This is epic , a classic ! I was expecting a play on Van Morrison , how wrong could I be !

awesome tone to the guitar..haunting sad melody and vocal fits the lyrics/narrative for sure..meaningful/thoughtful/..love your work

Delightfully engaging from the word go....vibrant, high paced, melodies reach uncharted territories..love the subtle interplay of scales!

Love it. I love a tragic ballad with a toothy story.

Nice groove from a jam…
…with Leon Carter on the drums, Dave Toolan and Charlie Villiers on the guitars, and myself on the bass and singing.

The lyrics are some excerpts from this rambling notepad poem I wrote;

Your Soul

So, how do you see your soul?
Can you put it into words?
A spoonful of honey from the gods?
Or a germ? or a thirst?
Is your soul a magic bean inside a biscuit tin?
Or a ‘pass the parcel’ mystery delight, waiting deep within?
Or simply a church candle flickering in the night?
Or is it like a mint imperial; round, smooth and white?
Is it wrapped in paper, hidden in a drawer?
Or more like a snowdrop on the forest floor?
Perhaps a shiny pearl inside an oyster shell…
Or the piece of grit at the centre of the pearl?!
Or is it a lotus flower in the middle of the pond?
A golden nugget, a lightbulb, or a daisy?
Treasure, buried beneath a giant redwood tree?
Is it a tea-light in an old jam jar, on the bookshelf?
Is it the water in a glass, or the glass itself?
A penny in a pudding or a fountain in a square?
The cherry on the bun? … or do you think there’s nothing there?

And does it remain constant, or how does it change?
Does it tarnish? Does it spoil?
Does it rust? Does it stain?
Does it radiate and deplete?
Could it be your body heat?
Does it mature like wine, or does it grow?
Or does it dim and diminish, does it corrode?
Is it impervious and unwavering?
Is it needy and long suffering? 
Is it passive and detached?
Or does it get dented and scratched?

Does it start out as a blank canvas, onto which you paint?
Does it get corrupted, when once it was a saint?
A block of marble you chisel and carve,
Into a marvellous work of art?
Or a fire ignited by a heavenly spark?
To sometimes smoulder and sometimes blaze?
Does it age, over the years, just like a face?
Does it feed on love received?
And wither if deprived?
Needing just a splash of water or a hug to be revived?

Do we all have the same soul?
‘A universal soul’ shared out within us all?

The same life-force, pure at the core
Of every singer, nurse, salesman, junky, tourist, whore?
Every Christian, Muslim, Jew, and Buddhist…
Pagan, Sikh, Scientologist, and Druid?
Every pusher, every addict
Every guard, and every convict?

Even every chicken, and even every fox?
Even the sewer rats and the sparrow-hawks?
And the ants and the plants?
What about the worms and the germs?

Could our deepest inner-selves 
All be one and the same?
If I had lived 
The life you’ve lived
Would I be just the same?

Careful as you choose your metaphor
Your essence to describe
You can make yourself believe anything
You’ll believe your own lies

Words in jest or bravado, or in false modesty
May cast the dye, and shape your mould
When your story is being told…

So how do you see your soul?
Answers please, in the comments below?!

Your Soul

Rendition of “Green Eyed Gal” by Ben Tod and LDSB

The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, stands as the most pivotal engagement of the American Civil War. Here are the key details:
* Context: After a resounding victory over Union forces at Chancellorsville, General Robert E. Lee led his Army of Northern Virginia into Pennsylvania in late June 1863
* Location: The battle unfolded in the crossroads town of Gettysburg
* Opposing Forces: The advancing Confederates clashed with the Union’s Army of the Potomac, commanded by General George G. Meade
* Intense Fighting: The battle spanned three days, with heavy fighting on both sides
* Pivotal Moment: On July 3, Lee ordered an attack known as “Pickett’s Charge”, where fewer than 15,000 Confederate troops attempted to pierce the Union lines at Cemetery Ridge. Despite briefly breaking through, the assault ultimately failed, resulting in thousands of rebel casualties
* Outcome: Lee was forced to withdraw his battered army toward Virginia on July 4, leaving the dead, dying and wounded to perish in the killing fields and forests. The Union emerged victorious, marking a major turning point by halting Lee’s invasion of the North
* Significance: President Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” immortalized this battle as one of the most famous speeches of all time
Casualties:
* Union: 23,049 (3,155 dead, 14,529 wounded, 5,365 missing).
* Confederacy: 28,063 (3,903 dead, 18,735 injured, 5,425 missing) 
The Battle of Gettysburg remains etched in history as a critical moment that shaped the course of the Civil War

