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*6/13/05 As a sort of showlog, I suppose this page is a bit monotonous, so I’m not going to do recaps anymore, either. But never fear, I'm not going anywhere. If you read this, you probably know where to find me. And the home page will still be updated with new shows. Feel free to check back to this page too, in case I change my mind and want to vent.
*6/6/05 An outdoor show next Saturday should be fun. Playing in downtown Collingswood, NJ, where else? Keeping it local, keeping it real. Stay tuned for news on next month's gig, the Bluebird Barbecue Block Party (on the other end of the street from my house.) Eventually, maybe I can just get the fans to come to me.
*4/9/05 Tree House show - I had decided to plan this gig well ahead to coincide with Collingswood’s April “2nd Saturday” event, which turned out to be a good call. We were blessed with a great day with lots of foot traffic from the Avenue that came into the Tree House and stayed for the show. Johnny Miles and I got together Friday and worked out some songs to play together, but we largely stuck to the “alternating” format, taking turns singing. I was hyped. And the crowd was great. The three hours went by fast, and I really enjoyed the interaction on stage with Johnny. It was especially gratifying to notice some good reactions to newer songs like “Rising again” and “Dropping a Dime”. When you work hard, it's good to see it pay off. It was a fun night, and a nice reward.
*2/18/05 It's been a long time since I really wrote something here beyond a short recap. Here's something new from my personal musical philosophy.
“Songwriting - It’s All About the Borrowing", or "Some People Want to Fill the World with Silly Love Songs - (What's Wrong With That?)”
“Writing a song” is not all that hard. Almost anybody with the slightest musical desire can borrow bits from here and there and put them together to make a song – at least “a” song (note judicious use of quotes). I won't call it "easy", but that’s really all it takes. Honestly, there is so little differentiating many of today’s popular songs, that it requires very little in the way of original idea to take some music and call it one’s own. But all budding songwriters have to start somewhere, and you just need that shot of inspiration to do it. Nonetheless, many would-be-songwriters stumble right there, waiting for something that's 100% unique. Everybody wants that wonderful, great big idea. But if you wait for it, it may never come. So you have to start… somewhere. Some folks start with the music, a riff or a melody. Others start with the words, a title, or a full lyric. Try it either way - and both, even. But where do you get that “something” to start with when you are all empty? That’s where the borrowing comes in. It’s ALL borrowing when it comes down to it, anyway. We are products of our influences, whether we notice it or not, and there’s really no getting around that. So you take a small piece of something that has caught your ear, and you change it enough to make it yours. You just do it similarly - but different. Then you take a piece of something else, and your own creation starts to develop. When you get the third piece, you may already have yourself a song. It’s like when U2’s Bono said that all you need is “three chords and the truth”.(And I’m sure he borrowed that idea from somewhere, too.)
So when you decide you want to write songs, the first thing you want to do is to become a good listener. Pick out the little bits in songs that you like, both musically and lyrically. Start to listen to music in different ways. It can be the smallest of things that sets a new song in motion. For instance, I was listening to John Lennon’s “Imagine” when I thought, “I like the way the chord changes from C to E7 in the middle. I think I’ll use that.” I took that little chord change and ran with it. I remembered some other obscure song with an old-time feel to it that I incorporated as well. The result was something that sounded nothing like “Imagine”, but in a way, it owed its existence to that tune. For lyrics this time, I went with the idea of just using words that sounded good and a very loose theme. That’s not always the best way to go, but you might be surprised. If you accumulate enough different “turns of phrases”, you can actually collect them into something that doesn’t suck. Then it’s up to you how much you want to edit. I edited this one a bit. Many people like to “go with the gut” and stick with the ideas as they first came to them. Others fine-tune every line. I like “the gut” but often you can make a good idea better after you let it breathe awhile. And many of the greats of modern songwriting have done it this way. Dylan built on folk traditions, and borrowed from great storytellers, The Stones mimicked American Blues, and The Beatles’ style grew out of playing the songs of their ‘50s rock-n-roll heroes. Lennon even admitted to copping an old favorite a few times.
If you have the time – write. Make the time if you have to. Just write..something. It’s an exercise that’s good for you. If you are like me, your failures will far exceed your successes. The failures will frustrate, but they can amuse you, too. Who knows, maybe someday you could write the next “Save the Gerbils” or “Free Kareem Abdul-Jabbar”.
*2/9/05 Yes, an update. Winter's in full swing, and Open Mic Night is back for now at the Tree House with Johnny Miles. And JM and I will share a bill at the T.H. on April 9 (details to follow). So there's that...and hopefully spring will bring more music news to report.
