Jeff Tuesday July 07/09

Hey, what's up?

Well, I have to say that Saturday in Dauphin was an absolute blast. Thanks to Rob and Shelley Woloschuk for bringing us in to do the show and to Tom and Nathan Cooke for their help during the show and thanks to all the crew for that matter. What a great night... I mean, the kind of gig I will remember when I am so old that I can hide my own Easter eggs... We have the best fans. You guys were nuts!!! From our vantage point it was a sea of rockin' faces and I am truly blessed to have had the experience once again. For those of you who were out there, you have my deepest gratitude for making this old dog feel 20 years old again, if only just for a few hours because I sure as f#*k didn't feel like it in on Sunday morning (coulda been the Ballentines)! lol. Kidding of course, it was fantastic and I wouldn't change a thing. I know we'll look back on the summer and this show will certainly be part of the highlight reel... Special shout to Pete for workin' his ass off again for us and making us sound like a million bucks after taxes. Hope you get some sleep soon bro'. And to my boys in the band...(Hey Daryl, how are them shoes doin'?) you guys are an inspiration everynight to me as players and friends although, I wish Jake and Tim would stop beating the crap out of each other in the van but hey, they are too big for me to stop!!! LMAO...Well, if there is one thing for sure about this band, we could probably take care of ourselves if a brawl ever broke out at one of our gigs... not that we worry too much with our great fans and, as I once said to some security guys who were getting a little over zealous about their jobs, "Guys, have you seen our audience? Essentially happy, attractive women and their husbands or dates or, even better, other girlfriends. I mean really what are they gonna do? Hug us to death? I think we're good..."

Well my friends, I got lots of stuff to do today and so do you so, I am outa here for now. I hope that you are good in your heart and in your soul at this moment. Be strong and live life your to the fullest today. I will be back, I promise. I remain as always, your rock and roll servant and remember, the guitar player always solos twice... J.

Jeff Thursday July 02/09

Hey there,

Happy belated Canada Day (you don't look a day over 140!) to you all. With all the crazy stuff going on out in the world and the turmoil that some people have to live with, we should feel blessed. And I mean not only this day but everyday for being able to live in such a beautiful and essentially, safe country (although, let's not get started on politics as such today, ok?...). I have travelled all around the world and have lived and worked in some great cities and for my money, there is no place better. Different and very interesting yes, but not better. So, shame on those who abuse and take for granted all the rights and freedoms that being a Canadian entitles us to everyday. With that in mind, grab a hockey stick, a cup of Timmy's and uh, let's watch opening day of the CFL (really, the Argos and Ti-Cats?)!!! Ok, maybe not that... No offence (sort of an ironic word choice here) to the CFL, but 3 downs? C'mon guys, if you wanna see a football show then really, it's the NFL. I am a loyal Canadian but there is no comparison in my mind. I know, I know, it's a pure Canadian game and I love sports but, I find it difficult to be compelled to watch a CFL game from start to finish and I watch golf... lol. Anyways, hoping the Canucks sign Marion Gaborik (I think I spelled his name correctly). Oops, hang on...

Ok, just finished a phone interview, so I am back to sign off. We are playing the Dauphin Country Fest this Saturday which I am sure will be a blast. To y'all in that neighbourhood see you there in a couple of days and for the rest of you well, we'll see you soon... Canada, what a great place to live (especially out here on the West Coast!) Lucky us... J.

Jeff Tuesday June 16/09

Hey Kids...

It is said that character is defined by who you are under pressure, not by who you are when everything is fine... fair and honest words to live by and it is the exceptional person who can have their character defined favourably under this law. Lately, I have been challenged to measure myself against this and have done, in my own opinion, ok. Nothing heroic, but I have been able to deliver on my word and stay focused under some modest pressure and in the process I have taken away an appreciation and respect for those who have maintained grace under fire during severe crisis and a careful reassessment of those who have fared... not as well under the simplest of situations. It reminds me that if you want something done then ask someone who is busy, not someone who is just hangin' out. There's a good reason for that. It is an intrinsic part of a chosen behavioural belief system that will most likely will never be turned around. At best, we can aspire to inspire people to do the right thing, you know, hopefully lead by example but, be selective on your moments my friends. Once, many years ago I told a great singer, whom I was working with at the time ( and after being berated by him on how we sucked as a band that night and did anybody have anything to say about that) that perhaps he should lead by example after a particularly flat and uncharacteristically (apparently this isn't a word in the dictionary but you know what I mean) bad show for him and he put his fist through the wall next to my head...as I said, pick your moments and respectfully assess the depth of the water before diving in kids!

