"a descent into the realm of psychic novelty where destiny and despair coalesce".  Wonderful description and an equally wonderful performance, JT.

great variation of an amazing story and ballad..really exceptional narrative and history as well..lots of powerful invisible dichotomies/conflicts in life

You really did justice to this iconic folk gem JT! It’s different enough to be your beautiful version but doesn’t lose a lick from what Townes originated. Super rendering, love your picking, powerful vocal, and the live feel of this recording.

Your Mix 4

A quirky little number!  This is the first initial trial instrumental mix for our new song Mirrors.  There's a way to go yet but we're working on it... :)

Mirrors

### **Poncho & Lefty** - The Existential Outlaw Tango

Dive into the $eattle underworld with "Poncho & Lefty," a sidewalk busker’s narrative dripping with raw, unfiltered Americana. JTSunrise channels the spectral essence of Townes Van Zandt, a man ensnared in the mortality of his own existence. This track is a descent into the realm of psychic novelty where destiny and despair coalesce.

### Townes Van Zandt: The Shadow Poet

In the fragmented dreamscape of America, Townes Van Zandt emerges as a spectral figure, a troubadour wandering the wastelands of his own mind. Born into privilege, but shackled by the spectral weight of his demons, Van Zandt’s life is a mosaic of brilliance and catastrophe. His music, a cathartic exorcism of his soul, is a testament to the eternal struggle between light and shadow.

"Poncho & Lefty" is the epitome of this dichotomy. First recorded in 1972, the song weaves a tale of two outlaws, bound by fate and shattered by betrayal. The narrative, steeped in myth and reality, is a melancholic reflection of Van Zandt’s own journey through the desolate corridors of existence. Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard later immortalized the track, but its dark heart remains rooted in Van Zandt’s tortured genius.

### The Subterranean Odyssey

With JTSunrise at the helm, "Poncho & Lefty" becomes an auditory hallucination, a journey through the liminal spaces where morality dissolves into the guitar ether. Picture Poncho, the charismatic ghost, and Lefty, the betrayer, navigating a labyrinth of dust and shadows. Their story, a kaleidoscope of existential angst, mirrors the fractured reality of our own lives.

Let the spectral echoes of "Poncho & Lefty" transport you to a dimension where the lines between hero and villain blur into oblivion. 🌅🎸

[Verse 1]

C
Living on the road my friend
G
Was gonna keep you free and clean
F
Now you wear your skin like iron
     C                   G
Your breath's as hard as kerosene
F
You weren't your mama's only boy
        C               F
But her favorite one it seems
Am                        F        G
She began to cry when you said goodbye
    F              Am
And sank into your dreams


[Verse 2]
C
Pancho was a bandit boys
G
His horse was fast as polished steel
F
Wore his gun outside his pants
   C                      G
For all the honest world to feel
F
Pancho met his match you know
       C               F
On the deserts down in Mexico
Am                        F        G
Nobody heard his dying words
    F              Am
That's the way it goes


[Chorus]

F
All the federales say
C                       F
They could have had him any day
Am                F     G
They only let him hang around
       F             Am
Out of kindness I suppose


[Verse 3]
C
Lefty he can't sing the blues
G
All night long like he used to
F
The dust that Pancho bit down south
 C            G
Ended up in Lefty's mouth
F
The day they laid poor Pancho low
C                F
Lefty split for Ohio
Am                F        G
Where he got the bread to go
      F               Am
There ain't nobody knows


[Chorus]

F
All the federales say
C                       F
They could have had him any day
Am                F     G
They only let him slip away
       F             Am
Out of kindness I suppose


[Verse 4]
C
The poets tell how Pancho fell
G
Lefty's livin' in a cheap hotel
  F
The desert's quiet and Cleveland's cold
   C           G
So the story ends we're told
F
Pancho needs your prayers it's true,
        C                F
But save a few for Lefty too
Am                   F      G
He just did what he had to do
   F              Am
Now he's growing old


[Chorus]

F
A few old gray federales say
C                       F
They could have had him any day
Am                F     G
They only let him go so long
       F             Am
Out of kindness I suppose

Poncho & Lefty

This song was inspired by "The Cold Heart" (German: Das kalte Herz), a fairy tale written by Wilhelm Hauff. It was published in 1827 in a collection of fairy tales that take place within the narrative of The Spessart Inn.
Although written almost 200 years ago, the described conflicts of mankind are still up-to-date, maybe even more than before. Preferring status und prosperity over humanity is something which has become socially acceptable.

Special thanks for prelistening and precious ideas to my dear friend Gary Reeves!

