When Covid began behind a backdrop of divisive politics, here and world-wide, all I could think was we were in for tough times, but if we just hold on to love, things will work out. Have we? Still not sure.

Hold On To Love - UnPlugged First Take

Recorded in NJ in the early 1980's. Written with an old time jazzy sound as if for a Woody Allen movie. Jazz piano by Emmy winning legend, George Mesterhazy. He was 20 at the time, his first recording. Jazz harp by long-time friend Mark Joseph's, creator of the Tenor Guitar foundation. The recording quality is not great here, but the perfomances by the pianist and jazz harpist are timeless.

A Waste of Electricity

Lyrics and singing by super-talented team of Lydell Russell and Darnell Hicks of Philadelphia. Music by Joseph Aronesty, aka Joe Z.  Originally recorded and produced by Andrew Manzano, New Jersey.  Written for Justin Timberlake, who never recorded it, but seemed to lean on it on one of his his NSYNC songs. Still incredibly on target.

Life Goes On

Written for an HBO Special about Exotic Dancers, it still plays for a certain exotic dancer in Miami. Lyrics were partnered with the incomparable Lydell Russell, who did the vocals. First recorded in 1999.

Angelina

contact - joe@wigsalon.com - 1 818 423 1533
Vocals by Fletcher Sheridan 

It's not the snow, it's not the holly ....

Something in the air at Christmas
Wakes the very best that’s in us
Like a warm good will elixir toasting hope and cheer

Thoughts return to love and peace
Forgiving brings us sweet release
As we say a grateful prayer for things that we hold dear

CHORUS
Why must we wait 'til it’s Christmas?
We can keep the Yuletide spirit all the year
Spend our time with folks we love, be generous and kind
And make it feel like Christmas all the time

When I find I’ve lost my way
And good intentions start to fray
I close my eyes and picture Christmas til my faith’s restored
I see trees all strung with lights
Feel the chill of snow-filled nights
Til the spirit that’s within me cannot be ignored
Ch
Why do we wait until it’s Christmas?
We can keep the Yuletide spirit all the year
Spend our time with folks we love, be generous & kind
And make it feel like Christmas all the time
Break
FA-LA-LA, Let's make it feel like Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas all the time
Alt Verse
It’s not the snow; it’s not the holly
Not bell-ringing Santas or the ones that are jolly
It's not the singers, the strudel, or the pies
It’s the spirit of Christmas that's inside
CHORUS
We don't have to wait until it’s Christmas
Let's keep the Yuletide spirit all the year
Spend our time with folks we love, be generous and kind
And make it feel like Christmas
Make it feel like Christmas
Let's make it feel like Christmas all the time.
Holly Jolly FA-LA-LA, it’s Christmas

Make It Feel Like Christmas

Vocals | Flecther Sheridan - 
Guitar Music and Lyrics | Joseph Aronesty

HOLD ON TO LOVE 
Joseph Aronesty 

C               G       F2                      C
Hear me all my brothers and sisters
           F2        Am7     Gsus4    G
From sea to shining sea
        F      C              E7b9     Am
We find ourselves, in perilous straits and it’s
 Dm7       G7b9        C           G13
Down to you and me , and I was

C                  G               F2          C
Wonderin’ if I could I ask you please
                 F                         Am7               Gsus4      G
Help me steer our( this) ship back home
                         F      C           E7b9   Am
‘Cause we’re all in this together now
                    Dm7      G7b9   C
(We) can’t do this thing alone

(Chorus)
F     F2             C
     Hold on to love, 
F                     F2            C
  Know that darkness yields to light
F    F2               C
     Hold on to love – and this will
F2       G          G7              C  G  F2  C  F2  G7  C    
All               work out right 

 C        G       F2   C     
America’s a miracle
         F             Am7         Gsus4      G 
God shed his grace on thee
                F            C                     E7b9            Am7
He said “brotherhood, that’s (is) something good”
        Dm7     G11-9         C
(he) Left that to you and me

   Optional Choral   F                 C             Dm7               G7b9         C
                         The soul of our nation yearns (thirsts)  for           love

Two measures of military drum beats slowly amplify

              C         G               F2           C
And the voices ripping this world apart
               F                   F2       C
Are       testing our metal tonight
                F              C         E7b9           Am7
They’ve only one beat - divide and defeat
                  F                    F2                     G   G7 G6 G5
But they cannot survive       in the light 
 
