F**k the X-Factor (unsigned and uncorrupted)

My cousin Showed me this track yesterday and it reminds me alot of our upcoming project Casa De Flores. Thought I'd give it a little epicness for fun. Great song!  

Tobias Jesso Jr. - Without You - Maxwell Stark EDIT.

That's OK

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACF44mWlsBs

I intend to visit Auvers-Sur-Oise  in France, where Vincent Van Gogh spent the final days of his life.  I'm both sad and excited to visit the locations where Vincent painted his masterpieces and also the graves of Vincent and his dear brother Theo.  This is "Summer Misbehaved" a reference to the month of July in the the summer of 1890 when Vincent took his life.  I often think  about Vincent and indeed, his loving brother.  I wanted to weave an element of love and optimism into this composition and this is evident in the verse that begins "May brothers walk into the evening sun".  Vincent suffered so much sadness in life.  I find it to be so beautiful that his resting place is beside his brother Theo who he loved so much.

Paul

My journey to Auvers-Sur-Oise was wonderful.  The weather was fantastic.  I walked the streets, once walked by the artist Van-Gogh. It was such a thrill to sit beneath the church in Auvers with my beautiful partner Marie.  There we enjoyed our picnic.  These are the moments that make the journey of life worthwhile.  Whilst visiting Auvers, i picked wild flowers and placed them in a book of French phrases, so simple but again, it' often the simple treasures that make a life worthwhile.

Summer Misbehaves 

In the days to come, I’ll walk in the streets where optimism reigned.
Where the artist stood, his easel in hand; an ending pre ordained.

The universe has no more need of pain,
for troubled souls; for crows to fly again.

From the fields filled with wheat then a walk to the grave.
A journey to Auvers-Sur-Oise where summer misbehaves.

We’ll raise a glass, sit by the church where blue skies capture life.
In a masterpiece of beautiful angst, where days can be Jack-knifed.

The universe has no more need of pain,
for troubled souls; for crows to fly again.

From the fields filled with wheat then a walk to the grave.
A journey to Auvers-Sur-Oise where summer misbehaves.

May brothers walk into the evening sun
where nothing matters there but love, nothing but love.
May they both forget the day
when the summer misbehaved

From the fields filled with wheat then a walk to the grave.
A journey to  Auvers-Sur-Oise where summer misbehaves.

Written by Paul Vasey August 2025

Summer Misbehaves

"Bonjour Madame.  C'est une tres Jolie Guitar".  Moments before this encounter I was hiding from the heat of the August afternoon sun in a Catholic Church whilst holidaying in France.  My partner and I visit so many churches both at home and abroad.  As I often do, I was talking to Jesus, asking for his help. The church was illuminated; beautiful as lights flickered through the stained glass windows.  A woman walked in then removed a guitar from its case. it was then that my partner urged me to talk with her.  The lady was playing a wonderful classical model and It was heartwarming to hear her wonderful playing.  The conversation began in French and then continued for a little while in English as we both  helped each other navigate the intricacies of our different languages.  I was so far away from  my home and the people that I love.

We were visiting friends in the village  of Saint Armand.  Upon leaving the church, we ordered drinks in a nearby café "Quatre cocktails sans alcool s'l vous plaît Monsier". Wonderful Bossanova rhythms drifted across the couryard.  Seemingly unmoved, the exotic, Siamese cat lounged upon a nearby stone bench. I wondered if I might make my permanent home here, away from the people that I love.  Family is a source of  strength.  When it is no longer present, we, "live in fear".  Sometimes, we don't understand how we have arrived at our current destination. The saying "it all happens in the blink of an eye" is true. I guess we're all searching to belong.  We never expect to lose the people who remain at the centre  of our thoughts.......

We Live In Fear

I was waiting in the silence 
in the presence of The Lord
A woman sat down then sweetly played guitar.
Hey I was far, far from home.

Far away from people I have loved 
I didn’t understand the road that brought me here.
We live in fear, it’s all around.

We were drinking in the courtyard
where a bossanova played.
The summer raced on, the locals welcomed guests.
’twas my request to make this home.

