Kenny Shields and Streetheart

Jeff Monday May 09/11

2011-05-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Hey there!

If you are here and wonder what is up you can now find out about all things current with KS&S on our Facebook page and on Twitter. You can access them directly from the KS&S homepage or, just click here...

https://www.facebook.com/streetheart.band

and here for Twitter...

http://twitter.com/#!/Streetheartband

We are finding it much easier to communicate with everyone using FB and Twitter and it's a lot less hassle and faster for you as well. We will keep this archive up for now, but if you want to get the latest news, check us out on FB and Twitter!

Rock on kids... KS&S

Jeff Monday Jan.31/11

2011-01-31T08:21:00.000-08:00

Hey out there...

If you were @ the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary on Saturday then you already know what I'm talkin' about. We want to thank everyone who showed up, in spite of the wintery weather (it was another sell out BTW) and rocked the house. We also want to thank the Slugs, who started the night off and got the place into a good space. We (KS&S) haven't played together for almost a month now but we had a great night in spite of the layoff. I'm know it's because the guys are such great players and work on their craft constantly so that when we get back together, even after some time off, we can still kick it pretty hard right in the guts. We won't dwell on how yours truly forgot a few important moments in Action (sorry Paul) and Angie (sorry Keith) but hey, I was having fun and I literally forgot what I was supposed to be playing!

It is really an honor for me to be working with such great players at this point in life. I know that without that level of skill to inspire me, my attention and desire would fade away fast as it has in the past. I also want to say what an amazing bunch of guys this band is made up of. I have worked with lots of people in my life and these guys are total pros. No prima donna attitudes which can get old and destroy a band and it's spirit very quickly. All good friends yet there is a desire for the highest quality that is the unsaid, invisible bond between us. I like to think that we all, in our own individual ways, contribute to that spiritual musical connection... As you can tell by now, 2011 is off to a good start. We have 16 new shows on the board and at least another 10 or so, as of today, hanging around for consideration to massage into our schedule. We have a good reputation out there which is gold. We have the best fans and that is everything to us. I know I've said it before but our fans are the number one reason why this is all happening and why I have the privilege of connecting with you at this moment. We also have the amazing Pete Petrovich who produces our shows and we are better for having him out front every night. He brings a confidence of knowing that removes any concerns one might have in regards to the quality of the audio and how we are sonically presented. Thanks Pete. You are the best and everybody out there knows it.

So, armed with all this talent, good will and potential, we are definitely looking forward to this year's possibilities. Let's make 2011 a great one together. Because there's only so many summers in a lifetime and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we want this summer of 2011 to be a part of the good memories that will fill the soul. We are going to do everything we can to make sure that happens. Care to join us?

Jeff Friday Jan.28/11

2011-01-28T09:15:00.000-08:00

The Centre Of The Universe... where do you think that lies? Some say trillions of light years away while others seem to think in much smaller terms. They actually believe that every tiny thing they do or say is so important that everything that exists has to stop everything it is doing and pay reverent regard to their pontifications. Well, I think that's a load of crap and apparently, so did Einstein although, he would have put it much more eloquently than yours truly! Not that I would ever compare myself to one of civilization's greatest citizens for a nanosecond but, he did have one hell of a brain and one or two good ideas that had some merit (I'm being cheeky here BTW). Anyways, I just wanted to share with you a clever link that a good friend of mine sent to me this morning about the size of things. It is worth going through for your own entertainment but, you also get a small grasp of where we fit into the universe. The link should open up on the scale at about where we exist (in relative size) within the universe. Scroll from left to right (if you can't figure that out then maybe this is too much for you... lol) and just take in the info and how it all progresses. Kinda fun and puts some things into perspective and, as it says at the end, we are probably not the centre of the universe, which could be the biggest understatement ever! Hope you enjoy it a little. http://primaxstudio.com/stuff/scale_of_universe/

Ok, this is suppose to be a rock and roll blog right? Alright then. We are off to the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary to play tomorrow night. 2011 is already looking very good for us and this is kind of the beginning of what I predict will be another great year of shows and reconnecting with our fantastic fans within in our own particular universe. I know we'll see some of you tomorrow night and for those heavenly bodies and shooting stars missing in action, I'll get back to you next week and tell you how much fun we had! Rock on children...

Jeff Sunday Jan.23/11

2011-01-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Today in Jeff’s Guitar Player’s Corner we are looking at the Deep Purple classic , “Hush”. A great track from 1968 featuring that memorable naananaana hook. Ok, here’s a link to that track to start with…

http://www.youtube.com/watchv=eLzqQupzzmA&feature=related.

A very cool song right? Great organ track by Jon Lord who was, in my opinion, one of the best rock Hammond players ever. Super percussive parts and always that tone! Beautifully matched Richie Blackmore’s guitar (Richie is one of my all time favs). Also featured Rod Evans on vocals who went on to Captain Beyond and the incredible Ian Paice on drums. Ok, ok.. AND Nicky Simper on bass. Deep Purple became more popular later on in their career and are more likely remembered for “Smoke On The Water”, but I really loved their early stuff and every time I hear one of DP’s early tracks, it reminds me of hanging around the local pool hall dreaming of being in a rock and roll band while the old Wurlitzer jukebox blasted out great tracks like this… (picture a 12 year old kid going on 18, smoking cigarettes and playing 8 ball). Not exactly a role model by today’s standards, LMAO, but I am trying to give you an idea of where I was at!

So, we’ve established that this was/is a great song (unless you hate this song then WTF are you doing still reading this lol).

However, yesterday I discovered/found on YouTube, Richie Blackmore’s isolated guitar track from Hush which is way too cool. It’s a guitar player’s thing I know but, it’s really great hearing just how he structured his guitar parts. You can hear the punches when he changes tones for the different parts of the song and his execution is excellent overall. You can even hear the bleed/overlap of the punch-ins and partial doubling that adds that bit of funky X factor missing from a lot of today’s sometimes too pristine recordings. The ending is oddly cut off. Don’t know what that is. On the original it sounds like he hits the downbeat on the end but it’s not on this track. Anyways, Here’s that link… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPYzEBQKMWc&feature=related Cool huh? For me, it is amazing just hearing something like this and I hope some of you dig it. If you don’t, at least you get an insight into how I spend my Sunday mornings. (I’m not 100% sure whether that’s a good thing or not!).

Alright, one more connector here. Back in the early 90’s, PM Dawn used a sample from Hush for their single "Downtown Venus". They slowed it down a whole tone which also brought the BPM’s back. I liked this track, mostly for the loop, but it was a cool song and a great example of recycling the past. Bought the CD as well called “Jesus Wept”. Very underrated band PM Dawn. Here’s a link to that for you… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S9obcQ6b00.

Ok, that’s it for now and I hope some of you enjoyed this. Remember to love rock and roll and don’t let your kids smoke or hang around in pool halls…

Rock on,

Jeff Friday Jan.21/11

2011-01-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody....

Heading over to Victoria to be a judge for the Vancouver Island's Got Talent finals tonight. My friend Maria Manna has run this event the past couple of seasons and it has been quite a success, at least on a local level. We have a lot of good friends over there and always have a great time. No really, they know how to have fun over there! Anyways just a quick note before we head off to catch the ferry over to Vancouver Island which is a nice little trip. Not that I'm really into static, sightseeing, antiquing kind of old people activities (yawn, I'm more of a golf course, scotch and cigars kind of person), but it's a nice relaxed 1/2 day trip with Lizzy and our friends are certainly worth the trip! All is good in KS&S world in case you were wondering. 2011 is looking great so far. I'll get you all up to speed when I get back. Rock on...

Jeff Friday Jan.14/11

2011-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the memorial of a friend and associate that some of you may know. Doug Grover was one of the cornerstones of the rock and roll business here in Vancouver and recently passed away from injuries suffered from an accidental fall at home. He worked for Bruce Allen for many years and as his road manager, helped guide the careers of most of Vancouver's great bands including Trooper, Prism, BTO, Loverboy and Bryan Adams. During the collage that they showed last night there was even a shot of a young Doug and Kenny Shields together from the early Streetheart days so, there was that connection there as well. I knew Doug as a friend for years but we worked together only on occasion. Streetheart's management at the time was very successful at keeping us isolated from anyone that could actually do anything for us (hoping you sense the sarcasm here, which is fully intended).

When I was touring in Europe with Jimmy Barnes during the 90's, we opened up for Adams on his European Tour. There was Doug and his all Canadian/Vancouver crew, running the show. I really loved working and hanging out with that mob for the summer as they were all old friends, many that I'd hadn't seen since I left for Australia years before. I had always been given the gears by my Aussie friends about how hard working they were and how they knew everything about Rock and Roll and how to put on a show, blah, blah... Well, after a few months of witnessing the Adams juggernaut and the level of professionalism shown by Doug and the boys, that pretty much ended any of that conversation. One night as I, along with my Aussie crew were watching 80,000 Adams fans singing Summer of 69 and the finale of yet another top drawer rock and roll evening I said to them, "Well mates, this is how we Canadians do rock and roll." Funny, I was never ribbed about who did things better after that...

I know I've digressed but basically I wanted to say that Doug was a loyal, kind, funny, ass kicking, hard working man that got the job done right everynight. He succeeded at the highest level many times and as Bruce Allen said last night, " I trusted him with the most important things in my life outside of my family, my artists, and he never let me down". I have paraphrased Bruce somewhat but that was the essence of what he said. The 400 or so people who attended last night justified those thoughts and though the room was touched with some sadness, the joy and respect for a man who gave so much of himself to so many people won out. As I said, I did not work with Doug a lot but, I knew him well and he always treated me with respect and he was always interested in what I was doing even if he wasn't directly involved. The last time I saw Doug we had breakfast at the Slocan restaurant with our good friend Les Doiron. The Slocan is your typical greasy spoon that was one of Doug's favs and as good a place for your road breakfast as anywhere. We talked shit, laughed a lot and made future plans for golf. A nice way to spend a perfectly lazy 10:30am breakfast time slot. It was the spring of 2008, the days were was getting warmer and life felt good as I headed for home charged by Doug's positive energy and kick ass spirit...

Last night driving home I felt so different. My life is now packed with agendas and schedules and things that need to be done yesterday. What I wouldn't give to feel that spring of 2008 feeling right now. Think I'll go to the Slocan and have bacon and eggs over easy with brown toast. Somehow, I know it won't be the same.

See ya Doug...

Jeff Wednesday Jan.12/11

2011-01-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Uhhh... we got our first snow of the year last night. It looks like slush this morning and I am hoping it all ends up down the storm drain by this afternoon. Still trying to fully shake this virus that I've had for over a month but, I'm not expecting a full recovery until I hit ths links at least once...

Looks like 2011 is going to another strong year for the band . We already have about a dozen shows in the can and more offers are coming through what seems like everyday. I'm always humbled by the success we are enjoying this far into our career... (thanks to you)

Ok, I am getting back into songwriter mode this year. Last year was so busy with business and Lizzy moving in and all that entailing upheaval, that I never had/made the time for any creativity at all. By December I realized that I was spiritually barren. I truly need to write and be creative all the time. It balances who I am and how I perceive myself in the universe and how I interract with people. I was becoming a ghost of my former self but I intend to right that slide. So, that being said, I am now sliding over to my music computer and work on some new tunes that I have started. I was going to say wish me luck but luck has very little to do with creativity. Hard work leads to inspirati0n and fulfillment and waiting for inspiration is a waste of your precious time...

Rock on friends.

TTYL,

Jeff Thursday Jan.06/11

2011-01-06T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Yes, like you, I've been busy. Too busy sometimes but all is good. We had a great 2010 and we thank all our fans for that. I'm currently working on Facebook and Twitter accounts for the band and hope to have them available as soon as possible. It's all time management and I am going to find new ways that I can keep you all updated and current. I'd like to be able to communicate with you all out there on the road and provide a more up to the minute source of news from the band for you. Trying to keep up with the learning curve... Yikes!!! It is crazy. Ok, this is just a quick note to say I'm still here. Less words more often. That's what I'm working towards. Let's see what happens.

Before I go, two things...

Canadian Juniors. You gotta feel for them but, the lesson here... never take your foot off the throat or back off from your opponent. I look towards the coaching staff, without prejudice, for not taking a time out and getting the boys refocused sooner than they did. A excerpt from the classic Oscar Hammerstein song taken from the Georges Bizet opera Carmen, " Keep punching till you hear that final bell. Show that crowd what you know...".

Ok, let's finish on a high note. The Canucks... yeah!!!!! Get down with your bad selves!!!!!!

Rock on.

Jeff Tuesday September 07/10

2010-09-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Ok kids,

I'm doing my usual morning get up, make coffee and read my email which usually contains 1 or 2 or 3 posts from my fav blogger, Bob Lefsetz. His unrelenting, daily output of opinions, rants, questions and ideas for survival in my industry (not that I agree with them all) manages to keep me in touch with what's going on and provides me with information I would likely miss. Being a 50 something now, I continuely run the risk of losing touch, encumbered by life's accumulative distractions and it is that idea that drives me to continue to do what I can to not become a redundant spectator in my chosen occupation. I really don't want to be one of those sitting around bitching about how things aren't like they used to be. Well, FFS, things aren't like they used to be and thank God for that!!! If it was, we'd all still be mismanaged by criminals, oblivious to the fact that we were being taken. Anyways, I now take advantage of every bit of help I can get to at least, try and keep up with what is going on. I was just reading a thread from the Los Angeles Times Pop and Hiss Blog reviewing the FYF Fest and what struck me as I was reading was how easy it is to lose touch with your own business if you stop moving with the flow of progress. Again, it is this great fear that I have of not knowing and falling into that social category of being completely ignorant of what is actually going on yet, maintaining this arrogant, self-important opinion about it all. You all know the person I mean. It used to be my friend's parents telling us to turn that damn music down since it was just a bunch of noise anyways. Yeah, you're right Mrs. Wright. I'm guessing this Led Zepplin music really is just a bunch a crap and not worth listening to... Anyways, not meaning to digress too much...

Where was I? Uh... right. I'm not talking about the processed product that the usual suspects in media ram down our throats as hip and happening but, music that fans are really supporting without the corporate hype, of their own accord because it says something compelling and important to them. Like real music used to. Like the bands I listened to. Bands that are building fan loyalty. 20,000 people out for bands I've never heard of? Dead Man's Bones? Local Natives? Washed Out? You don't see these bands on ET. I'm embarrassed to say I don't know any of these bands. But, you can read for yourself. Outside of the usual promoter short falls in not providing enough decent services and facilities for the fans like more bathrooms and reasonable access to cheap food and drinks (sounds like the concerts I used to go to 35 years ago!) there was a lot of great music by bands I've never heard of and it all sounded pretty successful (FYF is in it's 7th year) without people being hammered with massive service fees. Read for yourself if you'd like,

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/09/live-review-fyf-fest-gives-crowds-a-lot-to-cheer-about.html

Anyways, I was thinking after reading this and it struck me that I need to continue to swim hard to keep up with the flow. Music as art continues to move and it always will so, it is up to me to acknowlege it's forward motion through my interest, desire and effort. Things are changing drastically and the internet is having the equivalent effect on the music industry that the meteor that hit the earth when the dinosaurs were around did. There is a new order being set and I plan on having a say in my own position in it all. I am not ready to quit just yet and will go down fighting at the very least. I know some of you are with me on this. There is too much good stuff going on and I don't want to miss it. Keep in touch with the flow kids. Seek it out because it's moving right now...

Jeff Monday Aug 09/10

2010-08-09T08:14:00.000-07:00

This is a message of sorts to a young friend but really, it's for anyone and kinda to myself. I don't know if he will read this but I am going to assume he will...

