Opportunity and I

Opportunity is a friend of mine. He calls me from time to time and we chat about what we could do together. Then he starts one of his sentences with a preposition and begins digging around in his mind for the rules of proper English and becomes distracted or becomes reminded of a dream he had by hearing of mine and loses focus. Sometimes the main thing becomes some other thing and quickly becomes nothing. Opportunity is just that way I think.

Still I admire Opportunity for all of his talents and vision. I don't disregard him because of his shortcomings. They're a lot like my own. Of course, I see in Opportunity failures that I would never succumb to because, of course, I am better than Opportunity. I sense fear in Opportunity though He denies that fear is something He knows of. Opportunity is a liar but then aren't we all. Not to suggest that You are a liar...well really yes...I know You are a liar.

I grow weary when Opportunity begins to make excuses for I sense in excuses the lies that they are born of and I grow angry. Then I begin some sentence with a preposition and get distracted and again I love Opportunity for the things that I see in Him that remind me of me. Occasionally He asks of me something that I should have done long ago and I make excuses, or lie, that is.

We sometimes wear the same clothes and bear the same shoe size you know. We are cousins or brothers. I can't remember which. Once I had Opportunity look it up for me but He forgot the answer or that's what He said and I took it for granted that He had forgotten to seek the information at all and then we politely dropped the subject altogether. He forgot though, I'm sure of it.

Opportunity called the other day. I missed the call. (actually I was busy flirting with a lady named Ruine (French lady) and didn't want to talk). I called back when it was convenient for me (and at a time when I knew He would be busy) but He didn't answer (which worked out well). I left a funny message like 'Tag, You're It!' or something to that effect. He'll get back to me, I'm sure. We're close like that. Once we got together and did some things. Some GREAT things! Maybe a couple of times. We still reminisce and joke with one another about how talentless OTHER people are and how much we'll get done when we find the time. There's always time, you know. Always time.

hang on, there's the phone

It's not Him. It's some other joker pretending to be Him. Jackass.

Anyway. Opportunity has been ill lately. Not feeling Himself. Chestpains, etc. I'm a little worried. If the bastard die's off I don't know what He'll do...I mean what I'll do. We get to feeling like this and then things get all weird for a few sentences, a few conversations...for a bit. I mean He gets to feeling like this...you get it, of course. Our mother says it's a result of the ill-fated conception of us. The connectivity or Siamese disorder, if you will. He talks, then I talk, then we talk...we talk a lot! Pushing and pulling, Opportunity and I. When I push Him he, of course, pulls me into the fall. It's useless. Yelling at each other in our minds and fully aware that our ears are are just two. It's all going to be just as loud for one as the other. No sense screaming at Him. I'd kick Him but I can't and if I could coax someone else into doing it for me it would hurt. It gets frustrating, all the talk and disgusting silence and waiting and and pondering and discussions about discussions and really nothing of a result.

I blame Him, He blames me...we just talk and talk and talk and talk and talk and talk....

There, I think He's going to shut up.

jf

Chance?

I never get tired of watching fate work her magic but I've also become aware that we decide whether or not to volunteer for the mistress' show. And as I continue to put my hand up, she continues to bring me into the light of fantastic things that I hadn't imagined before.

I was at a Christmas party with a bunch of average folk like myself the other night...local shopowners, an FBI agent, a school teacher, dance instructor, antique store proprietor, some retirees, and a guy that delivers furniture. Conversations happened between every group, one after another, exchanges of goodwill, queries about work, background, etc. Half way through the evening it was time for me to talk to the furniture delivery guy. So be it.

What do you do? Where are you from? Oh, you own a church?...interesting. We went to see what all of the other guests referred to as 'the most amazing living space you'll see in your life' and honestly, I had my doubts... I was wrong to doubt them. It was truly an UNBELIEVABLE space. Thousands upon thousands of antiques overflowing from well defined spaces in a huge church. Trunks, antiques, chairs, disco balls, suitcases with bulbs protruding from them that actually lit, all hanging from the ceilings. Candlelit piles of treasures stashed on walls and in corners like monuments to the bizarre, mannequins in tubs, ladders suspending art...the ARTWORK!!! Oh, and a STAGE. It was truly an OMG experience.

