Hey folks! Just a quick update to let you know what's coming up in the near future...
First - I'm still posting my schedule over on Reverb Nation at
http://www.reverbnation.com/jimmyanderson
and of course if you follow me on Twitter - @jimmylogan or if we're friends on Facebook - Jimmy Anderson then you'll see my mentions of shows up to the showtime, and sometimes pictures from the shows. :-)
Okay - I've been uploading more and more videos to my YouTube channel -
http://www.youtube.com/jimmylogan0916
I've uploaded a few covers, but mostly I've been posting my original songs, including one I just wrote last night and uploaded this morning.
As for upcoming things, tomorrow morning I will be auditioning at Bluebird Cafe again. This will be my third time and I'm feeling VERY good about it! I feel closer to "the truth" the last time, and I'm even more confident now about both the song and my talent. Wish me luck! :-)
This Thursday night, the 30th, I'll be performing at Lupo's for a Lion's Club benefit. They will be getting a portion of the food sales and of course ALL of my tips for the night will be donated. I'll also donate a portion of my merch sales for the night.
The Dyer County Fair begins Labor Day, and I'll be performing for Senior Citizens Day on Thursday, September 6 at "The Back Porch Stage." I'm scheduled to play from 11 AM until noon. Senior Citizens get in free - others can visit the show with only a $5 admission at the gate.
I'll return to the Fair on Friday Night, September 7. I'm scheduled to have the stage from 6 PM till 9 PM - same one as above - The Back Porch Stage in Sorgum Valley. Gate admission is $8.
My next StageIt show is on September 13th at 7 PM. It's also a benefit and all proceeds will go to Playing for Change music foundation. The show link is
http://www.stageit.com/jimmy_anderson/playing_for_change/12860
As of today I'm scheduled to return to Commodore Grill on September 18th, but stay tuned... I'm working with the promotor to have a longer show with me as a featured performer and will be sometime in November...
On October 6th, I'll be playing at the Friendship Street Festival. There will be a talent show before the full band comes on and I'll be performing in exhibition while the judges do their thing. I'm looking forward to returning to one of the places I first played out in public and bringing my own songs to the street.
Well that's it for now! Thanks for ALL your support!
Jimmy
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Fitting In
I played a gig at a little cafe last Friday night and really felt "on my game." I had several people come by just because I was going to be there, so that felt good too. It's a "play for tips" place and the tips weren't bad either. All in all, I thought it was a good night. :-) Until the call today...
The cafe owner cancelled the gig booked for later this month. Turns out my style was a little too "traditional." I kinda felt like Hank Williams, Jr. :-) The regular "entertainment" they have is more subdued and more like muzak than an authentic performance.
Now, does this get me down? Not at all! Earlier that week I played a set at Commodore Grille and had a GREAT response. The night after that gig I played a songwriter's night at Ripley. Again, GREAT response, plus some words of encouragement from someone who speaks few words, so when he does you better listen.
So - what did I learn from this? That I truly do have a "style" that is developing, and that this style will not be what everyone is looking for, but for those that do like it... Well, they REALLY like it. :-)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Commodore Grille
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know I'm getting ready to head to Nashville for my first "official booking" as a songwriter... Yep - I'm headed to Holiday Inn West End to play in a writer's round tonight at 9:30. Two of my sisters and at least one person from work is going. I'm expecting to see at least one friend from high school there. Then of course my number one fan, without whom NONE of this would be possible - my soul mate - my lover - my wife - Vanessa. She will never truly know how much her support means to me.
I guess I should do some catch up on this blog... Why am I even here? Someone overnight made a comment on a previous post... and it really just reminded me that this is here. Since I've created the new web site I don't think about this one as much. That and I've been posting more and more on Facebook and Twitter, but there are some things you just need more than 140 characters to convey.
One more thing - take a look at this blog and say a prayer...
I guess I should do some catch up on this blog... Why am I even here? Someone overnight made a comment on a previous post... and it really just reminded me that this is here. Since I've created the new web site I don't think about this one as much. That and I've been posting more and more on Facebook and Twitter, but there are some things you just need more than 140 characters to convey.