Lyrics
Peter was in the charcoal business
never in peace with the live he was living
made a deal with the forest spirit
Three wishes and a new life given

Descending to the darkest corners of humanity
what was it you were thinking of when you lost your pity
 
Inside your stone cold heart
You‘ve built a world of disregard

It did not play out like you were whishing for
glassworks went down and you needed much more
sold your heart to Dutch Mike to keep living
a heart of stone and the fortune you were given

Descending to the darkest corners of humanity
what was it you were thinking of when you lost your pity

Inside your stone cold heart
You‘ve built a world of disregard

Flourishing business kept you going
but your smile was eternally frozen
when your drivers faded and you had murdered love
nothing left there but an empty heart

Descending to the darkest corners of humanity
what was it you were thinking of when you lost your pity

Inside your stone cold heart
You‘ve built a world of disregard

Stone Cold Heart

This song is a bit campy. The core of this thing is pure Isley Brothers' formula from the 70s -- they had these no nonsense, hard slamming funk songs that just went on forever (and you want them to). And there's also a healthy dose of 80s/90s slinky funk guilty pleasures like Grace Jones, Sade, & Seal.

is it finally living this feeling inside
I waited for hours with a slow burning fire
now is not the time to evade in the face of desire

but that's how it goes when you hold the control does it feel right
you're letting it go and I know that you know are you satisfied

the rules of the game are so easily changed
let's be honest about it lonely hearts will stray
I am still willing but your love is failing me every night

oh but that's how it goes when you're running the show  how you feel it
you're letting it go and I know that you know I can't steal it

out in the city new hearts align   
but tonight I am only alive for yours and mine

Control

Pour tous les amis du monde § For all friends in the world.
  English translation after the French text
-------------------------------------------
L’amitié c’est nous,  autour d’un feu d’camp,  
Beuglant des chansons, on s’marait tout l’temps. 
Les guitares jouaient et nos voix s'envolaient
Souvenirs gravés de ces temps enchantés

 L'amitié, c'est nous, le monde à   refaire
Des blagues, des disputes, des rêves à l’envers
Au petit matin, les bouteilles vidées
Gueules enfarinées , les rêves sont envolés 

Tant q’on sera là, et quoi qu’il arrive         
Continuons not’route, libre  à la dérive.
 nos cœurs de gamins, nos âmes vagabondes, 
illumine le monde

L’amitié c’est nous avec ou sans enfants
Le boulot, la famille on s’voit moins souvent 
Dans  nos cœurs aimant, sont toujours vivant 
Nos  rires d’antan,  et nos vingt printemps 

L'amitié  c’est nous, avec des cheveux blancs
Une  histoire qui dure, à faire mentir le temps
Nos belles aventures , ont fait     nos destins,
Rires aux coins des yeux, témoins de nos chemins.                         

Tant q’on sera là, et quoi qu’il arrive         
Continuons not’route, libre  à la dérive.
Nos cœurs de gamins, nos âmes vagabondes, 
Illumine le monde

----------------- AUTO TRANSLATE 
Friendship is us, around a campfire,
Bellowing songs, we were always laughing.
The guitars were playing and our voices were soaring
Engraved memories of these enchanted times

Friendship is us, the world to be remade
Jokes, arguments, upside down dreams
In the early morning, the emptied bottles
Floury faces, dreams are gone

As long as we're here, and whatever happens
Let's continue our journey, free to drift.
our childish hearts, our wandering souls,
light up the world

Friendship is us with or without children
Work, family we see each other less often
In our loving hearts, are still alive
Our laughter of yesteryear, and our twenty springs

Friendship is us, with white hair
A story that lasts, to make time lie
Our beautiful adventures have made our destinies,
Laughter in the corners of our eyes, witnesses of our paths.

As long as we're here, and whatever happens
Let's continue our journey, free to drift.
Our childish hearts, our wandering souls,
Light up the world

_---_

photo  Photo de Min An: https://www.pexels.com/fr-fr/photo/silhouette-de-personnes-au-coucher-du-soleil-853168/

Amitié

about getting it wrong.... demo of a Will Russell's track from the album ...and another thing. 

Trapped within You

Music: Little Man & Janne Hennie
Lyrics & Vocals: Janne Hennie
Instruments & Mix: Little Man

Lyrics:

Sometimes I ask to much of myself
It's like I'm not doing enough
Are those around me satisfied?
Maybe I'm to black in my mind..

Chorus:

If I do the best I can
What more can I do?
And if that's not good enough
I have nothing more to offer you..

