Wow. Sorry I haven't written in a very long time. I could have least posted a happy holiday season greeting or something of that nature, eh? Well, I hope you all are having a WONDERFUL holiday season!!! I do wish you the best and a healthy and happy New Year to boot.

If you're reading this in Dayton......have you successfully dug your ass out of the white stuff? Fairly amazing huh?

On the day the big snow storm hit, I was driving a rental car back from Nashville alone. I was right smack in the middle of the weather. A five hour drive took 11 1/2 big, long, scary, clench your fists on the wheel HOURS. I cried twice I think. Not big, sad boo hoos, but frustrated-what-the fuck- am-I doing hoos. So what the fuck was I doing? I was trying to get home after completing the last tracks for the new CD. I went to Nashville for three solid days in the studio. Lij and I tracked vocals on 7 songs (lead and b-grounds) and let me tell you that ain't no easy task. I'm not sure what was more difficult....doing seven vocals in three days or driving a rental through a big ass snow storm with wipers that were constantly iced up. I forgot to mention that before I headed out last Wednesday to tackle the winter wonderland, I had just gotten back from the studio at 4 in the morning. I left the hotel a few hours later to start my ordeal. At some points, I was inching along 71 North at 9 MPH. Wouldn't Dayton police have marveled at Jayne Sachs going 9 MPH? In other words, I like my own V-8 and I'm not talking juice....although I like that as well. And at other times, cars were going maybe 30. That's when the world was really whirling by outside our frozen windows.

11 1/2 hours. 7 vocals.

And I have to extend thanks to my friend Boz for hanging on the cell with me for hours during that drive to help me through and keep me awake. Talking comes easily to us both and that was immensely helpful. Thanks Boz!

But I'm home and the CD goes into the mixing stage. I wish I could be there for that as well, but I'm unable. It should go to the manufacturer by mid January. And the release date is Friday, Feb. 25th at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton. Home stretch.....yes sir. And I have to say that the guys in my band did an amazing job on this project. I'm proud of everyone. It's been an intense and fantastic experience. I'll write more about that aspect later, including producer Lij and stories from The Toy Box.

So, I won't take as long to starting clicking my key pad again, I promise. And mark your calander for Feb. 25th. We really want to celebrate with you all. We shouldn't have snow at that point. It should be a perfect time to put legs on the new CD and tap it's little back end and usher it into the new world. We hope anyway.

Talk to you soon.

Love, Jayne

wee hours Sunday, Nov. 7th

I had such a great time opening up for Ellis Paul tonight at Canal Street Tavern! The place was packed with people who "listen". Just a big juicy crowd of people who listen. And two singer/songwriters...me and one of my favorite writers, Ellis Paul. What a great night. I was honored to open. Thanks Ellis! You inspire me and make me want to write better. And thanks to Mick Montgomery (owner of Canal Street) for remembering my request a year ago for the next Ellis opening slot.

And thanks for all the nice people who came up and chatted with me after the show....and who bought CDs, etc... Hope you all enjoy them.

I talked to Mick about the CD release party. We are looking at February at this point. And Mick seems to think it is a fine time to have a release party. (Or a fine time to leave me Lucille.) We'll let you know.

We're still plugging away on the CD.

Lij (producer) takes a road trip up from Nashville next weekend. We're going to do some tracking up here this time. I'm excited about that. Gotta keep on rolling, you know? It is coming together, I assure you.

You know, I felt like an idiot at one point tonight because Patti (sp?), a friend of my friend Cheryl's, asked me where I get my "fastidiousness" from. I know my face showed my brain at that exact moment...and that would be a big blank. In my mind I was thinking, I know I've heard this word many times, but at this exact moment in time I have no fucking clue what it means. And I had to say "What does fastidiousness mean? Then I obsessed on the fact that I didn't readily know what it meant. And I thought about that a lot tonight. And obviously I'm still thinking about it. I told Patti (who I had just met) I'm going to go home and write the word "fastidiousness" on my wall 1000 times. That'll teach me, eh?