One more thing - take a look at this blog and say a prayer...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Living the Dream
This post has been writing itself for several hours now... It's WAY more info than can fit in a Twitter or Facebook post, but it's something I think I need to say - both to myself and to you, gentle reader.
I'm living the dream. There - I've said it. No, I'm not living in Nashville, doing studio music, traveling the country or getting cuts left and right. But yes - I'm living the dream.
When I was a very young boy I thought I wanted to play guitar, but didn't follow through. When I got older I decided I did, in fact, want to. When I was 13/14 my dad encouraged me and brought home a CHEAP electric guitar from the auction. It was terrible, but it was something I could at least put my hands on. My first REAL guitar was one he bought me when he saw that I was serious about it and seemed to have a modicum of talent.
Then, when I'd been playing for a bit, I'd take my guitar with me lots of places and play every chance I got. I'd hear something and want to play along. I'd be playing something my uncle had talk me and I'd be learning to improvise. You name it, I was trying it.
Anyway, there was a specific day when I was playing "guitar boogie" and practicing double hits and slurred notes. He just shook his head and said, "son, I know people that would pay a million dollars to do what you're doing." I replied, "it's not that good, but I'm trying." He said, "you are already doing more than I ever could - I can hear it, but I WISH I could do it."
So, in that respect, I was living the dream way back then. I could grab a guitar, tune it, play some chords, play a melody that you could understand... Already that was more than a non-musical person could do, but I didn't appreciate it. Later I was introduced to TRUE bluegrass and loved it! I then found out that I could play by ear and hear the chord changes. My first performance out of the house was playing electric guitar for Cindy Young at Gadsden at the little Hee Haw show. She did Rosanne Cash's "Blue Moon with Heartache" and I did the "lead turnaround notes." It wasn't much, but it was magical! I didn't know it, but I was living the dream at the time...
Later, I got with a local bluegrass group and learned even more. I played backup in some performances and learned what it was like to stand in front of crowds of people. Then I broke off and did some talent shows (never won any, but was great experience!) before winding up with some buddies in a group we called The Bare Basics. I learned how much more fun it is to just sit and play with others and to bounce ideas and chords off each other. I was living the dream, I just didn't know it. How? How many other people out there were wishing they could do it... How many people heard us at the Cancer Society Hee Haw show or the Rotary Club luncheons or the Saturday in the Park trailer show and wish they could do it?
Later still I was called into the ministry as a musician for Jesus. I wound up with New Heaven's Echos and made a TON of wonderful friends that I still know today! I was playing every weekend. No, not with them, necessarily, but if 'we' didn't have a singing Vanessa and I were with the Barnetts or the Dills or the Jones Family or Gospel Edition... Then there was Camp Meeting or the Quartet Convention - even more chances for fellowship, camaraderie and performing. Living the dream - touching lives - being blessed more and more myself...
Then I was out of it for a long time. If you've read my blog, you know of the odd ball chances here and there to do a little, but nothing serious and nothing solid. Well I finally started going back to Jackson to do some bluegrass jamming at the Old Country Store and quickly made friends with a person I know call a buddy - James Wallace. He and I have picked off and on together for some time, but I digress... That led me to being more involved and being asked to play regularly on Friday nights. This led to me singing more and stretching myself. I'd still love to play the Opry some day, but how many people can say they get to climb up on stage EVERY week and have people come to hear them and to dance to their music? Living the dream...
Lately I've felt Jesus calling me to give back - to get back into His service more... We've never stopped loving our great friends (and family) The Barnetts but went for a long time with little to no contact. We see them at Friendship at a benefit and start to see them more and more and next thing I know we're climbing on the bus with them for almost every singing they've had the past couple of months. God is using me again in an ancillary role, and I'm proud for it! I'm living the dream...
Last night I went to an open mic in Jackson at Music Crossroads. This was not my first Open Mic - I've played the Bluebird Cafe and even did an official audition there. I've played at the Commodore in Nashville as well. This was very much like that... We would take the stage one by one (the stage, by the way, is reportedly the one that Carl Perkins would perform on in a club in Jackson and is reportedly where he FIRST performed Blue Suede Shoes in public) and most would do covers. The hostess, another guy and I did original material. It was a listening room atmosphere and I felt like I had good response from the crowd... Again, living the dream.
