Hi Gang I have been really busy trying to get everything in order before JoniFest which includes the final two songs (For Volumes 1 and 2) being mixed from the now infamous JoniFest2000. I will be bringing a demo of the double CD to have as listening music during dinner or whenever there is time for a listening party. I have solved the legal and financial issues which have been delaying this release (I won't bore you with the details). The actual product could ship as early as the second week of Sept. I am currently in negotiations for a distribution deal that would make it available more than I could on my own. This has been a long and amazing journey for me and one that has cost next to nothing to produce and no one was paid for any of the work done in it's production. All monies will go to the Ruth Paz Foundation to build a burn unit in Honduras as well as a portion being donated to the best damn websites in the world as a further tribute to Joni and her two wonderful Web guys and of course to Wally Breese. All royalities are being prepaid so that Joni herself will benefit from this wonderful tribute. The artwork will be on display at JoniFest and I hope to be able to have a sign up sheet there for all who are interested. The actual press release is forthcoming. In other news, we are putting the finishing mixes on Jack Neilson's debut album. We had an amazing assortment of musicians participate in the tracking process including:
Dave Easely-Pedal Steel (Brian Blade Fellowship) Beth Patterson-Bouzouki, Mandola, Mandolin, Dulcimer, Oboe, Vocals, Percussion (Hybrid Vigor Take Some Fire---check out her solo releases) David Torkanowsky-Piano and Keys (Astral Project, Boney James, Dianne Reeves) check out this article http://www.offbeat.com/oboctober2001/feature.html Johnny Vidocovich-Drums and Percussion (Astral Project, Many others) Jay Dronge-Bass (Tooooo many bands New Orleans bands to mention) For those of you who have heard the songs in demo format you already know, but this record is amazing. For those of you going to JoniFest 2002 you will be able to hear the man live and play along. We tried to get the album out before JoniFest but it was just not possible. It IS worth the wait! Finally, my pal Lisa Haley of the Zydecats Lisa Haley (introduced to me by my dear friend and fellow music junkie, Kakki {Thank You so much}) was in town this week for a Ryko Disc convention. She was recently signed by them and her new album Talking To The Sun due in stores (which I HIGHLY reccommend) on Sept. 3, was co-produced by my pal Keb Mo. Check her out at www.bluefiddle.com . I helped her out with some things while we were in town and on her final night here she and her manager asked me to go out to dinner with them and catch some music on the side. When we arrived at the Ryko dinner at Bacco Restaurant. I see this grey haired guy with glasses pointing at me and smiling. Being somewhat blind I had to get much closer to see who it was. When I did I realized it was none other than Pat, Jonatha Brooke's manager. I then asked where Jonatha was and up she popped from behind some record execs. to give me a great hug and kiss. They decided to come hang out with some of these people and have dinner in New Orleans (I wish I could just pop in to towns for just dinner and a hang, but I digress). Anyways Jonatha told me that she is gonna tie the knot with Pat on Sept. 4th and LOOK OUT NYC!!!!! they are moving to the big apple. They sold the house in Malibu and are headed east (why couldn't it be New Orleans, but I digressing even further). They feel the jump to the east coast will be better for her and I have to agree. After dinner we went down the street and hung out listening to some great music (which I can't rememeber all the artists names cause I was too busy swooning). It was a glorious night and I had such a ball hanging with the girls and of course Jack who showed up late and caught Jonatha in the hallway. I am so looking forward to the upcoming festivities and look forward to visiting NYC for an evening of dinner and cocktails and hopefully some music (hey I can pop into town for dinner and stuff). Hope all are well! My best to you all, Paz
