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.

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)

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, along 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 trains from his backyard. Anywhere JT went, he 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 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.

Thanks everyone for support! Search for Art and Videos by #JTSUNRISE on all interweb media @JTSunriseMusic

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