So as I drove back home and as I've thought on these facts today, I've decided that I many NEVER have a song cut... I may never work in a studio in Nashville... I may never play to thousands of people... I may never play the Ryman or the Opry... But I'm living the dream... I've written songs and had people enjoy them. I've even had people request them at the dance. I've gotten to sing in public with Vanessa. I've gotten to work in a studio. I've gotten to "travel" on a tour bus with four different groups at different times... All of these things are things that people EVERY day wish they could do - and I'm doing it. I really, REALLY don't want to take that for granted, because it's a joy and a thrill and a blessing to get to do what I do...
Thanks for reading!
I'm living the dream. There - I've said it. No, I'm not living in Nashville, doing studio music, traveling the country or getting cuts left and right. But yes - I'm living the dream.
When I was a very young boy I thought I wanted to play guitar, but didn't follow through. When I got older I decided I did, in fact, want to. When I was 13/14 my dad encouraged me and brought home a CHEAP electric guitar from the auction. It was terrible, but it was something I could at least put my hands on. My first REAL guitar was one he bought me when he saw that I was serious about it and seemed to have a modicum of talent.
Then, when I'd been playing for a bit, I'd take my guitar with me lots of places and play every chance I got. I'd hear something and want to play along. I'd be playing something my uncle had talk me and I'd be learning to improvise. You name it, I was trying it.
Anyway, there was a specific day when I was playing "guitar boogie" and practicing double hits and slurred notes. He just shook his head and said, "son, I know people that would pay a million dollars to do what you're doing." I replied, "it's not that good, but I'm trying." He said, "you are already doing more than I ever could - I can hear it, but I WISH I could do it."
So, in that respect, I was living the dream way back then. I could grab a guitar, tune it, play some chords, play a melody that you could understand... Already that was more than a non-musical person could do, but I didn't appreciate it. Later I was introduced to TRUE bluegrass and loved it! I then found out that I could play by ear and hear the chord changes. My first performance out of the house was playing electric guitar for Cindy Young at Gadsden at the little Hee Haw show. She did Rosanne Cash's "Blue Moon with Heartache" and I did the "lead turnaround notes." It wasn't much, but it was magical! I didn't know it, but I was living the dream at the time...
Later, I got with a local bluegrass group and learned even more. I played backup in some performances and learned what it was like to stand in front of crowds of people. Then I broke off and did some talent shows (never won any, but was great experience!) before winding up with some buddies in a group we called The Bare Basics. I learned how much more fun it is to just sit and play with others and to bounce ideas and chords off each other. I was living the dream, I just didn't know it. How? How many other people out there were wishing they could do it... How many people heard us at the Cancer Society Hee Haw show or the Rotary Club luncheons or the Saturday in the Park trailer show and wish they could do it?
Later still I was called into the ministry as a musician for Jesus. I wound up with New Heaven's Echos and made a TON of wonderful friends that I still know today! I was playing every weekend. No, not with them, necessarily, but if 'we' didn't have a singing Vanessa and I were with the Barnetts or the Dills or the Jones Family or Gospel Edition... Then there was Camp Meeting or the Quartet Convention - even more chances for fellowship, camaraderie and performing. Living the dream - touching lives - being blessed more and more myself...
Then I was out of it for a long time. If you've read my blog, you know of the odd ball chances here and there to do a little, but nothing serious and nothing solid. Well I finally started going back to Jackson to do some bluegrass jamming at the Old Country Store and quickly made friends with a person I know call a buddy - James Wallace. He and I have picked off and on together for some time, but I digress... That led me to being more involved and being asked to play regularly on Friday nights. This led to me singing more and stretching myself. I'd still love to play the Opry some day, but how many people can say they get to climb up on stage EVERY week and have people come to hear them and to dance to their music? Living the dream...