Today I had this fleeting wish that I were younger. You see, the music industry is going through this amazing revolution and reset right now... as in, today. The old guard is weakening and the dinosaur, corporate structure mentality is collapsing right before our very eyes. The ways that we now create our music, how we build an audience and how that is forming into successful business is all so exciting that I just wish I were 21 again, had no grownup responsibilities (lol) and I could just follow my own brave and crazy artistic path. There is so much technology (which can now equal massive power) available to the individual that I never had when I was younger. Today I have a 250 track, fully automated, digital recording studio in my freaking basement and completely run all my world wide access business (this website as an example) right out of my home office! When I was starting out recording in 1980 the secrets of the business and the workings of the machinery existed in huge buildings and were obscured from view by tight fisted, sometimes duplicitous but always charming men and women who had little or no intention of letting you in on their secrets unless you showed up with a good lawyer. We were also too foolish and impatient to try to look deeper into that machine to understand the workings of it all. If we did, we would have seen that it was flawed and perversely unfair. Some did, to their benefit. I, unfortunately, did not. I am somewhat ashamed of this admission but let's put it down to youthful naivety and impatience and not dwell too harshly on the past. Yes, I paid a high price for this oversight in time, lost love and wasted talent. However, I have been lucky enough and strong enough to have achieved a good measure of success in my career for which I am grateful for but I was just reading and researching on the net, as I am now wont to do on a daily basis and was flush with this knowledge and I just had this out of character moment of wishfullness which as we all know is a waste of time because genies do not exist. What does truthfully exist is our drive, determination and the opportunities, now more than ever, to take control of our own individual destiny. No promises of success, just the chance to do it on our own terms. Trust your instincts, get your music out there, take care of your business and keep the ones you like and love close to you and in the loop. Assume nothing. There is strength in that that is unbreakable. Read contracts, ask questions and never doubt your right to get what you want. Do it with grace, honesty and self power. Learn this now. The truth is it's never too late (I can attest to that because I know that the best years of my career are just beginning) but more importantly my young and talented friend, it's never too early to get wise. Oh yeah, there is no easy button either...

Rock on bro',

Jeff Tuesday Aug 03/10

2010-08-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

Babies, babies,
For several months I have been reading doom and gloom about how the music industry is tanking before our very eyes and how Live Nation has paid too much to represent the big touring acts which has pushed house fees, parking and vending through the roof (that's how they expect to make a profit kids as the big acts essentially demand ALL the gate profits), alienating fans and that the one time powerful and successful festival acts such as the Lilith Fair Tour seems to be cancelling more shows this year than they are actually doing. If you don't believe me here's a photo from Lilith, (that's Serena Ryder on stage). Look at those empty seats. Very sobering. We do not exist in the middle of this mainstream but, for several years I have been preaching to anyone who would listen (LOL) that we need to always take care of our fans in every way possible. We, as Streetheart try to maintain this credo as best as we can and I know it has worked for us. Our fans are our greatest resource pure and simple since, without taking care of this precious commodity, we'd be out of business...fast. I have watched first hand as artists have committed professional suicide onstage. Crippled by distorted perspective, venting their petty, ego driven grievances and bitches out on the one thing that keeps them alive and fed. Their fans. I have said it before. It is a privilege to play for the fans, not a divine right. Especially on our circuit. Our fans have been with us a lifetime. Do we let them down now, especially as those youthful memories become, more and more, a cherished part of our lives? Fear not my friends. We will always do our best to honor all the good fortune that has come our way. I only wish I had more time to take care of all that deserves attention but, at the very least I have a good and grounded perspective and I am thankfully free of any bitterness about life and how, in some misguided, insane way, feeling hard done by. Quite the opposite. I am blessed everyday to do what I do. Yes, our business is going through a tough time currently but the resourceful somehow survive as do the the ones aware and ready for change. Ironically, we are having the best year of the band's career in spite of the downturn in the industry. Does it mean we are better than everybody else? No, even though I am very confident about our product. There are a number of reasons why we are doing well at this moment but one particulairly important reason is the consistant respect we maintain for our fans. Which reminds me, after so many requests and pleading from longtime fans I am posting the actual, real and authentic (accept no substitute!) lyrics to Action as generously provided by the one man who should know these words inside and out, Kenny Shields. This should end all those arguments and bets abour Eiffel Tower and sports final... Anyways, enjoy and I hope that they are close to what you've been singing in your head for 30 some years or so...

ACTION

MEANWHILE BACK IN PARIS I WAS EMBARRASSED, BABE

A WEST BOUND AIRLINE TOOK HER AWAY

WAS WAY PAST MIDNIGHT THEY CAUGHT THE LAST FLIGHT

AND NOW WE’RE STRANGERS

AND I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TOO SAY

I'M AFRAID NOW I'M GONNA THROW HIM THE BAIT NOW

HE MAY BE THE MASTER BUT HE REALLY GONNA PAY

TOOK UP MY LADY

THEY MUST BE CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZY

HE TOLD A LIE NOW BUT, BUT HE REALLY GONNA PAY

FOREVER FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER

AND A DAY

FOREVER FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER

AND A DAY

I'M GONNA FIND HIM

THEN I'M GONNA REMIND HIM

HE MAY BE THE BLOODY MASTER

BUT NOT ONE OF HIS FATE FATE FATE

HE LIED TO THE AGENT HE LIED HE LIED

BUT HE GOT HIS PAYCHECK YOU SON OF A *#@^#*

AND WHEN I FIND HIM

HE REALLY GONNA PAY

GONNA GIVE EM GIVE EM SOME OF THAT

ACTION ACTION READ ALL ABOUT IT YEAH YEAH

ACTION FOR SLANDER READ ALL ABOUT IT

IF YOU CAN READ LOOK AT THIS

ACTION ACTION READ ALL ABOUT IT

ACTION FOR SLANDER READ ALL ABOUT IT

STICK HIM IN THE GROUND SIX FEET DOWN

ACTION ACTION READ ALL ABOUT IT

FRONT PAGE NEWS BILL

ACTION FOR SLANDER READ ALL ABOUT IT

ON THE SUBWAY WALL PAUL

ACTION ACTION READ ALL ABOUT IT

NO NO SCREAM BLOODY MURDER

ACTION ACTION READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Take care of the things you love and don't be afraid to show that very thing. You will prosper in all ways, always. Thank you my friends. I owe you a lifetime of gratitude and kick ass rock and roll shows...

Peace out,

Jeff Saturday July 10/10

2010-07-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids,

Well here it is, a quiet Saturday afternoon and I am home for a rare summer weekend. We played in Edmonton last night and had a great show. (So, how can you possibly be home Jeff? you may be asking yourself... or not. LMAO. Uh, how about, a 5:00am wakeup call for an 8:00am-ish flight home...... zzzzzz) Anyways, sold out and rockin' as per the usual boisterous Alberta that we know so well and look forward to everytime. We actually ran out of merchandise last night, I mean nothing left no CD's, no t-shirts... nada. (That can't really be a word? Perhaps Spanish? ideas anybody?). Really impressive and humbling at the same time. We have such great fans...

Ok, I thought I'd also post a couple of shots from our Canada Day show in Winnipeg taken by our good friend Don Windsor. Don has taken a lot of photos of the band over the years and you will find his work all over our website. Thanks as always Don for your time and talent. That was a fun night as well with over 20,000 friends in attendance, including kids and families. A lot of people who don't usually get out to our shows. You just have to look at this shot of Kenny with the kids to understand the kind of night it was. Such a great vibe, the weather was beautiful (although hot) and the whole production went off without a hitch for us. Many

thanks to the CanadInns and a big shout out to Jay Pauley and for including us in this years festivities. Man, it was really hot that night. We played for maybe 30 minutes and I was drenched and exhausted by the end. I can't imagine how hot it must have been for the acts playing during the day... yikes!

I am totally proud to be Canadian BTW, although some of our national political agenda in recent years has left me a little confused...

Overall, it has been a very good summer for us and considering the currently precarious state of the music industry all over North America, we are very fortunate. We may not be the biggest touring act out there but, like a Dave Matthews or Phish, we continue to be able to tour consistantly because of the loyalty of our fans. Thanks to you all for that. We are actually in one of the best periods of the band's career, in my humble opinion. We have an appreciation for what we have and know that it is precious and could disappear at a moments notice. Some of our contemporaries are not always seeing this and from the feedback that we get from all of you at our meet and greets, you are not happy about that as well. I don't blame you. I know some of these guys and I see some pretty unrealistic attitudes and the occasional sense of entitlement that is completely out of whack with reality. Listen, I have had my ass and ego kicked by life and circumstance on more than one occasion so I appreciate every little moment of goodness and good fortune that finds it's way to me. I play music that I love with guys whom I respect AND like being around plus, I earn a living doing it. It is a privilege for me to play for you. I may not be the biggest star in the world but you know what, I am good with that. However, it does not mean that I am not without ambition. What I am trying to say is, I am grateful for what I have each day and I try to do my best to build on that with some integrity, honesty and be fearless about hard work or challenge. Oh yes, and be grounded in reality. That helps a lot. Know where you are at and you will be less likely to make an ass of yourself in front of friends, fans or collegues. (remember, I said LESS likely!! LOL).

Ok, let's end with some light relief...

Funny quote of the week, "I hate being bi-polar... it's awesome!" (Courtesy of my chum Mick Dalla-Vee) Thanks bro', you made me laugh out loud... that's the best medicine ever!

Ok kids, the early morning has caught up with me now and I'm seeing double so, I am going to take a siesta on the sofa and be lulled to sleep by HD golf on TV... fore!!!!!!! five, six...zzzzzz.

Rock on...

Jeff Saturday May 22/10

2010-05-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids,

Ok Claudette, you are right in that I am an infrequent blogger but I do thank you for your support and I am glad you enjoy reading the posts when I do get an opportunity to publish a new page. I wish I had the time to write everyday but realistically, that is just not the case in my life. In answer to your query, I hope you like the new website update. I realize it's a little behind schedule but, I won't bore you with the reasons for that. The truth is, it may be less about having good reasons and is more likely to be about justifying excuses why things don't happen on time or worse, not at all. We are consistantly challenged with a process and a series of obstacles that we need to negotiate through in order to get to the things we desire. The very best of us seem to move with grace through this socio-political minefield and get to the results needed without ruffling too many feathers or bruising egos along the way. Apparently, this is not one of my strong suits, at least according to some of my friends. LMAO.

Hey, I learned a new (new to me) word. Luddite. Rough definition, someone who is afraid or suspect of technology. Sort of our parents generation I guess. I'd have to say we represent that swing (I don't mean everybody's house keys in a jar) generation. A lot of my friends, and I modestly include myself to some extent, are reasonably savvy with technology, etc. (some are brilliant) but I do have some friends who still have no clue or desire. (my fav Homer Simpson quote, "The Internet? Is that thing still around?") Anyways, the children of our generation are much more comfortable with it all and the next generation will likely know no other way. They may not know what green grass looks like either but they will know how to twitter and tweet whilst updating their Facebook profile in order to accumulate 10 million friends (how many internet predators are in that number?). BTW, who wants 10 million friends? Do you have any idea how many Christmas cards that is? (Honey, I think we're gonna need a bigger turkey this year...). I know, I am rambling a little. Hey, it's Saturday and it's supposed to be my day off (cue hilarious laughter track). Hopefully, I'll get outside and work in the garden a little today although the weather hasn't been so stellar in this part of the world to this point...

Right, Streetheart... We are off to the Okanagan this coming weekend to do two shows. A date in Penticton on Friday and the Kreator Custom Motorcycle Festival in Kelowna on Saturday both of which I am really looking forward to. BTW, you can read the most recent interview that I did for Gonzo Magazine with Dean Unger. Gonzo is a very cool webzine and really worth having a look. Just go to www.gonzomagazine.com and click on the Joe Satriani cover. Page 35/36. Anyways, check it out. A little different than some interviews that I've done in the past which can sometimes just be a retell of already known facts (not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm just saying...). This one has a luxurious and philosophical feel to it with perhaps some ambitious intellectual intention (am I making this sound like a wine review?). Needless to say, Dean was great to work with and I hope we'll be doing more stuff down the road. Something to look at when you get a tick... (no, no, not a tick like a wood tick. It's just an Australian word substitute for a minute. Remember... me, Jimmy Barnes, 11 crazed years... good on ya' mate.) I know, you already knew that. Yeah, roit.

Well my friends, I have just heard the sound of a gas powered lawnmower buzzing along so, fueled with garden envy and of course being one who likes to compete at anything, I am off to edge my boulevard with my girlfriend's manicuring scissors (she doesn't know this yet) and I'll show the next door neighbour who's really the king of the psychotic yard freaks.

Rock on Babies... (where's my hoe!!!!!!)

Jeff Thursday April 16/10

2010-04-16T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids,

I love this time of year. The weather today is sunny with a high temp of 18 C. The Canucks won a thriller in O/T last night and were one of the few teams so far (I know it's only one game) to take advantage of home ice and win the game they should have won. (OV where were you last night?). Right, did I mention we have the Art Ross winner on our team? Perhaps that has something to do with that. Way to go Henrick... pretty exciting for Vancouver Canuck fans as we've never had a scoring champion on our team so, it's kinda cool. FYI, earlier this year Hank and Daniel quietly donated 1.5 million dollars to Canuck Place which is the Canucks foundation/hospice that provides care to children with life threatening illnesses and loving support to their families. Make no mistake, these guys are class acts. They made that donation without fanfare and it just underscores how much they mean to this community and their commitment to giving back. I made my annual donation (a little less than 1.5 million BTW!) and it feels good to do my own small part along side these great young men. My girlfriend Lizzy loves these guys and (although the math doesn't quite work!) she likes to refer to them as her adopted sons. Gee, I don't know why.... any ideas?

Personally, I'm a big Ryan Kessler fan. Loved by his team, hated by his opponents. Fierce, talented and really, he should be the captain of the team (no offence Louie)... I'm just saying.

Anyways, today is a good day to say the least with the morning sun just beginning to heat up and the sound of the garbage truck in the alley. Ahhh... perfect.

Yeah, we've just finished a couple weekends of shows and I think we are off to a good start this year. We had a great Easter show at Silverados in Winnipeg (see above) and followed that with 2 shows in Lethbridge and Calgary which were both big fun as well. Also, I want to thank Brent Manning and all the folks in Morris MB for making us feel so welcome and for hosting such a successful evening for their friends and colleagues. I am still amazed that it's 2010 and here we are... Really, it's freaky. We have our fans to thank for our longevity as well as all the classic rock radio stations across the country who keep us alive on the air. BTW, thanks to Don Windsor for that great live photo you are looking at along with many others that he has taken on past shows. Some of these will be appearing on our website soon. I know, when will that be Jeff? How about I shoot for next week? My focus has been on some other Streetheart business that I am not at liberty to talk about currently. No cloak and dagger stuff just discretion at this point...

Uhhh, I am playing golf with my friend Jim (JJ) Johnson tomorrow at 6:50 am. JJ is the general manager of Rock 101/Vancouver Radio out here (home of Bro' Jake) and I hope to play well enough to get a spot on the Rock 101 golf team! (assuming they have one but really, I'm just looking for an invite to some of those cool events Rock 101 does during the course of the year. lol...) Anyways, I am looking forward to tomorrow, I can't promise a lot regarding the golf game. I've only played a few times this year so my 8 handicap will be tested somewhat. However, it's golf with chums so no matter how I play, it'll be a fine, fine day.

Ok, gotta go mow the lawns now and I'm putting (actually, executive producing) a new shower stall in the downstairs bathroom/laundry room. Oh yeah, also recording a 60 sec TV spot for Hawaiian Tourism and hope to send a version off to the clients sometime today (actually, I'm almost done) so it's just another typical day around here. I hope by tomorrow night to be flat out on the sofa with my girl, vegging out and watching hockey. Bless us all for having a purpose...

Shine On You Crazy Diamonds,

Jeff Tuesday March 09/10

2010-03-09T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hey Kids, (and not just Sid)
Ok, it's post Olympic time in Vancouver and with the last vestiges of the celebrations being swept up and torn down by local contracters the city access is once again being handed back to the general public. It was a great party by all accounts and we looked good on all the American network television stations so, good for us. The Gold Medal Hockey game was perfectly scripted for the ages and over time I am certain the story will grow into legend. I tell ya though, I sure am glad Ryan Kessler plays for the Canucks. I could learn to hate him on any other team. BTW, he's one of my favorite players...

We were lucky enough to have been part of the festivities during the Olympics. We played the Commodore Ballroom on the 24th at the Manitoba Homecoming night and got to see our friends Bro' Jake and JJ from our fav music station in Vancouver, Rock 101. Nice to hang backstage with the guys and catch up a little. I've suggested to them to get me on the Rock 101 Golf team so I can put my 8 handicap to good use. Looking forward to that. Better bring my wallet I suspect...

