It has been an honor to be a programmer at KZFR and play the Blues into the night for so many people around the world. When I stop and think about it, the fact that I have listeners in so many places outside the area, hell, outside the country amazes me. Australia, Finland, the UK, Brazil, and in the US Indiana, Texas, Oregon, Minnesota, is humbling. I have such dedicated listeners that they will nap during the day, so that they can set their alarm clock at 1am to catch the show. I am sure that a major part of this dedication is their love for the same music that I love so much, and it's not easy to find somewhere that is playing it. But, that doesn't keep me from feeling it is an honor to serve these listeners.

Difficult Times Just Ain't Easy

For much of my life, I have considered writing, journaling, keeping a diary, however one wants to label it a good idea. At least for me, it is access to my authentic self, where what I truly believe is not only made safe, it is encouraged to seek truth fearlessly and not merely settle for fact. When writing, no matter what I have been doing, or how I have been doing it, no matter what I think, or how I have been thinking it... well you get the picture. I am the best version of myself. During the time I am sitting here in front of my computer, which the ability to express myself in the ways I have been describing is actually a quite new avenue of expression for me. Until just the last few weeks/months of this year the only way I could plumb those depths was to put pen to paper and literally write. I could then transfer the thoughts to an electronic medium, but for some reason the extra step was too much, and I just stopped doing it altogether, and for this I suffered deeply in many ways. Well now that the ice is broken again  perhaps I will have more regular offerings to share which will hopefully lead to more of what seems to result from my regular writing; spiritual growth and/or evolution for me personally, and when a reader takes an interest, once in a while I either deepen an existing friendship or on occasion make a new one. Any of those results I find to be satisfactory.

Until the next time, you may be able to catch me on the radio. My next scheduled show is December 4th, however I may ask for another programmer to substitute for me this time. I do however plan on doing my next scheduled show which is .... January 1st 2015 !!!!! If my friends are any indication, and they usually are, then you had a year in 2014 you would most likely be happy to see it getting smaller in your "rearview mirror" as soon as can be. I totally agree, 'cause I had one like that too. SO, I accept the challenge AND the responsibility of getting that started. HOW you say???? Well it just so happens, that I have a radio show, and at 10pm PST, 12am CST, 1am EST Thursday January 1, 2015, I am coming out guns blazin' to put a smile back on your face with some killer Blues! As a matter of fact, I would like some input from y'all on what the first song, of the first show might should be? I am going to post this on Facebook, sooooo you can either respond there, or the comments are enabled here, so you can answer here as well, or BOTH! I intend to make my show much more accessible to you from now on, so I will be asking things like this from time to time. For instance, what Blues artist would you like to get to know better? I can do my best to get them on the show, and who knows I may even work out a way for one of you to be in the studio and help me do the interview. Cool huh? So, let that be something you are thinking about and right before spring, we'll see what we can do.

 

Stage lights and peace pipes,

Jerry

 

(the salutation was borrowed from Cutter Brandenburg)

A New Day ....

I have to say, being a programmer at a community radio station didn't appear on my radar until about a year and a half ago. Even then I wasn't totally convinced it was something that I wanted to seriously pursue. Yeah, sitting in with the other hosts from time to time was pretty cool. After all, you would be hard pressed to find another human being anywhere that loves the Blues more than I do. Over the years, I have driven people crazy "sharing" my love of this genre of music that is oh so American. I am an admitted geek when it comes to this music. I read anything I can get my hands on, listen closely and carefully for hours and hours on end, absorbing into my soul each and every note. There are more than a few artists I find are so powerful they easily bring tears to my eyes as I listen to them weave their magic. Surprisingly, that isn't just guitar players.

However, let me cover them first. There are a few that really stand out to me; Duanne Allman is one of the most powerful, AND soulful artists that have ever picked up the instrument. It seems as though he knows just exactly how to touch my soul. Whether it be with a blistering run the length of the neck, the slide he could make speak, or that growl that shook the very building he was in. He was truly an artist. Michael Bloomfield, has to be heard to be believed. IMHO the first American guitar hero, he was a not only a student of the Blues, but a true master. One of the founding members of the Butterfield Blues Band, Michael's playing is also a true thing of beauty. He is one of the players that guitar players are still being listened to with awe and reverence. His playing both powerful and sweet, single string or blazing soulful runs, acoustic or electric, and also dropping a slide in at will, a thing of beauty. Eric Clapton has strayed at times away from the Holy music I hold so dear, but at heart, he is now, and always has been a Bluesman to his core. He too is a student, and when he crosses his legs, throws his head back and through barely open eyes shares his heartache and pain with those six strings, well, he too is a true artist. Of those I will mention here, he is the only one I have met and spent time with. A friend has played drums for him off and on for over twenty years and gave me the chance to meet him. He is truly one of the most gracious and pleasant people I have ever met. Now, last here but certainly not least, is my personal favorite Stevie Ray Vaughan. Again, IMHO the most powerful and soulful player ever. I don't even know where to start with SRV. The speed, tone, and obvious soul set him apart from most.

