June
3rd 2009
hey...
been in the studio with my esteemed band 'the fire choir'.
Still have more tracks to lay down and around and over and under...
but the end is near.
It's a lovely weaving of webs so far.
they have taken kindly to the new songs.
This winter was a joy rehearsing with the band, and when not writing
and playing I took to knitting
thanks to my dear friend Kim, from the Johnny Dowd band. Old dogs
can learn new tricks . ha!
all for now...will keep you very posted!
j
Dec
4, 2008
In the grande scheme of things, this year has been one of many twists
and turns.
No big tours , but instead I've been busy writing and making connections
with some new blood, along with stirring up some new songs with
old blood.
It's all good....I think so anyway.
A new record will begin it's studio process this March, and in the
meantime I'm working on an EP with Mary Lorson and Kathy Ziegler.
That's all for now....
xj
Nov
26 '07
just listened to Elvis Perkin's "Ash Wednesday"...
stunning....
back when I was working on the album Sing Desire I was walking circles
around
our town's cemetery in a trance with the head phones on listening
to music
Chad Crumm had previously tracked and was hoping I'd come up with
a melody
and words over his already gorgeous violin parts.
It was just after 9/11 and I wrote lyrics inspired by the grief
I
felt for those we lost and for those who lost loved ones.
I ended up co-writing the song with Chad...co-writing is hard for
me...
I tend to fly solo...strange too...cause I didn't tell him what
it was about,
and maybe he still doesn't know...so that's strange on it's own.
The song is "sleeping"...
I'll post it this week...
wrote a song yesterday in my upstairs room that feels gift wrapped
by leafless
maple trees...the room that is.
I was putting on backing vocals and my voice became the love child
of a violin
and a musical saw. hmmm....
the moon caught me off guard.
j
May
18
How do I carve time out for music?
Wish it was as easy as carving a branch with a swiss
nahh....
yah...
nah....
Got a strange letter from a fan? Unsigned.
Fire pit.
jennie
May
13
Played a show with friends last night. Yesterday was a hard one
on the
heart...the day that is...often I can go to a show and leave
every thing at the door...not the case yesterday.
I feel too vulnerable when I'm hurt.
What a sorry sack I am.
Some times performing feels like giving, and if I don't have the
time
to write and play, then I'm not receiving...and if it's only shows...
is it only giving? Can I still receive at a show.
I'm muddled....
Deep breath...
j
May
10
ok here we go on this thundering morning in May....my personal favorite
month of the year. Though I remember now how sleep is a challenge
in the heat. Why is that I wonder.....?
So many new and powerful releases this week at the store. I think
the one song that sent a chill down the old spine has to be Prince
covering Joni's "case of you"..... I'm also swept into
the deep dark waters of the Great lake Swimmers. Wish I could just
call them up and say.. hey...I swim in Lakes...can I join your club,
or, would you be my band...
or...will you marry me...all of you...right now....?
oh yeh... this is brilliant....
i thnk I'm cracking myself up...
oh and again I watched Monsoon Wedding....
My favorite movie...one of them ...but this one
is a standout..a seductive gathering of
beautiful souls and their stories. Makes me want to eat
marigolds and hold a wedding @ my house this weekend....
ok...that is plenty for now...
jen
May
9
If I could I'd throw on the rubber boots and hike up the stream
for the
day with my four legged companion. Breathing in the damp sring air,
and the
brush still tame enough to forge through.
Yesterday, at the supermarket (are they still called that?) some
one asked me what a certain song was about. Threw me off to say
the least. I think it was the hardest song I'd ever written inspired
by a horrifying act and here I was looking for swiss cheese or eggs
and suddenly I'm talking about something so very sad.
I did not appreciate that moment. How does one prepare for the unpredictable.
Maybe yoga? Or maybe....wow...you threw me off , need to buy some
eggs right now... or lie? ....it's fictional...stole it off my son's
bed time story.
where was I...
nowhere I think.......
so there..
j
April
1 2007
ok so i got a bit distracted....
been writing songs...been walking...
raising two young men,,,
sigh...yes...tis true...
been falling in love with music left and right.
Owning a record store will do that to you.
I've been in front of the computer longer than needed
today so the brain is fuzzy,
But I recorded a song this morning in my own little corner in this
crooked old house...
something about salt and sugar on the toung, and a veins duty expiring
and such...
I aquired a new amp,..a fender deluxe, and now it needs a mate.
The K might be sufficient...
but hmmm I just don't know.
so it's done...
the first entry in far too long.
the dizzy girl is back.
Are you ready for her.
I hope so.
Happy April Fools Day...
and I should be back be for May Fools Day,
and June fools day....on and on and gosh darn on...
j
Aug
14, 2006
summer time, war time....swimming in lake with my family...
knowing destruction and death is happening ....
what a time for contradictions....
war war war....
what greedy few benefit...they don't sleep well I'm sure of it...
bastards...
j
May
17, 2006
going to NYC in a few days,,,maybe the wisteria is out...makes
me dizzy.
Been painting walls ...colors like oceasn pearl ....
anyway....looking forward to playing some shows with my friend Tyler
Ramsey.
Tyler and I sat (In my Car) in front of a train track for about
an hour once as the
train went back and forth at a snails pace. It just would not leave
the intersection we were hoping to cross.Back and forth...20 min.
one way..and
just as it would leave the intersection it would slowly reverse
direction.
...are there trains in NYC?
j
March 20, 2006
the UPS man comes in from the icy roads
and says to me..."You know you have the best job in
the world don't ya?"