We played the 2010 Olympic Celebration site out in Surrey the following night to a crowd of thousands of happy Olympic rock and rollers. It was a great event all round thanks to John Donnelly and his excellent staff who hosted and organized this first class show which ran every night of the Olympics. Thank you all for a great job. There are a couple of YouTube clips from the show that have been posted. Here are the links when you get a chance to have a look. BTW, these are brought to you courtesy of Jake Jacobs, our fabulous bass player and social director. Thanks Cake...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EYOhDs9G0Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21KiLBdh7fU

I've been dragging my ass a little the last couple of days as I seem to have picked up some kind of virus that has knocked me for a six. Sorry, that's an Australian/Cricket related expression. Ok, do you know anything about Cricket? Right, I didn't think so. Well, in Cricket when the bowler throws the ball towards the wicket and the batsman knocks it out of the playing field on the fly, that's a six as in, six runs scored. Kind of like a homerun in baseball except it counts as six runs (huh?). Anyways, the phrase "knocked for a six" means you've been kicked back considerably by something and are trying to recover... sorry, I noticed you just nodded off....

Hey, Look!!!!! Kate Moss fresh out of rehab!!!!!

Ok, now that I have your attention again...What the heck is with that stuff? I have had many friends over the years who have courageously, quietly and successfully gone about controlling their demons but in the Hollywood and the "I'm Famous" world it's seems to be treated as more of a spa vacation or even more ridiculous, a secluded and exclusive club to go and get covertly wasted! I have a hard time feeling sorry for some of these spoiled brats. However, I do have deep compassion for the invisible souls who are lost with literally nowhere to turn and don't have beauty, money or fame to conveniently spin their addictive behaviour into the "society's fault" category. I realize that just because they are famous does not make them perfect but seeing Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight again wishing some mollycoddled, b-list movie star good luck with their 4th trip to rehab and how we are all "pulling for them during this difficult time"... yikes. Let's get our priorities straight here. I'm on my way to the Union Gospel Mission this morning to make my donation to the UGM's upcoming Easter Dinner for those folks who have nowhere else to turn. It's a small gesture of human kindness and I urge you to do the same, if you can, wherever you live. I know how lucky I am. To have the luxury and abundance that I have makes me truly God blessed. I hope you feel the same way about your own life.

Right, that's it for me for today. I'm back to looking for deals on flights, routing shows and renting 15 passenger vans. Guess I'd better get dressed. Pretty sexy this rock and roll business...

Peace Out,

Jeff Monday Feb.22/10

2010-02-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

First off, I know you can't see the black ring of the Olympic logo against our black background, but it's there. Which reminds me, Kenny's new single, Black Is Black, is available right now on iTunes (Yes I know, a shameless promotion).

Ok, we're in a bit of trouble here, I'll admit it. Downhill skiing... not our forte apparently. Hockey... can anybody say Toblerone? (Ricola, RICOLA!!!!). I am however, enjoying these Winter Games immensely as the weather has allowed me to get out in the yard and work on the gardens and lawns of my home. I mean why not? It was 14 degrees yesterday and on Saturday I washed my car outside and honestly, I broke into a sweat it was that warm. Not so good if you are into the Super G... (on that note, my girlfriend called me an Olympian the other night but I don't think the IOC recognizes that as an official event, yet... (audience groan), Bada-Boom!... Well, at least I didn't get a DNF!). Anyways, enough with the cheekiness and double entendre say the good taste police...

It really has been a cool vibe out here with the Games so far and the true Canadian spirit is certainly alive in our neighborhood with Canadian flags and Olympic displays everywhere. I would imagine you've all seen some news footage of the Vancouver activities and outside of the usual over zealous participants from the Olympic Beer Drinking Freestyle, we as a country have been pretty well represented here even if the weather hasn't been so co-operative for outdoor winter sports. Oh right, I almost forgot, who's VISA card did Morgan Freeman say is covering the cost of this little party? I saw a clip of Gordon Campbell waving a Canadian flag at the hockey game with a bunch of empty seats around him. I know a lot of real hockey fans who would have loved those seats... Perhaps Gordo was just freshening the air a little. (Damn, I knew I shouldn't have eaten 3 of those spicy bratwurst's at the German Hospitality Haus!).

Really looking forward to our shows out here this week. We are playing the Commodore Ballroom Wednesday, the 24th of Feb. as part of the Manitoba Homecoming and then Thursday we will be at the 2010 Olympic Celebration site out in Surrey. We are very fortunate to be a part of this great, once in a lifetime event and our thanks to everyone involved who helped put it all together. I know many years from now being a part of this will likely have even more meaning to me. Isn't that the way it works? Our memories of things are often times much sweeter than when we were actually having the experience. I don't know what thats all about... it's a little too early in the day for me to have such deep thoughts... lol.

Well kids, just a quick hello to you all and I hope you enjoy yourselves watching the rest of the 2010 Games. I will be glued to the HD here at home, flying the flag, cheering on all of our great atheletes as a proud Canadian and BTW, we do live in the best country on the planet and I am a lucky soul to be here watching these Winter Games... on the deck, in my shorts and T-shirt. LMAO.

Let's Go Team Canada!!!!!!!

Jeff Monday Feb.01/10

2010-02-01T07:36:00.001-08:00

Hey Out There,

Just been asked by Darryl C. about tickets for our show at the Commodore in Vancouver on the 24th of Feb. As a rule, we have very little to do with the marketing and distribution of tickets for shows. That is usually the exclusive domain and responsibility of the promoter. So Darryl, sorry bro' I don't have a good answer for you outside of check the Commodore website on this. I am fairly flat out with other Streetheart business at the moment. I'm trying to find some good deals on airline flights... However, if I get any info that could help you I will let you know.

I'm currently on the net listening to Q107 in Calgary AB as I am writing this. It's the morning show DJ'ed (is that a word?) by our friends Terry Dimonte and Patti MacNeil. They are playing Paradise Skies at the moment. One of my personal favs. Killer solo. Kim Mitchell is such a cool guitarist... I'll probably slide over to CITI FM in Winnipeg later. BTW, thanks to CITI and Q107 for getting behind Kenny's single (Black is Black) right out of the box. Keep requesting it out there my friends! Two great Classic Rock stations and both have been so good to us over the years. We are lucky that our music is played so consistently and is always available on the airwaves (and internet) for our fans. I have a lot of compassion for newer bands wondering how they will keep their music going in years to come... Oh yeah, right, they have the Internet, You Tube, Facebook as well as the radio and apparently, video killed the radio star anyways... Not so worried as I know that the great artists and great music always find a way to the people and smart, industrious men and women will always figure out how to get that great music to the fans. Speaking of that lofty and oft times elusive concept, I'd better go back to my hat rack and try on something else on for a while...

Oh yes, one more thing. Guys, don't forget Valentines Day on the 14th. Wanna play golf and drink beer with your chums later on this summer? Then don't forget about her and start thinking about it right now. Trust me... LMAO.

Rock on kids,

Jeff Tuesday January 13/10

2010-01-13T08:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone and all the very best for 2010! As you know by now Black Is Black and Best Of My Love are available right now on iTunes and we are very excited about the having this new material for you. This year promises to be a busy one for us if the first week of the year is any indication of things to come. Looking forward to a couple of shows in the Vancouver area during the Olympics although living here, the Olympics will be a bit of a hassle in regards to trying to get anywhere near the downtown core. They will essentially be shutting down the city centre during the Olympics and limit the access of the normal traffic flow. I am glad I don't have to commute... Anyways, a little chaotic but an interesting time to be in Vancouver nonetheless. Celebrated Christmas with my girlfriend last week since I was on the road during the Christmas holidays. As you know, we played a couple of shows as part of the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon and Regina. It was great doing those shows and as always, we were well taken care of by the organizers and support staff. Thanks to everyone for your help. Then we played Winnipeg NYE at the McPhillips Street Casino and I probably had as much fun as I have had on a New Years for a long time. The band was really tight after doing those shows in Saskatchewan just a few days earlier. NYE shows can get a bit weird sometimes but we had big fun and the crowd was terrific as it always is in Winnipeg of course. So with the strains of U2's New Years Day rolling around in my head I arrive home late Jan 01 via Air Canada (thanks for not losing my stuff at least), literally hit the ground running and have not stopped since that time. Speaking of running, I am on my way out the door to get new flooring for my recording studio so I won't ramble on too much more. I just wanted to say Happy New Year to you all and as always, we are looking forward to a great 2010 (yikes!!!!!! really?) for Kenny and Streetheart and we hope you will be a big part of that with us. Oh yeah, get started on your taxes kids. April is coming. Yeah... I'm The Taxmaaaaaan.

Rock on... J.

Jeff Monday Dec. 07/09

2009-12-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Yeah...Well, are you getting ready for Christmas? It's my duty to get outside today and put the lights up. There's big pressure in my neighbourhood to be festive...lol. Actually, we have a wonderful neighbourhood with lots of kids and families and everyone participates and puts on a good show. Perhaps a little over the top but still, in this world, a bit of Christmas cheer is certainly most welcome. Also, I plan to turn any Christmas gift money for friends, into a donation to the Union Gospel Mission (my fav charity here in Vancouver) this year. You can feed around 40 people for $100.00. Come on, like my friends need anything... they all own homes and cars, Macbooks and Blackberry's. I am hoping to give them all a card that says Merry Christmas, you are feeding 200 people today that might not get anything else. I get a little choked up just thinking about doing this one small thing and I am reminded about how fortunate I am. I can only speak for myself here but again, I am grateful for everything in my life. Family, friends, someone to love, a warm home and food. I don't even need to mention the really obvious stuff like getting to make music for a living, working with great guys and having fantastic fans to play for all the time. I know God exists because everyday He reminds me with the life that unfolds before me. For the record, I am blessed and never forget that fact. Thanks God, You rock dude...

Yeah, 2009... we have such a great band and I wish you all knew them the way I do. After so many years, to be able to work with good friends and play for our fans is my real gift. I may not be the richest guy or biggest pop star ever but getting to work with such amazing people is a blessing. Yes, it's true. I have worked with people that I literally, hated to be around, who hated me as well. Isn't it funny what kinds of misery we will put up with in our lives sometimes?

Hey, wanna see a picture of the turkey that Lizzy and I roasted on Thanksgiving? Well, apparently,

you don't have a choice, because here it is. A little back story on why we even have a picture of the turkey... Ok, I am taking the finished turkey out of the oven and our dear friend Glenda (who is of Chinese descent) comes racing into the kitchen with her camera and says, "I need to get a picture of the turkey! It's what we (as in the royal "we") do. We always take pictures of the food!" So, here it is kids, 17 pounds or so of carefully basted, butterball happiness and notorious inducer of post gastronomic naps... Beautiful really and thanks Glenda for introducing to us this fine Chinese/Canadian tradition and let's face it, how many times do you get your photo taken with a turkey? I'm guessing 1 or 2 times in your life, if you are lucky. I mean, this is better than some of the promo shots I've been in over the years. (BTW, doesn't it look like I've been basting myself with a Cab/Shiraz in this photo?) LMAO...

Anyways, just a moment today to say hello and again, I know I've been slack but after a hectic summer and all, it has been nice to take a little break. Oh, right, Liz and I did go to Maui for 10 glorious days. I'll show you photos as soon as I get some. Still waiting for those, ahem...

I'll be back before Christmas and give you a wrap up and what to expect next year from KS&S. I can confidently say it will be a great 2010 and we'll still be moving forward with lots of new stuff for you. Ok, have a great day out there my friends. Remember to be grateful for your good fortune because it can be worse. Give more and expect less...

Peace Out, J.

Jeff Monday Sept.28/09

2009-09-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Kids,

I hope you all had a great summer out there. I have been spending the last week finally unpacking and putting away my suitcases and my guitar's (that would be Frank) travel armor and have been trying to account for the last few months. Hmmm.... let me see officer, it"s all a little blurry to me at the moment...

(ok, cue the harp glissando's and with tongue firmly planted in cheek... action!)

I remember, Once I had a house in Africa.... no, no, CUT! CUT!!!!! sorry, that's a movie I saw a long time ago...

Right, I remember, some airports and a white van. People were tossing things in and out and yelling at each other. Not fighting so much. More like dinner at your Italian friend's house. It seems to me there was a moment when a GPS started speaking in tongues to Kenny and was telling us all where to get off. There was a long train thrown in there somewhere (yeah...) and a construction site and a splinter group of crazed, rogue cars driving the wrong way down roads that were not fit for travel. I remember flying to a huge grey city shrouded in smog. It had thousands of tall glass buildings and a sad hockey team that had been cursed by an evil wizard (imagine a grainy picture of Gary Bettman wearing a pointy hat that had been poorly Photoshopped onto his head) who said they'd never win the Stanley Cup ever again. I think there were a few bottles of Scotch thrown (literally) in there somewhere as I can still hear the lonely sound of those empty bottles rolling down a long, dark hallway... ok, so it was the hallway of a Super 8, just work with me on this. There were clusters of people surrounding us and we, bravely making our last stand, Sharpies in hand and the last few copies of the Hits/Anthology (see Moose Jaw) being held above the seething masses like some kind of rock and roll Excalibur sacrifice (Hold fast Boys, no Quarter, my Sharpie doesn't work!!!!!). There were beautiful prairie sirens, bearing themselves and chanting their magic incantations (sing another prairie tune)... "Would you sign these please?" There were flashes of light and a thousand cell phones, all rising in unison like dedicated digital disciples, hanging on our every note...

Only later to be resurrected as unauthorized clips on YouTube and Facebook... yeah. There was the crushing heartbreak of Altona and that phrase, "So, Jeff, any news on the Altona gig?" which will resonate as a harsh reminder for eons. Well, at least for me and Daryl... you had to be there I guess. Somehow, we wind up at the home of Tim Horton and the great Leaf of Coffee (and I don't mean Paul) says to us, "Yes boys, I will bestow upon you all a sweet future of extra large double/doubles and Chocolate Glazed over stares from now until the end of time (or the length of your Air Canada flight delay which is, as it turns out, just slightly longer). However, you still can't get the sausage breakfast sandwich after 10:30am"... There was Lord Stanley's glorious triumph in Thunder Bay and the roars of Kehh-nee!! in Dauphin as we proved that you don't need a Cowboy hat to kick ass... although, we did get some cool hats at the end of the night! I'm wearing mine right now, BTW. Uhhh, wasn't that George Belanger waving at us through someones legs in Kenora? Maybe he was signaling for help or looking for an opener. I don't know... got any grapes?

I remember the WWF moments (in this cornerrrr, wearing the Pearl Drums t-shirt and practicing halftime paradiddles on the back of Jeff's seat... the Irish Assassin!!!!!!! Aaaannnd in this corner, representing the hopes and dreams of Eastern Canada... The Incredible... Jake the Cake!!!... ) in the aforementioned white van and I believe somebody is going to be wearing... the onion sombrero... all... day... long... senor...

Hey, wasn't Daryl telling a joke about how someone had changed and put on some weight... How did the end of that joke go again? Pete, help me out here and use your outside voice please... Oh, I thought you said goat...

There were old friends once again seen and new ones met that we will see again down the road, We have travelled what seems like 100,00 kilometers in planes, trains and automobiles. Well, no trains, but it sounded good... You that shower curtain ring feller?

Somehow, in late September, I find myself hosting a garage sale at my house on a gorgeous Vancouver Saturday afternoon. I look around to see my beautiful girlfriend Lizzy, cocktail in hand, explaining to a potential customer how, in her opinion, the iron she was selling was actually very good, however, it just didn't quite have enough steam for her... ok, are you finished smirking? (Actually, we spent most the weekend in bed watching TV and eating Chinese take away. It was my first weekend home in a few months.) It is at this moment I realize how lucky I am...

So, many thanks to everyone this summer. To all the men and women who put on the shows this year, crews, promoters, drivers and all the great bands we gigged with this summer and most importantly to you, our great fans. Thanks for being an integral part of our summer of '09. We are blessed and again, I really feel like one of the luckiest guys on the planet. We have our Streetheart Hits /Anthology CD out, the Witness Inc. is now out as well and finally in the hands of so many patient and loyal fans and Kenny's solo stuff will be available soon so watch for that. You know we will be doing more shows before the year is done so perhaps we'll see you before Christmas. I am looking forward to those cold, windy runs from van to lobby somewhere down the road soon. Not to mention the NHL regular season is starting this week. Sure am glad to be a Canucks fan. I like our chances this year (7-0-2 in the preseason BTW). Hey, you gotta admit, Gary Bettman would look pretty much at home in that evil wizard's hat...

Rock on... J. Oh yeah... almost forgot, cool photos by Gord LaMonica and David Trace. Cheers dudes.