Where do I get it from? Oh I don't know....Kroger maybe.

Night,

Jayne

Monday, Oct. 11th

Just wanted to say hi since it's been a while. Steve and I prepare to leave for Nashville again this Friday. We're planning on doing guitar tracks on 5 songs. I'm sure we won't complete them, but we'll give it a big Steve and Jayne effort. I'll let you know our progress.

We had a photo shoot with the band this past week. Andy Welter took a ton of shots of the four of us. It was fun hanging out with everyone and nice of Andy to do this. I think we got some good stuff.

Not many shows on the books right now as you can see above. I'm determined to get this CD finished and decided to put all efforts into that. Lij (producer) will be making a trip up here next month to continue work.

QUESTION: I'm looking to revamp the website jaynesachs.com

Anyone know anyone who is a great website designer??? You can let us know at Blue88@aol.com

Thanks!

Jayne

almost 9/24/04

Hello Z93ers! Although I'm writing to you before going to bed the night before, I'm anticipating that we won't screw up too too badly and that a few of you just might check out the site. If that's you, thanks and welcome! We've played live on Z93 several times and always get a great kick to the morning with Mallory and Campy. They're just...fun.

If you don't know much about the project, I'll briefly tell you that I've released three CDs and the band and I are currently working on the 4th. We're all from Dayton and have been together for a long time and love doing live shows and radio segments, etc...So, feel free to sign up on the email list (for future shows) by clicking "contact" on the home page or write to me directly at blue88@aol.com Let me know your thoughts. Say what you may about what you caught this morning, but don't mention my bed head, eh? Oh that rights, it's radio!!!

Chime in any time!

Thanks,

Jayne

Thursday, Sept. 16th

I apologize for not keeping up with this digest as much as I've wanted. I've been busy with a lot of shows lately and I would love to write about each and every one of them. I've been having a great time. Let's see.....last week I played a solo set at Fraze with a bunch of other talanted singer/songwriters. It was so great to connect with these people again and to hear their material. Unfortunately the weather was threatening to be really sucky which kept a lot of people away from this outdoor venue, but it was cool nonetheless. And yes, it was cool, too. (a little weather humor folks) Thanks to Nick Kizirnis and the good perople at Fraze (Karen, plus more) for organizing such an event which spotlighted local songwriters. I think we all had a great time. Even the 23 people in the audience who braved the elements. Thanks to all of you!

I also did a singer/songwriter in the round at Canal Street Tavern last weekend and as always it was great to be on that stage. This was taped for replay on access. I'll let you know about those details as soon as I know. Thanks to Sonny (HMD Music) and Mick from Canal Street for a fun night.

I got word that I'll be opening up for Ellis Paul at Canal Street on Sat., Nov. 6th. I actually jumped up in the air when the show confirmed. Ellis Paul is one of my FAVORITE singer/songwriters and I'm tickled (yes, school girlish tickled) to be opening for someone whose music I respect SO MUCH. Mark it down. You don't want to miss Ellis, believe me. And if you go, get there early enough to see the opening act! :) Ellispaul.com

The CD is coming coming coming. Our producer Lij had to take all of Sept away from this project to work on a label project...so we're waiting for him to return. I'll keep you updated.

Hope to see you soon! Chime in anytime. I love hearing from people.

My best,

Jayne

Friday, Aug. 27th

I just got back from Cincy. I played a GSL (Girl Solo Live) show with Emily Strand and Shelly Miller (from Chicago).

I always enjoy the more intimate shows. And I have to say that I've never sweated so profusely during a show....ever. It was hot as hot can be. But it's good to test yourself in all sorts of conditions, you know? Even if my fingers at first were sliding off of the strings and sweat was dripping in my left eye. It still was a lot of fun. And it's always inspiring to be around other talented artists and audiences that appreciate the up close and personal nature of what singer/songwriters do. So thanks to all. And I hope I made a few new friends. If so, welcome.

And now I'll teeter my way into the shower and get squeaky again. Ah, that sounds weird. I just mean...clean.