Lately I've felt Jesus calling me to give back - to get back into His service more... We've never stopped loving our great friends (and family) The Barnetts but went for a long time with little to no contact. We see them at Friendship at a benefit and start to see them more and more and next thing I know we're climbing on the bus with them for almost every singing they've had the past couple of months. God is using me again in an ancillary role, and I'm proud for it! I'm living the dream...
Last night I went to an open mic in Jackson at Music Crossroads. This was not my first Open Mic - I've played the Bluebird Cafe and even did an official audition there. I've played at the Commodore in Nashville as well. This was very much like that... We would take the stage one by one (the stage, by the way, is reportedly the one that Carl Perkins would perform on in a club in Jackson and is reportedly where he FIRST performed Blue Suede Shoes in public) and most would do covers. The hostess, another guy and I did original material. It was a listening room atmosphere and I felt like I had good response from the crowd... Again, living the dream.
So as I drove back home and as I've thought on these facts today, I've decided that I many NEVER have a song cut... I may never work in a studio in Nashville... I may never play to thousands of people... I may never play the Ryman or the Opry... But I'm living the dream... I've written songs and had people enjoy them. I've even had people request them at the dance. I've gotten to sing in public with Vanessa. I've gotten to work in a studio. I've gotten to "travel" on a tour bus with four different groups at different times... All of these things are things that people EVERY day wish they could do - and I'm doing it. I really, REALLY don't want to take that for granted, because it's a joy and a thrill and a blessing to get to do what I do...
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
NSAI
If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you probably already know that I joined NSAI - Nashville Songwriters Association International - http://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
When I double checked the requirements for the audition at Bluebird that I'm wanting to sign up for, I read that you must live within 100 miles of Nashville OR be an active member of NSAI. Since I'm not part of the former, I became part of the latter. :-)
I had a moment when I was signing up where I had to stop and question myself... It's $200 to join (I opted for the $50 today and $50 over the next three months) so it's not a whim. I had to stop and make a commitment to myself. Actually I already made a commitment to "go to the next level," I just had to stop and confirm with myself that I was serious about this. Since I am, I did. :-)
I also linked my YouTube video to my ReverbNation page. I had intentions of recording the two songs I wrote this past weekend and posting them on ReverbNation as well, but didn't get around to it. Maybe tomorrow. :-)
I also want to get an EPK (electronic press kit) going to share with the wineries and such that I want to do some solo acoustic stuff with. I figure I can record a line or two (or a chorus) of several appropriate songs and string that together as a demo of sorts. Any suggestions on appropriate songs?
Thanks for reading...
When I double checked the requirements for the audition at Bluebird that I'm wanting to sign up for, I read that you must live within 100 miles of Nashville OR be an active member of NSAI. Since I'm not part of the former, I became part of the latter. :-)
I had a moment when I was signing up where I had to stop and question myself... It's $200 to join (I opted for the $50 today and $50 over the next three months) so it's not a whim. I had to stop and make a commitment to myself. Actually I already made a commitment to "go to the next level," I just had to stop and confirm with myself that I was serious about this. Since I am, I did. :-)
I also linked my YouTube video to my ReverbNation page. I had intentions of recording the two songs I wrote this past weekend and posting them on ReverbNation as well, but didn't get around to it. Maybe tomorrow. :-)
I also want to get an EPK (electronic press kit) going to share with the wineries and such that I want to do some solo acoustic stuff with. I figure I can record a line or two (or a chorus) of several appropriate songs and string that together as a demo of sorts. Any suggestions on appropriate songs?
Thanks for reading...
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
contest entered
Okay - I finished the song at lunch today at my favorite writing spot - a booth at Pizza Hut. :-)
As I said yesterday, I had the hook and I had a ton of notes. Today I looked back over them and kinda "saw something..." I really have no way of explaining it - it just happened.
Anyway, I finished the song and even had the tune. I grabbed my iPhone and mumbled the song into the voice recorder so I wouldn't lose the tune to it. :-) When I got home I worked on the key and the timing and such, and even tweaked the words a bit. I recorded it simply with PhotoBooth on a MacBook Air - nothing fancy. It's sitting on YouTube now waiting on Martin to add it officially to the site.