Jeff Tuesday Aug.25/09

2009-08-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Hey...

A few moments to see how you're all doing out there. No twitters, tweets, chirps, barks or oinks, just good old fashioned blogging. Ahh, the good old days... hey, what the... that was only last month. Don't you just love how technology makes you feel so out of touch!

Well, summer is flying by and with sports radio talkin' Canucks here in Vancouver well, you know Christmas can't be that far off. Ok, I've still got tomatoes on the vines on my deck so let's not get ahead of ourselves too much here.

Uhh... I've been booking flights for upcoming gigs the last couple of days and generally catching up on business responsibilities and structuring some semblance of order in my office. It's still kinda early so, I am keeping myself occupied until our agent gets to work so I can begin harrassing him... again. Actually, we are lucky to have a direct line to our guy and that affords us the luxury of knowing and deciding what's going on, at least most of the time, with our lives as opposed to some cynical, bored secretary taking a message which will be passed along as soon as "he gets back from lunch". Yeah... heard that one enough . ( Hey c'mon, gettin' old over here.) Right, it's not as bad as, "If you know the extension of the person you are calling please enter that now". Uh-huh (saying with my best New York/Bronx accent) Yeah, I got your extension number, right here buddy.

Let's see... I'm taking my girlfriend to the PNE tomorrow to eat donuts, candy floss and fish and chips. She believes that it is our duty as loyal and true Vancouverites to go to the PNE every year and eat as much junk as we can and see if we survive. Are you kidding? Donuts, candy floss and fish and chips are all essential food groups right? I've been (literally) on the road most of my life and have basically lived on salt, sugar and grease. That's what keeps my hair so shiny (ok, that's actually A&G Wax). Hey, here's a big, on the road dining tip for you all. When you are far from home in a small town that you have never been to before, always order the clubhouse. Don't ask why, just do it and you'll thank me later when you're not puking. Here is a partial list of things not to order;

1) Caesar salad north of the 52nd parallel (right Daryl?)

2) Fish in any town where the main business is the oil industry

3) Don't ask for french fries in Montreal

4) Pass on any cheesecake served at a gas station restaurant

Other than that you're pretty good to go... just remember the clubhouse. Always a survivable choice. Ok, looks like I am approaching the 9:00am hour which means I can start making my calls and stuff. I'd better eat some breakfast as well since all I've had is 2 cups of coffee so far this morning. I have been using an especially good Italian Espresso blend lately which pretty much gets me so jagged that I'm usually grinding my teeth by now... So, I'm off to find food. Hmm... I wonder if that tuna casserole from last week is still good? Hey, just think of me as a gastronomic Evel Knievel sans the jumpsuit. Hopefully I'll survive breakfast and I'll be back to tell you all about it... bon (scott) appetit. J.

Jeff Wednesday Aug 12/09

2009-08-12T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yeah...

So, it has been a busy summer (as you can tell by my absence on the blog) and I just got back from 10 days in Winnipeg. We played Harbourfest in Kenora on Aug 01 and that was such a great night. 2,200 people rockin' the house and as our good friend Howard Mandshein from 92 CITI FM said, "The place was electric!". Yes, it was great and personally, I had a gas that night. It sounded big, the crowd was terrific as expected and it really was big time rock and roll fun. Thanks to David Blake and all his staff for putting on such an excellent event and we are looking forward to playing there again. Come on Dave, lets get that return gig back in Kenora before the year is out!! Oops... did I mention I forgot to give back the dressing room key? Sorry man, I get kinda sidetracked after the shows sometimes. Too much to do I guess (I mean, where the hell was the bottle opener!). It's ok, I gave the key to Kenny last week. He'll get it back to John soon... I hope... lol. One thing I do need to mention was, I wanted to apologize to everyone who waited for the meet and greet after the show. As you well know, we didn't show up and that was because the fire marshall decided to shut things down and therefore the M&G was nixed just as we were about to go out to the table. Sorry kids, the fire marshall is king at these events and we all are subject to their decisions even if they seem unfair at the time. Next time... We had breakfast on the lake with some of our friends the next morning and if you have never been in the Kenora area, this is where God goes fishing on his holidays. I may be biased being a Northern Ontario boy and all but really, this part of the world is amazing. Thanks Chris, Big Chris, Rose and Mel for the beautiful breakfast (I ate 14 pieces of bacon Pete...jealous?) and enjoyed one of my personal favorite things, a Sunday morning beer on the dock. What a great weekend...

Last week we played a couple of shows. One in Norway House MB and one in Gillam MB. Both events were first class and we have so many people to thank for the wonderful experiences and great memories to be added to our summer of '09. First of all, thanks to Glenn Ranville for doing such a great job putting together the shows. Everything was spot on. You rock Glenn, let's keep it goin'... To Mike, George and Maria in Gillam, thank you for your generousity and for making us feel so welcome (did I mention all the great food?). We'll never forget it. Also, to Anthony, Vernon and everyone in Norway House our deepest thanks for your kindness and help as well. Thanks to NCI radio and in particular Melissa Spence for giving us some air time and for your help promoting the shows. Finally to all the great people we met who sang their hearts out, you really touched us and again, these memories will stay with us a long time... Aren't we a lucky bunch? Plus, I got to eat free cashews on our private plane... Oh, did I forget to mention our PRIVATE PLANE? Yeah, yeah, just like Led Zepplin and the Stones. We're rockin' now... So, a little catchup on the life and high flying times of Streetheart, soaring swiftly through the skies in the middle of the night... eating free cashews. Perfect really.

Ok, so you are now sorta up to date. Oh yeah, one last thing. Kenny and I were doing some remixes and tweaks on his solo CD (with award winning engineer Howard Rissen) so that project has been re-energized again and I am looking forward to a release date hopefully before years end on. It is good to have the Witness Inc. Singles CD done and we've been getting some nice feedback and response from a lot of happy Witness Inc. fans. Thanks for your patience on that everyone. Yes, I am also working on getting Live After Dark out on CD somehow due to so many requests for it's re-release. Other than Meanwhile and Streetheart, LAD seems to be (at least according to our poll and email) our most popular CD. Funny how life unfolds for us sometimes... That's it kids, I'm out for now. See you soon.... J.

Jeff Tuesday July 07/09

2009-07-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-02T08:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-04-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Jeff Wednesday Apr. 01/09

2009-04-01T08:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

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.

Jeff Thursday Feb.26/09

2009-02-26T08:59:00.001-08:00

Hey there...

A few seconds before the business of life musters up it's full force and throws me against a brick wall. I mean that in a good way of course. I love being busy and having lots to do. Funnily enough, it brings my stress level down. I am kinda uncomfortable with nothing to do. What does it all mean? I never discussed that with my therapist as I was too busy with other pressing matters that somehow held much more importance at the time although, I can't remember any of them now. Guess they weren't that important after all... (thankful for that).

Ok, the Witness Inc. CD is almost ready for prime time. Through the kind co-operation of Universal Music we are finally going to get it released. My apologies to those who have waited so long for this. As soon as have all our legal ducks (I think I like the look of them Hef style bunnies better somehow) in a row we'll be good to go.

It snowed yesterday. Shit. Remember, I'm a golfer. You ever try and follow a white ball in the snow? It ain't easy baby... Ah well, there's always something else to do. Oh right, I do have a singer/songwriter that I am currently producing coming in from Calgary this weekend so I guess I'll be busy anyways. Perhaps next week if all goes well and I'm a good boy (wicked smile that you can't see).

I'm doing laundry today. Boy that's exciting huh? It's all gotta be done and I don't have a maid or butler so... Jeff's laundry service, back in business. It's ok, I'm also the gardener/landscaper so why not? Let's do it all. I mean, I have to be clean as it helps me to think more clearly. Seriously. That's sort of crazy I know, but that's me anyways. Too many years in hotels I guess. You just get used to things being done. Wake up, go have breakfast, come back to your room and voila! clean as if by magic! Yeah, well as it turns out the only magic is a mop and bucket so, let's get at it kids... Alright, that's it for today. Just some ramblings from the morning but I gotta get going here. Life's pretty good as it turns out. It's all way too much fun and I wouldn't trade my blessed life for anything at the moment. Peace my friends. Have a great weekend...J.

Jeff Thursday Feb.19/09

2009-02-19T06:47:00.001-08:00

Fore...

Yeah, I took a little break and played golf on Tuesday with one of my good friends and I gotta say that it was an amazing day. About 10 degrees but in the sunshine it felt much warmer. I am not sure how many other people in Canada, outside of the Lower Mainland, can say they golfed on February 17, 2009. It basically sums up why I have lived out here for the last 30 years (other than the 11 years that I lived in Australia and Europe between 1986-1997). I love all parts of Canada but when it comes to living year round give me Vancouver. BTW, it doesn't rain all the time... Yesterday I was able to work in the yard most of the afternoon digging up weeds and culling the lush overgrowth. I tell you, if you wanna stay in shape (which happens to come in handy in this Rock and Roll business), work out in your yard for a few hours everyday. I mean have you ever seen an out of shape landscaper? I love doing the work and so does my fabulous girlfriend (as in she loves me doing the work! remember, I'm supposed to be funny here). Don't misunderstand me, Liz is an extremely motivated and focused woman in her own line of work. It's really just about me not wanting her to do it since she does work so hard most days and she is such a gorgeous and delicate beauty that it seems, somehow, not quite right to me. I am kinda old school about these things and really, if I want her to be dirty and sweaty, well, that is something completely different... Ok, we're smiling at the double entendre now. The truth is we have a wonderful life together, I love her dearly and am inspired everyday by her kindness and her beautiful spirit. I am an extremely lucky man and not a day goes by that I don't appreciate all the good things I have. It would be such a shame to waste any of this amazing experience called living at this point in our lives. Personally I have already spent younger years worrying about many things that didn't turn out to be that important after all. Live and love fully today because today is all we have. I know I'm paraphrasing somebody although, I don't know exactly who that is at the moment. I guess that's just where I am at today. I have much to be thankful for between love, work and play and I just wanted to let you know that. Having recently gone through some tough times I cherish all that I have now and I wish you all that same happiness. You've given me a lifetime of great moments and memories that I never lose sight of and you are taking part in a journey that is far from over. So, what do you think, wanna see what's around the next corner? J. BTW, Jake...how was the Soo my friend?

Jeff Monday Feb.09/09

2009-02-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hey out there,

First, thanks for the positive feedback on the last posting. It was a tricky subject and a little awkward to discuss even after all this time. However, I am learning that honesty and truth, even when it ain't pretty, is important and somewhat cathartic. Ok, movin' on...

Monday morning , Vancouver beautiful sunny day, gonna be about 8 degrees, yeah, I know it's not summer but it does feel a little springy (is that a word?). I got out in the yard on the weekend and cleaned up some of the damage from the Christmas snow storms. A lot of broken limbs and branches to deal with but at least no more snow. Had a good week last week in regards to sorting out some Streetheart business and it is interesting that as long as you keep at it things have a way of getting done that is, as long as you have some semblance of respect incorporated in your personal delivery system. Time is a great teacher but then again so is getting your ass kicked. I know the second one real well.

I went and saw our bass player Jake play with the Rankins on the weekend. Jake has been doing that gig long before Streetheart and their February tour slots in nicely with the fact that we are fairly quiet this time of year. The Rankins were great. Real nice production and they were a little more Celtic than country which was appealing to me being a good Irish boy. Some lovely moments, very touching stuff and great singing. Nice to hear quality like that.

Went to my good friend Johnny Demarco's 50th birthday party. He's a great singer/ songwriter that I co-produced (with him) with last year. Check him out at www.johnnydemarco.net to hear some of that CD. He's a standup guy with an amazing and powerful story. Take a moment, it's worth it. Anyways, my girlfriend Liz and I went to his party on Saturday which was big fun, you see, he's an East Van/North Burnaby Italian so, too much good food, lots of homemade wine, kids, dogs and some of the best people you could meet. Of course being Irish we get along with the Italians, we got lots in common. You couldn't have a more loyal friend but don't piss us off. (we both have similar ways of getting things done that usually occur late at night) Remember, we never forget anything! So, lots of laughs but a nasty hangover. I think it was mixing Johnny Demarco's Italian homemade wine and Johnny Ferreira's Portugese wine or maybe it was that large glass of Bushmill's Irish whiskey I had when I got home...yikes. Thanks Mr and Mrs. Demarco for the wonderful food and great party. Nice to be a part of it all.

So needless to say Sunday Liz and I layed on the sofa recovering all day watching James Bond movies (the Sean Connery ones, Goldfinger, Thunderball and You Only Live Twice) in HD which we both love so that was a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday. Man, those Bond girls, (I'm talkin' Pussy Galore here) you just gotta love the 60's. I do get more of the double entendre jokes now than when I was 8 years old. Pretty fun stuff. It all seems so innocent now. Ok, I gotta get out of the house and do stuff. I mean, I got a life too! Peace out...J.

Jeff Thursday Jan.22/09

2009-01-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

A message to a friend out there...

I want to talk a bit about being bullied, feeling alone and how that can affect you. Seems when you are in the middle of it all you feel as though you are the only one who has ever been there and that you'll never get out alive. That sense of despair can be overwhelming. I remember it well. As a kid I was bullied severely after my family moved to a new town. I was so ashamed by it all that I never told my parents or my friends till much later in life. It was a daily agony, that sense of fear and it was so debilitating that my usual A+ grade point average plummeted to an all time low (that also was due to some terrible teachers as well at that time). I learned how to dummy down and avoid being noticed. I made some bad choices. Nobody liked a smart kid. Especially dumb ass bullies like the ones from my new school who hung around in small gangs and preyed on anyone who just happened to look wrong to them. When you're 11 or 12 and three guys a year or two older than you surround you (you see, these losers had already failed more than one year of school by that time) and tell you they're gonna kill you after school, well, you just believe them. You learn to run and hide from what seems like impossible odds and all the while you hate yourself for not standing up to them. This is the genesis of self loathing that can follow you into your adult life and hurts your adult choices if you're not careful.

For me I had music. It literally saved me. I was discovering my new talent and I practiced with a vengance born out of personal humiliation. Funnily enough, all my real friends at that time were a little older (fortunately, so too were the girls that hung around which ultimately, turned out to be real good thing, but that's another story...) and we were playing in bands together but they were all already in high school and lived a different life from 8:45am till 3:20pm. So there I was, in this weird temporary position of schoolyard prey by day and fledgling, junior rock star by night. It wasn't till a few years later and I finally got into high school myself that all the bullying stopped for me (not to mention the fact that I shot up to 6'2" over that summer. Funny how size matters.) The ones that hadn't quit school at 16 to work in the textile factory for $1.25 an hour went straight to the special bus and were never seen or heard from again. Those poor bastards. It wasn't till I became a bit older and figured out that "Shit Flows Downhill" theory. They were probably getting the crap beat out of them everynight at home and were taking it out on me during the day. It wasn't me. I was just a generic punching bag for their frustrations and anger. I hope they got some therapy along the way and got it together. Wait, that's a lie. The truth is I hope they're still making the minimum wage and are living a miserable life somewhere...(supposed to be funny).

What I am saying to you my friend, is that you are not alone here and you need to reach out and connect to the ones who love you now. Talk. Identify your passion and persue it faithfully. Give yourself a break. You can't figure this one out on your own. Everyone has obstacles to overcome in life and you can, with good and loving help, overcome any of your problems. Just don't try to do it alone. We need family and friends and don't worry, they will love you and support you through it all. It is worth the effort. Trust me on this...J.

Jeff Friday Jan.16/09

2009-01-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hey, what's up...

Thought I'd drop a quick post in before my business day starts and I either forget or simply run out of gas. It's been a good week so far with some new dates coming in for the summer and later on in the year. It looks like we're solid at the Tim Horton's Brier in Calgary on March the 13th so I am now working on some other dates to go along with that if I can with the help of course, of my trusty agent...hey, sounds kinda like a Bond flick "The Man With the Golden Guitar" or hmmm... how about "You Only Play Twice", no, that sounds like a gig on a cruise ship...ok, how about "Dr. Yes", no, I keep thinking Dr. Seuss. I'd use "Casino Royale With Cheese" but I think Quentin Tarantino (come on, hasn't everybody seen Pulp Fiction?...you know, "we're gonna get medieval on your ass"," Know what they call a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in France?") has a hold on that. Ouch. Yeah, yeah...uh, ok, how about..."Thunderballs" no, that's too blatantly pornographic and sounds like either a Mel Brooks movie or the new AC/DC album (gotta love AC/DC ) although, Ursula Andress looked pretty good to me even though I was only about 7 years old (yeah, I had that birds and bees thang pretty much figured out by then). I'm running out of movies... come on Mr. Broccoli help me out here, alright, lets go with "Diamonds Aren't Forever, They're Just Expensive". Somehow that seems to work for me. Lol.