F        F2            C  
   So Hold on to love, America
F                        F2        C
      Know that darkness yields to light
F   F2               C
    Hold on to love – and this will
F2                              G                        
All         work out right 
Dm7              C       C+ 
  Hold on to love and we can
E              E7b9              Am         Am7      Dm7
Make it through this long dark night
       B7b9          Em7    Am7             
Just hold on to love
F           E7b9           Am    Am7
        ‘til the morning’s light
   F                    B7b9         Em7    D9/F# 
If we          can Hold on to love, then
                

                 F2        G         G9                 acapela 
This will all   ……          work out right
   C       G        F2    C
America’s  a  mira-cle
F         G7b9   C            C2   C4   C
Hold  on                     to      love

Hold On To Love 42523Fletch

Puppy rescue video 3-24-23

Something In The Air at Christmas

Vocals Flecther Sheridan ( sings w Paul McCartney btw :) 
Music by Joseph Aronesty 
Lyrics by Mary Ann Heimann and Joseph Aronesty
Engineer Larry Treadwell

2024 lyrical and production changes will be recorded soon

intro
Bring on the snow. By gosh by golly ...
Verse 1 
Something in the air at Christmas
Wakes the very best that’s in us
Something changes deep inside and everything gets clear
Thoughts return to love and peace
Forgiving brings a sweet release
As we embrace the magic of this special time of year
Chorus 1 
In the quiet cold of winter
We all gather for a dinner
To share the warmth we feel inside
And drink to auld lang syne
And while we’re spending time with folks we love
Bein’ generous and kind,
Troubles never come to mind
At Christmas time
Verse 2 
Though winter chills and skies are gray
And some of us have lost our way
Christmas comes to shine its light
For love and hope and cheer
Caroling in the streets at night
Spreading joy that's pure and bright
With every note, our hearts take flight
When Christmas time is here

Break 
Holy Jolly FA-LA-LA, it’s Christmas
Don't you wish it felt like Christmas all the time?

Alt Verse 
Bring on the snow; the scent on holly
Hear the bell-ringing Santas, and the ones that are jolly
Bring on the turkey, the strudel and the pies
Bring on the spirit changes deep inside

Chorus 3 
‘Cause the greatest gift of Christmas  
Isn’t found beneath a tree
Is the selfless act of giving
That sets our spirits free. 
And when we’re Spending time with folks we love
Bein’ generous and kind,
There’s a joy that’s so sublime
And troubles never come to mind, and
Don't you wish it felt like Christmas all the time  ?

Outro 
Holly Jolly Fa-La-La it’s Christmas
Whoh oh oh oh uhh hmm

Something In The Air at Christmas

Anyone can enjoy the spirit of Christmas
oi to the world :)

Merry Christmas From The Jews -

This song is essentially a prayer that we learn how to share the resources of this world in a way that benefits more of mankind. Wealth inequality has gotten much greater since the millennium. I believe the main root of racism, terrorism, war and even disease in many cases, is greed. What results is various forms of poverty in ~ health, education, the environment,  infrastructure, culture and ironically the world economy. Sharing is ultimately healthy for everyone, Recorded in Burbank at the Treadwell studios. Vocals: Joe "Z" Aronesty, Bryn Wolf, Guitar: Joe "Z", Larry Treadwell, Production and Percussion: Larry Treadwell. Mastered on MLK Day, January 19th, 2015. 

A Song For Healing - 2015

This was first in a collection of new songs written in Los Angeles, after my move from the East Coast. Inspired at a pary gig for 5-year olds, where I noticed that "like" preceded "love" and was a larger force in the day to day life of just about everyone. Love's over-rated.  "Like" rules! 

Honored to feature Novi Novog on viola. She has recorded with a host of bright stars like Frank Zappa, The Doobie Bros., James Taylor and Prince.  Whistling by the incomparable Guerin Barry of Shanana fame. Recorded at  the Treadwell Studios in Burbank, Ca.

I Like You

This is a collection of new songs written in Los Angeles, after my move from the East Coast in 2010. It has been an adventure in learning and the fulfillment of a life-long dream to record my songs with truly like-minded artists. California has many natural resources, but the one I treasure the most are its free-spirited people. Recorded at  the Treadwell Studios in Burbank, Ca.

SomethingTo Live For

Song lyrics were written with Christo Gonzales. He visited my home in NJ to work on songs and that is where he met the mother of his only son Jackson. Life does spawn from art. This song is a testament to that. part of a collection of new songs written in Los Angeles, after my move from the East Coast in 2010. It has been an adventure in learning and the fulfillment of a life-long dream to record my songs with truly like-minded artists. California has many natural resources, but the one I treasure the most are its free-spirited people. Recorded at  the Treadwell Studios in Burbank, Ca.

Blue

Sometimes, breaking things off for good is a feeling worthy of celebration. 