*12/13/04 This past weekend I got a new guitar, a Martin D-16GT. It's an awesome instrument. AND I resumed some recording at Jay's. I have 7 songs that I'll put on a CD soon - to be available at shows and on request. Go to the Music Page to hear what I've got, or here for more cuts in-progress.
*11/9/04 Just uploaded a lo-fi 1-man-band version of "Circle K" recorded mostly '4-track' and in mono. Go HERE to listen, then email me
*10/18/04 Block Party show - Played in Haddonfield for the residents of Mt. Vernon Street. Very nice. The day followed what has become a pattern of picking out cover songs from my Beatle-heavy repertoire, fielding a few requests as best I can, and then letting the kids go wild as a part of the act. Feedback from my first private shows has been very positive, with referrals developing on their own. It's been interesting to see the performing opportunties which have come up this year. I'm still deciding, Where to next?
*10/9/04 Tree House show, etc. - Friday, on short notice, I filled in at the T.H.. An audience didn't. I played a bit on the Ave. on Sat., too. Also found out the T.H. has finally given up on Open Mic Night.
*9/25/04 Collingswood Farmers Market and a Private Party - Today I did a marathon of sorts- back to back gigs, over 6-hours of performing! The morning at the Market was typically awesome. Lots of sun, and happy faces were there to enjoy the music. I was joined by a few guest percussionists including Jill, and Bluebird BBQ drummer, Terry W. (excellent beats). Tips were great. The afternoon found me at the home of the Cook Family, who were celebrating the 1st birthday of their daughter. I provided a soundtrack of favorites while the guests enjoyed the festivities. It was a nice affair which also featured magician, Brian Richards. I also did some kid songs with the youngest partiers. The party paid well, too. At the end of a long, rewarding day of music I felt good, and I found myself wondering that this might be what it feels like if music were a full-time gig.
*9/18/04 Tree House show - Big thanks to Johnny Miles for coming out and playing with me some tonight. JM's a big talent, and he plays bongos, too! I'm very grateful to him and the handful of others who came out for the Tree House show. But I just can't seem to pull much of a crowd in there these days.
*9/11/04 - Haddon Twp. Block Party - Good times for the hometown folks today. I played a cool half-hour set and also enjoyed the music from The Trolleyvox (nice), Ernie & Neal(gotta love 'em), and Sara O'Brien (she played her New Jersey song to the very people she sings of in the song!). AND I made a point to try to pull in some folks for the Tree House Show next week. We'll see next Saturday..
*9/4/04 - Recorded three songs with Jay V. at his "home studio" in Bristol, PA . Well, really the "studio" is Jay's computer and the SONAR software, but Jay really knows how to use it well. Check out the fruits of the labor on the Music Page. Hopefully there will be more to come soon.
*8/21/04 Collingswood Farmers Market show - It would take a whole lot to take the wind out of the sails on a Saturday at the Farners Market. A broken string, a broken pick-up, and some frantic scrambling couldn't do it. And after we sorted out a pleasing volume level, all was fine. Collingswood is "good people". Saturdays are always a grand time for everybody I see coming through the Market, and this was no exception. I can't think of a better way to spend the morning on my birthday.
8/14/04 - Abbie Road Records show - A foursome including myself, Jay V., and his friends Shannon and Kevin defied Mother Nature on Haddon Ave., playing a bunch of tunes for the umbrella-ed passer-by's. We played for a solid hour before the rain really started. and we had to pack it in soon after. Shame the weather was so spiteful, but we made the best of it, throwing out some fun songs for all to hear.
*7/30/04 - The Tree House Open Mic is in a state of flux. Ben Garvey is moving on, but his tenure as Open Mic Night host may well go down as its "heyday".
*Abbie Road/ Bluebird Block Party shows 7/16/04 and 7/17/04 Friday at Abbie Road was cool, but uneventful. It looks like I may play there again next month at Collingswood's 2nd Saturday along with Johnny Miles. (**8/5 update - Johnny had to cancel, but I will be there 8/14)
Saturday's block party show was a lot of fun. It was really cool to have the support of bass guitar and drums, and it worked! The BlueBird BarBeQue Block Party Band , or BBBBQBPB short, was a big hit. Jay and Terry rocked. I actually have some nice neighbors, and they lavished praises on the band. We played two quick sets over the afternoon , and I think we "left them wanting more." We plan to do this again and next time we'll make sure we set up near the BBQ grills so we can get more interaction. (fun pic w/new haircut)
7/9/04 - A short lull precedes next weekend's music. A week from tonight I'll be a glorified pan-handler (well, maybe not glorified) playing in front of Abbie Road on Friday. Then Saturday I will have a "band" playing my neighborhood's block party. There are some details to work out, but pal Jay V. and neighbor Terry W. have promised to join me on bass and drums respectively. As of this writing we have not even practiced all together. But never fear, rock'n'roll will prevail! (I'm keeping fingers crossed for an awesome show.)