Ok I've run that completely into the ground now.

Well kids, it's that time to get on to the phone and answer your email (singing...letters,we get letters...). I hope you all have a great weekend. We are, apparently, going to see some sun and warmer weather out here on the Westcoast this weekend which will be welcomed by me and every other moss covered denizen hiding out in their $600,000.00 2 bedroom condos. I tell ya, if it gets over 8 degrees I'm going golfing. Betcha wish you were out here, eh Jake? LMAO. et tu Brutal? Wow, this is a kickass cup of coffee...

Jeff Friday Jan.09/09

2009-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hey out there,

OK, catching up on the New Year and I have been answering your emails all morning while continuing to do battle with this evil cold virus that I have. We did have a couple of great shows last weekend in Red Deer (thanks for breakfast Larry) and the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary plus a terrific New Years Eve show in Regina at the Casino there which is always a blast. Great staff (thanks Karen) and kudos to Edgar and all the boys for a production job well done as usual. Hey Edgar hope your eye is feeling better and that your health gets back to normal real soon (ps, thanks for the spare Strat!).

Yeah...the new Hits/Anthology CD is doing great and it's nice to finally have a good package of all the best Streetheart material for our fantastic fans. Bless you all for your patience and sorry it took so long but hey, I got stuff goin' on! To all those patient Witness fans my apologies on the delay of the Witness CD but it is a business protocol issue at the moment and that needs to be dealt with appropriately and respectfully so, I'll keep you posted but again, my apologies. If I could, I would hand deliver one to each of you and in a utopian state that would be the case but, this is reality so...hang in there kids.

Moving on now...I promised some of you this past weekend (don't worry, I remember you!) that I would keep up with the blog so I am here on that promise even though, I am currently sick, swamped with Streetheart biz and have been up since 6:30am (am I bitchin'?) trying to catch up. I have no idea when I am going to be working on the songwriter part of life which is what I do for a living, allegedly. lol. Actually I am starting on a new project that I am pretty excited about that requires my producing experience (basically that just means being bossy... which apparently comes quite naturally (again, supposed to be funny); see Aries profile) so, I'll just find time and make it all happen. Just glad I don't have a Jack Russel Terrier (or twins...). Happy to see the rain back in Vancouver again as sometimes that snow thang and Vancouver drivers (not all of you, just that guy in the other lane) create a dangerous mix. Not me however, being a good Northern Ontario boy and all. I mean, we had snow 6 months of the year when I was a kid and we used to have to walk 5 miles to school, carrying a 78 pound sack, uphill, with no shoes, in a blizzard... OK, a little exaggerated yes, but I'm currently having a hypo-glycemic dip and need some food so, that's it for now and we'll see you next time for another exciting and lurid episode of "Who Wants to Be A Rockstar Anyway?" LMAO.

Peace Out,

Jeff Sunday Dec.14/08

2008-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hey out there...Yes, it's been a while but it's not like I haven't had anything to do...The Greatest Hits/Anthology CD is finally done and I am now working on some retail distribution solutions for those of you who can't get out to a show and get a copy or don't have access to online purchasing. That is going to take some time but hopefully it'll be sooner than later. The disc has been very well received so far and we thank you all for that. We are very proud of what we've accomplished with this and it is the set we've always wanted for our fans. You're the best and we've tried to give a bit of that love back with this collection. You have all given us an amazing ride and it's been a lot longer than I would have ever thought possible! 2009 is right around the corner and things look really great (read busy) for the New Year already. I anticipate lots of travel and even more shows than ever for us in the coming year especially this summer. All the boys are in good spirits and I am grateful to continue to work with such a good bunch of blokes. This rock and roll thang is still pretty cool and personally I give thanks everyday for my good fortune. Of course, there are those overwhelming days but hey, everybody got stuff goin' on...that's life I guess. All in all I know I am a very lucky man.

Christmas has kinda snuck up on me and I find myself more stressed than usual with life and it's responsibilities and I am working hard to find some Christmas spirit. Not that I am whining here, it's just that I wish I could shut things down inside my own head for a while and truly feel relaxed inside of myself...hang on, I gotta grab the phone. It's my lawyer...(no, I'm not in trouble I am just asking some business questions that I need to understand by tomorrow morning).

Hey, I played golf last week and that was a very cool thing to do this time of year. The upside of living on the West Coast I guess. I wonder if anybody was a Wreck Beach?(that's Vancouver's notoriously famous nude beach BTW, supposed to be funny) Anyways, just a few lines to say I am alive and well and I when I look back on the past year I am grateful for it all. Bless all of you, peace, love and understanding and I promise we'll be out there bustin' it every show in 2009...oops, that's the phone again. J.

Jeff Tuesday Sept.09/08

2008-09-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hey, What's Up?

Yeah, it's been a while since I have had the luxury of time for anything other than work lately and it seems that I am always trying to catch up and take care of 1000 various things. I need an assistant...

Hope you all had a great summer. We were very fortunate this year to do a lot of very cool shows and I can't think of one flat night for the band. Thank you everybody who came out and supported us over the last few months and a big ass shout out to all the promoters and the production crews for their hard work as well. We did an awful lot of travelling from coast to coast and all points in between...sounds like a ZZ Top song (I think it's Jesus Just Left Chicago...).

The new Streetheart Greatest Hits/Anthology CD is done. We will now wait for the first copies to be pressed and shipped. It has been a long process but it will be worth it. It looks great and the material is of course great. That's because a lot of it was chosen by you through your requests and through your poll selections. Thanks for your help on that! Now that's done I'll take on the next order of business which is, wash my dirty gig laundry (kidding) update the website a bit and finish Kenny's long overdue solo CD (crossing fingers now). Just so you know, Kenny has put together a very cool Witness Inc. compilation that is available at all of our shows now so, if you remember and were a fan of Witness Inc. and would like to own a copy of all their songs (singles and B/sides) in one nice CD set, this is it.

For my golf buddies out there... I haven't played golf in 4 months! (so much for getting down to scratch this year. I secretly want to play Tom Cochrane for money you know...lol) which is a drag but it says how busy it has been for the band which is good...sort of. I'd better start practicing again.

FYI, I am hoping to record and shoot some live shows as well this year or early next year since a lot of you have been asking about the possibility of a live DVD. It is a good idea. We have some opportunities to film coming up so we'll see how that works out.

BTW, if you are interested, I submitted a music spot for the CBC Hockey Anthem Challenge if you wanna check it out. Just go to CBC Anthem Challenge and Type in my name in the search engine. I just felt I should at least put something in. It's kinda like buying a lottery ticket however. You don't really have a hope in hell but I guess that's better than no chance at all. I have heard some good spots up there but who knows what they'll choose. Anyways, if you have some time...OK you kids, I gotta go and work in my basement a bit if I am ever going to get that recording studio built. Bless you all and say a prayer for me to find time to get out on the links...haha. Later.J.

Jeff Tuesday July 22/08

2008-07-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a weekend. Thursday morning, up at 6:30am, get on a plane, fly to Calgary, get in a rental van, drive to Red Deer, play a fabulous show to wonderful fans, talk to a whole bunch of people, sleep for a few minutes, get up again at 6:30 am , drive to Calgary, drop off van, get on a plane, fly to Castlegar, rent two more Suv's, drive through the mountains to Nakusp, play another killer show to another great crowd on Friday night, see my cousins for a minute (love you all so much!!!), have a drink and a chin wag with our friends Willi Jahnke, Michele Williams and Susan Mackie from the Nakusp Music Fest (what a first class event they put on!), go back to the hotel, sleep for a few more seconds, get up at 7:00am (yee-haw, sleeping in!) drive back to Castlegar, drop off Suv's, fly back to Calgary, pick up van again, check into hotel, make all the arrangements for a very special surprise show for our friends Russ and Delaine Fisher (bless you both for the most wonderful and touching evening. Your family and friends are very special people and thank you for sharing your celebration of life with us!). Rock Russ and Delaine's place and hang out with everybody till late, drive back to the hotel, run into our friends the Headpins at the hotel and talk trash for a bit and finally crash out early in the morning, get up, have some breakfast at the local truckstop, pack up the van, drive back to the airport and fly home in time to meet the Sunday rush hour traffic in Vancouver and almost get crushed by a Smithrite truck, and finally, stumble in to my house around 6:00pm Sunday night a battered but a better man for all that I experienced over the weekend. Thanks to everybody and to all the techs and crews (Geoff, Jeff, Two Dogs, Brandon and the rest of you hard working bro's) for making this past weekend so wonderfully crazy!!!!! It was so cool to see you all again, the band had a fantastic time, we played great and were inspired every night as usual. God, we are a lucky bunch...J.

Jeff Friday July 11/08

2008-07-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hey Electroman...the Greatest Hits/Anthology CD will be out by the end of the month. We are nearly done and are now into the actual production of the the discs as well as finalizing all the artwork. Kenny is also releasing a Witness Inc. compilation which I believe is basically ready and we'll finish his solo CD off right after our busy summer schedule slows down a bit. We are off to Lethbridge tomorrow to do a show with Honeymoon Suite and I just finished negotiations for the 31st of July in St. John's NFLD at the George Street Festival which will be huge fun. Glad I'm not walking (that was supposed to be funny. You see, I live in Vancouver and, uh...never mind). I just finished a radio interview for Lethbridge which explains why I am up this early so I'd better go make some coffee now and get to work before I fly out tomorrow. Hope you all have a great weekend ... J.

Jeff Wednesday July 09/08

2008-07-09T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hey, what's up...just a few ticks of the keyboard between business calls to say hi and get you up to date. We played in Peterborough two weeks ago and had a fantastic show. It was so well run and the people made us feel very welcome and it didn't even thunderstorm as predicted. I don't remember Peterborough being so nice but hats off to the city coucil for re-invigorating the city. Very nice...oh yeah, Saskatoon at the Dakota Dunes was also fab and the staff was again terrific and hats off to Bob and all the boys doing the production there. Job well done. Of course the band was smokin' as per usual and Kenny is really starting to get good at this singing thing. I think he could make a career out of this if he wanted...lol. The weather is beautiful here on the West Coast finally and the ridiculously high cost of living out here even makes some sense when it is this nice. So yeah, just looking at a few more shows for the end of the month on the East coast that are close to being a done deal. I'll keep you posted on that. We don't get back East enough so we are looking forward to that coming together. Wonderfully generous and kind people back there. We are off to LA this week...(that's Lethbridge, Alberta) to do a show with our friends Honeymoon Suite who we haven't seen for a while and that should be a real good show for you kids in the neighbourhood. OK, that's it for now, I gotta do some biz but I'll be back, I promise...fire up your barbeques!!!!!!!!! L8r, J.

Jeff Thursday June 26/08

2008-06-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note and check in as I am getting ready to fly to Ontario to do some shows back east this weekend. I've been working on liner notes/credits and practicing this week. You know, I am apparently in the business of being really good so, I have to work at that all the time... lol. It does not come as naturally to me as it does to some other players that I know so practice, practice for Jeff! Other than getting ready for the weekend, all is good and basically normal today, slightly stressful but all in all manageable. Have a great weekend y'all and I'll talk to you when I get back...J.

Jeff Monday June 23/08

2008-06-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

OK, Let me tell you out there that life has been very busy lately as in the last few months with the new Greatest Hits/Anthology CD, which is pretty much done and just needs to be pushed over the finish line now. It is a long and patient procedure which I won't bore you with details but between that and setting up our summer touring schedule there has been little time for extra things like keeping up on the blog because to be honest with you after working the phones all day and doing the business I sometimes look for an end to the day and sometimes things get let go. I have a lot on my plate everyday as so many of you do, so I know you appreciate the burn factor. Alright... enough of that. I am just making a quick entry to let you know I am out here as I have been getting grief from some of you...lol...about not blogging. You know I am a golf fanatic and I haven't even picked up my clubs for over a month...so you KNOW that I'm busy. I'll try to keep up a bit better now that some of my bigger projects are getting completed and the summer schedule and all that related biz is getting finalized. I always enjoy your comments and interest plus I consider you all important friends so keep at me! It is good that you are out there and I'm grateful for that. Anyways, hope you are enjoying the summer so far and again, sorry for the big gap in time but know that the band is in good spirits, we are very busy and playing killer so get out to a show and see us and if you have a moment please say HELLO!!!!!! L8r...J.

Jeff Good Friday Mar.21/08

2008-03-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Isn't today the first day of spring?I'm looking at my calendar and it says that was yesterday but, I did pay half price for it so, who knows...lol.I know it's Good Friday and Easter is on Sunday so Happy Easter to you. I don't want to get into a religious thang here but when we were growing up the religious aspect of Easter was always something that we impatiently respected while most of our focus was on chocolate rabbits or chickens...do they still make chocolate chickens? That was always kinda freaky to me. How did the chicken become an Easter icon? What role did the chicken play? As a matter of fact how in the heck did we get to eating chocolate animals as a way to celebrate a story of death and resurrection? I think I missed something along the way. Perhaps I shoulda listened a bit more in Sunday school. Again, I'm trying to be funny here and not trying to offend anyone although some of those who represent our spiritual freedoms and beliefs have done some pretty offensive stuff for people who call themselves men/women of faith and goodness. Talk about having faith, try playing and making a living in a rock band! That requires a leap of faith that would make Evel Knievel check his tire pressure. lol. Truthfully, I can't complain and anybody who knows me knows that I am good and grateful for everything in my life.

Speaking of gratitude, a couple of shouts...We played in Winnipeg last Friday as part of the Brier National Tournament at the Convention Centre and I gotta say it was great and of course a complete sell-out at 5,500 people with another 2,000 or so turned away. Thanks to Roger Powell and his staff for a great job and making everything run smoothly for us and to the guys at All Star Productions, thank you all. Nice job boys. We (Streetheart) look forward to working together with all of you again soon. I thought that Kenny was great on the night. He sang particularly well and I thought the whole band was tight and strong. Gotta thank Daryl for the pre-gig huddle and getting our game focus clear. We do have the best fans. It makes things so easy when everyone is so supportive and willing to have a good time with us. It makes each gig special and when it's all said and done I'll have these great memories to look back on. Thanks for letting this slab of meat have such an amazing life experience...

Thanks to Kevin Ferris for finding a typo on our website. It was small but he found it buried deep in the discography. Hey Kev, don't you sleep? haha. Thanks for the heads up. Gotta be right with the facts ya know. I think I just got some numbers mixed up along the way because I talked to Daryl and he gave me the correct info so... it's all fixed now!!!!

I want to thank you all (SXFD42, Miss Barb, Electroman and the rest of you) for the the input so far on our Greatest hits CD and things are moving along steadily but without the record label machine it is tougher pushing this thing forward although less stressful in some aspects. I appreciate your candor and wishes in regards to songs and most of you are spot on and thinking the same as we are already. HEY GINA!!! it was so nice to hear from you again. I never had a chance to thank you for the wonderful photos you sent to me 2 springs ago. I was moving at that time and had your return address (yeah,yeah) but have looked high and low for it without success. Please send me a return address to our web address so I can thank you personally for your great photos. I hope all is well with you and your family and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Loudmouth, good song choices and yes, I want to see a bit of everything on this Cd as well. We'll do our best bro'. Looking forward to going down east this summer and I am hoping to put some more shows together and touch base with more of our longtime fans out there. Ok Keith, do you remember Virginia Ovals? tic, tic,tic...To the rest of you out there Virginia Ovals was not the girl of our dreams (for me that was Lenora Kroeker), it is what we used to refer to the flattened out, hidden in your back pocket, cigarettes as...you know, the cigarettes and girls thing (reference my bio here).I think they were probably MacDonald's Menthol or Rothman's...this is making me laugh out loud again. What a time we had as kids!

Well, it's after 9:00am now and I have to tackle some business if everybody isn't too busy eating them chocolate farm animals...ok, where are those bunny ears...lol. J.