Far away from people I have loved.
I didn’t understand the road that brought me here.
We live in fear, it’s all around.

We all search for love.
Over the seas, the rolling tide, the jet stream screams
“come on man, let it ride”.

Far away from people I have loved.
I didn’t understand the road that brought me here.
We live in fear, it’s all around.
We live in fear, it’s all around.
We llive in fear, it’s all around.  

Written by Paul Vasey 2025

We Live in fear

Flowers At The Side Of The Road

Slow your breathing down
I don’t want to bring you this sad news
Oh you’re in my heart
I don’t want to break you, make your whole world fall apart

Flowers at the side of the road
Angels with their wings to unfold, carry you home

Maybe you’ll find love
Maybe you won’t
Maybe you need love
Maybe you don’t

Slow your breathing down
I could never hurt you, I know I will
Oh you’re my whole heart
I don’t want to bring you every parent’s worst fear

Flowers at the side of the road 
Angels with their wings to unfold, carry you home 

Maybe you’ll find love 
Maybe you won’t 
Maybe you need love
Maybe you don’t 

Who knows how the wind will blow for you

Flowers At The Side Of The Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r__viBsuKUc

Marie and I waited so long for our summer to begin. It was late August when we finally made the Ferry crossing into France. Temperatures soared to highs of 36 degrees. We completed a 10 day road trip, returned home and then soon after, we found ourselves once again in France; at first in Ouisterham. We drove for a few short hours and arrived in The Loire Valley. Our summer began so late and ended so quickly. This composition records the transition from Summer into early Autumn. Summer, often filled with charm. Anything is possible for a short while when you leave behind your cares and worries.

We journeyed into the City of Tours where Marie lived throughout her formative years. It was there that we walked by the trian station and the office where her father worked many years ago. We took a short cut through the park where the author Honoré de Balzac has been immortalised with a stone sculpture. It was there that I noticed the acorns strewn around the foot of a nearby tree. On our way to collect a bicycle for her brother, we embarked upon a stroll past the school of Saint Martin, which Marie attended as a young girl. The magnificent Cathedral of Saint Gatien towered above our heads. I observed this beautiful city and also the love that exists between Marie and her brother; a beautiful observation and now...........the summer has almost gone. We have left behind the warmth of this beautiful French location and said goodbye to dear Benoît. "The terrace bars have gone to sleep and I reflect on the seductive charm of the season. "Été le charmeur". The River Loire will continue to flow yet Marie and I will reside in England and Benoît in Canada. until we return once again.

Été Le Charmeur.

Couldn’t help but notice how the sunshine turned to rain.
pres de la gare de la ville de Tours où ton père travailler chaque jour.
Nous laissson derrière nous la chaleur.
L’été le charmeur.

The terrace bars have gone to sleep.
The journey’s that we took are now complete.
l’été le charmeur.
l’été le charmeur.

In the park where the acorns grow, with the author looking down.
Your brother smiled then we made our way through a history of love.
From the school yard to the church; “Saint Gatien”
L’été le charmeur.

The terrace bars have gone to sleep.
The journey’s that we took are now complete.
Lété le charmeur.
L’été le charmeur.

Walk a while beside The River Loire.
E’té le charmeur; prends - moi par la main.

Ce’st fini.

Written by Paul Vasey

Le Charmeur

For Tom.......

Don’t you know?

I don’t understand this pain.
I was never harsh or cruel.
My love for you was unequaled on this earth. 
Don’t you know how much my love was worth?

I can’t delete the past,
your picture on my phone.
I’m notified; every day I’m crucified.
Don’t you know how much my love was worth?

I’ve walked alone in twilight worlds,
held counsel with the dead.
I fell to my knees said “I’m ready Lord”;
perhaps, you should know what I’ve said.

You have broken every bond.
imparted so much hate.
My love for you was unequaled on this earth.

Don’t you know how much my love was worth?
Don’t you know how much my love was worth?

I’ve walked alone in twilight worlds,
held counsel with the dead.
I fell to my knees said “I’m ready Lord”.
Perhaps you should know what I’ve said.

Don’t you know how much my love was worth?
Don’t you know how much my love was worth?