At that point, I'll be asking you to vote for my video. Thank you in advance. :-)
This post is more than just about that though... I also had two other things music related happen today... First, I noticed after I'd practiced the song and then recorded it that I even sound to myself after the fact that I was putting everything into it... I realized that I really DO "feel" the words. The song was inspired by the contest, but I didn't write a Martin advertisement at all... I wrote a song that I would want to hear. That's something that Don Schlitz told me last week at the Bluebird - "write what you want to hear."
Speaking of Bluebird Cafe - that's the other thing I wanted to mention. I kinda got goose bumps this morning when I got their email newsletter... They only have auditions a few times a year for their Sunday writer's night. They announced that they'll be taking registration on January 20 and then the audition will be on a Sunday in February. I'm going to go online FIRST THING after the window opens and try my best to get in line for an audition... I have about five songs that I would feel comfortable performing for others, and I plan to have several more by the time February gets here. :-)
I'll keep you posted... Thanks for reading!
As I said yesterday, I had the hook and I had a ton of notes. Today I looked back over them and kinda "saw something..." I really have no way of explaining it - it just happened.
Anyway, I finished the song and even had the tune. I grabbed my iPhone and mumbled the song into the voice recorder so I wouldn't lose the tune to it. :-) When I got home I worked on the key and the timing and such, and even tweaked the words a bit. I recorded it simply with PhotoBooth on a MacBook Air - nothing fancy. It's sitting on YouTube now waiting on Martin to add it officially to the site.
At that point, I'll be asking you to vote for my video. Thank you in advance. :-)
This post is more than just about that though... I also had two other things music related happen today... First, I noticed after I'd practiced the song and then recorded it that I even sound to myself after the fact that I was putting everything into it... I realized that I really DO "feel" the words. The song was inspired by the contest, but I didn't write a Martin advertisement at all... I wrote a song that I would want to hear. That's something that Don Schlitz told me last week at the Bluebird - "write what you want to hear."
Speaking of Bluebird Cafe - that's the other thing I wanted to mention. I kinda got goose bumps this morning when I got their email newsletter... They only have auditions a few times a year for their Sunday writer's night. They announced that they'll be taking registration on January 20 and then the audition will be on a Sunday in February. I'm going to go online FIRST THING after the window opens and try my best to get in line for an audition... I have about five songs that I would feel comfortable performing for others, and I plan to have several more by the time February gets here. :-)
I'll keep you posted... Thanks for reading!
Monday, January 2, 2012
another songwriting contest
I'm planning to ask you, gentle reader, for your help on this one... Seems Martin Guitar Company is giving away a very nice D-28 to the winner of a songwriting contest. I'll share a link below to the full rules, but the short story is that it must be an ORIGINAL song posted to YouTube and using the lyric "lifespan" somewhere inside. The top three videos per viewer vote will go into the finals.
First - I'd like to win, just because I'm always happy to win a $3,000 MSRP guitar. :-) I've never owned a Martin before...
Second - I see it as a challenge, and I've already started on my song. I have the 'hook' - I just have to finish it and get it posted.
Here's the link - http://lifespan.venturaassociates.net/
I'll post again when my video is live and you can vote on it. :-)
Also - just a quick note - I took my old Alvarez into the shop today... The guy in Dyersburg made me a good price for the repair, and he says he's done similar repairs, so I took it to him... Keeping my fingers crossed...
Yes, I was going to do it myself, and I'd still like to say that I did, but at this point I'd rather know it's done "correct" than to just say that I did it myself.
Good night all!
First - I'd like to win, just because I'm always happy to win a $3,000 MSRP guitar. :-) I've never owned a Martin before...
Second - I see it as a challenge, and I've already started on my song. I have the 'hook' - I just have to finish it and get it posted.
Here's the link - http://lifespan.venturaassociates.net/
I'll post again when my video is live and you can vote on it. :-)
Also - just a quick note - I took my old Alvarez into the shop today... The guy in Dyersburg made me a good price for the repair, and he says he's done similar repairs, so I took it to him... Keeping my fingers crossed...
Yes, I was going to do it myself, and I'd still like to say that I did, but at this point I'd rather know it's done "correct" than to just say that I did it myself.
Good night all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