Jeff Tuesday Mar.04/08

2008-03-04T07:50:00.000-08:00

Hey out there,

Thought that I would get up a little early before the rush of the business day starts and write a bit.I have finally knocked down the licensing rights for our old material for our Greatest Hits CD so now we are truly in business.Now it's just about graphics,artwork and content.If you have any ideas about what you'd like to see or read about let me know.Your input is important to me and is part of my creative process so if are so inclined I am currently accepting all ideas but hurry kids,this is a limited time offer and will not be repeated...

I'd like to address some of the comments from the last post.Thanks to you who took some time.It is always great to know you are there.It doesn't have to be much,a hello is good but anyways... Rob,hey it's been a long time!Thanks for the inspiring words and I hope all is good in your life.You never know sometimes if your thoughts and /or ideas are connecting with anyone or even making any sense so to have you say the things you did makes me realize once again, how important our actions and words are.You can't just say things with impunity.All things matter and I try to(as I am reminded constantly that what we do has cause and effect)conduct myself as though everything has consequences...within reason here of course.I don't mull over whether having chicken salad for lunch will affect the universal balance.Common sense is always the guide... but Rob,I appreciate what you have said and yes it is great to still be making music with Kenny and doing great shows that still pack considerable punch.Not bad for a band that has been together for 30 years...wow, thats a long time.I hope we get to hook up again in the near future Rob.All the best.

Yeah,E...why doesn't Streetheart want to record a new album.Just so we are clear.I want to record another Streetheart album and I'd start tomorrow if we could.You have to understand here that it isn't that easy getting all sides together and then managing successfully everyone's agenda's.You have 5 grown up(within reason)men who have pretty much formed their own perspective and outlook on life and that needs to be respected.I didn't say agree with, I said respected. I think that is the key factor here.We've all grown up differently so in order for this to work we would need to find a connecting thread.In the early days that thread was easier to find.Passion for music,the desire to be great,money,girls,cars,sex...younger men's overt dreams. OK,so I've never really grown up but that's besides the point...lol.The point here is that the only way we'll be able to record another Streetheart album/CD or whatever you want to call it,is when everybody wants to be in the same room with each other because the music matters enough to appreciate what each guy does and even what he represents to our own personal history and that the sum total, upside and downside, is accepted and respected.I truly hope we get there soon.By asking you are doing your part here E. It is something I want as much as you do.

Speaking of personal history,I want to talk about and directly to an old friend.You have probably read my bio,if you're reading this,and many of you ask me about that girls and cigarettes thang...When I was very young,around 11 years old, I met another kid named Keith Murch.He was 2 years older than me which made him extremely cool and worldly to start with but most importantly Keith played guitar.I'm not talking about some kid chopping out bad versions of Gloria here I am talking about a real player at 13.I was so impressed because he was better than me by a long shot.You see, Keith came from a family of great guitarists.His Dad, Doug was a highly respected jazz guitarist and was even a close friends with Chet Atkins!(I remember the photos) and his older brother Glen(was that Glen or Glenn?Sorry Keith,time you know. lol) was playing in a rock band(The Four of Us) that was actually doing gigs and from my impressionable, adolescent perspective were already famous! This story is long as is my memory and too much to tell all of today but very briefly Keith was that friend/that rock buddy who influenced the foundations of my musical life.We were John and Paul.Because of his skill I learned early to expect the best of myself and everyone(sometimes to their untimely musical demise) I played with.That friendship,as it turns out, is one of the most important cornerstones that I have built my career on.When I went to Keith's website and saw him again and photos of his family,playing music and living life well,I hope you all have people in your memories that make you feel like I feel about my friend.Keith,I could still pick you out of a crowd and when I saw that old photo of you and Glen...Wow that is like yesterday for me... and wasn't that a Harmony Rocket you were playing?As I said, there is too much to tell about this part of my life in one sitting, so more stories to unfold for you at a later time if you'd like and besides, I hear my train a comin' and it sounds like my agent...Peace out there. J.

Jeff Sunday Feb.24/08

2008-02-24T09:14:00.001-08:00

Happy Sunday out there,

I just got off the phone after my usual Sunday morning call back to Ontario to my folks which at this point in life I am so grateful for since many of my friends have lost a parent or both and they don't have that simple luxury.My Mom and Dad are in good health in general and I am grateful for that.I am thankful that I have a good relationship with them.Love your parents and TELL THEM you love them before it's too late because one day you won't have that option and I have seen too many of my friends with this heap of unresolved issues that just seems to add extra and unnecessary weight to their lives.As a matter of fact let everybody that you know or care about that they matter to you.Don't hold back,especially when it's good.Throw it out there as much as you can and I guarantee you will live a happier,more serene life.I have learned to appreciate all that I have much more now and I enjoy all the moments as they happen.It's why I am always having fun at our shows.I know that it doesn't last forever but being in the moment and really taking in what is happening creates this long lasting memory.In the end that is what we are left with so make it good.Listen to people and learn.Listen to the ones who are sorry, who wish they would have"done things differently"...life is a one way street moving forward for us all and there is no redo so get it as close as you can as it flies by my friends.I hope that many years from now I will look back on this forthcoming year and remember the great times I had doing what I loved and how blessed my life has been.That is why when you see me this year I will be playing and living my life to the absolute fullest and jamming in as much experience and living as I can into each minute.It is why I am always so happy to see all of you everytime. There is so much turmoil out there and I want to be one of the people who does their bit to alleviate some of that accumulated stress in the world.I watch the news and it all seems dire to the point of terror but in fact we need to arm ourselves with the truth,get a grasp on our own reality and go about the business of contributing to our world fearlessly,without an agenda other than to bring,as the great Bob Marley said,positive vibrations.OK,we're allowed be grumpy too from time to time,just don't hold others to blame during that temporary unhappiness.

Yeah,let's answer some of your questions.Miss Barb you were wondering how bands promote themselves nowadays?I assume you are talking about bands that have been established here so...They do what we do which is tour and they find ways to actually connect with their fans so they get a true perspective of where they are at.You build and grow relationships within your industry, you acknowledge all contributions and surround your business with integrity and excellence.There is no way to" insure" that your music is heard on the radio but you can always improve your chances by showing respect and appreciation for the many people that you meet and ultimately need in order to get that radio exposure and reconnect with the true fans and as you say,hopefully reach some new ones along the way.

Walt was asking about managing in todays world.That is a very good question and there is a lot of dialog here but I'll touch on it a bit.We basically take care of ourselves and like most people have always had that ability but when we were younger couldn't be bothered...is this sounding like the familiar path of youth?Well,after years of allowing people and situations to get the better of me I,for once and for all said f**k it,I can do a better job than these criminals as long as I don't fear the work which I don't,I have a vision,am very motivated and I've had enough of other peoples bulls**t ideas of how to do things which never seem to work out other than as some late night booze fueled ranting.You gotta be there at 7:45am Monday morning bro'.My negative experiences always show me clearly what NOT to do.I also have certain people that inspire and motivate me.The ones I love of course and the men and women in my industry that I respect and consult with.I also draw from our fans.They always have the clearest knowledge of what they want and would like.Know this,I need you to say whatever you want to me be it good or bad anytime as I welcome it all.So,never stop helping me out here.I'm always open.This is too involved for just one post so more at another time...

Hey,Thanks Mariha to you and your Mom for the photos again.I hope to post some on our site when I get together with my web guy in March(he's in Winnipeg).

Finally,hi Spunky!Thank you for the inspiring words.I am glad that we can make your day better when you need it.I know how life can be.You are not alone.We all got stuff and I play the music I love when I need to get to a better place.I'm honored that we can be that remedy for you.I look forward to seeing you and your daughter in Red Deer in July and yes it is nice to be able to play family venues from time to time.We get lots of kids out at our shows when we do and they always have a great time and I love their energy and enthusism for life.Makes you feel like you'll live forever,sorta like this post...Thats it kids.I'm going for breakfast.Have a great week and we'll talk later...J.

Jeff Sunday Feb.17/08

2008-02-17T10:48:00.000-08:00

Yeah...

Wow,what a weekend.For those of you at the Regina show,thanks for coming out and rockin' the house.We had a great time although there were a few technical glitches before the show but thanks to some amazing people(that would be you Edgar for bringing in the Marshall amp,you saved the day bro')we got things happening and had a terrific night in spite of it all. Mariha,you can thank your Mom for getting the DWD shirt signed.It is always a pleasure to do that stuff for you as you and your Mom(hey Nora)have always been such great and loyal fans and I look forward to seeing the photos from the show.

A couple of you were wondering where Blair is.He has accepted a full time job with a major architechtural firm in Winnipeg involved in constructing the new Winnipeg airport terminal (Blair is a very gifted and multi-talented artist BTW) and has been busy with that so we have brought in our friend and monster bass player Bruce"Jake" Jacobs to sit in the bass chair for the current time.Bruce is a total pro and one of the most in demand players in Winnipeg so we are fortunate indeed to have someone of his calibre step in and be doing such a great job because as most of you know,the bass playing part of Streetheart has always been extremely important and note intensive with the bar set to a very high standard.

Oh yeah,Kerryy I believe "the cocoa wheel" that Ace Frehley was refering to in his version of DWD was cocoa as in cocaine and believe me that can be a damn nasty wheel to be turning or get caught up in.Please refer to my last blog on this... Yes,Electroman,I agree that if you MUST have a vice then girls are a pretty good and generally survivable choice(I said generally).I know a little about this habit...lol.Walt,glad you had fun at the show.I'll be working on the Greatest Hits CD this week. The labels have been pretty relaxed about it all from my perspective but I am,of course as you well know,impatient...or is that I just need a little breakfast?Now that's a good idea!See you later...J.

Jeff Thursday Feb.14/08

2008-02-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day(Hey guys,don't forget your sweethearts or you'll pay dearly!lol)

I have been following this Roger Clemens/steroid,performance enhancement drug story a bit that pretty much involves many more people than the story even tells.Gee..do you think The Rocket took steroids?...uhh,he does look kinda bigger(maybe he's a shape shifter) and he has been hangin' out with that Barry Bonds guy a little more lately.Anyways,what a bunch of crap. Of course they're on drugs.I mean,come on... how arrogant of those atheletes to think that it doesn't obviously show...what?do you think we just fell off the turnip truck?

Anyways,it got me to thinking,in an offbeat kinda way...what if they did retroactive mandatory drug testing in rock and roll,maybe a commitee headed by say...Keith Richards?Now THAT'S funny.Imagine if they took away all the gold and platinum records and Hall of Fame eligibiliy, Grammies,etc. if you were on drugs during the time you made those records?That hall would be a dark,empty place except for maybe...The Osmonds(no,I take that back.I'm sure they were whacked on some family doctor endorsed diet pills or something...lol.).Why doesn't the sports industry just accept the rock and roll philosophy.It's your body and your life.If you choose to abuse yourself with booze and drugs in excess go right ahead,just as long as you can make the gig!I,of course,have my tongue firmly planted in my cheek here.Excess doesn't work kids.I've seen the down side and it's final sad destination.The truth is,there are probably less drugs in rock(if you're over 25)than in sports today.We're just not hypocritical enough to be falsely outraged(they did what!!!)when we find out our heroes were totally fried whilst creating their musical masterpieces to the point,in some cases,with little or no memory left of the event.I, however,remember every single thing that I have ever done...which in itself isn't always good. There are some things/people I'd pay big money to forget!...lol.Anyways,just some bent thoughts acting as light relief for today.It just seems to be an inordinate amount of taxpayers money spent covering a story about a few jacked up arrogant,multi-billion dollar baseball players who just happen to be cheaters and liars and worst of all think we don't see.Money doesn't make you smart.Oh yeah,just so know,I'll be having a shot of scotch before the show tomorrow and most likely 1 or 2 beers during the performance,which I am sure will be less than anybody else in the audience... lol.See you soon and HEY!,don't drink and drive ok?Later...J.

Jeff later Monday Feb.11/08

2008-02-11T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Mr.Plaza Suite...

Yeah,I knew about that cover.Those guys must owe me some money...lol.BTW,I have never even heard that version.Is it on a site somewhere to hear I wonder?I'm going looking...let me know if you find it as well.OK,we'll try and find a spot for an album track or two at the Winnipeg show. We got a lotta hits we have to play you know...it's over now...it's over now...J.

Jeff Monday Feb.11/08

2008-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

OK... It's Q&A Time,

First of all,thanks everybody for logging on.I am pleased to get your feedback and will always try to make time to address all of your questions.Kevin was asking how did Streetheart hear about me in regards to replacing John Hannah.Well,Kevin,I already knew the guys well enough and usually everytime I saw them I was asking when John was leaving the band and when do I start...(that was supposed to be funny)...Some of you may know this already but Herb Ego was my brother in law at that time(that's now ancient history BTW)so we used to see each other quite a bit at family gatherings,etc and we always talked shop. Herb knew that I was happening and John was slowly being dragged down by life and stuff so when he got too sick to play anymore I was ready to go but still had to negotiate the audition part of it all as the band and the record company had their own ideas about replacements but you know,I just fit in especially after I killed all the other guitarists waiting to audition.(Once again,trying to be funny).Seriously,I knew some of the other guys trying out and they were all very talented so I am grateful to have been the nod for the job.They made the right choice as it turns out...here we are! Anyways Kevin,a little Coles notelike but fairly accurate in the information.Next time I see you I'll fill in any other blanks for you ok?Thanks Kimba for the condolences,yes it was a great show in Calgary,but Calgary is ALWAYS fun.Great to hear from you too Miss Barb,we hope to get to your part of the world soon and Mariha,we'll see you in Regina I am guessing and finally electroman,I don't think we'll be in Gerald this year as the April Wino's will be headlining that but I hope you have a good time nonetheless.I am sure Myles and the boys will be great. So,that's it for now,I'm digging the new iMac.It's so much easier and faster to keep up with all of you.Stay cool and we'll see you soon.J.

Jeff Friday Feb.08/08

2008-02-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Hey out there,

Friday 1:00pm and I am waiting at home for my tech to show up and fix a few computer issues that I can't deal with myself.Hopefully by the end of today everything will be sorted out and I can get back at what I am supposed to be doing other than waiting...boring.Hope you are good out there.I am still dragging my ass a bit with this virus.It seems to want to hang around and make the whole month of February a sick and dreary memory.However,too much to do to complain.I need to get started with reno's in my basement soon as I am building a recording studio there.I'm building a place to work out of that is in my home you know,efficiency and all that...Things are pretty quiet in the Streetheart world today.I have just been tying up a few loose ends for our Regina show on the 15th. of Feb.and waiting to hear back from EMI in regards to business with our back catalogue/Greatest Hits CD but it seems that perhaps some of those at EMI must be on holidays or something like that. Nobody is in a hurry to do anything today so I'll give in to it all and relax a bit...Have a good weekend kids and I'll get back to you soon,there's my tech at the door now,gotta go...J.

Jeff Monday Feb.04/08

2008-02-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Good morning everybody...I have been so sick this week with the flu.I guess it was all that travelling and flying.You know how it is on planes,you end up breathing the same air as that sick,hacking person in 12B and voila...a week of sweat,fever and 3 boxes of tissues.Well today is about as good as I have felt for a week so I am grateful to be alive...lol.We did have a couple of fantastic shows last week in Alberta so,a nice start to the year.As you can see by our tour sched we are not super busy this time of the year(only refering to playing of course he says with a huge to do list in front of his face!) but we do have some cool(is that a reference to curling?) events in Regina and Wpg. coming up,if you happen to be in the area that is...watch the tour page on our site for updates as they happen. I've been doing legal stuff for the Greatest Hits record which is moving along well enough albeit a little too slow for me personally but that is how life works sometimes.A little grace in the face of frustration goes a long way when learning how to manage those subtle complexities of ours lives...blah,blah,blah.Anyways it's all good at present,hope you are well out there and thanks for connecting with us here and on our website.We are lucky to have you on board as always... So,sit back,relax and we hope you enjoy the flight.I have to go get the drink cart ready and get a surgical mask for that guy in 12B...J.

Jeff Friday Feb.01/08

2008-02-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Thought that I'd test my new iMac today as the old G3 just made things too hard(read frustrating) to keep up with regarding the blog and access the more contemporary and cool things out on the web.How quickly technology moves.Kind of like life!So,I am just doing a little test to see if anyone is still out there and is interested enough to respond.I have so much to do with the band on a daily basis now that I rarely get time,check that, make time for this lately so let me know if it matters to you.I have had a few of you at the website wondering what has been up.I am ok ,just very busy right now with the Streetheart Greatest hits ,Kenny's CD and of course booking shows for this year.What,you say,no social life?So far things all is looking good and I anticipate a great year ahead for us.Let me know what's up with you...I love this iMac,which along with the Mac Pro makes this my 7th. or 8th. Mac I think since the 80's.I appreciate the connectivity and mass popularity of PC's but this is one sexy computer.Just what a guy like me needs...see you later.Nice to be back.J.