The strange thing to me was that I have been scouting for a place remotely similar to this one for an upcoming video shoot and I presumed that I would find something acceptable in a far-away place that we could dress up to fit the bill...but this is complete...and it's in my hometown. So then I pop the question...can I shoot in here? Turns out he's been looking for years for a way to immortalize the space and all of his hard work and vision. Waiting for some nutcase like me to come along. I'm your man.

Tonight I photographed the space for the film director, and actors. The proprietor and I discussed our chance meeting. Shortly before both of us headed to the party where we met, we each had second thoughts about going. Neither of us were sure the other would be interesting to talk to...

And the lady just continues to invite us in.

Be sure to raise your hand.

lotsa love
jf

Georgia

I don't know where to begin. Georgia is as near to a home to me as any State is so a trip there is always special to me. This last one was as expected, magnificent.

I headed South to start a new album and to shoot a Live DVD. James Salter of Atlanta was to be the producer on the record and, of course, Tim Gill was heading up the film dept. I made a hasty dash for Atlanta on Nov 29 to get settled in and play a show at Eastpoint Corner Tavern. The tavern is the 2nd home of Heather Luttrell, a new friend and a great Sunday night gig in Atlanta. There I met Derek Murphy, hired gun drummer who was to play on the new record and perform with me at The Loft in Columbus for the DVD. Derek is a little guy (about my size) with very little to say and very much to play. He was immediately interpreting my musical approach and developing ideas for the record and was a breath of fresh air to me.

We (James and I) headed to Columbus on Monday afternoon, got set up in the studio and after Derek's arrival we began getting sounds with Steve Meadows (The Lofts chief engineer) and laid down one track before heading to the bar to relax a bit. The first song set the stage for what would be one of my favorite recording experiences to date. It was as quirky and solid as I'd hoped for, Derek's vision was very cool, very simple and delivered on a large scale. As opposed to the common drummer, Derek had an array of tambourines, multiple snares in use at once, a wooden box for a kick drum (or rather Low End), some conga-type drums and wacky cymbal selection. He was right on for everything that I wanted to record and as we processed the feel of the record that night in the bar we came to the conclusion that it would be a 'medium rare' project in that we didn't want to get to tight on the performances, rather we wanted to record a very high quality, fat, garage version of these new tunes of mine. Our only concern was that we find that glorious place that musicians go to when they first nail a song. A good song that gets the initial attention of all the musicians playing on it and while the subject is strong in the singer/songwriters mind comes to a peak very quickly and then over time seems to lose it's luster no matter how hard we try to keep it's magic. It's a birthright of songs. They have the most magic there, and that's what we wanted to capture.

Day 2. We took our drunken ramblings to the live room on Tuesday and began the execution of the plans we'd laid. 13 hours later we had 10 more songs roughed in and felt solid that we'd done something great. Along the way that day, a photographer from Atlanta and a female vocalist from LaGrange, Ga had come to join us along with the arrival of Tim Gill and Marshall Ruffin. Marshall is a Columbus native and was on the bill with his trio for the following night which Tim was to film. The female vocalist, Chansy Kennedy is a successful songwriter who is a friend of James Salter's and she was there to put down some pretty notes on a couple of my songs and also to get ready to perform with me on Wednesday. Another trip to the land of frothy beverages and we'd be ready for Wednesday.

Tim Gill and I tried to make a list of the things we needed to do the next day to be ready for the filming. The making of the list (and some cheap whiskey) took us well into the next day.

Oversleeping horribly and now in a rush we coffee'd up and headed for the loft. Tim got started with lighting and power checks, staging etc while myself, James, Steve, Burt and Marshall put down a couple more tracks. Then the race was on to get the studio synced with the venue downstairs, the soundchecks, stages and lights finished up. Steve Meadows choreographed all of the technical audio work and with the help of several students from CSU and a ton of gaffers tape we were ready.

The shows came off without a hitch. Marshall put on a stellar performance, followed by Heather Luttrell and I cleaned up the nights drama with what I felt was a very solid and entertaining show. Marshall and Chansy both did a tunes with me. Derek was rock solid and very exciting to perform with. The film crew claims everything went well and now we're waiting for audio and video production to see the final result.

As for the record, we're cleaning up the outtakes and passing the tracks off to my good friend Eric Weaver in Los Angeles for the finishing touches and then plan to master and release as quickly as my budget allows. Derek and I have a special little something planned for the release which I'll tell you about soon.