JTSunrise likes playing and altering the songs of Benjamin Tod:
Musical Roots:
JTSunrise: An American folk performer with roots in the 90s Seattle and Tempe music scenes. Weaves classic tunes and heartfelt tales with a mix of acoustic instruments like guitar, banjo, mandolin, uke, autoharp, and harmonica
Benjamin Tod: An American singer-songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist for the Lost Dog Street Band. His music is honest, gritty, and rooted in country blues and folk traditions
Subject Matter:
JTSunrise: Explores modern themes and images through folkspunk and Americana
Benjamin Tod: Dives into heavy topics like addiction, relationships, and life’s struggles
Band vs. Solo:
JTSunrise: Often performs solo, creating an intimate connection with the audience
Benjamin Tod: Part of the Lost Dog Street Band, collaborating with his wife Ashley Mae and bassist Jeff Loops
Recording Style:
JTSunrise: Records live, capturing raw energy and authenticity.
Benjamin Tod: Recorded his solo album “I Will Rise” with “two mics and no overdubbing”
Geographical Influence:
JTSunrise: Seattle-based, drawing from the city’s grunge rock and folk punk music heritage 
Benjamin Tod: Hails from Tennessee, with influences from Nashville’s punk scene
Emotional Tone:
JTSunrise: Balances modern sensibilities with heartfelt storytelling
Benjamin Tod: Conveys raw emotion, often dealing with pain and longing
Legacy and Resurgence:
JTSunrise: Carries the torch of folk traditions into the present day
Benjamin Tod: After retiring Lost Dog Street Band, he resurrected the project with renewed energy, creating their 2022 album “Glory”
Both artists offer unique and different perspectives, showcasing the diverse tapestry of American Music

Played and sang into the tin can on JT’s 1969 Les Paul Professional (low impedance fun)

Brown Eyed Girl

Brown Eyed Gal (Gettysburg Address / Electric Warrior)

Original Song written and performed by Warren Wheeler.

Jesus Is

Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen 

I get down on my knees
And pray to Jesus
take away 
All my wicked deeds
With your saving grace

Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen 

I abide in love and faith 
I live it 
Night and day
And no one 
Can take that away

Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen 

The Holy Ghost 
So comforting 
When the Spirit comes over me
With The Father and The Son
Blessed Trinity 

Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen Ya

Instrumental 

Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen 

Ya Jesus Is
Is my King He's my Brother He's my Friend 
I keep believing Amen 

Jesus Is (original rough draft)

This song was recorded in 1967 and released in 1971 by Danny O'Keefe.  Artist such as Elvis and Willie Nelson have recorded it along with many others.  I recently heard this tune and remembered how much I liked it and had to give it a go.  Thank you all for the listen and support

Good Time Charley  ( Cover)

Heat In The Streets

A song about an importance of choice. I see this track as a soundtrack for some film.

Glasgow [DEMO]

This song was written whilst on one of many walks in a nature reserve that stretches along the edge of my suburb in Sydney, and on these many walks I would stretch my mind with the end of getting my music making partner back again.... which I did.

When you have counted
The reasons why
Checked them all over
And over again
Not missing any
Reiterated
Contemplated

Throw them all away
Judge and jury on your side
Could be a brand new day
Doesn't have to mean
You were not right

We had it all
Laid out in court
The crimes were clear
Right there to see
Malevolence
Unjustified
No provocation
As you can see

Throw it all away
Judge and jury on your side
Could be a brand new day
Doesn't have to mean
You were not right

Hysteria is blinding
So can be love
But who's to say
What's there to see
Cause every person
Sees these things a little bit
Differently

Brand New Day

Night Music (2017) Anthology CD3 Track 04

'just leave me alone' 

Single use & recycled: music
Scotty: lyrics, vocals 

Well I'm sittin' on my couch, contemplating life,
thinkin' if it's best if I just grab that fucking knife
and slit my fucking wrists. It's so hard now to resist
when all that does exist has led us all to this
fuckin' depressing state of man...err...woman...err...whatever you wanna be called.
Just leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Alone. 

Well I'm standin' in my kitchen now,
feelin' agitated
as some useless motherfuckers need to feel congratulated.
I don't know what's goin' on anymore.
It's fuckin' depressing, the state of man...err...woman...err...whatever you wanna be called.
Just leave me alone.
Leave me alone.
Alone.

just leave me alone (with Single Use & Recycled)

lien vidéo : https://youtu.be/-GYzwniIuu4

La rose est pour toi    (in English after the French text )

Texte :      Say M
Chant :      Liora
Musique : Alain Illos

Je m'allonge 
Et replonge 
Dans les méandres qui longent
Le contour de l'aura
Qu'ils ne devinent pas

S'ils le veulent
Qu'ils m'observent
C'est leurs voix qui m'obsèdent
Parce qu'ils jugent en chimère
Ce qu'ils ne comprenn(ent) pas

La rose est pour toi
La rose est pour toi

Qu'ils me piquent 
Me transfèrent 
Se nourrissent de mes nerfs
Un peu plus chaque fois 
Je ne te laiss'rai pas
 
Je me cache
Je me terre
Te retrouver me taire 
Leurs mystères n'en sont pas
Je reviens attends-moi

La rose est pour toi
La rose est pour toi 
 
Je m'allonge 
Et replonge 
Attends-moi
Attends-moi 

La rose est pour toi
La rose est pour toi
Est pour toi...

