Fremont John’s Key Word 

January 29, 2009

Greetings:  It’s a New Year!....

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And already, I am way behind!  I have to say that I am really pleased with the way 2009 is starting out.  There is so much going on.  I almost forgot a newsletter this month.  Here’s what’s inside (scroll down).....

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1.     Working on two CD releases for this spring/summer.....

2.     Preparing for May 2^nd show at West Shore Community College, Scottville, MI:  ....

3.     Preparing a Spring Tour to take me to Michigan and back again. ....

4.     Some observations about my shows lately.....

5.     New video up at my MySpace page.....

6.     Feeling the love and support!....

7.     The schedule for the next month is posted below....

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Two CD Releases Coming:....

1.     “Contrarian”.  I was going to call it “Back In The Game” after another tune on the CD, but no; it’s “Contrarian”.  The “Contrarian” CD stands to be my most popular release yet!  It includes some great new tunes I’ve written in addition to a half dozen old favorites from band and solo shows alike!  It has lots more guitar than the previous CDs!  I’m talkin’ MELISSA, THRILL IS GONE, HORSE WITH NO NAME, SUMMER BREEZE and more!....

2.     “Shut-up and Play” was going to be the title for the new guitar instrumental CD but, I’ve been informed that the title, (specifically the “Shut-up” part may be offensive to some.  So, I’m reconsidering the title.  Perhaps, “No Singin’, Just Pickin’” But that’s just one idea.  Hey, I’m open to suggestions! ....

3.     Reserve your copies now by e-mailing me.  These are targeted for release before the show in Michigan.  Hopefully, at least one will be ready by then, if not, both.....

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West Shore Community College – Performing Arts Series Show:....

This show isn’t until Saturday, May 2 but, I have to think about it now; like what to play and what to leave out, selecting a band, getting them charts and recordings of the new material so they have plenty of time to get up to speed.  Those in the Ludington area will know the band.  There’s Jason “Harvey” Hargreaves on bass, Dave North, guitar and, Mike Luusua on keys, and Roger Tarczon on drums; all great players.  Jim Frost, “Frostie”, is putting together a group of 3 or 4 back-up singers.  Then, we may have some special features.  This is always special for me because it’s home and it involves performing with several local musicians and old friends and a few newer, younger ones too.  By the way, does anybody know of a young RAPPER in the Ludington area?  I need a good one for a tune in the show.....

Spring Tour:....

We’re working on this and will see how this goes.  More later as things develop.  To help, just click “Demand It” to help bring me to your town.....

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Observations:....

Lately, I’ve noticed that attendance at my gigs is up and that people seem to be more excited by my performance.  It’s very exciting and is especially unexpected in these “hard” times.  I continue to be blown away by the enthusiasm of people and by the various ways they show it.  It’s in their comments, and the things they do.  Capt. Chris took over 500 photos of me at a recent show at Stump Pass, Englewood.  He sent me 3 discs and one of a slide show put to my music.  Wow!  Many of his photos are shown on MySpace .  Carolyn just took, I don’t know how many photos, a hundred or two, of me at Gatorz in Port Charlotte 2 nights ago.  I await her discs so I can make another album on MySpace for her photos.....

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New Video at MySpace:....

Robin of Homestead recently did a video of the band at Dante’s in Key West.  A couple of the songs she recorded are already up on MySpace.  Robin also built an FJ Fan Site at MySpace, and has many great photos, videos, music, etc. please check it out.  Actually, Robin did almost all of the videos on my MySpace page.  Krista in New Jersey just started building the Fremont John NYC Metro Fan Site.  Also, you should see the great photos Krista has up on her own MySpace site?  ....

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Feelin’ the Love and Support:....

Robin, Krista, Capt. Chris, Carolyn most recently and then, all those who helped me finance “Timeline” (Richard, Rob & Gale, Tom & Sharon, Frank & Ruth, Frank & Emily, Greg and, Dr. Steve) and countless others over the years really make it worthwhile for me to keep going.  And, all the compliments and nice things people say to me at shows just knock me out!  It’s unbelievable!   GEEZ!  WHAT CAN I SAY????  Those I knew in the business 10 years ago warned me “Don’t get into the music business for the money”.  And, I didn’t.  I’m in it for love and support and for the opportunity to perhaps, just possibly, positively inspire someone.  And, I’ve heard many times, that I have done just that.  I love that!  That’s when I know I AM BLESSED!  ....

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Thank you!....

