September 2005 Journal...

Finally, a journal entry!!

I have a moment to breathe, I've just returned from Oslo, Norway, and I'm looking back at this crazy wonderful spring and summer.

I've had an amazing time traveling with the Joe Cocker band. We played all over France, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, and the Netherlands. It was so nice to feel a part of the group even though I was just the opening act. They are an amazing band, and an amazing group of people. I can't say enough about Joe - the voice, the power of his performances. I never got tired of watching from the side of the stage. His new record is amazing. My personal fave is "I Put a Spell On You," the old Screaming Jay Hawkins song. Chills.

I also had a chance to be around a few other musical projects that were a thrill. I was a fly on the wall in Leuven, Belgium while Michel Legrand, and Melissa Errico, with Phil Ramone as producer, made a record of his classic songs with an 80-piece orchestra. It was heaven.

Later in the summer I hitched along for a tour with Joe Sample and Randy Crawford for a few nights. To hear her sing, "Skylark," was almost too beautiful - her phrasing, her voice. She's one of the only singers I know that can really wrap a standard around her little finger. What an honor to be there. They'll be making a record this fall with Tommy LiPuma. I can't wait to hear it.

I've been steadily working on my own songs. I plan to record a new record sometime this fall, if I can get all the ducks lined up. So far, it'll either be very acoustic or very orchestrated. All my new songs seem to call for extremes! Maybe I can go back to Belgium and hire the orchestra for my tunes.

And we've been chipping away at the mixing of the live DVD. Such a long and arduous process, weeding through the two nights, and figuring out how best to mix, sequence, and pay for it all. Thank you again, to all of you who have contributed. We have a long way to go, but we're getting there.

My last week in Denmark and Oslo was really a treat. I did a couple of guitar clinics, thanks to my Viking saint in shining armor, Knud Damgaard, and then threw in a couple of last minute impromptu concerts in Aarhus thanks to Frank and Ulrikke Skygge and Knud. I had a great time and can't wait to get back to Denmark. We've found a partner there, A:larm Records, so Back In the Circus --> European version will be in stores there soon and I'll be back later this fall to do some promotion and showcasey things. YAY.

We've also made a deal in Germany with PIAS Records. The European version came out there last week. So I hope to be back in Germany in late October as well.

Now I'm off to Philly to do some writing with Eric Bazilian (The Hooters, and my co-writer on "Less Than Love is Nothing") and finally!!! for you other Phillyites, we've added a big New Year's Eve extravaganza gig at the World Cafe Live (my first ever New Year's Eve gig). Two shows, one seated with dinner, and one standing and rocking!! So come ring in 2006 with me and the boys. It will be wicked pissah for sure.

I'll write again soon, I promise. Sorry to have gone missing for so long.

Cheers,
Jonatha