Well good. That's off my chest. Thank you Buddy (owner of The Loft), Steve, James, Tim, Marshall, Chansy, Burt, Pat (Marshall's manager), Allen (Columbus film fella) and everyone else who helped us make that happen. It was a great experience that I'll not soon forget.

Lotsa love
jf

Hangin with Heather

Heather Luttrell's in town, camped out on my couch. We're having a blast. Played our first Missouri show together last night at Stooges, doing another tonight at Hunter Valley Winery in Cape Girardeau, MO. Then another at Indian Hills Winery in Puxico Mo on Saturday. Stayed out LATE after the show, put this little town to bed and lived 2 or 3 lives in conversation until we couldn't stay up any more.
This morning we did a radio interview at KRCU in Cape Girardeau with Jacob McCleland and have since solved the worlds problems over coffee and turkey sandwiches.

Heather and I will be performing live in Columbus, GA on Dec 2 for a 'Live DVD' with another friend, Marshall Ruffin. Looking forward to that now and just whatever else we cook up.

I was startled at how strong Heather is during a solo performance. I had only seen her with a band prior to last night.

Well, take a minute and check her out at heatherluttrell.com or Google the gal. Worth the trip to a show I guarantee and be looking for a new CD around the 1st of the year. Also if you're a Skynard fan, Heather's performing with them on the Skynard cruise departing from Tampa Fla on Jan 21st...could be fun!

Lotsa love
jf

Aunt Gladys

I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with my Aunt Gladys on Oct 27 before a show at Ciceros in St. Louis. Aunt Gladys is 91, takes care of herself, is as mentally sharp as anyone I've ever met...and she has a life behind her that I'm so intrigued by I just had to tell you...
She and her husband bought a little card shop in St. Louis on Feb 15th, 1940 (it was a Friday, she said). On Feb 18th her husband found out he was leaving to work on the construction of the Pentagon building so Gladys had a new business to run alone. They had paid $600 for the business and merchandise. Two years passed before David came back, Gladys paid the business off and had amassed $2,000 in the bank. They never looked back.
In 1960 after much delay and debate the two added records to their store because Gladys loved music and REALLY loved those little vinyl discs. Their legacy began. They owned three record stores during their career, sold two off in the late 70's and just ran their home store until retirement. When they sold the last store the new owner declined the purchase of all those 'old' records so Gladys packed them up and took them to their house where they got reorganized in her basement. A short time looking at them led Gladys to form 'Encore Records'. She started selling vinyl through national magazine ads, the paper and word of mouth among collectors. As local record stores folded and national chains gave up the vinyl industry Gladys bought them out. All of them. Dillards, Penneys, the mom and pops...if they wanted rid of their records Gladys was their gal.
She can't read the labels anymore and has a hard time filling orders taken online but when she needs help her daughters sort Michael Jackson red-vinyl or whatever the call is for and she gets the job done.
Aunt Gladys spent the day with me...the kid in the candy store...sifting through amazingly cool discs and photos from her past. I sang her a couple of songs as loud as I could sing them to accommodate her hearing loss, we drank a beer together, laughed a lot and had a fantastic time. She showed me some old St. Louis papers she and her husband had saved. Even a few from when she was a child. I got to read the story that was written about Charles Lindbergh's flight across the Atlantic, the Cardinals 1936 World Series victory, D-day...it was incredible.
Our afternoon ended with Gladys giving me the Tom Waits 45 single of 'Somewhere' from Westside Story, a rare Asylum Records release that I'd been eyeing and a promise to bring my daughters back next week. She said I had better not let her find out I was paying for a room in St. Louis as she had plenty of room and asked me a third time if I needed anything to eat before my show. She noted a couple of times that she was so happy to know that a Fox could actually sing. She said there hadn't been another in her lifetime and she could only play those record players and dream of it. We had another good laugh.
I'm so happy to have gotten to know Aunt Gladys a little better, since I've learned to appreciate the elders of my Fox heritage and look forward to our next visit. I'll tell you all about it. Enjoy your people while you can.

lotsa love
jf

Come see me and Heather Luttrell 11/6/09

How's it going gang?

I'm writing to invite you to a private show on November 6th. It will be at Hunter Valley Winey's new upstairs venue at 6pm and last until we're all tuckered out. I'll be joined that evening by HEATHER LUTTRELL of Atlanta, Ga. If you watched 'Rockstar INXS' when it was going on you'll remember Heather as the wild child with all the Butterfly tattoos (27, I think). She was in the final 4 before she got sent away and is an amazingly talented artist. Since 'Rockstar' she's launched a solo career that has drawn a lot of attention in the South because of her amazing voice, great songs and in part because of her frequent appearances with the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Leo Kottke etc.

