and just received my package in the mail. Time is nigh where he says he will elevate himself and give my new CD a listen. By all accounts, as I write this entry Rich is sitting cross-legged in the band room, gray light from the pandhandle slipping in between the curtains, that soft fading green of eucalyptus, inhaling buddha and fading into what I have recorded and mailed to him. I am hopeful he has good things to say. He always does, as he spends much of his time pondering the positive, but I do hope he opens the ideas of what needs work, or doesn't work at all. I feel as though I shall do no more work on this particular project. I really want to move away from the sounds I put down, and do fresh material.

What I continually forget is the fact that this material is brand new to the rest of the world, so it is not old at all. I should put effort into a couple more songs. The problem is, I already have my juices flowing in new directions and the feel of this CD must maintain itself. I am quite pleased with the overall feel and believe it is consistant throughout. There are some places where my inability as a singer comes into focus, but I hope people will hear the song beyond the singer.

It is not that I am not proud of these songs. I think I mentioned previously that I am. There are a few which I am amazed at myself for writing. That said, I still feel strange abut this CD. One reason may be that no one has yet heard it. One friend I gave it too told me the other day that he can't wait to hear it and when can he have a copy. He can have it when he buys it. Now I know who not to trust with opinion. Because some people's opinions count very much, where others have absolutely no bearing on me whatsoever. I am a bit dissappointed that he forgot I gave it to him, but something as personal as music is not to be taken lightly when shared on such an intimate level.

So at this moment I wonder where Rich is within the CD. Is he listening to one of the 2 instrumentals he is featured on? That would be fine, as I feel they are 2 of the finest songs on the record.

Growth is the object of desire. I know I have moved beyond a point I had been at for far too long. I am quite happy with the notion that I have learned something and have been able to try and to experiment; to push myself into new waters. I feel happy with this CD, even if I don't sound like it all the time. It was a neccessary road to take, and now that I have chosen a turn at the fork in the road, I am excited to see what comes next.

Thanks for taking the time Rich. Talk to you soon.

John

2002-11-18T12:36:00.000-08:00

Only day in the house by myself. The cat is coming in and going out about once an hour. Been packing most of the day. Pictures, books, knick knacks, kotchke, and music books, and songs. It amazes me to keep finding things I've once done and have since totally forgotten about. To find songs written out on whatever, melodies lost from e, but recorded somewhere. I just see this arch in my process and see where I once was. Its a sort of humourous lot actually. I see why some people destroy what they have made. There is a certain feeling of absolution in destruction. It gives a sense of the end of a circle; death through life.

I have in the past throw out whole journals of poems and short stories, novel ideas, travelogues. Relationship memoirs. All for the sake of moving past those moments. I can easily jail myself in the past. I have on some occasions and fear that space immensely. I like moving on and in the sense that I feel destroying its physical memories are therapeutic for me, I also know that they are still a part of me. It is through every experience that we become the people we are, and I am the product of my previous 31 years. But for me to live in the next moment, the next, the next, and so on, I need to release what I was.

I have not thrown out these particular songs I found. I barely have the memory of some of the melodies, but I do know the recordings exist (note: none of my 4-track material has been saved prior to moving to Portland, so what I have is on disc, or its nowhere but in memories landscape). Do schoolchildren save every math test? I don't think so. So shall I move on to the playground until my next lesson. Every time.

So packing feels likes its going well. I am enjoying the slow dismantle of our apartment. Moving so much as a child with my unsettled mother, I got to where I looked forward to the change. The continual change is what didn't change, that was my norm. So this change feels right too, and I look forward to a more shared experience with Casey, and starting this next phase together.

Lots of songs are coming while I break from packing the few days, and they seem to be for the air right now. I love hearing Casey ask if I just made something up? Then asking why I didn't have tape rolling. The insint satisfaction of losing a song as its created is so infinitely more satisfying to me than recording and saving it.

