So after attending the Ticket’s Charity Quarterback Bowl I decide to drive out to the town of the cow (sorry ceepe and meso – I shoulda called ya) to check out this band called JJ and The Rogues. They are playing with us at the Cavern and Dada next month. I had enjoyed their cd – an extremely tight, jazzy, poppy, beatley, catchy set of tunes – but was really interested to see if they could pull off the live versions with the same alacrity.

About 30 seconds into the first song, I realized they sounded even better. Each tune was executed flawlessly. Perfect 3 part harmonies, masterful guitar, bass and keyboard lines, an easy going presence… by these kids in their very early 20s. They are extremely well-rehearsed. For 5 minutes I wish I could play the guitar as well as co-leader Jameson Cockerell can. I feel pretty lame as a musician today.

I could go on and on in this post about them. I won’t. I just have to say, “other bands… be afraid, be very afraid.” I think they will turn a lot of heads, and then said heads will explode.

Thanks to everyone who came to the Jeff Jones Comedy Hour (aka The Jones Thing at Club Dada, opening for Airline). We hadn’t practiced enough of the material to perfection, so the 1.5 hour show was replete with inane bs coming from my mouth in between songs. We had a ton of fun though and everyone was very complimentary of the sound. I can’t thank Dada enough for providing such wonderful PA reinforcement, expertly mixed by Bobcat. Can’t wait for the next gig with Sorta on the 29th.

Finally got to see Airline live in a proper venue, with people listening instead of yammering. These kids were incredible. I wish I had reached the level of song writing maturity that Frontman Robby Holley posesses when I was in my early 20s. They have all the tools (originality, look, presentation, youth, energy, songs) necessary to ‘make it’ – or rather achieve national/international success. You best see these guys soon/this year – I have a feeling they will be touring America/Europe/Brazil before ya know it.

Remind me to play you some of my early 20s material…. it is frightening.

Last night me and about a hundred other folks had a blast at LBG watching America’s best Elvis Costello Tribute Band – Oliver’s Army. Like us, they hadn’t practiced or performed in several months, but you wouldn’t have known it. They delivered all of the classics with nary a trip-up, slowdown or mistake. I could hear everyone perfectly and really rocked out to all the up-tempo numbers in the first set. While lead signer Russell Bartholomee doesn’t wear the traditional black frames anymore (another lasik success), closing your eyes, you’d almost swear it was Declan up there. The vocal delivery embodies every nuance in strong fashion. You gotta check these guys out.

Lots of folks got up to dance, including Brian Wheat of Tesla fame! I had the honor of hanging out with Jeff Keith, lead singer of Tesla. I think he took a shine to me since we shared the same first name. Both guys were extremely friendly and outgoing. My right breast is still sore from the painful yet affectionate squeeze Jeff gave it as he was leaving – HEHE!!!