There are 50 seats for the event and they are FREE! But you need a reservation.

So here's how: email me at talk@jeffersonfox.com and tell me you would like to reserve a seat for Nov 6th or

If we're close personal friends, just give me a call.

That's it. Be sure and act fast as these will go quickly and I don't know how soon we'll get little Heather back in the neighborhood.

See you soon, Lotsa love
jf

Here's Heather's site: www.heatherluttrell.com

and Hunter Valley Winery is at www.huntervalleywinery.biz/

I'd been wondering lately if there's a point when playing music all the time gets old, not that it's getting old to me but I wondered if it would. I don't think playing will, perhaps the way one plays might...

Tonight I remembered vividly why I started playing.

I got a guitar when I was 6 and learned a few simple songs and chords and when I figured out how to sing and play at the same time I had an overwhelming feeling of freedom. Free to scream or whisper my fears or hopes in any key I decided, any way I saw fit. Free to string together words to make me feel however I wanted to and perhaps make others feel the same.
I remembered that feeling as I played tonight and it rushed over me like a wave that takes away homes and leaves only the beach in it's path. I wish I could keep it with me all the time and I plan to try. I'm sure it will just come in and out of my life when it needs to.
I'm also sure that we ALL have some source of freedom and that it's not anything anyone gives us. It's a stone you find out of place on a trail and put in your pocket. It's a key to a place only you can find. It's the feeling of wind on your face when you were a child on the day that your dog lead you out of the yard. Your children feel it too.

Hold on to it. I'm keeping mine close. And thanks for letting me share my freedom with you. I appreciate it.

lotsa love
jf

Just got back from Georgia and the filming of the Simpleton video. The video turned out wonderfully and will be up for you to see soon (not sure how soon, but soon). Beyond the fact that the project went well, the personal aspect was outstanding also. I got to spend time with Tim Gill again, met some fine folks that he works with regularly and had a great week staying up too late, watching weird movies and, umm, other stuff. ;)
I also got to spend some time with Heather Luttrell in her humble abode in Atlanta. For 3 days and 2 nights Heather, myself and her boyfriend Tom painted the town relentlessly, played a couple of shows, made some plans, installed a sink, cleaned house and forgot to sleep. It was a blast. You should check her out live any time you get a chance.
Another artist that I ran into along the way was Marshall Ruffin from somewhere in Georgia. He was on the road supporting a record called 'Morning Glory' and while the recording was a bit loose the band was not. The trio put on a stellar live show and Marshall's lyrics, vocal, and guitar work kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire show. Check him out.
Well, thanks Chattanooga, Charlotte, Atlanta, Savannah and all the people who put me up, put up with me and made great things happen along the way. Special thanks to the Harmon family in Rock Hill, SC! See you all again soon.

ps. I made a horrible mistake and didn't get a show pulled from the schedule for Sat the 27th of Sept at New Moon of Savannah (the Listening Room). My most sincere apologies to anyone who tried to see me that night. The venue canceled well in advance and my team failed to pull it from my site. I'll make it up to you one day soon.

lotsa love
jf

just funny

I drove to Chattanooga yesterday (Sunday) and then back and tried to listen to the radio along the way. After some endless circles through the available stations I settled for a snake-oil preacher on a Nashville station that sounded like a lot of fun to hear. He was a very well-spoken fellow and made some interesting points...and then...

we as listeners were becoming rather enthralled in some story of contradicting behaviors by biblical characters Peter and Paul and I'm sure we all leaned in toward the radio a little as the intensity in our speakers' voice grew... This preacher was apparently quite frustrated with Paul over something he did or didn't say to the Gentiles...irrelevant to my story...but entertaining because what I heard next made me laugh harder than I have in ages.
The preacher (on the radio) began YELLING at Paul (the deceased apostle) and said (the quote here is the funny part) "He defied the SCRIPTURE!!, Paul DEFIED THE SCRIPTURES!!"

---defied the scripture--- note: he's talking about New Testament Scripture by his own account.

