What Just Happened? or, It's All Right Ma, it's Life and Life only

Well, that went about as well as could be expected, "that" being the "separation" (legal term of art) of Chris Kee from the HJ partnership. There are probably 7 or 8 different versions of what could be called "the story" but in the end it matters not. Chris has slipped the surly bonds of HJ and can reach out and touch the face of God in the Free State of Jefferson. God speed and best of luck and success to him and his kin and kith. In the meantime, as Homer Simpson said "back to stupid reality". We were lucky enough to have the Uber-mensch bassist Josh Zucker already lined up as Chris' sub, and thanks to some high-school football brain injury he's agreed to sign up to play with Houston Jones on a regular basis. The next matter of business would be filling in the hole left by the departure of our main writer. So far that's been an intersting collection of covers, from Dave Alvin to Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. What station that particular train pulls into should be interesting, to say the least. But now that _The_Minotaur_ is out our global marketing campaign is ready to roll out. First, we call for an end to the Cuba sanctions, then we force Sony Pictures to drop that silly movie about North Korea, then finally we play a gig at the Throckmorton Theater in Mill Valley CA on Jan 24 2015. That should get the media's attention.

Ness Say Pass, or why would I lie?

The cat is finally off my lap, so that's progress. Speaking of Progress, we've finished (marinara libation to FSM) mixing the new album _The_Minotaur_ and all that's left is mastering, artwork and manufacturing. Easy as rolling off a log (and then getting crushed by hundreds of other logs...). We're in a Jack-Bauer-like race against The Digital Clock to have something available for your sweaty hands by June, and Hope springs Eternal around here. Where's Chloe when I need her?

Speaking of Time Marching On, things aren't all that altered for HoJo Inc. Glenn is still wrestling Linux for IBM, Chris has moved further North, Peter has become a Gentleman of Leisure, Travis is now a Happily Married Man panning for Gold, and me: I'm Ed Mc'Mahon, Comedy Relief and eternal SideKick. Well, somebody has to say "whadda we do now, boss?" to keep the plot moving. The burden of a Real Job keeps me from the joy of driving 800 miles a day to sleep on the floor of the soundman's apartment, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make if it keeps me in Houston Jones.

Speaking of Houston Jones, in Side-Project-Land there's a fair amount of action. Houston ampersand Jones is a great way to focus in on Travis' voice and the lovely interplay between the 2 acoustic guitars. I'm especially happy to note that Springhouse featuring Chris and the increvable Jane Selkey is out and about, highlyhighly recommended. Myself and Kathleen have the Flying Salvias (featuring Peter Tucker) at Cafe Triese in Berkeley every 3rd Thu until the End of Time. And, as a Gentleman of Leisure Peter is At Large and Available for Irish Weddings, Biker runs, and Sundry Engagements where Percussion will Enhance your Musical Experience. Book Now!

Speaking of Books, the new Album (we olds like to call music collections Albums, in memory of the original Folios of 78RPM discs sold in photo album covers, even though music no longer rotates and photos live with music in The Cloud, so they have that in common again) is a mix of genres and styles beaten into shape on the Forge of Musical Experience. The Forge is the secret Ingredient we can't mention on the Internet that takes a 40's samba, a sea chanty, a country ballad, an NRBQ-based rave-up, and an R&B-styled explanation of how I met my wife into a coherent whole. But I must also give props to the mad skilz of Cookie Marenco, Galadriel of Acoustic Recording. She's a master (mistress? mastette? hmm...) at creating a natural soundscape that showcases the band in the best possible light.

If you found your way here you probably don't need a pointer to our home base on the InnerTubes but here it is anyway to check up on our schedule. We've got some interesting shows this summer, including the Little Fox Bar and Bar in Redwood City in June (but hey, there's a Grilled Cheese shop around the corner), our trip to See the Cowboys in July, and another Musical Mayhem Extravaganza at the Freight ampersand Salvage in Nov with Stevie Coyle, the Lost Dauphin of Folk. Houston Jones, the Pasty Pounders of Palpatating Polyrhythm, Making Musical Mayhem Mauling Mahler and Manhandling Mendelsshon. Hotcha!