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If you have photos and/or videos from any of my shows, even if they’re from years ago, please share them.  Let me know and I’ll get them up online.....

E-MAIL ME AT fremontjohn@fremontjohn.com....

Spread the Word:  If you know of anyone whom you think might like what I do please, forward this e-mail or send them links to my website or to MySpace or both.  Oh yeah, I’m on FaceBook too!....

SCHEDULE - See my page at MySpace

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(Mailing List Information, including unsubscription instructions are located at the end of this message)<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />....

Fremont John’s Key Word  ....

December 17, 2008....

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SEASONS GREETINGS!....

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- NEW PRESS....

Christmas Day, Sarasota Herald-Tribune in “The Ticket” (entertainment section) look for a single column write-up on me by Dawn Scire.   You can read the article online at http://www.heraldtribune.com/, click Entertainment and you’ll find it there.  The article will be archived and available for a week afterward.   Thank you Dawn!  ....

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Dawn tells me the Herald-Tribune is an affiliate of the N.Y. Times and its articles are picked up by API.  Hmmm.....

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- WOULD YOU BUY AN INSTRUMENTAL GUITAR CD??   YOUR INPUT, PLEASE.....

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Let me explain.  Over the past several years, I have had a number of people suggest that I record a CD of guitar instrumentals.  These folks have so kindly expressed how much they really like my melodic style of guitar playing.  I’ve considered it and always assumed that at some point, I would do a guitar instrumental CD.  Until now, the project has been on a back burner.  ....

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Lately, Margi is really on me to do this instrumental CD now.  For one thing, she wants one.  More importantly, she thinks it could be a way to raise the funds to complete the CD currently in process, tentatively titled “Back In The Game” (Remember “Timeline”?  It’s sort of a natural follow-up to that).....

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You could help me to finance and complete “Back In The Game” by purchasing a Limited Edition CD of Fremont John guitar instrumentals.....

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How does this help?  The instrumental CD will be far less costly and much quicker to record and produce than “Back In The Game” which will require a few thousand dollars to complete and a few more thousand to promote.  The guitar instrumental CD will require much less in recording costs and almost no promotional budget as it will be sold strictly to people on this mailing list, to my MySpace Friends and FaceBook Friends and from the stage to people attending live shows.  It’s possible that we could have this product in 60-90 days, if there is interest.....

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Would you buy a Limited Edition CD of guitar instrumentals, personally autographed and addressed to you for $25?  Do this knowing that you are helping me to complete the next CD project, “Back In The Game”.  And, I will send you a free copy of “Back In The Game” when it is done?  Then, you’ll have both!....

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Please let me know, yes / no / maybe, but I need more info.....

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What about “Back In The Game”?  Oh, I really think my fans are going to love this CD!  The title tune really excited Margi when she first heard the demo.  She put it right up there with “Jericho’s Wall”!  The song is another bit of encouragement to those who hold back from doing what they love.  It’s a reminder that there still is time to get “Back In The Game” and to live your dream.  The CD includes 6 of my favorite cover tunes and they’re ones that people have seen me do live time and again.   These are tunes with great guitar solos like “Melissa”, “City of New Orleans”, “Horse With No Name”, “The Thrill Is Gone”, “Summer Breeze” and “Copperhead Road”.  The 6 original tunes continue to be well-crafted songs with titles like the hard rockin’ Mellencamp style “Contrarian”, the sunny day song “Dolphins and Roses and Key Lime Pie”, the anti-war song “Angel In Black” and the Native American pow-wow sounding “The Eagle”.  The music is a diverse and well done collection of real Americana.  I really think “Back In The Game” will be my most popular CD yet.  But, I need help getting it done.....

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It is my strong hope that enough interest will be out there for a Limited Edition CD of my guitar instrumentals that I can complete “Back In The Game” and get on with the next project already swirling around in my head with some demos already done.....

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- DO YOU HAVE VIDEO YOU’VE TAKEN OF FREMONT JOHN PERFORMING?....

Hey, does anybody out there have any video footage of my performing either solo or, with the band?  I’m considering making a DVD compiled of video footage shot by fans at shows.  Check out some fan recorded videos at www.myspace.com/fremontjohn ....

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E-MAIL ME AT fremontjohn@fremontjohn.com ....

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- SCHEDULE: ....

See the upcoming schedule on my page at www.MySpace.com/fremontjohn....

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 - NEW YEAR’S EVE:   I WILL NOT BE PLAYING NYE.  ....