*6/26/04 Collingswood Farmers Market show - I'm on a roll right now. Playing at the Market this morning was wonderful. I flew through all the songs I wanted to play for a couple solid hours, smattering some original tunes amid dozens of cover songs, and it felt really good. When the kids arrived, Nora and I proceeded to tear through a slew of Beatles and Monkees songs together. She's a ham. We had so much fun that other kids were coming up to me and asking to songs. My Jill did "Puff the Magic Dragon". New friend and Kidz Bop fan, 5-year-old Hannah sang "Drift Away" and Smash Mouth's "All-Star". You can imagine this all got some appreciation from the crowd. Good times. A busy week for me with the music, and a fun one. I like being involved with different things.
6/23/04 - I'm wrapping up another amazing stint as music leader for vacation bible school at my church. Man, I do love music and I love getting the kids enthused! I'm really comfortable doing this, too - hmm, did I miss my calling? Anyway, it's a really good time. More in the rock'n'roll vein this Sat. I'm at the Farmer's Market. - looking forward to playing there too. I do hope a few musical friends will stop by, too.
*Collingswood May Fair show 5/29/04 - I set realistic goals for my music career these days. Ever since I moved to the area I wanted to play Collingswood's May Fair. Now I have done it and I'm well pleased. Even though I was on the "C stage", a/k/a the "teen stage", a/k/a the "not-getting-paid stage" it was still great. The weather was beautiful, and lots of friends with families who hadn't made my previous shows got a chance to hear me play while they enjoyed a day at the Fair. I breezed through my set, and the crowd did grow over the course of my 11 songs. Hopefully, my acoustic set provided some variety for the afternoon. I also enjoyed Amber DeLaurentis' set on the Main Stage and local band Every Other Thursday (on the C stage, like me). So now I can check "May Fair" off my to-do list. Next musical endeavors on my horizon for the summer are VBS, Farmers Market, and possibly a neighborhood block party show. Details to follow.
*5/24/04 - Like the new home page? It's simpler, with a menu, and I altered the photo into a graphic thing. comments?
*5/5/04- A much-anticipated gig at the Collingswood May Fair is on! The May Fair is a one-day event (Saturday, May 29th) held right on Haddon Avenue which attracts literally thousands of visitors every year. I'm planning a set including my best original songs and a few cover songs I’ve put my brand on. I'm interested in checking out some of the other acts, too.
*Tree House show 4/30/04 - Another small crowd gathered for a show tonight. I played a mix of stuff solo and together with Jay V. to a warm response. It was fun. We tried some different things, and I guess we pulled it off pretty darn well. <pats self on back + thanx, Jay!>
*4/16/04 - Everything is not rock'n'roll. On my schedule for the next six weeks is teaching Sunday School, followed by a week as "music teacher" for Vacation Bible School. You know that movie "School of Rock"? Well I'm Jack Black, I'm the leader, it's my band, I'm the one with the vision, and what I say goes.
*Tree House show 3/27/04 - What can I say about playing at the Tree House that I haven't already said on this page? It's too cool for words. The staff is awesome, too. Tonight, the turnout was light, and I'm even suspicious that barista Natasha "padded" the artists' share of the cover charge take, (thanks!) As for the sets, I have to say I did find myself just pushing through, trying to find "the groove" for a while, but the persistence paid off, and there were some moments. Inviting Jay V. was a really good move. Our impromptu jams at the end were a highlight. I admire this kid. I hope he keeps up the music.
Q: What's up with the old smelly guy at the Tree House? I tried to talk to him once. Has anyone ever heard him speak? He's been there for every show I've ever played or attended at the TH. I think he pays his cover charge, too, then he just sits in the corner and appears to sleep***3/30 update - A: his name is Bernard and he lives in his car (thanks, Ben) If I were homeless, I'd hang out at the TreeHouse, too.
*2/27/04 - I've invited Jason Vertucio to open up at my next Tree House show on Sat., March 27th. If you don't know him, Jay is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter, and a really dedicated musician. Should be a good show. Come one come all, on the 27th!