A Class Act- Laurie Morvan

 In this day and age, when one comes across an organization of people that are first class from the very first word spoken, it is a cause for celebration. At least in my eyes. I am new to the world of radio, at least as a on air personality. I am a fan, and as a fan, with but a little experience dealing with artists, and those around them who are charged with protecting them, it can be very difficult getting things done. Many can be stand-offish ( I am attempting to be polite here) to down right rude and difficult to the point of making a request ANY request seem like it is a bother to them. You can end up feeling as though you have somehow committed trespass and are told in no uncertain terms it was not welcome. That is if they decide to either answer your call, or find the time to return one. That is one way it can go. Then there is the organization connected to the Laurie Morvan Blues Band.

From the very first word of the very first phone call, I was treatred as a welcome guest. The US booking agent for Laurie, a lovely woman named Ann Wild made me feel from the beginning that she was thrilled that I had called and was ready to help me in any way she could. She made it clear to me that she was there to assist me, and with a friendly and attentive tone that was obviously geniune my requst for an interview with Laurie live on my radio show was treated with a deep respect. We discussed dates, discovered that the first date I suggested that Laurie was playing two shows that night, but she would love to do the interview AFTER PLAYING TWO SHOWS and even if it only left a short time for it.

What a wonderful day!!!!!

 



Today was one of the best days I have had in, well, since I don't remember when. Why? Because I was able to be part of doing something for a friend that I had failed miserably at for almost two years. I am not going to be specific because I only want to share my joy, not draw attention to myself  and pat myself on the back like I am a big deal. I am not. Enough about me. What really happened was I once again discovered how wonderful it feels to do something for someone you care deeply about, something that makes their life better by showing them how valuable they are, that they still have value in this world and are valued. That puts them back in control of their life, based completely on what they have to offer. All I did was put people together, and hope for the best. Today, the best of all outcomes is what happened. I am so filled with joy because I brought joy to another.

Well, that's it for this entry I think. Perhaps in the coming days I will share in detail what took place today. If the suspense  is just too much for you, perhaps you can search my Timeline and figure it out. Want a hint? I'll give you two; the picture in this post, and, it has something to do with music.

At Last

Yesterday was one of the best days I have had in a while. I re-took
the programmer certification test, and passed it, then, was asked by
John Miles to sit in for him and do the radio show by myself for the first
time. I do not fool myself, there is plenty of room to improve. That being
said, I think I did a decent job. So, it was a good beginning. Actually, it was
suprisingly, measurably, easier being there by myself without any distractions. There was a minimal amount of dead air between songs, and I was nearly dead on timewise getting to the underwriters credits and the station ID that is a requirement of the FCC. Not a "perfect" show, but by God it's a pretty good way to start. I am pretty happy with it, and it gives me confidence that I can indeed do this.

Yep, I had a good time and it is so nice to have something that I love to do again. I have always loved putting things together, figuring out how to make it better, I love the feeling of improving what I am doing a little every time I do it. It is also nice to know that I can still do it..........STAY TUNED!!!!!!

2011 BE GONE!!!

Since I retired from working, I have struggled with many things on a daily basis. Self-worth and feeling I had purpose and value are at the top of the list. This has has many negative effects on my life as one could easily imagine. It has made me doubt myself and my value to others, which to some is a very annoying thing and I fear has cost me a friend, or two. As I deeply value each and every friendship, it saddens me deeply when my need for approval pushes someone away. If I could tell those who became frustrated with my self-doubt one thing it would be this; If you only knew how few people I DO trust and value opinions from and what I look for in people I do allow in my life, maybe you wouldn't be so quick to walk away. I don't ever really tell people exactly what it is that I face every day and have to deal with. If I did, well....... I'm not going to start now either.