Over You-2

dreaming about how things will be if things work out 

If and When they  Do-7

Spanish/English couple celebrates the anniversary of "the night they fell in love". Look at the stars in the sky above
It all looks the same as it was on the night that we
first fell in love
And so its another year
Let's break out the wine and the beer
And toast to this night
( Our anniversary night - echoed by another voice )

You say yes and I say we can
Spend another year in loveland
'Cause I get you and you got me and
Together we make something new

Together We Make Something New

if you're looking for a friend, stop looking!  You found me. 

You Found Me Final

If there's such a thing as a song to save America ...

HOLD ON TO LOVE, AMERICA

low, smoky blues with rasp, emotional but laid-back

Blues With A Smile

Fletcher Sheridan is known for his work on X-Men: First Class (2011), Watchmen (2009) and Tangled (2010). Here he covers Joe Z.'s classic "I LIKE YOU" song. Viola by Novi Novog, who has discography with Prince, Doobie Bros. Frank Zappa and James Taylor. Whisting by the incomparable Guerin Barry ( Shanana). Bass and arrangements by Larry Treadwell. 

I LIKE YOU - covered by Fletcher Sheridan

With all the separatism we are witnessing in the world today, I wanted to create a song that reinforces a "brotherhood of man" feeling.   That warm and fuzzy feeling hits most of us 'round Christmas, and I, for one, do wish it could stay that way.  Listen on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om43-HE8i7I



merry christmas from the jews - music and lyrics - joseph aronesty
vocals, joseph aronesty, larry treadwell and  the diaz sisters


Here's wishing you a very merry Christmas
We hope the season fills your hearts with joy
Take a look around!  There's so much we could be worried about
But hey, it's Christmas, and no one wants to cry or pout.

So we wish you a merry Christmas
Don't you wish it could stay like christmas?

The holly jolly merry days of Christmas
We like to eat and play and drink
And we love to shop 
Kid's off from school, hang out with friends and it's all cool
And we don't stop, not until the big ball drops.

So we wish you a merry xmas
Wish it could stay like christmas

ding dong dong ding
the children sing ..
they see the tree
it seems to say "there could be something in this for me"

Wish we were joining you this year for Christmas 
But it's getting colder each day
"so we're flying somewhere warm"

And yes it true 
That we are Jews
But say it's Christmas, and we sort of get the point!
(chorus with many jewish voices)
merry christmas, merry christmas to you
merry christmas, merry christmas from the jews

Don't you wish it could stay like christmas
With all the gifts and yummy dishes
We're sending out good vibes and mitzvahs
'cause we wish it could stay like christmas

merry christmas, happy new year, what's new?
merry christmas from the Jews

Merry Christmas From the Jews

The curse of America is that is seems to "wish upon a buck" too much. I'm not just talking about casino pipe dreams, but phenoms like Bernie Madoff, Donald Trump and that AIDs pill guy, etc. etc.  And then there was that "Greed is Good" thing in the 1980's. I have never thought that was the way to go. 

We've got Tish and Snooky from Manic Panic ( and Blondie!) singing with me on this. Adam A on sax. Ken H on drums. Larry Treadwell on guitar and controls. What a blast to produce! contact: joe@wigsalon.com - This belongs in a play - fully produced and choreographed. It's almost there right now.

When You Wish Upon A Buck

Put down your toys. Turn off the noise. Focus on love. 
Original song by Joe Z. A demo for your interpretation. 
Not quite done yet. 
words and music and vocals by Joe Z.
production and bass - Larry Treadwell

Lets Focus

While visiting my grand-daughter in NYC, this song stayed with me whilst I observed kids playing in Battery Park. "Dogs playing with kids" is always a magical moment. Dogs innately understand our body language, and children discover they too have the power to communicate without words.

Note: This is a ruff cut :) We welcome other recording artists to take this very cool tune on.  josepharonesty@gmail.com

Big Dog Coming Around

This song was born on Wednesday morning, when we learned that my ex-classmate, Donald Trump became the 45th president of the USA with a little help from his criminal friends & Russian agents. His twisted version of the GOP agenda puts hard-working Americans and our environment in real jeopardy. RAISE OUR VOICES is the mantra for the resistance. I figured needed to be a song for easier internalization and staying power.  "There ain't nothing we can't do."