Jeff Thursday Oct.11/07

2007-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Well...better let you all in in what's up with life a bit...We are taking a little break from the Rock&Roll action for the month of October to do a few things other than playing.Some of us are off on overseas holidays,some of us are staying home and me,well,I am off to Ontario to see my Mom and Dad for a few weeks.You know how that works...eat some of Mom's good food,do a few projects around the house with my Dad,play a round or two of golf to get out of the house and sleep in my old room...sort of...actually it was my sisters room but my actual old room is now for my Dad and his writing so I am now down the hall a bit.The same but kinda different.blah,blah...Whatever,I am looking forward to it although it's a little tricky keeping up with the Streetheart business stuff and the website when I am away from my personal computer and have to use the local library facility.You see,my folks don't have or have need of a home computer as they come from that generation where their version of an email was walking out the back door and yelling...JEFF!!!!! DINNER!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!! Ironically enough there was no spam to worry about back then other than if you friends Mom served it for lunch. Eeeeaaahhhhh.I was never that big on meat that you didn't need teeth for.Does anybody eat Spam anymore?I'll bet it's not that horrible.But don't ask me.I've been on the road most of my life and there were times(not so much anymore thankfully)when Spam was probably a healthier choice then what we were actually eating.(I think it might have originally been a form of road kill)But we were young and our constitutions were stronger and more tolerant then.If I think about some of the places I've stayed and slept and survived through... jeez...Lucky to be alive!!!!!! Grateful for it all.
So, I'll be spending the weekend getting ready to get out of here then I'm off to the to the great well-known of home.I'm keeping my fingers crossed for good weather as it can be quite beautiful in Northern Ontario at this time of year with all the leaves turning.It can also be shitty,wet and very cold,let's face it,so...hoping for the former!I will try to keep you all posted on my journey as best as I can.The library computer police(read as somebodys Mom with a part time job)there are ruthless! lol.
As you can see on our website(which just went over 10,000 hits BTW,thanks everyone) we have a few dates coming up in November and I don't think we're done yet. Surprisingly enough,the offers keep coming through so as long as they make sense we'll be out there doing shows throughout the winter.I hope to see you somewhere during the course of the season.Kenny and I will also be recording during November and December in Vancouver to finish his CD after being away from that all summer.I am certainly looking forward to getting it done for you all as I am very excited about what we have so far.Kenny is a very special,amazing man and singer(they already know that Jeff,duh) and I know you're going to love what he's doing so it can't be done and released soon enough for me...well,on that note I'll leave you for now but remember kids,I am never that far away.Just a couple of clicks and you're there...There's no place like home...J.

Jeff Thursday Sept.06/07

2007-09-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Judging by the way the sky looks today I'd have to guess that the summer is just about over which means the kids are back at school(a blessing for some of you I'm sure...lol)and thoughts about winter start to creep into ones psyche and remind us of what's to come.For me it means a chance to finish projects that have been put on hold over the summer and time to begin the business of setting up next summer.Oh yeah, it also means a little down time to get some golf in during the fall when it's not so hot. If you're a golfer and I'll try not to bore the non-golfers too much here,nothing beats the fall for golf.You know,a crisp day,a few friends and a flask of single malt...FORE! I am hoping to get home to see my folks in Ontario over the next while and take in the turn of fall there with all the trees and scenery.Quite breathtakingly beautiful and it assures one that there is truly a God who is artistic and has a good sense of humour(have you ever tried to play golf?).
I've been working on a couple other recording projects as producer since I have been home that are in the very early stages.My job as producer means going through all the songs and making sure that they are all ready to be recorded(read completely written) and/or are actually worth recording.It is my responsibility to not waste peoples precious time or money so I try to decide as best as I can what will work and what won't before we actually go into the studio.It isn't an exact science but a little pre-production goes a long way towards stemming a lot of potential wasted time and artistic frustration which can be the ultimate vibe killer.I like to keep thangs fresh and moving along you know...I also did a recording session this week for Alaska DigiTel as guitarist and bassist at one of the main production studios here in Vancouver which was fun.You walk in never knowing what you are going to have to play until you hear the track then you have to come up with something...right now...oh yes,BTW,could you make it real good?Always a challenge that I like.Plus I got to work with one of the good guys in this town(Hey Murray).
Not much to report on Kenny's recording project this week but I am confident we'll be back at the final finishing stages of that CD before too long as I know a lot of you are waiting patiently... tick,tick...
Anyways kids,just wanted to let you know what's up today.See ya...J.

Jeff Wednesday Aug.29/07

2007-08-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well...another summer is just about over and I wanted to say that it has been great once again. We've toured right across the country and although it's been a little crazy scheduling-wise we got through it all.We had some real highlight shows this summer that all started around May when we played the Red Robinson Theatre in Vancouver/Coquitlam.That was a great night for anyone who was there(and can still remember!) and I have the whole show on multi-track to remix over the fall which hopefully will find it's way onto a new Cd sometime soon.Remember kids,all these projects take time and the co-ordination of a lot of people so be patient...I'm just telling you what I am thinking about doing and we all know how life can be busy,just sometimes not with what we want to be busy with!
We had this amazing trip up to Kincolith BC in the beginning July which,for those of you who don't know,is north of Terrace.We drove through a 300 year old volcanic eruption site that was absolutely mind-blowing it was so huge.Like I said this volcano erupted 300 years ago and was so massive that it re-routed the Nass River and sadly took 1000 lives from the native people who lived in this area.It gives one a renewed respect for the power of nature.Our show was great and really appreciated by the extremely happy and enthusiastic crowd.It was outdoors and the view we had while playing our show of the Nass River emptying into the Pacific was stunning and unforgettable.
Oh yeah,the Grand Prix in Edmonton...I love playing in Edmonton.You guys kick ass!That was a real rock show.A nice big stage.good sound enthusiastic crowd,hot and sweaty...just perfect.Oh,and a great after show party....You guys out there are very lucky to have such a beautiful bunch of girls in your town so be nice to them lol.Speaking of good sound Minnedosa for me...the best sounding stage out there on the circuit. Punchy,powerful and clear and comes complete with its own rowdy mob!Love you guys...Minny is a weekend commitment so it is real hardcore partytime.Hope you all made it home safe and somewhat sound lol.
Oh yes... THE TRIP TO NEWFOUNDLAND. In 2 days I was at these airports... Vancouver,Ottawa,Halifax,Gander.St.John's,Did I mention Halifax?,Toronto and just for fun Vancouver again to top it all off...Well,it was hectic but worth it to do the shows and as always I am knocked out by the friendliness and unconditional generosity of the people out there on the Rock.We could learn some good lessons from them about friendship and helping each other out(Thanks Wayne,hope your grandkids enjoyed the raspberries).Both of our shows in Cornwall(Hey Ray,thanks for everything)and NFLD. went great and I was impressed with how well the people remembered our songs.Ah yes...the curious re-emergence of Streetheart.It is a real thing kids and we have you all to thank for your part in this.
We finished off our summer with a wonderful show in Saskatoon last weekend and played to about 5000 plus fans who had big fun and gave us a show to remember over the winter.We had a chance to meet with a lot of you after the show and literally had to be asked by the staff to wind things down at the end so they could go home.Sorry you guys...we got a lotta friends!Thanks to the city of Saskatoon for putting on such a good party.
So there you go.A little highlight reel or Streetheart's 2007 summer as it were.A lot of good memories for us,some laughs along the way(and some flat out sailor-like cussin' at anybody who'd listen) and as always,great music too.Hope you had some fun along the road with us.We certainly did and I am grateful for it all.See you in September...(I'm singing now)...J.

Jeff Thursday Aug.23/07

2007-08-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

What's happening...the last few weeks have been a bit of a blur with the travel schedule that we've had.I've been out to Nfld.and back plus a trip back to Winnipeg thrown in for good measure.Needless to say I am a little crispy and looking forward to a break in the action for just a little while.I am off to Saskatoon tomorrow to do a show that is being held downtown(Kiwanis Park) tomorrow night.I'm looking forward to playing in Saskatoon again.It is really a lovely city in the summer and the people are always great to play for.I have been doing some phone interviews with the radio stations in Saskatoon that started @ 7:10am Westcoast time plus the all usual daily stuff so I've had a full day so far.Hopefully I can get my desk cleared of outstanding tasks,emails and need to be returned asap phone calls by late this afternoon and perhaps go work on my golf game a bit.For anyone who's ever played or tried to play you learn very quickly that one must practice lots in order to not look absolutely ridiculous on the course and still,that's no guarantee of anything!I play to about an 8 handicap for those who know what that means and for the rest of you it means that sometimes I can play a bit but I am not always that consistant (actually,what that means is...sometimes I stink).Ughh...I need to work in my yard and get it ready for fall as well as get the house painted before too long.Hey!...this rock star thing isn't workin' out like I planned.Where the **** is my butler,chauffer,cook and gardener?Oh right,I just looked in the mirror.
Thanks to everybody who has been coming out to the shows this summer.They've pretty much all been great and thanks as well to everyone who has worked so hard on the shows with us and helped make them happen.Yes,yes we had big fun in Portage last week.Great crowd and we got to meet a lot of you after the show and BTW thanks for being so patient and waiting in line so long.
Hey...if you've got a second there is a site called the canadianmusicscene.com and they have a poll there on their site for Canada's best band,singer,song,album,etc and I noticed we had some votes there but we could still use some of your good support.If you have a moment or two check it out and cast your vote for your favs.Uh...I have a good suggestion for best guitarist,that is,if you can't think of anybody... lol.Just something to do if you aren't too busy...like,when is that?See ya later,I have another interview to do now....J.

Jeff Tuesday Aug.07/07

2007-08-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Tuesday,and just a little rain to freshen up this slightly parched Vancouver.I'm feeling somewhat under the weather myself.Some kind of virus that I am sure I picked up on one of my plane flights during the week.We played Minnedosa/Rockin' the Fields this past Friday and for those of you who were there thanks for the great evening(and those cheeky flashes too,thanks girls!) and if you weren't there well....we had some large fun to say the least.It has always been a great gig and thanks to Tom Cook for inviting us to play and his event staff for a well run concert.We also got to talk to a lot of you after the show at the merch booth and take a few pix so for those of you who dropped by it was good to see you all again and I hope the rest of your weekend was fun.I got a few reports back that said we were the highlight of the weekend(it's ok to blow my own horn you guys,it's my blog,lol...)so thanks for that.We did have a solid show and all the boys in the band felt we were on top of our game so to speak.It really means something to me to be part of a band that has such an important legacy and is still relevant today.I have been doing this music thang for a few years now(hey,stop laughing...I am trying to be serious)so I appreciate that,at this point in certainly my career,I am associated with such gifted players and good men in general as the guys in Streetheart.It is a source of personal satisfaction for me and I am glad that all of you are around as well to enjoy it and be part of it with me.
I have a few days left this week to get some biz(I'm not just talkin' laundry here) taken care of then I am off Thursday to Ottawa.We have a show in Cornwall,Ontario Friday with Helix and Prism and then we travel to and play in Lewisporte,NFLD. on Saturday then I fly home next day to Vancouver.Last time I looked at a map St. John's was closer to Rome,Italy than Vancouver B.C..Sunday will be a long plane ride home so when you get up and have your coffee Sunday morning think of me...and when you go to bed Sunday night think of me again...still flying,still trying to get home,sigh(feeling so sorry for Jeff right now).
On another note I have a meeting in two weeks with our lawyer regarding all of the Streetheart back catalogue and where we stand with that,so,for all of you,"Where the ^%*$ can we get your CD's" people, perhaps I'll have a bit of an update and although probably nothing completely earth-shattering at least a current report.Thanks for being there everyone,have a great weekend and I'll let you know how it all worked out when I get home...sometime very,very late Sunday night.in a galaxy far,far away,after you are all asleep...shhh...J.

Jeff Monday July 30/07

2007-07-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

Monday morning and back at it.Hope you all had a good weekend.Mine was the one and only free weekend this summer and basically all I did was sleep!It has been a busy year for me so far so to put my brain into cruise mode for a few days was,I think, somewhat theraputic.However today the guilts hit me and it's like... "come on you lazy bastard.let's get at it" so here I am.Lol. We are playing in Minnedosa/Rockin the Fields this Friday for those of you in the Manitoba/Sask. region.Hope some of you get out for the show.We always have a good time out there and everyone is in that crazy-eyed weekend warrior state having wild fun.Not for the faint of heart!
Is it just me or does it seem as though the band is going through a renaissance of sorts right now?We have had a series of really strong shows this year and the response has been so great and we have had such good positive vibes around the band for quite a while now.I sort of put it down to work ethic and pride in a job well done but we have been getting such good feedback from you all that I am sometimes overwhelmed by how good it all seems to be.There are certain moments during our shows where I feel like I did when I first started out,you know, with all that young,unrelenting,naive and world-changing energy.It feels like we are a new band,not simply going through the motions as I have witnessed with other acts(and I know you know what I mean)but it is more of that busting your ass attitude to prove your worth every night kind of thang.It is a very good feeling.You must know that we could never just cruise through any of our shows and we thank you all for your part in making this band such a great thing for us.
Well kids,I do have some pressing,unavoidable phone business to take care of now so I'm going to have to hit it but I was just kind of feeling like...boy Jeff,you have a good life and a lot to be grateful for.Just wanted to let you know! J.

Jeff Thursday July 26/07

2007-07-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Summertime...And the living is easy...well maybe easy but still,certainly very busy.We just got off the road after a couple of great shows in North Battleford and Edmonton at the Grand Prix this past weekend.Thanks to everyone who came out to the shows and helped us share some great nights.This summer has been good to us again and we will remain busy until September when I hope to get time to get back to and finish off the other Streetheart projects like recording and the process of that missing back catalogue.It requires a lot of work and it seems that once our summer schedule gets underway there is little time for anything else outside of recovering from the weekend madness(and I thank all you out there for your part in all that craziness...lol)which usually includes huge quantities of catching up sleep.I mean why do you think we got into this rock and roll band thang?Here's a few of my last weekend highlights that are printable.Thursday morming...up at 5:30 am,ok... pack,shower and out the door into Vancouver rush hour at 6:30am to make the 8:00 am flight,barely.Give the finger to about 74 different drivers who appear to have just got their D.L.'s that morning,almost get a speeding ticket,twice and make it to the airport,fight the business mob for the exit row,grab a quick Tim's and get on the plane.Arrive in Edmonton at 11:30am after losing an hour stand in line at Budget and wait..............oh,here are your cars Mr.Neill.Drive 380 kms(in 2 hours 50 minutes) to Battleford set up,sound check,eat,shower,no sleep, practice, get ready....Daryl's keyboard intro....do the show and kick butt.Have a drink after the show,talk with a few fans,sign a few autographs and then sleep for a few hours.BOOM...up at 7:00am drive back to Edmonton(2 hours 30 minutes this time,thanks Pete)and check into hotel.Not much time to spare as we have an early show and I am left with 90 minutes to eat,sleep,work out and get ready. Hmmm....something has to go...let's see,I need to work out,practice and shower. These are the non-negotiable options.So,eat or sleep....mind ticking over...if I sleep now(this time being a total of 20 minutes) I can grab some food from backstage to protein me up just before the show(followed by a couple of shots of J&B for good luck. lol.) Play amazing show at the Grand Prix for wonderful,crazy fans,sweat like I just walked into a shower,sign a few auto's and head back to hotel just in time for the after show party and realize after a few cocktails that hey...I forgot to eat.Oh well there is always tomorrow.Wake up Saturday,get guys off to airport as I am staying in Edmonton with a couple of highschool friends so we can have our 2 day hangout,golf and not sleep much weekend.(A brief excerpt from our conversation...hey you f*^"*^g pr":*^k who used all of the f'">*^#g ice.)As you can see tons of fun and joyful,caring comraderie lol!So there I am Monday afternoon headed for the plane home,falling asleep in the lineup to board,run into Boink and the 5440 boys who are also on their way home,stumble onto the plane,nod off 5 or 6 times,help passenger who gets a pressure nosebleed,get to the Vancouver airport on time(wow),secure all of my luggage(thanks West Jet)drive home in the Monday rush hour which in Vancouver is similair to a chariot race in Rome at the Circus Maximus circa 10 A.D. and finally arrive home Monday evening in time to realize I have no food in the fridge...which is when I notice the bottle of J&B on the counter...so,how was your weekend?J.