I have made a deal with my closest friends to try and make 2012 a comeback year for all of us and I by God intend to keep my word. So, good riddance 2011! The self-doubt is over, I live with pain that would paralyze most people and I STILL refuse to give in to that. I slipped this last year and allowed the depression and hopeless feelings to rule. No more.

1st show in the can

Well. for better or for worse, the 1st show in my new position as a legit member of the team is behind me. Over all it wasn't too bad a performance for a rookie, yet there is definite areas needing attention and improvement. Which is to be expected. I do feel I have some strengths already, such as the choices of music I play. I have already been milldly taken to task by a harmonica playing friend, that it seems like I play alot of Blues that has the guitar as the focal instrument. To that I say as Medea might, "WELL PUT THE HELL TO THE YEAH!" I am guilty as charged and am not the least bit sorry about it so get over it. This is an area that will change ONLY as I become aware of music that I like, artists that I want to support, whim or good humored needling from a mouth breather won't shake me. I am a rock.

This week I had the distinct pleasure of introducing Daniel Castro into the play rotation at KZFR, well as soon as they get thier own copies of Daniel's music. They ain't gettin mine. heeheehee. All in all it was a good show, I had a few spots that were a bit rough to me, but my friend that listens regularly said they didn't come across on the air, so that's a good thing. The running of the board will be directly affected and improved the more I do it, so that is an area needing attention for sure but is already on the way to being solved. I really love having a voice that reaches out into the world allowing me to share the music that I love so much and in turn maybe help in some small way the artists that give so much of themselves to make the music. I am just at the beginning of this, and it really feels good being new at something and I had nearly forgotten how good it feels to do something that you really love to do.

till the next time,

Jerry

Thursday's playlist.... well, almost

Today I spent a good deal of my day working and RE-working my playlist for the first hour of the show. It was a bit frustrating, but it didn't take me long to remember why I was doing it, which of course made me smile. Since I refuse to complain about abundance, let me just say that I am blessed with many, MANY, hours of the best Blues ever played from which to choose. It is a complete embarrassment of riches that I am deeply grateful to have, and do not bother waiting for me to apologize for having it. Hey! I share.

I'll post the final decision on Thursday, so far the first 3 tunes are the only ones that won't change and they are; Stevie Ray Vaughan and Buddy Guy- Mary Had A Little Lamb from Buddy's birthday at Legends in 1986, a choice made by my dear friend Richie D., and also important as it was dedicated to "Rockin'" Robin, Cutter and Peggy Brandenburg's baby boy on Texas Flood. #2 is Buddy Guy from his newest release Living Proof, " Where the Blues Begins", #3 is also Buddy from Damn Right I Got the Blues, "Remembering Stevie". After that I will be including my friend Long John Hunter, Canadian powerhouse Downchild, and Big Mama Thornton with the Muddy Waters Blues Band. It's gonna be a real fun night. Tune in at

www.kzfr.org at 10pm PST.

see ya then !!!!!!

The Journey Begins

My journey into the world of community radio as an on-air personality is about to begin. I freely admit that as the day draws near, I feel a growing excitement. To put it plainly? I can't wait!!!! The last several days my dear friend R.D. has been sending me music almost non-stop, and let me say this, IT'S GONNA BE ONE HELL OF A SHOW!!! John Miles will be flying right seat, co-pilot as such, to be there to asisst me should I run into any problems, and for that I am grateful. It is my hope he will have nothing to do except enjoy the show along with our listeners. This first show is gonna be filled with up-beat, joy-filled Blues shuffles. Lots of driving harp, hair-raising horns, rock- solid rhythm sections, blistering guitar work and vocals dripping with the soul, love, and pain that make the Blues, the Blues.

In the music that has entered my collection these past few days, are some "new" artists that I just know you will love as much as I do. There will also be some that have been around that I just plain missed, hee hee hee, get ready folks! In upcoming shows, I will continue to do live interviews with great artists, and I am honored to say, Gabriel Butterfield, son of the late, great harmonica genius Paul Butterfield and we will celebrate his life, talk about the upcoming documentary on his life, and explore the contributions of this pioneer. I am really looking forward to that show, all contacts so far have been a pure joy. There will be as many Blues legends as I can lasso in, Texas Blues legend, and my friend, Long John Hunter will join us on the show. No. CA resident, and soulful performer Daniel Castro will also pay us a visit, and there will be more.