All for now,

John

2002-11-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

OK, The Sleepyhouse NW is moving, about 25 blocks away. So I've been packing a lot and getting prepared for that. Its nice to pack because I sort of zone out and think while I work. I sort of take myself out of my monotonous task and flow inside and work out ideas and such. So I was thinking about the cover and packaging for the next CD and really not liking anything that was happening. We have a couple ideas we like but they are not turning out the way we hoped. Still looking for more alternative and creative ways to package the disc. It is as important to me as the music. It is a first perception, for good or otherwise. It gives something to the future listener, similar to how a movie poster sets up the veiwer. There is a feeling that comes with it. That's why it is so important. Because our music is so homegrown, we feel it is important to let that show in our packaging. This is nothing new, there is always an alternative to the mainstream, and if it isn't visible, you need to dig deeper, until you are the alternative. Besides, its fun.

Tomorrow I hope to get somewhere, because I am really wanting to share it, and I like getting it into people's hands in the form it is going to be released as, so everyone knows they have what I made. What I create is meant to be shared. It is ready too, as much as I plan on working on it. The completion happens when I get it into people's hands, then I can move on to another project. That's how I work. I need to know I have finished one thing before I cna finish another. I can work on many things at once, many projects, especially varied forms of art, but it is not until I have seen it through do I get any form of satisfaction. And I won't just "finish" something to move on, it finishes itself. I am just the medium. I can't say when it is done, but I know when I have seen it through. Music goes on to create well after I have "finished". This is the beauty of sharing. That once a thing is created and put into the world, it continues to create outside of the artist who made it. That is the growth of art and what I hope to acheive. If I can inspire, that is the knowledge. Unfortunately, one rarely gets to know of one;s own inspiration. Which is the fine. It makes it even better.

So, I must share the computer, so I am told.

John

2002-11-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

There is a very wonderful thing happening. I am listening to Minmae's demo CD, and I am in spirits with my higher self. The last song just transforms the moment and I slide into it somewhere near the smooth part of the ride. His vocals like a chant, the lead guitar is as raw as early rock, maybe Robbie Roberstson in his Last Waltz days, pure to the bone.

"You've got me now" is a lullabye repeated throughout the chorus and outro; a mantra. It stands for so many things at once. And the question returns to me, Who is the "you"? A person (relative, lover, friend, dead friend, child, self), place (home, a city, state, park, living room), a feeling (sadness, doom, joy, departure, loss)? It lingers long after the singing fades, beyond the solo, reverberating beyond the volume or power button. You've got me know.

This song isn't an inpie pop song, or a mainstream homogenized song, or a classic rock song. It is its own timeless self, refelctive as if aged, wise as if in mid-life, rigorous and strong-will, yet aching and tender, very tender. Emotional without saccharine sentimentality.

OK, so I like the song, and the demo is great. So Look for it somewhere, sometime. Perhaps here. So check soon and often.

I'm getting kicked off the computer.

Jack

2002-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

Hiya,

Jack has a new CD coming out on The Sleepyhouse Records, and we have a very special offer to go with it. Recently, Casey (bass and keyboards) had a birthday, and we celebrated in high style with friends playing a house show for her. I had tape rolling all night and made a Birthday Celebration Compilation. This CD, which features music from Celesteville, The Minor Thirds, Brian Brogan with Lauren Ranke, Yael, and Sean Brooxx, will be free with the purchase of JACK our s/t follow-up to "Smiling At Strangers".

Take a look and listen and while you're visiting The Sleepyhouse, check out our links page and visit our friends.

Thanks,

Jack

2002-11-16T12:08:00.000-08:00

Hiya,

Welcome to Jacksleepy, the unofficially official new website for the band Jack, based out of Portland, Oregon. We are on the great label The Sleepyhouse Records based out of San Francisco, California, which is run by the Amazing technocolor personality, Rich Ciccotelli. I run the Northwest branch, which we call The Sleepyhouse NW. All of our releases are available at aforementioned website. This is my first site and am really giddy with excitement I really have no idea what the possibilities of this site are as yet, but soon, dear reader, soon.

One thing I hoope to do is resume a zine I used to publish called "letters, a prototype" here in an online sort of way. I also hope to give journal entries of Jack's day to day, as well as whatever happens to pop into me brain. This comes from too many emails to friends, which I do to waste time at my paid job. We'll see how it goes.

More soon, very soon,

Jack