I know....record store....
today it's revisiting day... Dylan's
'Planet Waves'...and if there is eternity I'll love you there again...
the wedding song....
i think i need a chaser...what'll be?
how 'bout Jimmy Rodgers...kisses sweeter than wine...
i think Jesse Colin Young covered that...
when I was a young teen I kissed an album cover...incurable romantic
i am..
not telling....
waiting...
waiting...
waiting...waiting...
going going...
gone.......
jLs
March
15, 2006
Spring is the welcomed guest...
the fat robin...or possibly the
man in the carhart one piece riding his lawn mower
through a snow storm while enjoying a cigar.
Been enjoying the Centromatics again...once I start I can't stop.
Last night a friend stopped by the record store with some songs
he'd just recorded. His last words were...."if you don't like
it...don't tell me you like it...
...I hate that"
"ok" i said....and so I listened...it's great...I like
it!...I'm hooked...and I'm off the hook
simultaneously.
Tonight I'm going to the only decent listening room in the area
to set
up a monthly residencey with my rotating cast of rotaters "The
Fire Choir"....
I've been battling the yakkers at the shows....it's distracting
it is....
just give me a studio...happy happy....
jLs
March
14, 2006
First thunder storm of the year.
I'm addicted to them...love'm crazy like.
Listened to the yard birds this morning...ok. some great songs...hot
guitarists...
but some lame singing too....geez...
feels good to laugh at the minute...
looking at flights to Berlin....thinking back to playing with Johnny
Dowd there
and finding an absinthe store owned by a bookish type fella with
a set of twin
girlfriends on his arm. A this isn't kansas type moment....
Berlin....sigh....
Deutschland always had a pull on me as a kid...
my Birthday meal...kartaful pankuchen..
butchered spelling I'm sure...potato pancakes....
now it's snowing.....
jLs
March
11, 2006
saw hundreds of white geese flying north the other day....
white white white....
green pushing through the frozen earth....change...gratefull
for that.
My son discovered the Talking heads and it reminds me of dancing
at the Common Ground in Ithaca N.Y. back in a different day....packed
wall to wall in a dancing frenzy.
Dancing little darlin dance.......
played a benefit for a friend last weekend, she was diagnosed with
cancer....
tried to perform suitable not so sad or precious material....seemed
important to do so...
You live long enough in this town and before u know it you have
a benefit
for your own bad self. There was one 11 years ago for my son Cole
when
he decided to come into this world 2 and half months early. Now
he's leading
a pack of boys around this house at the minute and he's full of
fire....
music-Death Vessel and
Johnny Dowd's newest
walks-last week/Flagler Beach Fla.
Tonight going out to see The Settlers and the Atomic Forces
This week....frozen race tracks
jLs
March
5, 2006
Sunday morning ... a stunning blue sky (winter still dwells here)
morning....was in florida for 2 days (not for Bike week, though
it was gearing up as the leather apparel and long moustaches were
in abbundance) visiting the folks. I don't have cable or satellite
..so it's always a hoot to observe the ridiculous shows.... The
Television world...ahhhhhhhhhhh....though I admit I was mesmerized
with Emeril and the spell he casts over his salivating audience...
I wonder if anyone has rushed this stage...We have an Emeril in
our tiny town....Joe the pizza guy.. dang...now I'm hungry...shouldn't
write about food on an empty stomach. We calculated that my Mom's
been watching the same soap for 30 plus years... and speaking of
TV...who needs it as long as the capacity to dream in your sleep
still exists. Last night in my dreams I was driving around in a
tiny wreck of a car with a guy (cross between sid vicious and river
phoenix) and i was holding a swaddled baby and we were ripping through
the mountain roads at a terrifying speed through violent lightening
storms... One memorable dream was me swimming in a river over the
ruins of Machu Picchu. Below me were stone statues of Hippos and
Rhinos, but their eyes were alive and watching me as I was being
pulled by an unforgiving current....Put Steve Wynn and the miracle
three on full volume 1st thing @ the store. That album rocks like
a rock album should....saw Steve @ co. in Austin last year....jeez....watch
out!
Wrote two rockers last night on the fender...oh it felt great!
My Mom hopes I'll write happy songs....I promised her I would. Hell,
now what have I done.
well...by gosh...I accept the challenge.
The Divorce should be final soon...then comes happy like the first
true
day of spring! Eagerly awaited...
books: Alice Seboldl/Lucky
music : Aretha Franklin(live in Paris 68/her first European tour)and
Hank Williams
( I see the light)....on Vinyl....
DVD: Ali G
highly anticipating Howe Gelb's (Sno Angel...) (he beat me to it
with the gospel choir...there's an outragously amazing Gospel band
'the flying clouds' that play our local music fest every July. These
beautiful elderly men that dress in blue synthetics suits and wipe
their browse of sweat as the lead fella limps into the crowd and
sings his heart out) The all male choir singing in that soft harmony
just kills me....so I always wondered how they'd sound backing me
up....hmmm)
jLs
Feb
26, 2006
What is it with the cold that strengthens the veneer around
the body but tends to weaken the heart.
Been writing songs
tid bits
....in from the cold...one slip away...
...she felt pretty in her dime store crown...
my demise...your disease...
the ice that forms on the blasted out rock...
it's absolutely frightening....
coyote battle cries in the back field...
staring through the frozen ferns on the window
to disarm the hunters game...
film:born into brothels...if u let go then yes...a good time to
cry
music: the wind and dead peachtree branches scratching on my
bedroom window...
14 degrees Fahrenheit
jLs
Feb
21, 2006
In the record store listening to Dirty Three (Cinder)...it's
a beautifully messy
recording....I'm drawn to haphazard but well crafted productions...like
driving down an unforgiving country side road....or a blasted out
city road even....and an owl or a hawk comes out from no where (some
where)...or driving seventy past an Amish horse and cart...and the
landscape reaches in a tugs at your soul and begs you to slow down.