*2/19/04 - New recordings are up on the Music Page, now hosted right here on this site! (not IUMA). These are raw tracks recorded straight to disk with no effects. I hope at least I captured some of the feeling of the songs. Hope you like 'em. You can still try streaming the older tunes/aternate versions with Real Audio at IUMA, too.**4/22 update- Forget IUMA! Garageband.com now hosts my old stuff from mp3.com.
*Barrington Coffee House show 1/30/04 - here's a review from owner Victor Baiano, from The BCH Newsletter
"It was a bone-chilling Friday evening, but John Shaughnessy came to play…and play he did! With a seamless mixture of originals and covers, John breezed through his set. John’s music is very personal and his sound is tailor-made for the coffee house genre. It was the first time I’ve heard John perform, and I was really impressed with his singing style and vocal range. He’s very professional and very respectful and aware of his audience. If you would like to see John perform, he will be coming back to the BCH in late March."
Wow, thanks Vic! He's right that on this night I was very "aware of [my] audience" - all seven of them!
*1/27/04 - To bring a little life to the site there's a new photo page, and a fresh look on the home page.
*Tree House Show 1/17/04 - To put it simple, everybody at the Tree House is really freaking cool! This show was great - jamming with Randy, Roz, Sarah, Jason and all the Tree House regulars before an awesome Saturday crowd. What a great time! Digital cameras were on the loose in the crowd snapping unflattering candids right and left, and there was much merriment. ( Anybody get any good shots? email me!)
Sonically, we muddled a bit. I'm usually able to get an excellent sound through the P.A. by basically keeping it simple. An attempt at recording was aborted early, leaving some static to deal with for the rest of the night. And the levels weren't perfect, but who cares? It was a terrific evening. We had a ball! Playing here is always the highlight of my month. The Tree House is the best, I really, really love the place! But just for some variety, I'm playing a new venue, the Barrington Coffee House on Jan. 30th. I enjoyed their Open Mic recently, so it should be fun to play an extended set.
* Tree House 1/2/04 (opened for Sarah Allen) A big crowd packed in tonight to the show. I played a couple short sets myself and also provided some beats for S.A. where appropriate. As expected, the girl shined. I was thinking, Sarah is one of those people who must have a secret identity. Mild-mannered, spectacled highschooler by day, but at The Tree House she's a superstar, only she doesn't have to take off her glasses. I'll be back at the TH again on the 17th! I'm on a rhythm kick now, so I've asked Randy to join me on a djembe for a set.
*12/1/03 - Hey! Here's a public service announcement - SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC! I think there are a lot of people who just don't know what they're missing. Where to start? How about here - Ben Garvey, Sarah Allen, Reju, Jason Wheatley. Can't deicde? Then come to the Tree House Open Mic Night Wednesdays. And in the too-good-to-be-called-local category, you should really check out John Faye and IKE.
*11/12/03 - Hmm, what's new musically? Well I've been rehearsing with my Monkees cover band. Jill, Nora and Dad are newly-inspired by the pre-fab four. I'm only keepin' it real. Tree House gig (solo) coming in January. Plenty of time to freshen up the material. Suggestions?
*Collingswood Farmers Market Show 10/25/03 - I wrapped up the season at the Market this morning with another good show. Not as big a crowd as there was mid-summer, but it was still a good time, and I saw some familiar faces. My tips were hindered a bit by the fact that the wind kept blowing my guitar case shut, and I forgot about it for a while. Still, I did OK. And I want to give a shout-out to the $5 tipper (you know who you are, but I don’t) There seems to always be at least one $5 bill in there, which is really appreciation beyond the normal call of duty. You are a “Real American Hero.” I feel like I should by you a Bud Light or something. To cap it all off, when I was packing up my gear, Buddy invited me to a free celebratory lunch with the Market vendors at Villa Barone. Mmm, mmm, good! This has been a good gig. Playing outdoors is cool. I love just showing up, plugging in and doing my thing. I look forward to playing there next year, too!
*10/23/03 - Here's a song list. In case you're interested, included here are the songs I draw from regularly when I play.
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*Tree House Show 10/3/03 – One thing that can be a drag about being a “solo” artist is that you have to be your own P.R. man and ad agency. Back in the nineties, as I can recall, all this entailed was making up lots of flyers (however ineffective), and maybe getting a listing in the City Paper. Nowadays it’s done by email and internet, as well as the old-fashioned word-of-mouth (i.e., mildly harassing all of my friends). And it’s still a crap-shoot. My efforts did pull in some folks to this show 10/3/03, (thanks Jim, Leah, Dave, Susan, and especially John for joining me on a few numbers!) but walk-ins were sparse on this cool autumn evening. Still, I made sure those who came out got my best. Ain’t no half-steppin’! The people I talked to afterwards said it was a really good show, and that means a lot. The Tree House rocks!