Want to please those I love
They all need something from me
Not sure if I'm doing enough
But I don't want them to see

Chorus

I get a little tired sometimes
Need to hide and catch my breath
But I'm not hiding for a long time
My loved ones are on my mind..

Chorus

I can always try to improve
I still have so much to learn
But if I ask too much of myself
I go to black, brigdes will burn

Oh, If I do the best I can
What more can I do?
And if that's not good enough
I have nothing more to offer you..

The Best I Can

The Safety Dance re worked by Cookie Jay.

The Safety Dance (cover)

Hidden World

By Your Side

drummers paradise

I always try to make each song unique, and this one is one that has always stood out to me. An upbeat elaborate melody, and I just took a deep breath counted in four and went with it, fighting a stupid stuck key on my 60's Baldwin too lol, but I just kept going! I still love you little stuck key. The joy in all of this...is in those few minutes of a song...I'm gone from it all!

I started writing this song back in 2014-2015 timeframe when I was livin in an old garage apartment in Taylor, TX. Ever met someone where they just made everything in life so easy? I hope you enjoy this live take I did tonight, it was fun! 

The picture is a thowback from 2009 while playing at Fuel Coffee House back home in Llano, Texas.  I miss that ol Kurzweil PC88. 

Thanks for listening!!:) 

Life is Easy

Always those longing eyes
Spark the night like fireflies
Black and white dreams are done
Now we're running in the yellow sun

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Nights with you are the best
You really put my past to rest
Morning light loves so fast
I think that this is gonna last

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo 
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Instrumental 

Ooo I've never met anyone quite like you Ooo Oo
Standing on the edge of a cloud beside you Ooo Oo 
Life is easy with you 
Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

Life is easy with you 
Oh yeah

All music written and recorded by 
©Daniel Colter Valentine

Life is Easy (Original song live)

written by jeff gardiner

There's a Wrinkle  in the Moment 
the Muse is missing in the War Zone
Beauty has a different definition
in the loaming of the elder days

My Alcoholic friend came busting through the treeline
stone cold sober, when the quarter moon was rising
and the surf was crashing
crying like a child

Said he saw the future in a puddle in his driveway
after eating mushrooms from Hawaii-

That's when i started laughing
That's when i started crying
trying and deciding to give it all away-
beginning with Cessation
embracing the rejected
replacing the infected with absolutely nothing but Compassion-

Forgiveness out of order
being highly overrated
since the bad behaviors
are in the very natures of the perpetrators

Recalibration,  however is an option
in the aftermath's Duration
and the possiblity of Passion 
still lingers in the fingers on the fretboards
and the singers sing songs they've written
while smitten with emotion of the joyful
and broken hearted lovers and covers
and collections of recollections of Moments--

Wrinkle in the Moment ( from the Half-Life collection on Bandcamp)

Music Dave Rose
Here is a track I have just done today which to my mind sounds it like it could be off a detective show. Possibly :>)

Gumshoe

Cast of Characters:

Cgmaness – https://on.soundcloud.com/4a2IWOT8tUQL3pbqdc – Chris – acoustic guitar, composition, production, and mix
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken– drums
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 – Warwick four string fretless bass 
J.J. Terrell-- @j-j-terrell—JJ-- piano and lead synth
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – VST cello, strings, clarinet, flute, and synth pad
Nyla K-- @user-162163879 -- vocals and lyrics
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen–  Gibson Earle Scruggs banjo

This song started as many of our best do, with Chris coming up with it on his acoustic guitar. He shared it with the rest of us shortly after, and we were all very excited to tuck into it. 
  Ken was fist at the trough for this one, adding his jazzy, expressive drums. Josh came in as soon as he had a beat to work with, adding his signature fretless bass to the mix. Not long after that, JJ broke out the hauntingly melodic piano and Shine On You Crazy Diamond timbred synth you hear throughout. 
  Once it had a good structure to it, Mark came in and added the dynamic cello swells that open the song, some subtle strings, the melodic clarinet and flute, and a bit of synth pad near the end to spice up the soup a bit. He also had the great idea to ask Nyla to add some vocals, which she did in her typically dynamic and expressive way. Last, but definitely not least, we convinced Stephen to add some of his perfectly mood-setting banjo. 
  Once it was all in the can, it actually sat for several months before being revived by Chris, who also did the production and mix, expertly, as always.
   This song is an example of Eclectic Collective coming together to bring another one of Chris' brilliant songs to life. You should check out his new albums on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0RmKLMyiXe4eVeXa032MDV?
  Also, this is our first time collaborating with Nyla K. We wanted to find a way to include her talents on this one, and her vocals here are magical. You can hear a lot more of them on her page if you follow the link next to here name in the credits, too. We hope you enjoy listening to this song as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Original lyrics by Nyla K: 

I once overheard 
a hushed up conversation 
'tween the fishes coming home 
and thank god for a holiday
yea
making the bull frogs sing for joy
as they awake
yea
...and this... is what they had to say

Spanish moss and bullfrogs
cattail cotton in the wind
yea...
and won't U take me to the river
yea...
take me on down to the river
and U better not say....