Jeff Tuesday July 17/07

2007-07-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yes I am alive as some of you may have been wondering...Let me tell you a story 'bout a man named Jeff...I spent the month of June with my Mom and Dad back in Ontario which was really good for my soul.I just hung out and worked around the house,you know,doing the things that are getting a little too tough for them to do.It's the least I can do after 18 years of free food and clothing and safety.I am fortunate to have had a good family to fall back on when I need it.Not to say we don't have our stuff but all in all I consider myself lucky.Anyways the only contact I had with the Streetheart world was my cell and the library computers!You know Mom's and Dad's of my generation are not usually computer friendly...they are still working out the TV remote lol.I tried to keep up with all the email(thanks everyone)but with the library police dragging me kicking and screaming off the computer after an hour so some sweet little old lady could "surf"" for deals on Florida holidays well...I need a laptop to travel with kids.Anybody got a spare Mac Pro I can have?lol.Really I am remedying the problem soon so good for us all!I did drive out to see my folks and the trip was beautiful mostly although the prairies are a little dull after 1500 kms or so.The up side of course is being able to get away with doing 135kph without getting ticketed.Don't try this at home kids...I'm a professional. Yeah right.
The summer has been going well and we have been busy travelling and trying to stay fed and rested during our little weekend warrior trips.It has been good to see lots of old friends out there(Hey Darryl)and I have of course been getting royal crap from you hardcores out there for being slack on the blog...Sorry I have pretty lazy.I am reasonably caught up with life now so I'll have some time to keep up.We are heading out to North Battleford this Thursday at the Casino for those of you in the area and the Grand Prix in Edmonton on Friday which should be fun.When I get home next week I'll get into some detail about our Streetheart summer so far.We have already had some very interesting gigs and events that I'll tell you about later so until then thanks as always for your support and sorry for being away for so long....J.

Jeff Wed.May 16/07

2007-05-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know,where have you been Jeff...well,actually I've been caught up in lifes business but I finally have a few minutes so...We had a fantastic show at The Red Robinson Theatre/Boulevard Casino on May 11th..Great staff and great facility and to all of you who came to the show thanks for the memorable night!We got to talk to a lot of longtime friends and sign a few shirts and records so all in all a very successful evening and we can't wait to get back.We also had the show recorded by the very talented Ron Cote.Ron brought out his mobile studio and recorded the whole show for us so we now have some brand new recordings of most of the Streetheart classics. Now we just gotta figure out what to do with it all... don't worry kids,I have plenty of ideas and we'll get it out there for you as soon as it's mixed.Yes and finally online merchandise will be available by the end of the month.We have some new shirts and hats coming out as well plus I am thinking about re-issuing some of our old 80's tour t-shirts,you know, kind of a retro thang.I still have all my Streetheart tour T-shirts and some of the old designs were pretty cool so...good idea?what do you think?Looks like we'll be getting around a lot this summer.We have a batch of new dates in the pipeline and I will post them as soon as they are confirmed.I also will be posting,by the end of the month, some new photos from our show in Halifax which we did earlier this year at the Tour Tech Party.TTis a major touring and film support company on the East coast and we were fortunate to be invited to play their annual bash.They put on an incredible evening for everyone and when you see the photos you'll see why.Kenny was in town for a few days and we were working on his Cd.We have decided to replace a few of the songs that we weren't digging anymore with what we feel will be better material for Kenny...you know how that works all you perfectionists out there!Ok...it's a beautiful day in Vancouver.Gotta go pay the bills....Later.J.

Jeff Fri.Apr.27/07

2007-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Just a quick rant on the weather in Vancouver today...It stinks.
OK thats better...posted a few new dates on our schedule and am currently waiting for a DVD of photos to post on the site that were shot when we played Halifax earlier this year.If you have a good shot and want to send it to us by all means do and we'll post it if it works.You never know where the really good stuff will come from so if you're holding something cool don't be shy and send me an email and attach a jpeg and we might be able to use it if you want us to.Vids too.I probably mentioned sometime earlier that I'd like to see a page on our site with "home" video footage submissions of the band. So if you have...please send!
Electroman thanks again for the logo you put together and I guess I'll have to work on some trivia that is perhaps a little more challenging for your advanced knowledge...lol!I'll figure something out.SXFD42...I hope we get out east to see you soon.Thanks for the longtime and loyal support.Yeah,Onemoretime,Kenny was supposed to be here recording this week but he had to go to Calgary on a business trip so we are re-scheduling his project at present which I hope will be soon so we can get this CD of his finished and out to you all.Thanks for the heads up on the Norlander footage.I'd sure like to find some of that.It must be sitting in a vault somewhere.Yes I do have a lot of great songs in my head and demoed as well for a potential new Streetheart album.Now if I can just get the band together at the same time....Thanks to everybody for the great emails and those of you here at the blog.We have learned a lot about where we are at and where we want to go in part because of your input so keep the good word coming. Ok,that's it.It's 10:00 am and I'm still in my pajamas,sorta...I need a shower and breakfast...later. J.

Jeff Wed.Apr.18/07

2007-04-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Scidge thanks...it's good to be back playing with the boys again and nice of you to notice.thanks bro...as for Action the lyrics are...Action,Action,read all about it,Action for slander...read all about it.Ah yes and another great mystery unfolds.Hope that helps you and put that flute down my son!!!!
Onemoretime thanks again for your support and the caps we have for sale only at the shows as of today BUT I am currently talking to a new company who handles online merch so hopefully I'll get you an online purchase option that is secure and dependable soon.Hang in bro...Kenny's new CD will be all covers of songs Kenny has sang or has wanted to sing over the years.He's such a unique interpreter of material and there will be some cool stuff that you might not expect.Kenny is flying out next week to work in the studio with me in Vancouver so we will be getting that much closer to being done.It takes a bit of time when you have to do these things without the big record label machinery behind you but in the end we'll have a great product that'll be worth the wait.You are right about DWD.There was a lot of great material on that album but personally I feel that it was poorly recorded and produced.Give me that band and that material to redo today and I will make made it a hit record.I am so pleased that your kids are into our music as well.Good songs are good songs and they will always stand over time.I also have noticed a lot of younger people at our shows which is such a thrill.I have had on more than one occasion a young guy or girl come up and say how much they love the music,how their parents played them the songs(thank you you longtime friends!)and how our music is so much better than a lot of what is out today.That's because we're good(gee Jeff,what do you really think lol) and we got that way by playing every night 4-5 sets a night 6 days a week 51 weeks a year.There is no other way.Keep the kids listening!!!!!
Electroman...nice job on the Ace Frehley trivia.OK here's one for you...name me two American artists/groups who covered Hot Cherie?This was a song from DWD that tragically never made it on the album.Man was that producer ever asleep.So were we I guess.
Hey Feriss we'll see you in Vancouver on May 11th.I remember shooting some video footage in Toronto in the early 80's but never saw a copy nor do I know of where to get it.However you have piqued my brain on that one.I'll get on it.Yeah,the old Witness stuff...I don't know exactly where to get it if at all.The singles were Jezebel,Harlem Lady and Forget Her Tomorrow.If anybody knows where to get this stuff let ME know too!I am thinking about posting a spot on our website to show fan shot footage(you know...cell phone movies)I am sure it would be fun to see some crazy crowd perspective show footage.Does that seem like an idea worth persuing?Just some thoughts.Thanks again to all you bloggers out there for your creative and positive comments.Keep the faith.Keep posting.J.

Jeff Wed.Apr.11/07

2007-04-11T07:38:00.000-07:00

Hey onemoretime!Thanks for the big thumbs up.Yes we had a great show in Winnipeg.For those of you who missed it and I don't just mean Electroman(sorry bro')we had a great evening.Sold right out and what a fantastic noisy mob!!!!! I must say Winnipeg knows how to rock and it is still one of the great music cities in this country.Now if we could only fix the winter weather...
onemoretime... you said some nice things that I really appreciate.It means a lot to me personally that you would notice my playing when accompanying a singer like Kenny.Thanks.I'm glad you liked the new song too(for those of you who missed the CBC Radio 1 show the song was I Don't Wanna Talk About It).It is one that Kenny has personally loved for years and finally has had the chance to record and I may be just a little biased here but you will love the recorded version.As a producer I have worked with and continue to work with all kinds of singers and I will say not many bring to the table what Kenny does.Not only does he check his ego at the door but he always sings in tune and well...he just has that unmistakable voice.Singers like that make producers look good.Having said that,yes,I do bring something to the party as well but enough about me.lol.The staff at CBC were great to us and it was truly a crazy day there with the provincial budget thing but as I say we were well taken care of and Margeaux Watt,who conducted the interview,was knowledgable and she really was enjoying the time we had so thanks CBC for all the good vibes!Good idea too about posting some of the new song clips.I'll get to that asap.Black is Black is another great song fav of Kenny's and it just fits in with the old Streetheart stuff so well.It was originally done by a Spanish one hit wonder band called Los Bravos for you trivia buffs. Kind of a quasi Motown thang which we have brought into the 21st. century.Watch for that posting.I also have some new photos from a few or our shows earlier this year in the pipeline that I'll be posting as soon as I get the DVD to edit.We also have some new Streetheart baseball caps to add to our merch for the summer weather which will be hot again I'm sure(thank you fossil fuel).Wow look at the time...gotta go and get on with my life...pay taxes,pay bills,pay for business lunches with beautiful clients... but please don't feel sorry for me...lol.Thanks again for the feedback out there.Keep it coming.
Later.J.

Jeff Fri. Mar.30/07

2007-03-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hey,I don't even have Storyteller...However,soon it'll all be available on our site.Sorry I haven't been much around this week.I've had family in from out of town and have been finishing up a CD project that I've been producing here in Vancouver.For all of you out in the Winnipeg area, Kenny and I will be on CBC Radio One on April 4th. which is the day before the Winnipeg show at Mybar.We'll be on at 5:00 pm Wpg. time for 1/2 an hour playing a bit and talking about Streetheart so check it out.We've got more dates coming up for us all across the country and as soon as our webmaster gets back from his holidays I'll post the new stuff.As I mentioned in my last last post Kenny is coming back out here next month to work some more on his new CD and I'm hoping to have that finished soon.We've had some delays with life and stuff but it will be worth the wait I promise you.Thangs are good out here on the coast.It finally stopped raining after what seemed like 3 months (and I just finished building my ark too)so the summer lies ahead for us all.Looking forward to seeing you all out there soon at the shows.More to come.J.

Jeff Wed. Mar.21/07

2007-03-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

Hey Electroman...Appreciate the support.We are doing what we can at present to make our records available to you so stay with us. You can keep informed on our site.Currently I am finishing a solo record for Kenny and that will soon be available as well.He's coming back out to Vancouver to record a few more songs with me and I must say Kenny is singing amazing as one would expect and I'm sure you'll love what he's doing.(Of course I'm biased.He's one of my all time favorite singers...hey boss!)
Got a few new dates.Winnipeg at Mybar,Transcona on April 5th.Get your tickets soon as the Winnipeg shows sell out fast and we always have a great time.For those of you on the West coast we are playing the Red Robinson Theatre at the Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam on May 11th..We haven't played there yet but I hear through the grapevine that it is quickly gaining a solid reputation as one of the great new rooms to see bands play in so we are looking forward to that.Opening for us will be our pals George Belanger and the Harlequin boys so it should be a fun night full of great songs.Get a designated driver!
Thanks for the emails regarding the site.We are taking all of your info and working to make the site better visually and content wise.Any thoughts are always appreciated.Our webmaster is on holidays at the moment(Hey Loren who said you could stop working!)so I am on watch while he's away.So don't ask me to do anything too gyro.Remember I'm a guitar player.We're not the sharpest knife in the drawer sometimes.(he says with much feigned humility).
Well,I gotta go.It's springtime and I'm re-doing the basement so it's off with the geek hat and into some coveralls...J.

Jeff Thursday 8:53 am

2007-03-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a lot of emails regarding our back catalogue.It's really great that so many of you are seeking out Streetheart music but unfortunately it appears to be extremely difficult to find judging by your emails.Even I have a hard time finding any of our old stuff.As you may have probably noticed a lot of your old fav's outside of the typical and obvious reissues are just about non-existant. So...Let's just say,hypothetically,that we found a way to make the Streetheart back catalogue or as much of it as possible available to you.Would you be interested?Which albums would you most likely want to own given the choice and the opportunity to do so?I'm just curious to know.Come on...give me something to work with here.We are getting a pretty good idea in our website polls but I 'd like to be as close to 100% sure as possible.It may be a little way off but it's never too soon to know where you stand.
Looking forward to playing a lot of music this summer.More new dates are beginning to come through and I believe we'll have our busiest year yet.Lots of great shows throughout Western Canada and I hope we'll finally get a chance to play back east again for all of our friends there.It's been too long but still it's been good to connect with so many of you through our website.So stay sharp,we're coming.
Talk to you soon....J.

Jeff Tuesday 9:54 am

2007-03-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

OK...Yeah Kevin,Storyteller good to know these things about these songs.We are talking a greatest hits CD put together by the band and I'd also like to include a disc of fav album cuts too.Good idea?Gimme some thoughts out there!
We've done a few shows this year that you may or may not know about.In January we played the now famous Tour Tech Christmas Party out in Halifax which is TT'S thank you to friends and clients from all over the North America.Plus it is also a chance to show off all their new gear of which we had the pleasure of using.To everyone in production and setup beautiful job,amazing gear.You guys really know what good is.Everyone in the band was very impressed.Special shout out to the wonderful Lori Laderoute for making us feel so welcome and for the well run and fun party.See you all soon!
In February we played the Casino in Regina which was a sellout show again and we were finally able to do a meet and greet with our friends and fans there .Thanks to all of those who stood so patiently in line to say hello.It means a lot to us all for you to come out and see us.We had a great show even though I had a busted up ring finger that night.For those who heard all the guitar clangers sorry...I only had 3 good fingers!(somehow that sounds weird)All's well again however.Hey Edgar,thanks for the spare Strat and Ian as always, great job!
Finally we played another sold out show at the Winter Carnival in Thunder Bay for 8,000 freezing and fantastic fans.You guys are CRAZY and we loved every minute of it all.To the girl who threw her bra...kinda cold isn't it!Again thanks to Chris Fisek and his staff for a well run show and Wendel Clarke for the intro.Kudos for taking good care of us.Cheers.We also got to see our good friend Greg Malo who as you may know is responsible for almost all the photos on our website.Greg was out shooting again at the show so we look forward to posting some more of his fine work asap.You rock bro'.
Well,I could chat all day but I got a life to lead,songs to write and bills to pay.Later.J.

Jeff later Saturday

2007-03-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

Hey kids...Well I have a few minutes to ramble on a bit so,why not!First of all thank you Mariha for being the first to find our blog and thanks for the kind words.We appreciate everybody's support and sorry it took so long for us to get out on the web but here we are.Our site is up and running now thanks to the generous gifts of time and talent from those who contributed so much. (doesn't that sound too much like an awards show?)Anyways,we are working to provide an enjoyable and informative site for you all to keep in touch with everything that we have going on currently.If you haven't been to our website yet we welcome you to come take a look at www.kennyshieldsandstreetheart.com.We have a few polls for you to answer too if you'd like.Thanks to all who have voted so far.Your input is essential to us.We plan on putting together a definitive Streetheart Greatest Hits collection compiled by the band{finally) and your votes will help us make sure that nobody's favourite song is left out.We have listed what we feel are the popular choices but if you have "others" please enter them.I realize you can't see the list of the "others" but we do keep track on our end.Remember only one vote per catagory per address so vote well!Also,don't be shy about letting us know what you think about the site.ALL comments are noted and honest input directed at us is really helpful and appreciated.Oh yeah, check us at youtube but ,if you're here... then you've already been there so,don't go there...lol.You can email us as well if you want at info@kennyshieldsandstreetheart.com Ok that's all for now.I know its not a novel but I have a dinner date...see ya! J.

Welcome....

2007-03-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Kenny Shields and Streetheart blog.
Our new website is up as well, and you can visit it at: www.kennyshieldsandstreetheart.com
Feel free to take the poll while you're there to vote for your favourite Streetheart song!
Thanks for visiting.

- KS and Streetheart