The "Jack in the Box" project was supposed to be an album of songs that traced the life of my father from his birth to his death in 2000. Some people know the story well. Others have no idea what I went through from age 12 until my thirties.
My father, a good man at heart, hurt his back in 1978. He became disabled and after several back surgeries, became dependent on prescription drugs, specifically Tylenol Nos. 3 and 4. What followed were years of abuse, choas and total separation from his family. Emotionally, I believe he died in the 80's, however his body continued to occupy the space around us for another twenty years or so.
One of the first songs I wrote after my father died was called, "And I Seethed." For twenty years I tried to keep patience with him. At the same time I tried to better myself by going to college, reading everything I could get my hands on and trying desparately to become the opposite of him. He hated the fact that I went to college -- became jealous and hateful toward me. After college, I went to work at the disney-MGM Studios which finally made him happy. Then, in a string of failed visits to rehab, managed to create so much chaos in my life, I had the choice of abandoning my dad, or going back.
It has been a few weeks since George and I have had the opportunity to get together. Seems to be a common problem with all men who attempt to obtain some free time while being a full-time husband and father and well as a small business owner.
George and I finally together Saturday afternoon and and I forced him to listen to more original songs! I played him five of six songs that were to be included on my "Jack in the Box" album. The album was to be a concept piece about my father's drug abuse and eventual death. I told George that these songs were just too intense to go on our current CD. He came back with a classic comment about how odd that was since the CD is called "Dark Thoughts."
For those curious, I'll post some of the raw demos of the songs I wrote for the "Jack in the Box" album. Definately need work, but they are thought provoking and bare me to the bone.
I wrote Far Away on my first trip to Los Angeles in 1986 as previously mentioned. My band performed it live a few times at Brother's Bar and Katz during our time together. It was a nice, simple song that was fun to perform. We likened ourselves to an R.E.M. /Cult band - that New Roots genre that spawned from the likes of the Byrds; jingle-jangle guitars and sweet harmonies.
Here is a demo of Keith Knowles and I recording on a crappy recorder in my bedroom in 1986.
George and I recorded for about two and a half hours yesterday - The outcome was very satisfactory for us all. Even Chaka, the producer seemed excited. Listening to the track it may seem choppy and disjointed, but when all the parts are put together, the result should be smooth and sweet.
When we return from San Francisco in a couple of weeks, we will add bass and drums as well as vocals. George, as always, was on fire!
Went to George's house today to work on the structure of Far Away, the song Keith Knowles and I wrote back in June of 1986. We had a band called Circus Mind at the time. I wrote the lyrics in Venice Beach, California on my first trip to L.A. Actually it was my first trip anywhere.
Keith picked me up at the airport in Birmingham, Alabama upon my return and I sang the song to him in the car - He put the music to it as soon as we got back.
There were several songs that came out of these sessions. Hopefully we will be able to record all of them.
Well, we finally started! George Shepherd was the only other musician to show up today. He laid down some great guitar on St. John's Bridge. It is finally loosing that Springsteen sound. Sounds more like REM circa "Reckoning". That is a very ccol thing.
On a completely different note, here is a totally strange demo I ran across. It is Steve Minus and I playing around.
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