The truth is I was just thinking of some people I know who have personally had to face some crushing and heartbreaking challenges lately and I know that they have moved through it all with great dignity. I wanted to let them know how much I admire their strength and courage and their ability to maintain a sound perspective. I am a lucky man and my own happiness is a cherished gift. I have friends and family and I know true love. I am part of a great and relevant band and still get to play music for a living. How cool is that? I need to express my gratitude for all of that today and extend to those brave souls out there how much I admire their strength and dignity and to let them know that they are being thought of on the highest level.

Be strong and honor your values... J.

Jeff Friday Apr 24/09

Hey Kids,

Just a quick note to say hi. I am still out here and sorry for not posting for a few weeks. I am flat out with producing/editing and also doing some work that is outside of the music domain (house reno's.Come on, you know, Mike Holmes... "This wiring is complete shite!" Does that guy actually drink Maxwell House coffee?) currently and I will get back to you and catch up as soon as I get an hour to myself. Hope you are all good out there. We are busy setting up the summer touring schedule and my agent is busting his hump for us which is really good. Isn't it great to know someone has your back when you need it.? I think people don't always remember that (personally guilty of that). Don't take anyone's kindness and help for granted. You won't appreciate how good things were until they're gone. Blah, blah...Ok, enough hackneyed sentiment for now. I gotta go. Have a great weekend and I'll catch up with you next week...Rock on.

J.    

Jeff Wednesday Apr. 01/09

Hey...

Well, the Gods have played a very funny April Fools joke out here on the Westcoast and decided to try and make us believe it was January again. You know, I almost fell for it too. I mean, if you looked outside and watched the snow coming down and the felt the way that cold and dampness dug into you... LET'S JUST SAY, it's hard to believe that it's springtime. Perhaps my calendar is fast...

Ok, I just looked at the weather forecast and it'll be 15 and sunny on the weekend so all is normal again. Whew... thought I was back in Winnipeg. LMAO Jake!!!! Come on, you know, what God challenges you with weather wise He/She makes up for it with the quality of people who live there and the friendships made. That's why there are so many great musicians that come from the Peg. It's too freakin' cold to go outside for at least half the year so everybody stays inside and practices all day. That's why we have such a great band. You guys (particularly you, Tim) practice all day, everyday. Bless you for that. Personally I have a tee time for tomorrow so I'll be sorta practicing as well (yeah that's right, my short game...lol). Ok, seriously, you know me and you know I'll be playing my guitar several hours everyday. I could never show up to a gig unprepared and besides, it's just so much more fun to play when you know what you are doing. That's actually a good thought for anything that you do. Make the effort and life just seems to roll along with a little more freedom of movement. Stay fit and you never get injured, stay well rehearsed and you never embarrass yourself or your bandmates or the worst case scenario, irreparably damage your career and professionally slewfoot your partners... BTW, it's not an issue for me. I have far too much respect for my bro's and our fans at this point in my life. It's all very much worth the effort. Let's face it, if you can't motivate yourself to consistantly be as good as you can be at what you do, without hesitation, then what the f#*k are you doing? Wasting your precious time I'd say. If you need to find inspiration then identify the things that are of irreplacable value to you. I was communicating with a friend earlier today about that and how her deep love for her family and the awareness of that love has inspired her to make changes in her life for the better. So, find your focus or horizon to guide you or just simply remember that the greatest potential catalyst to effect personal change in yourself may very well be to not compromise, hurt or disappoint the ones you love and cherish... 

Sorry, I've been experimenting with this kickass new Espresso blend and it's kinda like high octane rocket fuel. It seems to have bolstered my already passionate perspective on life in case you hadn't noticed... lol. However, I make no apologies for that. My passion is my guide. I am aware of all the good things in my life including family, friends and music and I have a deep love and appreciation for it all. I lose my way from time to time but I usually see the lighthouse (or at least hear the bell) well before I crash into the rocks now. That's what my parents call experience I guess...

They say that courage is not the absence of fear but moving foward in spite of that fear. To all my friends and loved ones stepping up and facing their fears, you have my absolute respect and you are truly an inspiration to me everyday... Peace Out. J. 

Jeff Tuesday Mar. 24/09

Hey...

Thanks SF for posting the link in the previous blog to my Rock 101 interview from last week. If anyone wants to check it out the link is,

http://www.rock101.com/Channels/DjsandShows/OnTheRecord/Story.aspx?ID=1071086

If that doesn't work go to the last blog and use SF's link.

Yeah...

Self Sabotage... know what it means? Have you ever watched someone you loved or knew enter into this arena? It can be very frustrating and certainly upsetting. Especially when that person isn't really looking at the big picture and is essentially going about this self destuctive business with little or no regard to how they are affecting so many people around them. They are so blinded by this self-absorbed perspective on things that they fail to see the potentially serious damage that they are creating all around them and are driven by this distorted reality that somehow gives them the right to justify their actions simply because all they are aware of is, apparently, their own personal agenda. I have been there. Without exception, it always ends badly my friends. 