Track 2 on Ryan Adam's hauntingly gorgeous '29'.....had to sit down
and read the lyrics in hopes I can build up the strength to learn
it. By the way.....are critics so bored that they want to reprimand
Mr. Adams for being so prolific? I shouldn't waste my time criticizing
music critics.....Hats off to his record company for keeping up
to speed with his out pouring of art. I went through a phase of
distancing myself from Ryan cause I'm so tired of how the public
and media eat up the bad ass troubled soul selling point that's
so prevalent in rock and Americana. But I realized...hey I don't
have to live with Ryan...why should I be concerned with his behavior....well
I guess if he hurts some one and I heard about it....ok I'd back
off...drawing the ethic line.....but.......We go to museums and
are effected profoundly by paintings....read books by authors with
pseudonyms and are moved....without knowing anything about their
personal behaviors. And having said that, ok so it is nice to meet
an artist you admire and discover what a gem of a human they are.
Goodness this is one winding thread I'm on...should I sum it up.
Nahhhh...I think not.
music.......Howe Gelb....Co Co Rosie....Balkan Beat Box ( Have to
dance when it's on...so my son put a "Mom 4 sale sign"
on the store window when I busted a move)
DVD...Ewen Mcgregor and friend Charles tour the world on Motor Bikes...
London to NYC via Russia, Mongolia....
I loved it.....it's real....
okbye
jls
Oct
14, 2005
Spent last weekend at a festival in North Carolina...Shakori Hills...
Red mud....2step....playing with the sweetest people in the universe.
I'm overwhelmed by the natural disasters these days. I don't have
an opinion
except that I feel absolutely grateful for life and health.....no
complaining....
I was very taken by Chatham County Line and Tift Merrit...both whom
I'd not
seen before. CCL took me back to the Louvin Brothers and Tift to
Dusty Springfield. It's funny how photos or reviews of band can
have no reflection of their sound.... Listening at home now to Grandaddy,
Kingsbury Manx and Califone.....like I said before
...I'm a late bloomer....xj
p.s.....Fisher, Tyler Ramsy, and Kathy Ziegler.....search these
3 out....u won't be sorry.
Aug 30th, 2005
End of summer....too brief the encounter with the warmth.
Swimming in the lake...weeds brushing against my knees.
Can't remember how the cold air freezes the lungs. No need...it'll
happen
soon enough.
the weather...the elements....good back up story.
March
5, 2005
Still the deep freeze here in the North East. When you
live as long as I have in this area you acclimate to the season
changes...your mind and body become dependent on it. I've been listening
to M.Ward full stop these days....beautiful and scrappy.
till next time...j
Jan
29, 2005
Back on the "artist diary" train. Lets see if I can stay
on board this time. The deep freeze has it's grip on many of us
these days. We had -30 degrees Fahrenheit the other morning. Our
dog Jett's paws were rendered useless after less than ten seconds
in the snow...and I had to carry him in....and now you say....guess
what Jennie....I could care less about your dogs paws. So on to
more interesting thoughts.....I work in a record store part time
now and have been immersing myself in old Vinyl and new releases....and
this is what I like these days..... ... Jesse Sykes, Richard Buckner,
Kathy Ziegler, Arcade Fire, Ray Lamontagne, Sufjan Stevens, Dolorean....it's
an inspired landscape...but is there was a way to hear musicians
that don't fit into even the indie label requirements.
till tomorrow...j
Aug
11, 2004
Greeting from a distant place. I've been far away in certain respects...but
I think I'm back now. I wrote some songs in the spring and then
went to Austin, TX and recorded with Gurf Morlix. What a complete
pleasure it was recording with Gurf. When you listen to A Gurf Morlix
production, you can imagine that the performances you hear come
directly and spontaneously from the heart. I still get emotional
thinking it all....I need to stop now.
I might be back soon...no promises......
xj
Mar
23, 2004
Some one just inquired about my diary. I did let it go for a while.
But I'll try to kick it back in to gear. It's been a rough winter
in many ways and well...ok no excuses! I'm heading to Europe in
the morning. So I'll try to feed you all with interesting stories
from the road. Yes the road is where the stories are. I should pack
now. Off to Amsterdam first....
...j
Jan
15, 2004
Hi,
I can't believe I had another dry spell with this journal....but
who am I kidding... I'm not surprised. Honestly it was a hard Fall,
and now winter has my feet frozen to this stark landscape. Did get
to Key West for a few days...lucky me....hung out with chickens,
butterflies, friends, and found myself sipping very cheap champagne
in the morning. Feeling embarrassingly lucky considering this world
we live in. If I can cry easily, then I guess I'm lucky.
Happy Birthday Martin Luther King Jr......
...j
Nov 18, 2003
Ok...been too long...once again.
My dog seems to be overly interested in the song writing process
today. He won't leave my side since hunting season started yesterday.
We had to change our usual walking routine. I took him to our local
"dog park". Poor fella got attacked by another dog who's
owner said to me "Hmmmm? Something about your dog that my dog
doesn't like."....I guess I could have said the same about
my feelings towards her. I prefer another recent interaction I had
with another dog owner when her dog lunged at mine and she said
to her's "You are such a Jerk!" Right to the point. I
have finally accepted the reality of the coming winter. We've had
one
white knuckle drive through an early storm. I practice my deep breathing
during those special moments, especially when there's oncoming traffic.
No wait.....I have not accepted winter....not one bit. Listening
to the new Ryan Adams.....and it's definitley Rock and Roll! Reminds
me of The Replacements! I also like his "Love is Hell"
part 1. At the moment I'm revisiting the Wilco/Billy Bragg/Guthrie
collaboration. The first one, but I love both. Saw Gillian Welch
and David Rawlings in our tiny town. They are both very inspiring
musicians. Brilliant show! I was dissapointed that David didn't
break out and show some moves on the dance floor. Maybe next time.