Raise Our Voices - Joseph Aronesty

I created this anthem/gospel song to provide inspiration and hope for the resistance (and myself). Boycott companies that do business with fascist leaders whenever possible.  Attack their greed disease. It is their weakness. I went to Penn with DT. Spoiled rotten. He paid for his homework at age 20! Read here as to WHY we need to see his taxes: https://englishcode.wordpress.com/?s=taxes 

Words and music by Joseph Aronesty. Vocals by Elaine Gibbs. Organ and bass by Richard Turner. Drums by Kenny Wayne, Guitar and master by Larry Treadwell. Contact josepharonesty@gmail.com

RAISE OUR VOICES – Joseph Aronesty

Wednesday morning, time to wake up!
Wednesday morning, reachin’ for my cup
Put my coat on, stepped out in the reign
Something told me, we’re headed for some pain

I worried all night, what have we done?
We put a man upstairs and he's waiving a gun
But this is our homeland! We’re not gonna run
Let’s send ‘em a message , we’ve just begun! 

Let’s raise our voices! Let the love fill up the room
Raise our voices! Change will follow soon
Sing together and work to make this right! * 
There ain’t nothing we can’t do if we raise our voices.

Talked to my neighbor, for his point of view
He said he kinda liked the man, and I should like him too
Went to the preacher, please tell me what’s right
He read from the bible and showed me the light
	
Then he said: Raise our voices! Let the love fill up the room 
Raise our voices, change is coming soon
Sing together till the angels hear us pray
There ain’t nothing we can’t do if we raise our voices.

Buddha, Allah, Jesus Christ!
You teach us love to make things nice 

Wednesday evening back in my room
I feel the change is coming … can’t you feel it too?
So baby baby hurry over soon
Let’s flip the script, Lets change this tune

Let’s raise our voices! Let the love fill up the room 
Raise our voices and change will follow soon
Sing together late into the night
There ain’t nothing we can’t do if we raise our voices. 
United we fight this, we can’t be divided, the light is inside us
Yeah!
Raise our voices, raise our voices
Raise!
Our voices … 

Feel free to contact josepharonesty@gmail.com
Stay vocal people.

Raise  Our  Voices ~ The LA Resistance

I’m so sick of this shit.
Just can’t take it, can’t take it anymore. I am 
tired of thinking nothing’s gonna change. Each day’s the 
same and I can’t take it anymore. So I’m

walkin’ out the door, 
 into the sunlight, ‘cause that’s what doors are for. There
must be something more, out there, some
where, so I’m walkin’ out the door.
Break 1
Heard someone say the grass is greener, and the 
kicks are keener on the other side.   
I gotta know if there’s sugar that’s sweeter, 
and I will only trust my 
own two eyes. 

I’m so sick of this shit!
It’s all so lame and I can’t take it anymore.
<Instrumental >
Break 2
I’m crossing over to the other side. And if it’s 
all the same there well, at
least I tried.

I’m so tired of the games 
people are playing and
nothing ever seems to change. And
I’m not saying anyone’s to blame, it’s just so 
lame and I can’t take it anymore.
<resolve hook finale>
I’m so sick of this shit! Each day’s the
same and I can’t take it anymore. 



|

Sick Of This Shit

Written for Smokey Robinson in 1968, when I was 19. We met backstage on the Steel Pier. When the screaming young girl fans rushed him after the show - he had to exit with security - and never got to hear the song. Until now maybe. :) This was just found in old archives of songs I have recorded.

Bring Your Love Back To Me

If you're travelin' down the road
And you get a flat and your car gets towed, well
Ain't no big thing, just take it with style
And learn to sing the blues with a smile

If your baby calls you honey
Then she takes off with all your money, well
Ain't no big thing, just walk another mile
And learn to sing the blues with a smile

Everybody gets the blues
And you wont win 'til you learn to lose
So greet your disappointments with a great big grin!

And pretty soon your luck will turn
And you'll be reaping what you've earned
So learn to sing the blues with a smile
And everyone will love you ... for a while.

When I'm down and things be wrong
I lose myself in a cool blue song
And listening to the sad songs
Somehow makes me smile.

And pretty soon I see things change
And I feel happy for all the long I have gained
So go on now, sing your blues with a smile
And everyone will love you ... for a while.

Blues With A Smile | If and When Productions

Written on the day Trump got elected in 2016. 
But sadly, it is more relevant today.  Our democracy is over if we do not ALL do something every day to resist.  It's not one of my super catchy songs. But it's good for inspiration and the lyrics ring truer today than they did in 2017.

RAISE OUR VOICES

Hold On To Love was written as a folk song in the middle of the Covid pandemic. Treadwell takes Hold On To Love to a new pop rock level with a stirring heartfelt production.

Hold On To Love by Treadwell

Joseph Aronesty creates original songs in the City of Angels.   His songs have been covered by many recording artists and featured in movies.  

He can be reached at: joe@wigsalon.com (best ) or josepharonesty@gmail.com   818 423 1533 cell

Joseph Aronesty

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