I supposed he was referring to the scripture that the christian churches today are reading...and perhaps Paul had defied it in some way (again irrelevant) but what I found funny was

THE SCRIPTURE HADN'T BEEN WRITTEN at the time of these events. Our hero Paul was living the events from which the scriptures would emerge...the writings this guy on the radio was reading and ranting about 2000+ years later.

I felt bad for Paul, unable to defend himself and having been scolded by Bill the Preacher on public radio for his bad behavior...and for not adhering to a book that he never read. Poor fella.

Don't read any more into this than there is. I'm not getting into the arguments that usually surround Religion, just poking a little fun at my fellow man. (forgive me Lord and fella on the radio)

In other news of the day, the show went great and I met some nice folks, fellow songwriter Brian Ashley Jones of Nashville and his cohort Tish the bass player along with a lot of very hospitable Tennessee..ans. Good times. See you somewhere!


lotsa love
jf

Sept is coming

The days of summer are slipping away. My daughter is turning 4 tomorrow but the big bash is today. :) The weather feels great here in Mo lately. 65-80 is right up my alley.

I played a show last night at Indian Hills Winery. Really great feeling show which is happening more lately. I don't know what's going on but the music just feels better than ever these days. I think everyone had a good time.

I'm really getting unsettled over the Grammy talk. I have NOT been nominated. NOT. I am ENTERED. I love everyones support but I don't think folks understand the process (I don't exactly either) and I don't want anyone thinking that I'm bragging when I say "I have material ENTERED in the Grammy's". Forgive me for the tantrum but it's getting exhausting. Entered, entered, entered.

I'm really excited about the local support I've gotten lately. Annie Lauries in Cape Girardeau is a fabulous antique store where I'm getting a lot of support and doing a show on Sept 4th. That one's going to be VERY cool. Laurie is an interior decorator of sorts and her place is not your run-of-the-mill antique shop. It's extra cool to just be in. Can't wait till Friday. If you come...bring wine. They don't serve but you can drink.

Well, I've gotta go get my Princess Party on.

Lots and lots of love.
jf

Shows

I'm very fortunate to find such great people in my travels. Lately I've stumbled on some really fun shows as a result. I'm doing the Racanelli's Cucina show regularly now and I'd encourage anyone, anytime to check that out. Great outside stage on 'The Loop' in St. Louis just off the Washington U. campus. Lots of fun.
Also please stop in and see my first show at Annie Lauries in Cape Girardeau. That's Sept. 4th at 6pm. Normally the place is an antique shop ( a GREAT antique shop), but on the first Friday of the month, it becomes a great place to see live music or other entertainment, have a few glasses of wine and meet some unique people in a unique environment.
Headed to the south again next month for some shows and a video shoot. More about that later...I'm headed out to fish with the kids and maybe see my dad (been awhile). Hope everybody is fantastic today.

Lots of love
jf

Photos, the website, etc

I've been up too late for a few days now. I'm trying to overcome the learning curve associated with today's technology...sick and tired of web 'designers' telling me that they either CAN'T do what I want them to or that they can for $6,000 has led me to become one. I'll design my own dang site! LOL
Anyway it's proving very rewarding. Getting the job done (allbeit slowly) and despite the constant hurdles I'm very happy with the direction it's going. Should have that up in a couple weeks tops.
When it launches I'm going to have some goodies for you guy/gals. More later on that.
Amid all the mayhem of changing everything I've booked a few shows and some of them are based on my friendship with Heather Luttrell from Atlanta. Take some time and check her out at HeatherLuttrell.com
Well. Gotta get back after it...these sites don't design themselves ya know!

Lots and lots of love
jf

Unicycling

I have officially become addicted to the unicycle. I borrowed one from a friend for a photo shoot and then decided to get at least comfortable on it for the shoot which has turned into an obsession. Crazy but I think the 11 year old in me has resurfaced. I've been wanting this ability for quite some time now. I'll post some pictures after the shoot's done.
Been visiting with my brother and his wife...wonderful people. Gotta hit the grocery store now, before my 13 year old's first day in the 8th grade (tomorrow). Gotta get the good breakfast on and all.

Well, that's tonight!
Lots and lots of love
jf

Blogging??

Ok guys, I'm living in the stone age. This is my first blog out of myspace or one of my websites and really I'm just curious where this thing will go from here. So I guess I'd like for you to let me know if you find this blurb out there in space. Have a great day...oh I guess I should say check out the new video (I'm going to try to throw it in here)...and buy all of my records so I can make a new one. LOL.

Lotsa love,
jf