Ok, how about this then. There are two things that can greatly affect a schooner. Those two being the sail and the anchor. Both do very different things but are similair when measuring the size of the effect that they create. However, one obviously propels us forward and exhilarates us with it's positive G forces while conversely, the other stops us and creates a static situation that is fine if your intention is to go nowhere and remain exactly where you are or, perhaps, sink.

We constantly need to take stock of our lives and celebrate all the good things that we have everyday and appreciate that it doesn't last forever. Don't take things for granted kids, all too soon they are gone, never to return.

What I am saying is cherish today, make peace with yourself and know that you matter to somebody, perhaps lots of people. Don't let this golden opportunity slip away. We only have one life to live and until there is hard evidence to the contrary, the greatest waste of all is the wasting of time. Anything else can be returned or paid back except time. It moves at it's own relentless pace and waits for no one to catch up. Live well and live authentically my friends. I have already wasted a lot of my younger life and now try to live each day to the fullest extent possible. I am not perfect but I am present as in right here, right now and I'm ready to go. So, are you in or out? Rock on...J.

Jeff Monday Mar.16/09

Hey Kids,

Monday morning and I'm still recovering (no worries, it's all good) from the weekend and our little roadtrip out to Alberta where we just played a couple of shows. Thursday night in High River and Friday at the Tim Hortons Brier...well, actually the Big Four building, but we and about 4,000 partying curling fans from all across Canada had some big fun there. Firstly, a couple of thanks. To Rob Rogers and his staff for doing such a good job and making the show possible in High River and thanks to everyone who came out and supported us on Thursday night including Warren Ford (thanks for the intro bro') from the Eagle 100.9. I hope we can get a return date sometime soon. AND...many thanks to our friend Roger Powell and his staff for putting on a first class show (this is the Brier I'm talkin' about now) and this includes absolutely everything. We look forward to doing it again and wish you all the best. Shouts to Stuart and Jim for their help in creating the good vibe in the big room and to the boys at All Star...well done as usual, great monitors, FOH, lighting, all top notch and always a good bunch of guys to work with. Not to mention the Alberta Men's team kicking ass (although very close on Friday!) at the Brier kinda put everybody in a good mood. If you weren't having fun on Friday then you were pretty much in the minority. BTW, Tim and Jake, our fantastic rhythm section were on fire this weekend. Thanks for kicking my ass you m#*#!)@$#ckers. FYI, that is the highest compliment possible for any player according to the Musicians/Laymans Guide to Understanding the Language and Nature of Rock and Roll. Lol.

Lizzy and I went to the Celtic Festival here in Vancouver on Sunday and had fun even though it was an unusually cold and miserable day weather wise (read as a beautiful summer day in Ireland). Liz of course, being a Red Headed Celtic Goddess herself fit right in and my Irish heritage was stirred by the parade of pipes and drums. I realize some of you may find bagpipes akin to the sound of a cat having it's tail yanked but for me and other good, crazed Celts the sound is primal and stirs something ancient and powerful and I found myself thinking about how opposing armies must have felt standing there, waiting and literally shitting themselves out of fear, hearing this unknown coming towards them out of the mist. That was the point. It was fully intended as intimidation as much as it was an inspiration for the home team. Standing there in the cold and rain with my beautiful Elizabeth Anne, listening to the pipe and drum corps marching up Georgia Street, I understood and felt, just a little, the ferocity that these men must have fought with to defend their loves and country and though in reality I only wield a guitar, my (some say overly dramatic) spirit understands and subscribes to that ancient take no prisoners attitude. But you already know that about me if you've seen me play...

Hey, I just looked outside and I tell you, for as much as I talk about how great the weather is out here in Vancouver...today is a horrible mix of cold rain and snow and chill you to the bone wind. Really, really bad. Oh sorry, that's Michael Jackson (sh'mon, hehe... grab your junk and stand on your toes now). Anyways, not good if you have to go outside. 

Thanks everybody for the comments recently and kudos to Albert Bannatyne for taking the time to get the lyrics for Teenage Rage to SF. Mariha, to answer your question, my favorite band growing up as a kid was The Beatles. They changed my life. I have had many favs over the years but The Beatles certainly were number one and always will be for me. 

Ok, lots to do today so I am out for now...oh yeah, one last thing. The Witness Inc. disc, with the help and co-operation of Universal Music Canada, will be out in a week or so with all the singles and B-sides together in one complete set so watch the website for the availability on that CD. Yes, I will catch up on the massive backlog of email as well. Take care my friends. I'm off to defend my home against the invading horde. Slan go foill... J.