J
Oct
18, 2003
Frost on the windshield this morning. I'm afraid I'm in denial
about the approaching winter. A woman at the Coffee Shop recommended
that I think of all of the things I love about winter... that
helps her. The other morning I was driving through our tiny town
(7:45 am) and a man and (I assume) his wife were standing on the
sidewalk beneath a tree filled with black balloons. He was holding
a plate of goodies and beside him was a sign that said "I'm
40 today, have a cookie." The sign kept falling over from
the wind. What a way to start a new decade. Last night I sang
with Mary Lorson and her beautiful band Saint Low. I feel blessed
that I can stand up there on stage inside of her music. The band
Hubcap took the stage after us. What a refreshing sound....what
great guys!...and then Richard Buckner played into the wee hours.
His voice, guitar playing, and mesmerizing distortion wafted through
the crowd leaving an impression on most of us. I was embarrassed
though with how noisy the crowd was. I agree with my friend who
said "Is it too much to ask for one decent venue in this
town?" Not to say where we were isn't a fine place for most
acts....but listening rooms are few and far between. I can't seem
to get enough of Ron Sexmith's self titled 1995
recording. The song "Speaking with the Angel" is brilliant.
I'm a late bloomer as a Sexmith fan, but it appears there is more
listening to be done, and I assume I won't be disappointed. Time
to make coffee.....
j
Oct
15, 2003
sigur ros, sigur ros, sigur ros...can't stop listening... Amsterdam
was a trip that is still under my skin. It was interesting (to
say the least) to be in Holland when Arnold became governer. Talk
about a conversation piece. The jet lag has gone and somehow traveling
always inspires songs. So the dog is asleep, the house is quite,
I think I'll sneak off to a corner and pretend to write a song.
–but I need more Sigur Ros first......
j
Oct
2, 2003
Earlier in the week we did a live performance at VPRO stations
with Mart (a well known and respected sports announcer...and I'm
sure I could come up with a much better description if I took the
time.)...and that was all thanks to a friend that happen to walk
by an Amsterdam music store...the right place at the right time.
Later that evening we played a 'the concert in the woods' and again
met a wonderful collection of folks. What a beautiful setting...no
amplification....a new experience with a room full of dedicated
listeners. I've been in Holland for a week now. We've been so busy,
and that's a good thing...but we did find time to go with a friend
to the Van Gogh museum. A dear friend of hers, and now some one
I feel imensely indebted to, managed to show us in to the vault
to the museum where we saw obscure paintings and best of all, and
most unbelievable, the actual letters of Vincent, Theo and Gaugin....I
still cannot believe it! Once in a lifetime for me I am almost positive...to
hear some one say to me "...and here is the last letter that
Vincent wrote" ...it was found in his pocket after he shot
himself. Tomorrow we play a show in the evening and then take a
quick car ride to a National TV station for an appearance. Yes...what
a ride this is!
J
Sept 28, 2003
Been in Amsterdam now for a few days. First time here. Played at
the Plaatboef...
a very hip record store in the heart of town, and the Tichel....great
place!. Good people...we're having a fine time. Being that I'm away
from home I strangely find more time to write...songs. When we boarded
the red eye to Holland, a loud and drunk American woman behind us
yelled in a grating voice..."If I don't sleep nobody sleeps!"
Lucky for us she must have passed out on the plane. I love the biking
culture here, and I the smoked eel...surprisingly delicious.
I like it here.
J
Sept 9, 2003
Lookng forward to leaving this country for a spell. To look at it
from a different perspective. Writing songs these days beneath a
September sky. Thinking of a friend we lost almost 2 years ago....her
Birthday is coming up...her song is here.
Gotta get out...out....breathe.
Sept
6, 2003
Amazing day... I've been baking cookies today...once in a blue moon
I get the domestic urge. The sunflowers are ten feet high. It's
one of those stellar days. It beats cleaning the oven, which I did
yesterday –another 'once in a blue moon'
occasion. But I scrubbed metal to the sounds of Johnny Dowd's 'Temporary
Shelter." I think that is my favorite Johnny D record. It's
frightening...in scary way. It's been an emotional month since we
returned from Europe. We have a new and fragile family member...a
little cousin to our boys....so my thoughts steer
his way most of the time. He came early...so he needs so much. He's
beautiful!
I am looking forward to the upcoming tour to Holland...and on return
I will hunker down with songs and friends and try to record some.
It's a plan. Oh yeah... I baked cookies to Ryan Adams 'Heart breaker'
and Plastic Nebraska's
'Stories of Happiness.' Good stuff! When I first heard Ryan's album
a couple of years ago, I heard what I thought was such an Emmy Lou
Harris rip off harmony singer on the song Caroline and I said under
my breath..."Please girlfriend get a grip.",....well it
turned out it was Emmy Lou Harris. Bite my tongue.....shame on my
dark thoughts.
J
Aug
18, 2003
I´m in Stockholm in Gamla Stan....the old part of the city.
It's tourist central at the moment. We´re in a tiny Cafe not
far from the King of Sweden´s Palace.
Last night we returned from Gränna, a village on the shore
of lake Vattern. A four hour drive from here. I´m unsure of
the correct spelling for the lake, and I apologize to our Swedish
friends. We played at the Gräanna Bluegrass and Old- Time Music
Festival. After our set I had a chance to look out off the ridge
out on to the lake. The view was outrageous! The big thing in the
area...maybe all over sweden is the retro 50's look. We´re
talking serious retro. Jeans with cuffs a foot tall. Hair oil a
bottle at a time....and my favorite...Juiced up vintage american
cars. The cowboy look was big too....but maybe it's exclusive to
the theme of the festival. We've only read a little bit about the
black out in the north east. I hope all is well there. We´ll
soon found out since we come home tomorrow. We're staying out at
a friends house on one of the thousands of islands south east of
stockholm. Looks like Maine to me. Pine trees...rocky shoreline,
and brackish water (part fresh/part salt water. Boating is the rage
here. Time to take in more of this old city... A last thought about
our trip....Our friends who took such amazing care of us taught
us a lesson about hospitality!!!!! Thank you to all of you..
You know who you are...
xooxxxxxxxxooo J & R
j
Aug
14, 2003
Spent yesterday in Arhoos Denmark. Cobble streets...Old
Church...Happened to be in the right place at the right time and
witnessed over a hundred bicycle racers race through the city. What
an awesome sight. Hiked up a small hill in Gammel Ry ...and hills
are hard to come by in Demark....called Gallo hill. In the 1600´s
this is where people were hung....high up on the hill for all of
the village to see. We took a drive through a forest on an asphalt
road built by the Nazis. There was a Nazi base camp here hiding
deep in the woods. We saw old bunkers covered in Moss. The towns
people, the elders that is, must have stories to tell I'm sure.
Tonight we fly to Stokholm to play a club and then this weekend
take a three hour drive to Granna to play a festival.I´ve
never been to Sweden. I hear that Granna is famous for candy sticks.
hmmmmmm.....
J
August
11, 2003
We´re in Denmark,...looks like home...upstate N.Y that is....except
for the thatch roofed farm houses, and the very old buildings-small
and built out of brick. The other night we played the Aftenstjernen
in Grenaa, a seaside town. The owner was once a Captain for 30+
years. What a kind and generous man. There were a few sailors in
the bar....and a fine selection of other folks. Hans, the owner
made us soup to have before our drive home. It´s a tradition
of his....to send of the musicians with full bellies...and I have
to say, full hearts. In Iceland, the day before we left, we decided
to search out a radio station....any radio station. We found the
National Broadcasting building on the map, and found our way. After
signing in as guest, before we knew it, we were in the station manager's
office, and within ten minutes a song of mine was being played on
National Radio, and the manager also secured us a gig for that night
at the Grand Rock in Reyjkavik. The Icelanders were gracious at
the show....especially the Flavor Boys who on such last minute let
us open for them. I have never seen a landscape like that of the
volcanic Icelandic landscape. It´s all Scrappy, green, rocky,
mountainous ...and the geo thermalwater scource is a blessing. We
went to a couple of the public pools. Each one had atleast 4 hot
tubs, a steam room, and a very warm lap pool. A far jump from the
stateside experience.
We are off to Legoland today!
Till next time,
J
July
13, 2003
Out the window I see my 68 Dodge Dart. It looks a little
sweeter after a summer rain. It seems that just about every one
I meet has a Dart story. ...or at least some slant 6 engine thoughts.
Last year we played some shows down south and stayed with the sweetest
darn family. They were two Darts in the driveway. I guess the fella
caught me gazing at one of them and a few weeks later offered it
to us. So here she is.....eager to try out the Upstate N.Y. roadways.
We are going to Denmark and Sweden this summer via a few day stay
over in Iceland. I imagine that all of the women will look like
Bjork and can sing like twisted angels. I am thrilled to be going
there. I dreamt that we were in Iceland and that the clouds were
completely different from any I had ever seen. Strange and colorful.
We shall see....
J
July
10, 2003
Whoa.....it's been a while since last writing. Summer flips the
old routine for just about every thing....but it's a fine trade
off for these gorgeous days. I just played a festival where one
of my favorite bands 'Slobberbone' was playing. What a thrill they
are!!! I could follow then to every show and not get bored......but
I can't ...so I won't. Cut some flowers from the garden this morning....larkspurs,
snap dragons and lavender. Wish I could motivate to find a good
summer read....The most reading I get is in the check out line.
Demi Moore...looking good...even next to a 25 year old.... and according
to The Enquirer....Sadaam and Osama are lovers. Who'd a thunk? What
better time than now to read "Stupid White Men" by Michael
Moore. It's that or Sea Buscuit.
...Ok both.
Jennie
June
11, 2003
Rain, rain, rain. The sky is crying? It should be. I am so lucky
to have my health...my kids.... this old house. I hope I can appreciate
it to it's fullest. Last week I went to the Zoo with our son's class.
We were watching the elephants, and the zookeeper came out to tell
us that they would bring her over to the fence soon and that we
could touch her. I think we all froze in
amazement. The fence was only 4 feet high. She found her way to
the eager crowd of 20 or so. We did touch her. Unbelievable. I went
home and wrote a song about it.
"We all reached out to touch her
Her gray and leathery skin
The giant landscape of her
but her eyes won't let you in.
Her eyes won't let you in."
Elephants must love the rain.
J
May
25, 2003
I don't know how new it is, but I just picked up Neko Case's latest
cd 'Black Listed.' It's gorgeous. Man, she sings the *#*!*!! out
of a song. I'm very happy to have found a recording that I can say
I have completley fallen in love with. It makes me feel like I'm
driving through a snow storm on some winding mountain dirt road
in Canada, and I'm alone, with dark thoughts and the complete unkown
ahead of me. I saw Neko in Austin a few years back with "her"
Sadies. That was a wild show.....but I didn't feel inspired to run
out and buy a cd... ...but one listen on some radio show recently...I
have fallen victim to her charms.
It's still raining...still smiling after seeing some of my favorite
musician friends with a few of them playing at a party yesterday.
The field flowers were intoxicating, the Hay bales brought never
ending entertainment to my kids, the bonfire was a big hit, and
I have a feeling things got good and crazy after I left. Two great
new bands the Thins and the Moles performed last night...and their
songs are under my skin. A band with French horn, accordian, and
fiddle... ...when it works, which it does, it's the coolest.
J
May 24, 2003
Ok....reflecting on lastweek. I met some nice folks on the road
and saw family too... hey they're nice too. Route 22A from N.Y up
through the mountain valley towards VT is on my top ten list of
stunning drives. There are still some tall elms standing proud.
Western Mass was buzzing with graduation. I have to thank my fans
there for making what could have been a bizzarre evening into a
rather pleasant one. Let's just say that I was playing with conditions
under the "If it's broke don't fix it" category. Cambridge
was heavy with the scent of Lilacs and souped up car exhaust. Jennifer
Kimball played her first solo show in two years. She was great.
The song Hurricane Island was my favorite. She's a friend from way
back. Her sweetie Ry has to be one my all time favorite singers,
and his choice of harmonies is striking. Katie Curtis joined Jenn
for a few songs. GabeTavares took the long bus ride in from Ithaca
to Cambridge to join me on guitar and his debut of backing vocals.
Gabe had never been to Maine, so before our show in Portland I took
him to Scarbourough State park beach. We never did find time for
lobster. It's good to be home. Got the flower garden in....today
it rains. I found the annuals "Kiss me over the Garden gate"
which I discovered a couple of years ago...with a name like that
I can't resist. I went to a Karan Casey concert, she's one of the
sweetest sounding irish singers I've ever heard. She sang a Billy
Brag song 'Some Distant shore' ....powerful. I was taken by some
quotes in the program to the concert concerning civilian death counts.
It was an anti war concert. General Colin Powell, concerning the
civilian death toll in the Gulf War... when asked how many Iraq
civilians had died, his response was "We don't know, and that's
a figure I'm not terribly interested in." General Tommie Franks,
US Command, Iraq March 03 .."We don't do body counts."
Unbelievable!
J
May
21, 2003
Just come back from a little North East tour. The drive was gorgeous.
I picked up some trivia along the way. Did you know that fish are
physically incapable of laughing, or smiling for that matter. I'm
not sure I needed a scientist to tell me that.... and that on the
Lunar Eclipse I played a show, and afterwards I was on the side
walk unloading gear, and ten or so twenty somethings came jogging
across the street, entered the venue, danced to the 2nd act and
then jogged back out on to the street. They came back a few minutes
later, and again went in to the venue. The catch to this far uninteresting
story is that they wore only sneakers...I think one fella wore a
scarf. Yes it was coed. They were in fine shape (runners ya know)....maybe
a little on the chilly side! This was Burlington V.T. in case you
were wondering. It's hard to follow up after mentioning the streak
show.... so I'll leave now......and next time I'll mention a few
more choice moments from the tour.
j
May 5, 2003
I can't seem to get enough of Wilco's 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot.' So
much so that I have now seen the documentary "I just want to
break your heart"...the making of the above mentioned CD. I
think that the more I listen it, the more inspired I am to write...
and having said that, the more intimidated I am to pick up the guitar
and write. Every second I can I throw on the CD. I have no idea
how one even gets to a place where melodies like those on that CD
are created. They are stunning to me. I'm addicted at the moment,
and can't seem to find time for other songs....besides Mary Lorson
that is. Her writing pushes a limit that completely floors me. I
love it. And thanks to the fact that she lives near me now since
she left NYC years ago...I'm lucky enough to be able to sing with
her. Mary and Wilco.......a gift..... and don't get me started....cuz
the new Plastic Nebraska CD is wonderful ...OK I'm busted. -I can
still think of other creators of fine music... ...but Wilco.....
unbelievable!
J
April
30, 2003
I was driving this morning....and tuned in to a local college station.
A baseball game came over the air, and I turned it off as quick
as I could... and I'll tell you why. When I was a kid, every Friday
night (just about) we would make the two hour drive in our station
wagon to our cabin in New Hampshire. Four kids crammed in the back
seat...each of us making sure we were all equally miserable. Typical
sibling rivalry routines played out to perfection. My mom and dad
would both be smoking, and a Red Sox game would most likely be on.
In the summer it would be hot, windows barely cracked open, smoke
filling our 70 mph play room, Dad threatening to pull the car over
if we continued on our path to annoying him. I would cover my ears
and sing to myself. Some how covering my ears made it easier to
hear my own voice....it blocked out the brother sounds. I pretended
I was on the radio.. I was rather impressed with the sound of my
own voice...in my own head ..(self confidence that stayed until
the day I made a fool of myself while auditioning for the High School's
rendition of 'Fiddler on the Roof." Let's just say I didn't
get a call back. ...but to get back to the reason I turned off the
radio this morning...was
that when ever I hear Baseball game on the radio, I smell cigarettes,
I go directly back in time to that overcrowded station wagon...but
now I'm driving the car, and if I put my hands over my ears,...well
I might lose control.
J
April 24, 2003
It's cold here! Just walked the dog around my usual "loop"
that has finally rid itself of the winter grip enough so that the
state park declares it legally open. I did see some snow however
in the cracks of the rock ledges. It's April in Upstate New York.
I'm starving for new music to listen to..to fall in love with. My
son Cole sings to me. He makes up words. It's gorgeous. I heard
a Cat Power song on the show Democracy Now (PBS) on the drive home
this morning. I hope I can see her live some day. So quiet and chilling.
Saw an Owl in the woods. Hallow bones and feathers pushing off of
a dead branch... I suppose I spooked the owl with my rendition of
"She's a Lady...and she's mine".
J
April 23, 2003
Just returning from the South this week. The daffodils pushing
up between the highways was an encouraging sign. We left behind
a few inches of snow in New York, and it's a good thing we didn't
return to the same. I can't sleep...so I'm down here banging on
the keys, it's been a while since I've made an entry. What can I
say...
...spending time in North Carolina, and then Florida was a good
thing. We had a sweet gig in Baltimore at Loyola College....Hello
to you folks there if you happen to be checking in!
The Grassroots Festival in Shakori Hills NC was a blast. The local
stores sold out of rubber boots by Friday morning, thanks to the
5 inches of rain. Kim Sherwood/Caso (Johnny Dowd Band) sang beautiful
harmonies with us for both sets. Willie Watson joined us to sing
Season of Dreams for the Dance tent set...we had not sung together
since recording that song for the CD.
His band Old Crow Medicine Show was in fine form that weekend. They
stir it up when they play! Pat Burke joined us too with his National
guitar. We had fun! The local stores sold out of rubber boots by
Friday morning, thanks to the 5 inches of rain. A highlight was
wandering down the red dirt road and coming upon a singing session
between (new) friends Debra and Sarah. Those girls can sing! They
sang me Stanley Brothers and some Primitive Baptist music. They'll
be recording with Chad Crumm(my band mate/co-producer) in May. Sarah
is Ginny Hawker's niece. Debra is not Ginny Hawker's niece, but
she has a long lost relative (Great great Grandmother?) with my
name. I know I could ramble on all morning with the state I'm in
at the moment. I have to say one more thing. If you ever get the
chance to hear Tim Robbins speak....do it.....after many late night
hours channel surfing on the Hotel televisions.....twenty minutes
listening to him on the National Press club was the most inspirational
speech I've heard since the War began in Iraq.
April 3, 2003
Woke up to a thick fog. Could not see the street from the kitchen
window. It's another dreary day. Yesterday I was driving home and
the DJ on the radio said that it was glorious day out, the sun was
shining, and we should all roll our car windows down. As far as
I knew it was 40 degrees and completely overcast....rain about to
fall. I think either he had just met the love of his life, and to
him it was the most beautiful day, or he had been in the basement
studio of the radio station since the last sunny day, and his love
was supplying him with substance in the form of Coffee and Donuts.
Cuz as far as I know, the sun has not been out in days...possibly
weeks. I'm wrong...it was sunny on Monday. How quickly I forget.
I bought Beth Orton's Daybreaker. I like it. I don't like the lyric
layout in the booklet. It took me 20 minutes to find the credits
for the song "Oh God" where Emmy Lou Harris sings back
up. Boy did that put me in a rotten mood trying to read the dang
thing. I heard Emmy Lou's voice, but I thought it was a good imitation
of her,...I was wrong...I usually am.......if it sounds like her...it
is...she's everywhere. I'd love to have her sing back up with my
son Cole when he sings his heart out in the car on the way to school.
Time to go pick up the guitar.....
J
March 31, 2003
I have not been so inspired to write in the diary these days. I'm
numb because of this war. It's unbelievable that over 400 Iraqi
civilians have been killed since a week and a half ago. It's inconceivable
and horrible.
Eight inches of snow fell yesterday. April will arrive in a few
hours. Spring is such a gift.
Last week we were in Florida playing at Suwanee Spring Fest. I've
met some amazing folks through this music of ours. We flew on the
first day of the war. The airport was thick with apprehensive silence.
Very odd. Flat screen TVs broadcasting major network news. We don't
watch network TV at home...though I admit I'm a huge Soprano's fan...
–we rent the videos of the series.
A friend set up a 62 duo-sonic electric guitar for me yesterday.
Years ago I played a 61 reissue Strat...and some how drifted into
playing primarily my old Martin. Lately, I've been craving the warm
sounds of the electric guitar. So here I go....
I might keep my personal thoughts about the war out of the diary....(I
can't promise though). I don't want to be a part of the division
that's happening in this country. I support peace and life...all
lives. I'm sure the war will affect my writing... performing....
that's a fact.
‘til next time,
J
March 16, 2003
What does he mean "Moment of truth."? I was thinking that
the important thing in life is life, and respecting life. And how
is that possible when children are knowingly killed. It's not an
accident if there's a chance innocent people will die. I'm going
to read to my children right now, and tuck them in, and wish them
sweet dreams. What are the parents in Iraq telling their kids tonight?
j
March 14, 2003
Ahhhh...the first cup of Coffee. I declare this my favorite part
of the day. The sun is making a rare appearance. It's still very
cold though. I think people will be down right giddy when the tulips
push through the frozen dirt . Last weekend we took the band on
the Great Lakes tour...well...to Rochester and Erie. We had one
of those trips where every thing fell in to place...even the weather
for the drive behaved. In Erie we hadn't even completed a sound
check yet and a woman arrived with a bouquet of flowers, and a beautiful
hand made vase. I'm telling you, flowers it for me. I've discovered
that the song "Life is Strange" is taking on a life of
its own. There was a couple at the Erie gig that informed me that
"Life is Strange" was their wedding song, the infamous
first dance song....and there are at least 4 other couples that
I know of that have also used the song in the same fashion. In Knoxville
I met a fella, and he didn't realize that I wrote that song....a
few minutes later he showed me a Beer Coolie that had some of the
words to the song printed on it it alongside the bride a grooms
name and the date they were married.
......and the song has also been printed on memorial service programs.
Songs do create their own path. Once they are written, then recorded,
they're out of the gate,.............j
March 6, 2003
....I get frustrated about these cold and cloudy days and then I
think about the War that is looming overhead and about the children
in Iraq and.... then I feel stupid for being concerned about the
weather. Tuesday was Mardi Gras. I've been in eastern Louisiana
during the festivities in the past. So I always miss being there
when my North East home holds me here. The Music, culture, the King
cake...it can be very powerful and wonderful. I can't even begin
to explain what I've seen down there. The music.. ...mmmmmmm...
..dancing...the colorful interactions. Now I grew up in Massachusetts
and the closest thing we had to Mardi Gras was Patriots Day Reanactments...Old
North Bridge....Minute man....a bit different. The other night,
maybe it was Fat Tuesday, I dreamt that I was dancing with a well
known Zydeco musician (I'm not telling who)...and it was to Zydeco
music, and I was nervous that I wasn't dancing very well. We danced
next to a railing, and we peered over to stare at about 50 peoplethat
were standing in a river, and he said "Oh, we have to stop!
Look it's the River People." I was in awe of my dance partner,
and then drawn to these "River People". Some dreams effect
me deeply and they have a clear message, others like this one seem
profound and I have no idea why.
till next time,
J
Feb. 28, 2003
I've been tongue tied these days...not feeling that I have much
to say. So low in energy. I feel beaten by the weather and the goings
on in this world presently.
I was saddened by Mr. Roger's death. I remember watching the show
with my little sister. Is there a kid's show now that has such a
slow and peaceful pace?
We did have a flock of Robins in the back yard last week...now that's
a big deal!
Oh....Saw the movie Fast Runner. Favorite movie. Powerful.....moving...It
was 20 below the night we watched it. Lets just say.....snow and
ice play a big role. Went to an anti war protest this morning, and
a young woman was driving by and flipped us the bird. Now why did
that make me laugh. I laughed out loud.
J
Jan
24, 2003
The deep freeze.
Dang it's cold!!! I think I'm acclimating though. I was a little
less angry today at the weather when I woke at 6:15 am. than I was
yesterday.
Threw some gnarly pieces of wood in the furnace. I put on clothes
that were closest to me depending on where I was in the house. Too
cold to roam around the bedroom looking for anything that coordinates.
This is a funky outfit I have on lets just leave it at that. I might
venture out. The other day I was in the woods with my dog, and he
spooked a herd of deer. Well he herded them directly towards me.
A graceful stampede. I just made like a tree, but those deer are
smart, they're on to me. It was a thrill to feel the snow spray
on my face from the deer that came closest. Another thrill was that
Jett came back when I called. I've been enjoying Beck's most recent
album. It's new to me any way. And Johnny Cash is in the habit of
serenading me as my hands find warmth in the dish water. Thanks
Johnny.
I dug out Ricki Lee Jone's Flying Cowboys and still can't get enough
of
that recording. I'm in a listening...time to get inspired mode.
Stay warm.
Jen
Jan
18, 2003
Should I keep referring to the weather...s...no...w.
Last night Rich and I gathered our instruments and took a ride in
to Ithaca to play a song writers session at a local venue. Our friends
Park Doing and John Harrison joined us. Park's voice and songs sends
chills. His band Atomic Forces has a cd about to be released....and
I'm listening now to the rough mixes. It's Punk....... rock....and
there is a gorgeous ballad that is as pretty as the snow is on that
cherry tree outside this old window pane. During dinner Park revealed
stories about his days in high school in Ohio ...a town 40 miles
from the Kentucky border...
and his confessions of being on the Tennis team. I just don't have
that competitive spirit.....for sports that is. Rich pulled out
some songs from early Horse Flies days. Sweet. I did debut a song
last night...a partially written song. The listeners were very kind.
Stay warm....
J
Jan 17 2003
Talking about the weather...maybe it's 10 degrees Fahrenheit out
there.
Though my dog is nudging me at this very moment to get out there
and suck some cold air into my lungs.
And...I am working on that song I mentioned in a previous entry...
with Mary Lorson that is. It's coming along.
Mary at her piano, and her six month old boy at our toes.
It's cold out there.
Beth Gibbons is weaving her way through my kitchen. Her
music is .
Nice.
J
Jan 8, 2003
Snowed in. The power went out last night for a few hours.
This meant candles and a very quiet house.
Dream land was intense, and entering in to the wakeful world was
a
challenge. Coffee is the liaison for me.
I am writing songs....they are coming through. I get frightened
some times by what will emerge as the content of the song.
Taking a walk to clear the head is a challenge with this deep snow.
Staring at the bird feeder is a tonic.
Friends are escaping the cold and evacuating from this town like
migrating birds...in flocks...
one to go surfing in Costa Rica for three months...another to L.A.
to find a spanish speaking community....others are off sailing on
a
Catamaran in the Caribbean.
The other day my friend Timmy asked me if this was the dead of winter.
I could have lied.
J
Jan
6, 2003
Dear Diary,
In school today Kenny Right asked me if I'd go to the 7th grade
dance and simultaneously his friend stole my chocolate cake from
my lunch tray...
Seriously now...but yeh that happened...I got over it.
It's winter (reminiscent of winters of my 7th grade year) here in
upstate N.Y. Five hours west of NYC...like I said "Upstate".
Took my dog Jett for a walk today along a Gorge trail. We have more
than our share of Gorges out here. The waterfall had a foreboding
quality to it today. Icy and thundering loud on this otherwise still
morning. I found a Champagne glass, half full of Champagne, on the
stonewall shoved in the snow on the ledge over looking the falls.
Some one had a moment.
Took the recycables to town...ran some errands, managed not to drive
off the road, and sent my music to the Netherlands (again). I'm
getting amazing support from that part of the world. Can I come
visit?
I'm going to try and write a song now. Yes right now...I'm not kidding.
I'll come back soon...let you know how successful I was.
Jennie |