See you soon,

Jayne

Saturday, Aug. 21, 2004

Hi all. Above you'll see a list of shows coming up. I will always try to have a list at the top of this Blog so you can easily see what's coming up. And I'll try to update the digests below...often. This is my goal.

Thanks, Jayne

Wednesday, Aug. 18th

Come and hang out with me tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 19th at Courthouse Square noon to 1pm for Tunes at Noon.

It'll just be me and my guitar playing tunes. Bring a lunch if you want, or just bring yourself and all your fellow employees, etc...There will be lots of people hanging around, eating lunch, listening to these original songs which they've never heard in their life wondering who the hell that girl is on stage. Noon to 1pm! See you then.

Jayne

Thursday, August 5th, 2004

Today I'm on cloud 9. Or 10 perhaps.

Late last night I had the honor of meeting a very talented, down to earth special guy. Johnnie Wilder Jr. Singer/producer extroadinaire (sp? I know, I suck) with credits such as the lead singer of the 70's band Heatwave to current producing of acapella gospel music. Many remember "Boogie Nights" and "Always and Forever". Yep, THAT Johnnie Wilder Jr. He and his wife Roz were kind enough to invite me and Jim Boz (the smart radio guy/writer) into their house to discuss Johnnie's career past and present along with music production, etc.... Jim Boz arranged the whole thing and taped the conversation for what may be helpful in a future book about Johnnie's life. It was unbelievably cool. And so was Johnnie. He stays up all night and sleeps in the day, so I'm a wee bit draggy today, but not complaining. Afterall, when you get to cloud 8, 9, 10....it's pretty fluffy. More to come.

BTW, Heatwave's official site is Heatwave72.com and Johnnie's own new record label is Shalonda.com.

Goodnight all. Good morning Johnnie.

Jayne

August 3rd, 2004

Eddie Murphy gave me, Jayne Sachs, a check for 10 Million dollars.

10 Million dollars to me, Jayne Sachs. I couldn't believe the luck.

I hustled to the bank as fast as dreams can go and told the teller I needed to deposit this check. I leaned over to her with my palms facing up and whispered, "Eddie Murphy gave it to me". As we both started to laugh, her's came out like a knock. A knock on a hotel door to be exact. The knock got a little louder as my eyes opened a little further. I stumbled out of bed, still laughing with the odd sounding bank teller. I tripped over my opened suitcase and made it to the door just in time to hear Scotty's voice quietly saying "Are you awake? I locked myself out of my room". Scotty. Not Eddie. Scotty.

I opened the door and said "Eddie Murphy just gave me a check for 10 Million dollars....and I was just about to deposit it into my bank account. But I'd much rather see you".

This is how our Sunday started, our last day in the studio (this go 'round).

Scott, Kelly and I drove down to Nashville Friday morning and started work right away on the next batch of tunes. Our goal was to track bass and drums on five new songs.

Grueling. But oh so fun. Give me three days of free time and I'd spend it pulling my locks out within studio walls in a half of a moment's notice. I love the process. And I don't need a haircut at the end of the weekend. How great is that?

We accomplished what we set out to accomplish. Kelly and Scott were pros as always and Lij, the producer had great ideas and helped us all fine tune the tunes, so to speak. It was very fine. So we've tracked on nine songs now, with only one completely finished and mixed. But it's rolling. It's rolling. Kelly took some great pics during our visit, that I'll try to share with you soon.

Poor Scott had a Physiology test he had to cram for during the weekend. Poor thing would make it down to the continental breakfast room at the hotel and study early in the morning. And that was only a few short hours after getting back to the hotel from the studio the night before. He's dedicated. In fact he's dedicated to everything he's involved in. He's studying to be an RN and perhaps a nurse anesthetist. Don't ever ask me to pronounce anesthetist. I tried many times in Nashville and never made the right sounds in the right order. Conscientious. That's another one.

And aren't you glad there is spell check? Those are hard ones.