The music is the real star of this show. I have always loved the Blues and am deeply humbled and filled with joy that I was asked to become part of this show. All I can say is this, tune in Thursdays at 10:00 pm PST on the internet at; www.kzfr.org , or 90.1 FM if you are in our listening area. Put the furniture against the walls, put the kids and pets in another room (hearing protected of course) and turn the volume up and love the Blues with us every Thursday night.

See ya there!!!!!

What the (&)^)^)&^&)^))&^???????

Now we have the financial theives lying to Congress to

save their theiving lying asses, good samaratains stabbed and left for dead on a city street as citizens, and I use the term grudgingly, walk silently and lamely by, some have the nerve to take a fucking picture with a cell phone instead of calling 911 to get him some help . Huge claims that the new health care bill will do away with people being denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions, when the true penalty is a whopping $100.00 per day fine. What are we allowing to be done in OUR NAME????? A soon as you can, watch some news that originates in ANOTHER country. I'm just sayin'................

My mama

My mother, has recently been placed in a care home. It was a very difficult decision, but one that had to be made. She has Alzheimer's and is slipping away from us every day. After a very emotional talk with my sister today, well, let's just say that the focus of my prayers have changed. To all who may read this in the same spot, God bless you.

Long John Hunter

It is my pleasure to have been given the honor, and I

do mean honor to do some promo/booking work for

Texas Bluesman Long John Hunter. As a fan/musician

it's a great opportunity to give back.

I first heard him on the Alligator Records website jukebox. Then, I noticed that he would be performing in a nearby town. I didn't live here in Chico then. A life-long friend owns a CD store, and being one their best customers, and a Blues lover, his store began to do alot

of business with Alligator. A few phone calls by my friend and he wrangled us VIP passes to see LJH.

We were standing in front of the venue when LJH pulled up. We stood there amazed as he flawlessly paralell parked a Class C motor home and the trailer he towed carrying the bands equipment. ON THE FIRST TRY!!! The door came open, and out he came with a grand smile. It is not an exageration to say he is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met. My friend had acquired a stack of promo posters from Alligator that he wanted signed, as well as CD's. LJH signed every single one with a smile, and talking to us while he was signing this crap we brought. Then we got out of his way so he could get to work.

I have to say this..... aand I mean every word of it, that was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Yes sir, and I have seen some of the best. He has fun man . Go see him if you get the chance, you will get a great show by a great Blues entertainer.

01/01/10 New Year???? or more of the same

This is a year that was difficult in some way for nearly every-
one, nearly everywhere. Hard times to be sure. Sadly, I have to
admit that on more than one occassion this year, my view was
clouded to the point that I had just plain lost faith, there was just
no way out. What came came from all points on the compass and
with no let up. Wave after wave of misfortune left us reeling and confused, which led to lapses of memory etc. that brought even more in its wake. Relentless, I, and many others, were pummeled mercilessly, day after day, until most everyone I knew was at some point this year on their knees eyes turned to the heavens pleading for two things; the strength to make it through the next ten minutes, and from the deepest part of their soul to make it stop. It has been especially tough for those with families, I can't even bring myself close to understanding how hard it had to be for a parent to tell their children that they had to move, and that they had nowhere to go. How tattered a parents soul gets when a child goes to bed hungry, it went on this year, and still is. Our country is undergoing what many would say is an involuntary transition, that this is the year the American Dream died. My guess is whether you agree with that or not depends completely how you are to define the American Dream. If your version of the "Dream" is based on material well-being and the outward trappings the marketing people have dedicated their lives to force-feeding us. If you can't be happy unless you can buy the newest electronic gadget, or all the other useless bullshit they work so hard to convince us we can't live without, if THAT is what you base happiness on, chances are you are very unhappy. The alternative view is far less popular. How many friends do I have? Isn't that just the best song you've ever heard? You know, the corny shit.

My wish to all of you for a good year to come. One small suggestion, hang onto your friends, try to love yourself, listen to more music, laugh, alot.

Thoughts on the New Year

In just over 22 hours, the first decade of the 21st century comes to a close. With our country involved in 2 wars, the worst economic climate in generations, the election of the first African-American President, as well as the passing of the final member of Camelot, reflection is unavoidable.