Better Not Say (Eclectic Collective with Nyla K)

Well’s track Glycerine with Llanpsych guitar

GLYCERINE - with WELL

Cast of characters:
The Beautiful Dark -- @thebeautifuldark -- Carl — acoustic guitar, vocals, lyrics, and compostion
K2 and the Three [and the Four]--@k2andthe3, @k2-kara –Ken -- drums
TexMex Shaman– @texmex-shaman –Stephen– (?) electric guitar, production, mix, and mastering
Entheogenic Psychonaught (Josh Clary)– @josh-clary-1 –Josh – Warwick fretless four-string bass, and Roland organ
Llanpsych -- @llanpsych -- Tez – Fender Strat electric guitar
Mistermark-- @user-432503709 -- Mark – triangle, and ancillary vocals

This song began when Carl, who is always making connections on the Cloud, was inspired to write a song about our bandmate, Mark. As you can tell from his lyrics, Carl shares our appreciation and respect for our resident Canadian singer and multi instrumentalist. So, when he had the chords worked out on his acoustic guitar, and a great vocal track, he recorded them and started a project, to which the rest of Eclectic Collective were invited.
  First up to bat was Ken, laying in his always clever, essential beat for the rest of us to work with. Stephen was the next person to lay down a track, which was his essential, but subtle electric rhythm track. Later, after it was almost done, he also added a fiery solo in the firt part of the ending section. Josh came along right after Stephen, laying down his signature fretless bass. He also added the organ shortly after, as well. Tez entered the fray next, adding the lightning, Gilmore-esque final solo in the end section. 
  We considered what to do with this song for a minute, too. The thought was whether to present it to Mark as a gift, or to include him in the mix. We decided to go with the latter, and he added the awesome vocalizations towards the end, as well as some cool triangle.
  Once we had it in the bag, we turned it over to Stephen for the production, mix, and mastering, which he always does in a very pro manner.
  This is our second of hopefully many songs with Carl. If you have good music on your page, there's a good chance that he'll hit you up to collaborate. Like the moon, he's everywhere, and he's a damn fine collaborator, too. We hope you enjoy hearing this as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Carl also wanted to share this message about Mark, as well.
  "This song is written for our Canadian friend Mark. Mark is a pivotal member of the Eclectic Collective who as a band and equally Mark as an individual I'm discovering are phenomenal to work with. I was particularly struck how multiple generations of Mark's family enjoy music and creating together. Thanks for your music man. You really do show a unique approach and I look forward to making more really enjoyable songs like this one with you buddy. In my head lyrically Mark is whoever you focus the love on. Rock and Real!" ----TBD

Original lyrics by The Beautiful Dark:
You are the Mark
Mister Lark
Pedigree Bark
Stunning musical stark
Meet Mistermark

From Wondr to Bossa
All from I' Spy
Projecting your best
Proud human melody cry

May 2019
Maybe some fear became esteem
Soft bands in garage channel a way
Internal dreams in sound found light this day

So Dad was a seed
Kudos big man
You do good breed
In music we learn with proper concern
I think now you found Josh the EP

So onto Collective
You expand their perspective
With you and your music
Now Earth gets more fuses
Because of your music
It's a better blue ball
I know I certainly love hearing Marks call

We pressed the remote
We having those jams
Let's get it on and get more brain tan
We singing to clan
Wham bam thank you man

Miss No Mark

Heavy Punk Rock 'n' Roll band turns into Synthwave nowadays! Brand NEW album "Ultraviolet Cosmos" available NOW!
https://shockthealgorithm.bandcamp.com/album/ultraviolet-cosmos

@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 ballad.
- **"Biscuit Roller Blues"**: A soulful, gritty track that showcases 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.

Prolific Output

JTSunrise has a substantial discography on SoundCloud, with over 200 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! 

Find other Art  and Videos by #JTSUNRISE: IG, YouTube, X, TikTok, BlueSky interweb media @JTSunriseMusic
www.linkedin.com/in/jtsunrise-music-1528072b0

Poncho & Lefty

JTSunrise

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