But all in all, it was a very fun time in Nashville. Everything is coming together. The days were long, but the payoff is worth it. In fact, I got 10 Million.

Thursday, August 19th, I'll be playing a Tunes At Noon at the Courthouse Square in downtown Dayton. Noon to 1pm. I think either Scotty or Kelly, or maybe all three of us will play. A fun thing to do on a lunch hour. If you're close, come and hang, and have lunch. If you're not close, play hooky. We'll zip it up and throw away the key. Promise.

Looking forward to seeing you. There will be other shows to report here soon. We're confirming.

Hearts,

Jayne

July 27th

Hello all. I realized I hadn't written in a while so I wanted to say hi. HI.

Steve, Scott and I will get together tonight and work on the next batch of songs to take to Nashville. We're optimistically hoping to track five songs this coming weekend......well, drums and bass that is. That is the most we can hope to get done. Then guitars and vocals will be in the next go around. We practice in Steve's basement and so happens that my favorite resturant is near his house. And that would be Little Saigon. I love it and get it almost every time before practice. Not sure why I'm telling you about my taste for Vietnamese food, but there you have it. If you want to win my heart......or tastebuds.....bring a couple of veggie soft rolls to a gig sometime. As long as you promise I won't start tripping after 40 minutes or so, I'll eat em. My brain is not the kind of brain you want to experience on that kind of stuff. And I'm not sure why I'm telling you this now either. So I better stop. I guess I have chatty fingertips today.

On August 19th, a few of us (not sure which combo yet) will play Tunes At Noon at the courthouse square from noon to 1pm. Then again in September, but I'll alert you in plenty of time. There will be a few other gigs in Sept as well, but as soon as I confirm everything, I'll provide details.

Until then we'll be working on the record. Wish us luck in Nashville this weekend. Here we go again. Whee.....

Love always,

Jayne

July 14th, 2004

Ok, left out an important detail about tomorrow's show at The Dayton Art Institute. And thanks to Steve Molla for flicking my brain cells into action. It is Thursday, July 15th (tomorrow) from 5:30 to 9pm. "Z-93's It's a Thursday Thing" is the name of the event. Outdoors if weather permits, indoor, if not.

July 2nd, 2004

Hello all!

Happy July 4th to all of you firecrackers out there!

It's Jayne and I just got back from Florida. If I had balls I would tell you that I sweated them off. But luckily all my parts remain in tact and I had a good time. First it was Naples, then Fort Walton. Just great.

And now it's back to business and back to letting you know about upcoming shows and such. First, upcoming shows.....

Please join us Saturday, July 10th at The Trolley Stop in downtown Dayton's Oregon District. Emily Strand will do a solo acoustic opener at 9:30. Then my band and I will play for the rest of the evening. It's almost nothing to get in ( and it could be nothing, I'm not sure). They are at 530 E. 5TH. We haven't played Trolley in years and it will be nice to be back. They are great folks over there.

Then on Thursday, July 15th the band and I will play at the Dayton Art Institute's very first "It's a Thursday Thing". It's on a Thursday night.....makes sense. It's an outdoor event co-sponsored by our good buddies at Z93! Perhaps you've heard some promotion for the event on their air? Anyway, should be a great time. Come party with us, Z93 and the great people at The Dayton Art Institute for "It's a Thursday Thing"! And hey, if the skies open up that night, it'll be indoors. So, no worries either way.

Now for the "and such".....

The Dayton Daily News is highlighting local music on their website (daytondailynews.com) and this week it's our music. My computer sucks, so I haven't been able to access it, but you can let me know how it looks and sounds. And it's a great way to check out other local music as well and their website! So click in and fill me in if you so desire. Thanks Dayton Daily News for supporting local artists and bands!

Happy July 4th! May your skies be colorful.

Sincerely,

Jayne

Monday, June 14th

Wow, did I have a great time this past Saturday night playing the singer/songwriter in the round at Canal Street.

There was a host of talented people there playing their stuff and I was happy to be among them. Taking the songs to their bare bones is a nice departure from the type of production we're doing in the studio. There is something to be said for being naked, and songs are no different. I truly enjoyed it. It reminds you of who the songs really are and therefore who you really are. A good reminder indeed.

And I have to tell you that there is some strong young talent forging ahead in Dayton. For instance, Brodie Porterfield. Try to catch a show of his. I'll have him open for us when the time is right. I really dig his stuff. And veteran Sharon Lane played in my set. She's a wise gal and grandmother. How cool is that? She's taught me a few lessons along the way and has always been a support to me regarding my music career. And when I was pregnant with my first and mentioning to her that I was uncertain how I could still have a music career, she basically told me to "fuck em" (the music industry people) and do what I really wanted to do. I thanked her again for that advice the other night and told her that with both pregnancies I gigged until I was 7 months pregnant and have continued to do shows. I can't say that the wonderful and welcomed responsibilities of being a Mom hasn't changed my career, but I wouldn't take the trade for anything now.

And Kattie Dougherty played the night as well. She was with Real Lulu for years and in fact she and I debuted the same night in a triple bill at Canal Street10 years ago. So, it was great to hear her do solo stuff 10 years later and to be on a bill with her again. She's adorable and writes cool tunes.

Rob Young, Alec Delphinich (17 year old with lots of talent), Amy Hedges, Liam Henessey, Wil Cope (he and I will play Fraze on Sept. 8th), Reggie Stone and Dennis Delphinich (Alec's Dad and great writer and player) all played the night. Lots of good writer and performers.

It was fun. And good for me. And I hope the folks there had a good time as well. Canal Street is such a treasure.

The next gig will be at The Trolley Stop on July 10th, 9:30-1:30. Emily Strand will open. Please come check it out. The band and I haven't played Trolley in so long. And you should catch Emily. Should be a blast. And then on the 15th, we'll play an outdoor show at the Dayton Art Institute. And after that, we head back to Nashville for another round of studio work. The CD is coming along.

Talk to you soon. Feel free to write me at Blue88@aol.com

I love hearing from you.

My best, Jayne

Saturday, May 29th weeeeeeee hours

You know.....if I were smart I'd be sleeping. If I had a mind that I could switch off (like the light that I should be switching off right now), I'd be sleeping. If I think about the busy day that lies ahead in the studio today, I'd be sleeping. If I didn't get emotional for one reason or another after a gig, I'd be sleeping. If I could get my heart to stop racing, I'd be sleeping. If I could do drugs like I was in college again, I'd definitely be sleeping. But here I am writing to you. So let's stay awake for a few more minutes. I'll run and get the cookies and you can fluff the pillows. I don't really know what that means, but I like it.

I just got back from Canal Street Tavern a little while ago. We did a double bill show with The Tim Easton band and we started out the night at about 9:30. By all accounts we had a good show. And so did they. There was a nice turn out and I saw some faces I hadn't seen in a while. I played my new guitar for the first time and I feel like I have a new friend. We don't really know each other that well yet, but we will. Getting a new instrument is kind of like a love affair which eventually turns solid. And if not, you sell the sucker and cut your losses. (And don't we wish we could get money for love affairs turned south?) But I think this one will work out. And I did sort of feel like I was cheating on my black Alvarez. But I've played the hell out of that guitar for 9 years now. I thought she could use a rest. She's done well.

We played six new tunes tonight. A debut of sorts. Our producer, Lij and his girlfriend Joy were at the show. They drove up from Nashville because we're going to do some tracking in the studio in about 10 hours. (And knowing that my children will be awake in about 5 hours makes an even better case for getting some shut eye. But such is Jayne.) Most of the new CD will be recorded at Lij's house in Nashville, but we've rigged up a way to do some guitar work here with Steve tomorrow. So let's roll tape, so to speak.

I can't think of a better way to start off a long weekend. A gig on Friday night and studio work on Saturday. I'm loving the weekend so far. I'll never be able to articulate how much music means to me. To do so would sound trite, I'm sure. And I think my bandmates probably feel the same way. I really enjoyed being on stage with them tonight. I think they did a bang up job as always and I'm proud they've stuck with my project for all of these years. 9? Yep. When we met when we were almost young.