*After briefly going back to my old Guild JF4 acoustic, I realized my Martin DX1 is really my one true love. I'm now intent on making this a truly monogamous relationship. As long as we keep our committment and always remember to listen, I expect we'll share many years of bliss as a couple.
*Collingswood Farmers Market Show 8/30/03 - Wow! Most of the time when I tell my friends about these Saturday morning outdoor shows, they're like, "9 AM? too early for me!" But you know what? These shows are awesome! Trudging out in the A.M. is no big deal. The nice weather helped today, I think, because both the crowd and I were in excellent spirits. I still can not believe the reaction I get, and the generous tips that dropped all morning into my open guitar case. It was humbling to see all the people, from little kids on their bikes to old-timers, stopping to snap their fingers, smiling along their ways through the open-air market. So many of them came up to express their thanks for the music. This show was even more fun because I was joined by Collingswood's own, Sarah Allen, for a rousing rendition of "Just Like Heaven" and several other songs. The crowd loved her, too. Oh! and about those tips. If I only gave Sarah about 6 or 7 bucks, I severely short-changed her, because I counted another $49.41 in my guitar case when all was said and done! Not a bad haul for a morning's work. It's such a good vibe at these shows, you can really feel the love. I'm serious! I'm so glad to have had the chance to play at Collingswood's Farmers Market 3 times this spring/summer. Playing in rain and in shine, they were all fun, but this one was the most enjoyable!
*Tree House Shows 8/22/03 and 7/25/03 – I must say I love playing at the Tree House. Both shows this summer were a blast! What a great place it is to perform, and the staff are the coolest. I’m also really impressed with Collingswood’s support of the Arts in general. Between shows at The TH and the Farmer’s Market I’ve been pretty busy this year, and enjoying it immensely. I really hope the Tree House gets the support it needs to sustain itself, too. It's really a haven for aspiring young local artists.
Friends came out in good numbers to the Tree House shows and really inspired me. Both nights I felt I could just play on and on. I've been lucky enough to get that performer's high that you only get when you'r really in the groove. You can't beat that. I owe much of that to the super-receptive audience. My original songs seemed well received, as did the many covers. I love running the gamut of styles, like playing my songs alongside the likes of Van Morrison, Jeffrey Gaines, and Prince all in the same set. It sure is fun anyway! Oh, I am working on smoother between-song segueways, though. If only I didn't have to talk!.
*It’s a little known fact that the best percussionists around are actually under the age of 10. I’ve been fortunate enough to perform with two of the finest in recent days- daughter Nora, and also Keenan (son of the Tree House’s Natasha). I hope one day to also share a stage with the great Rachel Trachtenburg. **10/13/03 Update - We're very proud of our kid percussionists, too (I know I am). Here's a note I just got from Rachel T.'s grand-dad, who stumbled accross this site. Hi Milt, thanks!
*This picture is from sister Betsy's wedding 7/19/03 at Mt. Hood, OR, where I peformed a song called "Hosea". What a setting!
*It Ain't Rock'n'Roll, But I Like It - 6/20/03 I just spent the week teaching music to kids at Vacation Bible School at my church. No matter what your affiliation, I hope you can relate when I say it was amazing to motivate some 35 kids to have fun singing!
*Open Mike at the Tree House
THE area Open Mike Night is in Collingswood and it's better than ever with the Tree House's new manangement and sound system (www.treehousecoffee.com). Host Ben Garvey (www.bengarvey.com) has got it all wired to the internet with online signup and it's catching on! Ben also posts Recaps on his site of all the weekly Open Mike players, adding in his personal thoughts on the performances. I must admit, I check it every time as a kind of report card when I play. I'm still shooting for that elusive 4-star "rave". I guess this one wasn't bad, "I liked the Guster cover he did" (Ben on JS).
6/12/03 A Blast from the Past - w/ Real Audio samples
This was the CD from my band in the mid-90s. I was the drummer, and occasional vocalist. I saw this site still offering it and found the review amusing. I wrote or co-wrote 3 of the songs and was proud of the CD at the time, but I have no affiliation with the guys any more. See if you can hear me on "Birthday Song". (If you really want a copy, I saw one at "Grooveground" on Haddon Ave. for $1.99, really!)
*My foray into the literary world - FORTUNE COOKIES, has been moved HERE.