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.