The rose is for you    

I lie down 
And sink 
Into the meandering path
The outline of the aura
That they won't guess

If they want to
Let them observe me
It's their voices that observe me
Because they judge in chimera
What they don't understand

The rose is for you

They prick me 
Transfer me 
Feed on my nerves
A little more each time 
I won't let you
 
I hide
I hide
To find you to keep quiet 
Their mysteries are no mystery
I'll be back, wait for me

The rose is for you
 
I lie down 
And sink again 
Wait for me
Wait for me 

The rose is for you
The rose is for you
Is for you...

La Rose Est Pour Toi avec Liora

Death and Life-in-Death

JTSunrise: A Seattle Music Odyssey

**JTSunrise** was born in Chicago, IL (the City of Blues) in 1968. JT grew up on a rural horse farm at Cuba Township near Fox River Grove, alongside the C&NW tracks, about an hour by train outside the city. Summer nights before the internet were for sleeping outside and watching stars, singing and playing guitar to his girlfriends, and hitching freight trains from his backyard. Anywhere he went JT had his acoustic guitar slung around his back. JT also learned bass and banjo, and started a folk band in high school, playing house parties and school concerts and busking the commuter train station in Barrington, IL.

His teenage years took him around the world and to Tempe, AZ in 1987, (age 19) where he lived in the same building (and jammed often) with Spiral Stairs, a seminal guitarist who would later form the band Pavement. JT played acoustic sets at the legendary Sun Club. During this time, Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms (JT’s Zia/Tower record store clerk friend) did his sound.

Seattle Music Era

Arriving in Seattle in 1992 with his Tempe barista girlfriend PJ (now wife), JT immersed himself in a city alive with music innovation. This was to become known as a time when Seattle bands reshaped the musical landscape. Amidst the scene, JTSunrise carved a niche and performed shows, blending busking music with the amplified Seattle sound, his Tempe-styled lyrical command, and the soul of Chicago street blues.

His performances became the background of Seattle’s music venues, from the intimate setting of **Art Bar** to the historic **OK Hotel**, where grunge legends made history. He captivated audiences at **Sit & Spin**, a venue combining a laundromat with a bar and live music, and found a true home at the **Lake Union Pub**, a legendary punk dive bar that embraced him as their own. Each chord, each lyric, carried the weight of personal experience.

Musical Influences and Style

JTSunrise draws from icons like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Billy Bragg, alongside bands he admired in Tempe such as Gin Blossoms and Dead Hot Workshop. The bands at the Sun Club and Long Wongs in Tempe, AZ shaped his sound and approach. These influences, coupled with the music scene in 1990s Seattle (including Elise Sauer, Obe-Wan Kenobe, and everyone to ever perform at the Lake Union Pub), molded his blend of folk, punk, country blues, and acoustic pop.

Signature Songs and Contributions

Among his many contributions to the musical landscape, a few songs stand out:
- **"Saint James Infirmary"**: A haunting rendition of the classic blues ballad.
- **"Biscuit Roller Blues"**: A soulful, gritty track that showcases his blues roots.
- **"Kevin Song"**: A heartfelt, melodic piece that resonates deeply with listeners.
- **"Cure For Pain"**: A Morphine song that explores themes of struggle and redemption.
- **"Mama Tried"**: A tribute to Merle Haggard, blending acoustic blues with heartfelt emotion.
- **"O Danny Boy"**: A timeless ballad, rendered with sincerity and grace.
- **"Blue Eyes Cryin' in the Rain"**: A fusion of folk and rock, capturing the essence of his musical influences.

Prolific Output

JTSunrise has a substantial discography on SoundCloud, with over 60 tracks available. This includes a mix of original songs, raw covers, and collaborations with other artists. His music spans genres like folk, bluegrass and country blues, cowboy country, and 90s acoustic rock, reflecting his diverse influences.

Commitment to Seattle’s Artistic Community

JTSunrise’s influence extends beyond music. His commitment to authentic Seattle art is evident in his participation and support of local artists and musicians. As of 2024 he remains a licensed Pike Place Market busker, a role that allows him to share handmade music directly with the community any time, creating intimate, memorable experiences for locals and visitors.

Find Art and Videos by #JTSUNRISE on most all interweb social media @JTSunriseMusic

Brown Eyed Gal (Gettysburg Address / Electric Warrior)

JTSunrise

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