Written by Paul Vasey

Don't You Know (PJ Mix)

A song mourning the loss of Summer/youth/vitality

Autumn leaves are falling down
Heavy hangs my heart
Darkness closing all around
Slowly life departs

Cold and the dark leach the sunshine away
Colours fade and dim,turning to grey

Time is paused and life's on hold
Each day a waiting game
All the new is now the old
Different now the same

Cold and the dark leach the sunshine away
Colours fade and dim,turning to grey

Fading to Grey

A break up song written many years ago by me as a sad young man!

Don’t Explain

Thanks to @Jambrains for the fantastic guitar work and as always to the fab Bruce on bass!

My heart is breaking as I look at your face
Expectations, soured in the race
For perfection that shouldn't be attainable yet
But that’s what you seek so read failure instead

And you are perfect in every way that's right
You’re strong and you’re driven, a big ball of fight
You’ll pick yourself up and show us your might
And these days will be small against all in your sights

Today loomed large in your life
The hope of achieving a little respite
From uncertainty, that gets to sit with you a little more
You'll remember these days as stepping stones

And you are perfect in every way that's right
You’re strong and you’re driven, a big ball of fight
You’ll pick yourself up and show us your might
And these days will be small against all in your sights

I can’t banish the demons by holding you tight
But I’ll be the light in the dark of your night
It's the hardest part of letting go
Knowing that I can't control
The things that make you cry, but I'll still try

And you are perfect in every way that's right
You’re strong and you’re driven, a big ball of fight
You’ll pick yourself up and show us your might
And these days will be small against all in your sights

Stepping Stones

Available on Itunes & Spotify 

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T06sdckVUg

CONSTELLATIONS

This is a relatively new song that I have had a poor quality version uploaded here for the past week and it had some good reception so I decided to record it to a better standard.

It is inspired by my grandmother who has been suffering with Alzheimer's disease for the past 5/6 years. I have seen her turn from a highly active and energetic woman to a very old lady in this short space of time and it has made me realise how important it is to cherish every moment you have because you don't know when it will change irreversibly forever.

I have chosen to intertwine the story of her life with that of a tree in this song as she represents the solid tree like backbone of our family but like every living thing, has a limited amount of time to live on this earth. I hope you like it!

Here are the lyrics:

It is the start,
You're at day one,
Go light a fire,
You've just begun,
The leaves they grow,
Towards the sun.

The sun it shines,
From way up high,
There is no cloud,
In the blue sky,
Your mind is clear,
No wonder why.

The leaves they make,
A sea of green,
You don't think of,
What might have been,
You can recall,
All you have seen.

So many ways,
Your leaves will grow,
There seems no end,
To what you'll know,
And know limit,
To where you'll go.

The shadow creeps,
Across your view,
You welcome it,
As something new,
But you don't know,
What it will do.

The leaves they fall,
Your mind slows down,
They spread themselves,
All the way round,
You try to pick,
Them from the ground.

The sky turns dark,
The tree turns old,
Your mind is weak,
It's turning old,
Your time is short,
Your hand they hold.

The days go by,
So take it in,
Time wont slow down,
Once it begins,
So make the most,
Of what's within.

Thank you :)

Time Won't Slow Down

We are

Polystyrene Smile

It’s unmistakably original - Pompeyjazz doesn’t imitate, he distills and reimagines !!

John Bradley A.K.A Pompeyjazz is a Southsea based Singer / Songwriter, multi instrumentalist and producer who has released 16 solo albums together with other albums with collaboration projects Star XD and The Auditors. His music covers a wide variety and genres and influences based on a lifetime of playing music.

​These days, live performances are mainly solo acoustic interpretations of his catalog of songs.

https://pompeyjazz.bandcamp.com

Pompeyjazz on Spotify 

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2QfDhSlidjwyONhk8Srbpe?si=7cb9610383b7493c

Star XD on Spotify (Collaboration with Ces Sile)

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4S34BGkchyjUwxETLKS3xf?si=0507552e86b14f53

The Auditors on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/artist/11SgWBQiUwBk84a5RZBEat?si=1b540475860349f4

Enjoy the music !

Polystyrene Smile

pompeyjazz

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