Anyway, my cat Zenia is staring at me from the middle of the carpet. Her face is two different colors and there is a line that splits it perfectly down the middle. I think she must be wondering why humans touch these little buttons in front of them that make clicking sounds while staring at a bright box. It's because we should be sleeping, Zenia, but we're compelled to ramble until our heart stops racing after a gig and all is calm enough to actually close our eyes. Come to sleep with me in a few minutes Zenia. I could use your purr, but please don't put your ass in my face. You always do that.

Anyway folks. I hope you have sweet dreams. And if you're reading this in the daytime and have a calendar handy, mark down Saturday, June 12th. I'll be playing an All Stars Singer/Songwriter in the round at Canal Street Tavern. More info to come.

I really should be sleeping.

Twinkles....

Jayne

Monday, May 24th

This Friday, the band and I will play Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, We'll start the night at 9:30!

Doors open at 8.

5 bones gets you in.

Come and hear the NEW SONGS we've been sweating over! And we'll also play songs from all the other CDs.

We'd love to see you and to have your support!!

The Tim Easton band follows. They're Americana and you can check it out at TimEaston.com.

Canal Street Tavern is at 308 East First Street in downtown Dayton. 937-461-9343.

Wed., April 28th

I had a great time playing Girl/Solo/Live with Emily Strand at The Trolley Stop in Dayton this past Monday. Thanks again for the invite Emily and for those who showed up for the show.

It had been several years since I played Trolley Stop and I think maybe next time I'll take the band in with me. I saw some people I hadn't seen in just as long and it was nice to catch up. I took the opportunity to play more than a handful of new songs and I felt pretty good about it. People didn't throw perishable or nonperishable goods up my way, so that is always a fine indication. And actually, the new stuff felt comfortable to play so I think I'll go ahead and release that new CD afterall. But we have to finish it first. Big Steve and I take our 2nd trip to the ville of Nash next week to complete what we didn't get to last time. Then all the guys and I will head back probably in July. I'm really hoping to get that sucker out in August. We'll keep you updated.

SHOW REMINDER: The band and I will play Canal Street Tavern in Dayton on Friday, May 28th. When we get closer, I'll give you show details. And when we get intimate...

Talk to you soon,

Jayne

Thursday, April 15th

Make it to the post office in time? Mine was giving away blue suckers. I made it in time. Anything for a sucker.

Just a reminder that I'll be doing a solo acoustic show on Monday, April 26th at The Trolley Stop in Dayton's Oregon District. It's part of GSL (Girl/Solo/Live) hosted by Emily Strand. She's invited me to share the night with her. Emily recently won 97Xposure, a tri-state area unsigned band contest sponsored by WOXY-FM. They tell me I was the first female singer/songwriter to ever win that title, and I beleive Emily is now the 2nd. Hats off Emily! Come and check it out on the 26th!! 9pm-midnight at the Trolley Stop, 530 E. 5th Street. For info, call (937) 461-1101

And my band and I will be playing Dayton's Canal Street Tavern on Friday, May 28th. We're sharing the bill with Tim Easton and his band. I beleive they're from Austin, but don't hang me by my boots if I'm wrong.

Doors open at 8pm. I'll post more details as they become available.

Wednesday, March 31st

So last Friday the boys and I were rolling our way down to Nashville. Our spirits were soaring with thoughts of being back in the studio together. Scott's kids had both just gotten over the big bad stomach virus thing, so all week leading up to our departure Scott washed his hands like a neurotic monkey and was ultimately exiled to the back seat in the van so his "would be" possible germs would stay on his skin, in his body and not contaminate us or the weekend of intense studio work. Scott had done internet research the night before on how stomach "flu" is transmitted and it is primarily through ingesting the virus, he read. So Scott was aware of what he was touching and I was very aware not to lick it. Steve seems unfazed and thought we both were out of control. Scott hadn't been sick, but didn't know if he was going to get it and when and if he was contagious. So Scott and I played it safe and Steve just kept driving. Just what you would expect.