The year of 2009 has widely been called the worst in recent memory. So much is different, uncertain. The hope we as Americans felt on the election of Barak Obama, has fallen prey to partisan politics and fear of an unknown future. In my humble opinion, America has lost her way. The back-seat drivers are not only many, they are loud and more disruptive than ever before. For the first time ever a sitting President was called a liar in front of the world, the confusion and pain of uncertainty shows in the eyes of more of our citizens that any other time in our national history. The "togetherness" we proudly showed the world in times past, the determination based in the pure pride of being an American, has given way to greed and a climate of self interest rather than the common interest, the dirty little secret of the "haves" is a secret no longer. Our country has changed, that much is undeniable, but what are we changing in to? Can we find our way again?

Patrick Swayze- man, dancer, good guy

The pasing of Patrick Swayze this week of course has me thinking of my own mortality. Not from a place of fear, shit, I ain't afraid to die, more from the perspective that it's been a loooooooooong fucking time since I had a single thing to contribute to anyone. Perhaps my contribution has been accepting help.

Anyway, enough about me. I admit I didn't like all of Patrick Swayze's movies. What caught my attention most was how often I heard of his friendliness, and decency. He seemed to take a little time to speak with whoever asked him to. It's far to rare that someone in the public eye realizes that when a person finds themselves in the presence of someone that they have seen on the screen, or heard the music of etc., it will be that fans one and only chance to express years of emotion in just a few brief moments. That he recognized this, makes him a class act in my book. And sweet jesus could that feller dance. You were a brave man sir. Ditto.

These Days

Today, I became aware of a change that has happened in me, I specify the location because it is an important difference. Hopefully, as I write this, my words will make this clear.

For a while now, say oh, the last year or so, what I am drawn to for entertainment, ie, TV shows, music, etc., are things that touch me deeply. I have been watching certain movies that I have, often. Most of them are inspirational in some way, and are based on real events. I also watch alot of the great guitar players on DVD, performing live and with great emotion, skill, and a joy that fills my heart to over-flowing. There are two DVD's that I seem to watch at least part of daily. The one that is my clear favorite, and for my money showcases possibly the greatest performance ever caught on film by any guitar player, is the 1983 performance by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble at the El Mocambo in Toronto, Canada. " Live at the El Mocambo" quite simply will put you back in your seat if you let it. Stevie just plain plays his ass off. Watch his face, its obvious that every single note is deeply personal, his face shows us this is from his heart, sweat pouring off him as he plays. He shares with us his passion for this music, and the depth of his gratitude that he was chosen to receive the gift of making music. He loved the music he played, and he loved playing it for us. The other DVD, I will talk about next time.

Until then, I suggest to you just this; find something that makes you feel, I mean feel, no bullshit FEEL. The way it is out in the world makes us build a shell around us for protection, hell, for survival. But FEEL everyday. It's im portant.

Dreams

It's dark days in my life. No matter which way I turn, there is darkness. The darkest time in my life is now, and I don't know what to do. I have no choice but to place it in God's hands and hope for the best. It's times lie this that doubt fills every corner of my thoughts, my being, my very soul. I have friends that without thought of their own needs give all they can, eat mush for days, just to help me. How do I ever thank them, her, for that. She is always there, with words of hope. I feel better knowing she is on my side, behind me, and most of all believes that I am worth it when my own family can only judge. It is good to know that I have done something in my life that has made me worthy of having such a friend.

photo credit Elizabeth Richardson, with a few "textures", also her idea.

What ever happened to?????????????????

Photo credit: Jack Morris

What ever happened to being able to find even a few minutes of peace in a day. In the world today, it comes at you from all angles and at the speed of light, no let-up, no warning. The government is staggering, stumbling, looking for any way to save face. I was so hopeful when Obama was elected, that we would finally have in place a man that knew what is was like to be without, to be different than those around him and know that is was ok. That if you helped your fellow man, if you were kind, walked a mile in the other man's shoes, that truth and fairness would surely come your way. Now, it appears that our civilization is crumbling around us. Greed is everywhere you look. You can't even stop a subscription without the company charging you an extra month hoping you won't say anything, OR, making it so fucking frustrating that you just give in and let them screw you out of it. Banks are finding every way they can to wring every cent they can while providing less and less service. It makes one wonder how they got in such poor shape. Oh yeah, huge bonuses for executives that are incompetent at best. We little people are in deep deep trouble, no health care, too high taxes with no benefits, and on and on. I'm so depressed right now I just need to sleep.

About friends.........

Aristotle:
What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies.