yesterday's news, pal (2000 - 2008)
We're in the final stages of getting Beautiful Sounds out the door and into your hands. The track listing is now finalised and we'll soon get it to mastering. That gives us time to ready our order taking process and schedule a supporting tour.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Ah yes, it's become a tradition: A new year and a new record. So work proceeds afoot on Beautiful Sounds, the sixth new release from Suntower Music.
What can you expect from Beautiful Sounds (...well, besides the eponymous musical quality)? A continuation of a lot of the very rhythmic ideas present on 'Home' with several very catchy melodies.
Since this is 'me', there is the requisite epic--Beautiful Sounds, a work of which I am particularly proud. It has a pretty quality and early beta testers have given it the nicest comment I could ask for... specifically, 'it feels shorter than it is'.
You can check out some early snippets here:
Still In Love With You
Power
It's A Racket
Beautiful Sounds
After five records (...er... 'albums') and a few thousands sold, it's been suggested that I put out a 'Greatest Hits'
Then it dawned on me what they say every time you strike out in Little League: 'Ya had some nice cuts up there, kid!' And that basically sums up this so-called 'career'. No hits yet, but Some Nice Cuts.
So... coming this fall this very site will be 'Some Nice Cuts: The Best Of jchMusic'. We're still going through the list of potential songs and you get to vote:
Just send us an e-mail with the subject line: My Vote For Some Nice Cuts and give us your fave songs that simply must be included in the final record.
But wait, that's not all! As a special 'thank you' for making this little sideshow possible over the past eight years, we'll be offering the following special... er... 'offer'.
Everyone who has purchased a jchMusic CD will receive a $2 credit towards 'Some Nice Cuts' for every CD you've already purchased. For example, if you've already purchased one CD, you'll get Some Nice Cuts for $8. If you've purchased all five CDs, you'll get Some Nice Cuts free, Free, FREE!
Haven't yet purchased other CDs? You have thirty days after purchase to do so and receive the same discount!
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Effective
immediately, you can find our music on
LastFM, a great web site that lets you
create your own 'virtual radio stations' and stream music styles you like.
LastFM is very similar to Pandora.
If you like, say, The Beatles, you can create a 'Beatles' radio station that
will play songs by The Fab Four as well as those of artists which fall into
the same genre... maybe older artists like The Zombies but also newer
artists with surprising connections such as Beck or Ben Folds Five. As each
song plays, you get links to learn more about them and purchase their music.
Their catalog of supported artists is expanding every day and currently
encompasses everything from Altan to Frank Zappa. Virtually every style of
music is represented---from 20th Century Atonal Classical to Zydeco. And,
like Pandora, LastFM is 100% free, Free, FREE!
If you've been following the epic saga of all my various health problems, you'll be glad to know that my last gig in Manhattan this weekend went quite well. And by 'well' I mean, it not sounded good, but afterwards, I wasn't completely beat up. In other words, when I got back home I was rarin' to do the next one... a feeling I probably haven't had in two years.
So, in the immortal words of Hulk Hogan, 'Bring it on, Dude!!!!!' Check the Booking Page for upcoming shows, or to inquire how to host your own show.
And once again, thanks to everyone for your continued support!
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Yep. It's back!
Of course, as always, you can get individual songs in MP3 format here.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Yeah, we know. When we sent the re-mastered version of Balance off to replace the old version, they removed the old, but somehow missed the step where they post the new version. D'Oh! We are promised that the situation will be corrected within the next few weeks.
For now, you can still purchase individual songs from Balance here.
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Have you checked out
Pandora? This is the web site that
lets you create your own radio station in the style of your favourite
artists! For example, if you like, say, Aretha Franklin, you can create an
'Aretha' radio station that will play songs by 'The Queen Of Soul' as well
as those of artists which fall into the same genre... such as other great Stax Artists from the 60's right up to Amy Winehouse today. As each song
plays, you get links to learn more about them and purchase their music.
Their catalog of supported artists is expanding every day and currently
encompasses everything from Altan to Frank Zappa. Virtually every style of
music is represented---from 20th Century Atonal Classical to Zydeco.
Best of all, Pandora is completely free.
Actually, from our point of view, what's best about Pandora is that now, Pandora is hosting music from all five of our records. Create your own jcHMusic station!
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Just in time for holiday giving. Check out audio samples and make your purchase here.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Details on the JCh-Remastered project are available here.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Yes, it's finally on it's way! After almost a
year's delay due to everything from broken contracts to broken bones, the
new record, Home, will be ready to ship on 12/01/07--just in time for your
holiday shopping. 
But what Happened To 'No Drive'?
Sharp-eyed viewers will note that No Drive has been removed from the song listing for Home. You'll have to look at the blog for all the gory details, but the long and short of it is, the song just didn't fit. Everything about it was difficult, from writing to recording so it finally dawned on us that the universe was sending a message: Don't do it!
A Spring tour in support of Home is being considered as I write this
The sixty four dollar question being whether or not my hand is properly healed. I'm optimistic as the physical
therapy is really starting to pay dividends. I can now pretty much drive nails with my thumb. Playing guitar on the other hand... 
More to follow.
After (too) many delays, my fourth record Balance is now officially for sale!
[an error occurred while processing this directive]My fourth record Balance is officially scheduled for release on October 29th 2005 (my birthday!) This date should coincide with the placement of Money in two nationally distributed films to be released at the end of the summer. Look for fall tour dates soon! Soon! SOON!
The song Money has been licensed for use in the upcoming film 'Sleeping In Class' scheduled for release in October, 2005!
The film is evidently a coming of age story; something on the order of a modern 'Catcher In The Rye' and stars Billy Crudup. More details as soon as I have them.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]I'll be heading out on a smash hit Solo Tour this Spring in support of Compartments. Confirmed dates so far:
Same as last time, these are affairs by invite only, produced by you wonderful supporters so if anyone is interested in tickets to any of these events, you should contact me here for information on how to get on the list.
There will be more dates forthcoming soon, so if none of these are within range of your Personal Lear Jet, don't despair!
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Holy Toledo! The first pressing of 3,000 CDs of Compartments has already been sold out. This is unbelievable! My father thanks you, My mother thanks you, My sister thanks you. And of course, I thank you!
If you have recently placed an order, do not fret (get the pun? I kill myself sometimes.) I have ordered another run of 1,500---which would make Compartments by far the biggest seller so far, and you should receive your order within the next 10 days or so.
This success gives me the gumption to start thinking about another Summer House Tour. Stay tuned. More coming in the next couple of weeks!
KCTS To Use Theme Music!
As if that weren't enough, KCTS Channel9 (the Seattle PBS affiliate has purchased non-exclusive rights to use my instrumental 5thsO4ths for use on the upcoming TV Series on life in Seattle. You can hear a sample of this song here.
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Happy New Year! To continue the celebration: The
third, Compartments is now
available! Hats off to the more than 500 of you who pre-ordered. You will
receive your copies, with a hand written note of 'Thanks!' within the next
two weeks.
Hope you all had a very relaxing, safe, joyous (but most of all, relaxing!) holiday. Now back to work! For me it's off to an exciting start in a new house and a new (improved) studio.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]The next record, Superpower is now off for mastering and disc duplication. This means that those of you who have thrown caution to the winds and pre-ordered will receive your copies, with a hand written note of 'Thanks!' within the next two weeks.
Sorry kid, no free whistle!
Back in August, I half-jokingly offered an English Bobby's Whistle to the first fifty pre-orderers. OK, so we got a few more than fifty. Sadly, there are no more to be had---at least not at any price that poor li'l ol' me can afford. Sorry.The rest of you, those not prudent enough to recognize a
true collectors item, will receive no whistle and no autograph, but
will still be able to order here now and your order will ship on
official release day January 23, 2004.
Learn More About My Second CD,
Shocking But True Department: The Positive Final Tally
It appears that my original production run of 1000 for Positive (plus 300 re-mastered copies with improved sound quality!) has pretty much run dry.
But Wait There's More!
Like all good info-mercials (and horror movies, come to think of it) just when you think there cannot possibly be any more? There is! Now that Superpower is 'in the can', the next CD, Compartments is moving into production. In the immortal words of Agent Smith, 'Me, me, me, me, me, me...' So why the apparent saturation bombing? Actually, this was part of my master plan from the beginning. The idea was to clean house of material I have been working on since I first tried getting this project off the ground.... way back in 189-... er... 1994. Compartments marks the end of my pretentious 'trilogy', but unlike those big box office movie trilogies the jury is still out as to whether or not there will be a happy ending.
Learn More About My Third CD, 'Compartments':
jchmusic.com/compartments.htm
I Feel Lucky:
Pre-Order The Compartments CD For $9.95 Now!
We'll Meet Again...
Still working on getting some gigs booked outside of Seattle. The problem, as always, is finding the time to be away. The good news is that the excellent sales of Positive makes getting opportunities to play much easier. So, again, thanks to everyone who has purchased the two records for your support. As it turns out, your $10 smackers may have been the least part of your contribution to the success of Suntower Music.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Despite all the marketing force of a heavy sigh, Suntower
Music has done sold out our first production run of Positive! OK, that's
only 300 units, but still... As always: THANK YOU to everyone who has parted
with their hard earned dollars to support me and Suntower Music. A new batch
of CDs is on it's way to Tower and CD Baby so those of you with pending
orders will soon be fulfilled (musically as well as contractually, we hope!)
Learn More About My First CD, 'Positive':
jchmusic.com/positive.htm
Just Cut To The Chase And
Purchase Positive CD For $9.95 Now!
Superpower Progress Report
The next record is called Superpower and it is pretty well done. The theme and the stories contained within are generally concerned with simply living a decent, responsible life. I don't know about you, but I think there should be an awards show for those who can consistently do so. Life's certainly gettin' more complex from what I gather and the average guy who does his job, takes care of his family, and has concern for his fellow man never seems to make it onto the TV unless he either goes berserk or dies in some tragic way. In my book, the real heros are those of you who just do what needs doin' every day and remain basically nice and sane. So Superpower is something of a "Fanfare For The Increasingly Uncommon Man". (apologies to Aaron Copland.)
At this point, my trusty beta-testers are giving it a listen and telling me
everything that's -wrong- with it. (Being -me- I'm not concerned with what's
'right'---just gimmee the bad news, dude.) Unlike 'Positive' it proceeds on
schedule for a Christmas release.
Read all about it at:
jchmusic.com/superpower.htm
As a teaser, here is another link to a one of the new cuts 'One Word'.
jchmusic.com/111_hi.m3u (stream) or
jchmusic.com/111_hi.mp3 (download). A very simple love song
from many, many years ago. Enjoy!
But Wait, There's More!
The first 50 people who pre-order get an official Suntower Music nickel "Bobby's Whistle". Seriously. Forget posters, t-shirts and coffee cups. Those suck. I want something I can use. The whistle makes a great key chain and, like yours truly, can easily be heard for a good mile. ;)
We'll Meet Again...
OK, I lied. Last time I said I wouldn't be back until I had some gigs booked. Well, this has been pushed back while I get various personal things sorted this month (ARRRRGGGHHHH life is intruding on my plans!), including a trip back to Dublin to visit my buddies "The Cafe Orchestra".....
The Cafe Orchestra!
If you can imagine a combination of The Chieftain's sitting in with a Tango Orchestra with Edith Piaf and some Greek/Turkish stuff thrown in for good measure, you -begin- to get the flavour of these guys. Highly recommended Cafe Orchestra
Still working on the Halloween shows. Back with some dates ASAP.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Well, there was a crisis with my real job which
stole over a month of my fast waning life with fourteen hour work days. Then
there was the arrest at the local food mart. Don't ask! Nothing too
serious. At least, not serious enough to warrant Perry Mason (yet). Hello
Dad? I'm in Jail. In short, I been really busy.
But now I'mmmmmm back! With some super-fantastically-exciting news:
New Mastering!
First and foremostly, the re-mastered version of Positive is now available by clicking below.
As promised, anyone who purchased Positive is entitled to a free,
free, FREE, 'upgrade' to the new version. Thanks to Dan at DS Recorders
for doing a smashing job of cleaning. polishing, massaging and otherwise,
fixing Positive. Boy does it sound better now. (Note to all aspiring
recordists, 'Don't skimp on the mastering!'). To get a replacement, simply
mail me the current copy to the address below and I'll send you a fresh one
right away!
If you simply want a high-res version of the song 'Commitment' which started
me towards the re-mastering process, reply to this e-mail and I'll give you
a private link to that for easy downloading.
For those of you who want to purchase Positive for the first time (there's a thought!), you may do so here: Purchase Positive CD For $9.95 Now!
Let The Pigeons Loose!
A milestone has been reached! Soundscan verified sales of Positive have reached the hallowed break even point. Woo hoo! Which is to say that the next CD, 'Superpower' will definitely be done as described next. The mere fact that we have been able to get this done and even sell a few hundred of these audio frisbees with no outside financing or promotion or touring or basically, effort of any kind on my part, has been nothing short of amazing. My thanks to You for buying Positive and especially for recommending it to your friends. As I scan about for others doing their own music, it doesn't take long to realize that this style of music ain't exactly burnin' up the airwaves. All the more reason for me to be grateful.SuperPower in Process
The next record SuperPower is now being finished up. Hopefully, I have learned about just about everything that can go wrong in doing Positive, so this one will be done, sound great and be ready for a smash hit Christmas ordering season! (Makes a great stocking stuffer!) I am already about one hundred percent sure it sounds better, has better material and even makes whites whiter while preventing midriff bulge.
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The CD 'Positive'
jchmusic.com/positive.htm is now shipping. Those of you who
pre-paid: IT'S IN THE MAIL, BABY! (No, really.)
How To Order It?
Now the horrid looking thingee below is actually something to click on in order to buy Positive. The direct link to CD Baby is not yet ready. The reason is that, in this day and age, when you sell CDs, you need to make certain you are listed with a faceless corporation called SoundScan which tracks your sells. And since my sales are in the low three figures, I need to be able to verify every sale I can! Until that is done, the regular distributors won't list it. SO in the meantime, I am selling Positive directly with my company's shopping cart.A Smash Hit On Venus?
As John Mclaughlin used to joke: 'Our latest record is a hit. It just went wood on planet Venus.' Exactly! It all depends on one's point of view. Despite all the hurdles, the great news is that paid sales have just past ONE HUNDRED. Woohoo!So How Does It Sound? (Part Deux)
Last time, I told you of my concern of the overall 'sound' of Positive. My fears have been confirmed: I am not entirely happy with the sound on the final album. In particular, the first song (it had to be the first one; the one everyone hears first of course!), Commitment, is not what I recorded.
Background: After you are done recording your masterpiece, one sends the final tracks to a place called a 'Mastering House' which prepares the final 'gold master' from which CDs are duplicated. The Mastering House can have a dramatic effect on the overall sound of a record. They certainly did on Positive (and not necessarily in the way I had hoped.)
Big record companies may have a particularly important record mastered 3-4 times and test it with focus groups. People can't put it into words necessarily, but they respond very differently to different masters. I definitely had a response to the 'sound' of Commitment. But fortunately there was a bathroom nearby.
What to do? What to do?
1. You will be receiving a link to a re-mastered version of Commitment for
download as a very high quality MP3 in the next week or so.
2. As soon as sales warrant, I will have Positive re-mastered and you will
be eligible to exchange your current copy with the new and improved version.
3. Anybody who has purchased Positive who is not thrilled (and this is a one
time offer!) can send it back for a refund. How many record companies will
do that for you.
By the way: I actually like the way most of the rest of the album sounds. But just the idea that the first song would be less than stellar just doesn't sit well with me. First impressions and all that.
So Now What?
The next step is to hit the road and hawk this thing. Strangely enough, I have received offers to play at a couple of showcases this summer. More next time.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]WEKU http://weku.org (Public Radio in Eastern Kentucky) is playing 'On My Way Home'. Unfortunately, I don't think the rest of the record fits their format, but... ;--)
[an error occurred while processing this directive]Samples of all songs on the new CD Positive are now available in a streaming format so they should play much easier on dial-up connections.
Positive will soon be available for purchase both here and at MP3.COM
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