So Scott, Steve and I were motoring down 71 south toward Louisville (Kelly was driving down later that evening) and listening to our rough demo of songs we were about to record with producer Lij, and chatting about all things such as Steve's Buddhism, my ability to ask too many questions, Scott's raw hands, how fucking spicy and great the jalapeno chips are, how we've come full circle as a band, how cracking a window in an open car helps take gas smells away (if you know what we mean) and everything else under the roof of Steve's red Caravan. And right then, a car passed us that was completely and entirely covered with bird shit. I mean covered. Steve estimated that there probably wasn't more than six inches between splatters. Folks, this is a lot of shit. Everywhere you looked, one could see bird shit and only bird shit on this car. And the family inside seemed just fine with it. So, for the next fifteen minutes or so we examined that situation. The how it got there and the why it's still there. And we wondered how many people in how many other cars the shit-mobile passed was and would be talking about it.

And then we talked about signs on the highway like a sign Steve once saw that said "No signs posted here" and one I saw that said "Don't pick up hitchhikers: Prison area". This made me feel pretty safe heading past that particular prison, but I'll save it for another time.

Anyway, I was extremely happy to be with my band mates heading toward what I knew would be a very memorable experience. Studio work is as intense as you can imagine. It's fun, but very intense. When you have an emotional stake in the songs, and you have a limited amount of time to record the best tracks possible, when time and waste of time in the studio equals money, when you want to do your absolute best and get some sort of validation, when you get less than three hours of sleep a night and spend 15 or so hours in the studio at a time, when you sit for several hours waiting for a computer technical problem to get fixed desperately wishing you could start tracking, when you leave to go get lunch because the producer says you should go and spend some time away because nothing can get done in the studio at that moment, when you sit at a German restaurant holding back tears because you feel like time is slipping away and there's way too much to still do, when you know that two of your bandmates HAVE to leave the next day at 5pm and you've been waiting all of that day day to start recording and it's now 2:30 and the computer just gets fixed, when you start to record and realize everything is sounding pretty great, when you see how Kelly expertly executes all the suggestions of the producer, when you watch how effortlessly Scott plays under pressure and how much he sincerely loves what he does, when you see how wonderfully prepared Steve is and the beautiful guitar parts he's created for these songs, when I close my eyes and feel the songs we're working on and realize how much music means to me and how fortunate I am to be having a few really fucking intense days doing something I truly love with people I truly adore, then you know this aspect of life is good.

We worked on four new songs in Nashville last weekend. No song is done yet. We've only completed bass and drums for those songs and Steve has tracked some guitar on three of the songs. It's going to take a lot more work, but we have a start. The producer may come to Dayton so we can finish guitar (Steve's and mine) and do vocals on these songs. Lij may try to lay some piano on one of the songs before coming up. We're considering maybe strings on another song and Lij hears horns on another one...soft horns. I have some organ ideas and so does Steve. So, we're still laying it out.

AS FAR AS UPCOMING GIGS.....

I'll be doing a solo show at the Trolley Stop Monday, April 26th with Emily Strand (this year's 97Xposure winner). For those of you who may remember, I won that title back in 95. It's unreal that it's been that long. Anyway, Emily and I plan bring it to you on April 26th. I'll forward details about the start time and door, etc...

HOPE TO SEE YOU!!

My very very very best,

Jayne

Thurs., March 4th

Just wanted to tell you that the guys and I have been working hard lately on pre-production as we gear up for the studio. We leave on the 26th of this month and head to Nashville for a handful of days. We're going to Lij's home studio (the producer of VG) and hope to get as much done on four or five songs as possible this first go around. I think Scott is taking his video camera to capture the fun, torture, exhaustion and creativity. We're looking forward to the whole experience, but besides recording, the best part is being able to hang out with my buddies. I'm even looking forward to the car ride so we can chat and eat snacks that are really bad for us. You know, some bands drink....some bands smoke.....some bands take a variety of chips and dips in the van with them. And maybe scones. I've been writing some new stuff lately and am feeling less dry and blocked, so it's a good thing. Especially since I've got to write a CD worth of stuff. So, I'll keep you updated on our progress as we approach the end of the month. Thanks for chiming in.

Sat., Feb. 28th 2004

Happy Saturday to each and all of you. Just wanted to say that I had a really wonderful time playing the singer/songwriter in the round at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton last night. I sent out notices to people on the email list, but didn't put it here on the site. That was an oversite and I'm sorry. You can spank me at a later date.

Actually, it was a last minute show that the owner of Canal threw together. But it was the perfect time for me to see a lot of the other songwriters from the area. I got the chance to reconnect with people I hadn't seen in years (in some cases) and the chance to hear great music and be a part of it myself. You know, it was kind of emotional for me. I've been on that stage at Canal Street for 10 years now. And I've always thought of the club as sort of like my living room.....without ventilation. I hold a very special place in my heart for that wonderful dive and the fact that the building is up for sale brings a lot of mixed feelings for me. Canal Street Tavern will probably locate to a bigger and better place, but there will never be another Tavern quite like this one. But change is good, just a little hard to swallow at times. So for now, I think I'll take a shower, because every day after a gig at that place I smell. Really badly. But I suppose that is a part of it's charm.

wee hours of Mon., Feb 23rd

Well, we had a blast playing Canal Street last night for the tribute to Vick Mickunas and Aileen Leblanc. Canal Street was packed with standing room only (don't whisper this to the fire marshall) and I would say that 80 percent of the folks there didn't know who we were. That always makes for a fun challenge and a chance to meet and play to a bunch of new people. The guys and I enjoyed it very much. And what better cause? When WYSO was the station that all local folks here loved and respected, Vick was a big support to my project. He started playing cuts from my early works and had me in to play live several times throughout the years. I miss his program (selfishly speaking) and I miss hearing his calming voice on air. C'mon YSO, bring Vick and Aileen back...if they'll have you...and while you're at it, how about "Women in Music" and the jazz show, etc....

Night.

Jayne

Tues., Feb. 17th

Hello everyone!

The guys and I will play a show at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, OH on Sunday, Feb., 22nd to honor two former WYSO on-air personalities, Vick Mickunas and Aileen Leblanc. The entire night is a tribute to them for their years of comittment to our community through the WYSO. Also on the bill is Puzzle of Light and possibly a few solo acts in between. Doors open at 7 and the guys and I take stage at 8. (that's good since it's a Sunday). 5 dollars to get in. Should be a great night of music from all and a worthy celebration for these two individuals. Come join us!

Fri., Feb. 13th

Hi all.

Ok, so a friend if mine was kicking my lazy ass today. He thinks I've been sitting on material that others might want to hear. And he wants me to stand up. He reminded me of live shows that we've recorded over the years and other behind the scenes tracks from radio shows or television performances, or goofing around in the studio, or old demos, or...well, you don't want to know what else. Or maybe you do. Anyway, Damon (my ass kicking buddy friend) thinks we should offer some of this stuff up on the web site. And he thinks the site needs to be overhauled and updated more. And he thinks I should offer little daily digests on the site. He's pushy, isn't he?

But, I think he's right. So, I promise to get some new stuff to you, girl scouts honor. Is that how you spell girl scouts? Or is it one word? I was a Brownie, what do I know? But I do remember three fingers up. Better than one I guess. (see, it's my first little daily digest).

But I digress.

While we work on the next CD, I'm going to activate a little more of my brain (a few more percents) and figure out where some of this old stuff has been stuffed, and get it on the site. Deal?

If you have any suggestions, shoot me an email at Blue88@aol.com. I'd like to hear from you. Anytime. Three fingers up.

Take care,

Jayne

Look here for some photos by Andy Welter.

If you don't know the guys, it's Steve Van Etten on guitar, Scott Shiverdecker on bass and Kelly Morelock on drums!