I will be back at Willy T’s in Key West on the 2^nd at 12:30pm then, the Bull  at 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights, January 2 and 3.  We will also be at Dante’s the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 3 from 1:30pm – 5:30pm.  Sunday, Jan. 4^th I will be back at Willy T’s in the afternoon (12:30pm – 3:30pm).....

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- BUY MY MUSIC DIRECTLY FROM ME: ....

My music is available at all major online music stores and download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody, MSN Music, Yahoo Music and so forth.  But if you purchase my CDs and/or digital song downloads directly from my web site, I do not have to pay the commission.  Use PayPal for your transaction.....

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OUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY: ....

Margi and I will be traveling to Woodstock, GA to celebrate the holiday with Monty and Kat.  We’ll be there about 5 days, come home for 4 days.  We will spend New Year’s Eve in Sarasota hopefully, with Sharon and Tom Snyder (she’s  my sister) and then, leave for Key West to spend another 4 days there.  Monty and Kat will be coming to Key West too.  YeeHaw!....

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Thank you very much for supporting my music and my dream.  Without you it’s both, meaningless and impossible.....

All the best to you and yours in 2009, ....

 Fremont John....

www.fremontjohn.com ....

www.myspace.com/fremontjohn - “Friend Me!”....

www.sonicbids.com/fremontjohn - view my Electronic Press Kit

Fremont John's Key Word 

November 23, 2008

GREETINGS and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I just got an exciting e-mail from my friend, Edgar Struble.   It states:

"Hi friends - 

Another year has flown by, and I'd like to invite you to watch the American Music Awards this Sunday on ABC (8:00 PM). Theme music, bumpers, etc., by me with help from the usual gang: Phil X, Kerry Marx, Brian Burwell, Matt Nelson, Luke Rangel, and Doug Messenger at Hard Drive Studios.

This year marks the first time the AMAs have used a new theme in 30 years! Let's hope they use this one for the next 30 :)

Blessings,

Edgar"

Edgar and I were friends back in high school and used to jam together.  We have many mutual friends back home.  He was a couple of years ahead of me and went to MSU for his music degree.  Unlike Yours Truly, Edgar went directly into a full time music career and didn't get distracted by things like banking, etc.  He moved to Nashville where he became the music director for Kenny Rogers.  He toured and worked with Kenny for 13 years.  After the Kenny Rogers stint, he moved to L.A. to write music scores for T.V. and film.  He has been the music director for the American Music Awards for a few years now.  He has also directed the music of the Country Music Awards and World Music Awards as well. 

Everyone from Ludington is very proud of Edgar and his wonderful music career.  I hope you will all tune in tonight to the American Music Awards on ABC at 8:00 PM.

Edgar also mentions Brian Burwell.  Brian is also from my small hometown of Ludington, MI.  Brian is world-class drummer.  He used to travel around for Peavey Music doing drum clinics, demonstrating the Peavey drums……….which had a very unique design created by yet another fellow from our local area.  Anyway, Brian ended up moving to L.A. and hooking up with Edgar.  It's great to see all this!

COME SEE ME:  WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM!  I am back at the Lock and Key, Englewood  FRIDAY, 7:00 PM, I'm at Lonjevity and on Saturday I'm back Cha-Cha Coconuts at 8:00 PM.  CLICK FOR SCHEDULE: 

NEW YEAR'S EVE:  I WILL NOT BE PLAYING THIS NYE.  But, I will be back at the Bull in Key West on the Friday and Saturday after ward, January 2 and 3.  We will also be at Dante's the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 3.

BUY MY MUSIC DIRECTLY FROM ME:  My music is available at all major online music stores and download sites like iTunes, Rhapsody and so forth.  But if you purchase my CDs and/or digital song downloads directly from my web site, I do not have to pay the commission.  Use PayPal for your transaction.

Thank you very much for supporting my music and my dream.  Without you it's both, meaningless and impossible.

All the best to you and yours, 

 Fremont John

www.fremontjohn.com

www.myspace.com/fremontjohn - "Friend Me!"

www.sonicbids.com/fremontjohn - view my Electronic Press Kit

JERICHO'S WALL

Words & Music by Fremont John Ashton @ 2003

CD:  "Timeline"

You want to talk.   What would we say?

It's all been said in a thousand ways

To be redundant Is to me repugnant

I've got nothin' to say you haven't heard before.

We built a wall both, you and I

With stones of words that made us cry.

Like Jerico's Wall, let it tumble down.

Hold me in your arms and say no words.

And then, this wall will seem absurd.

Like Jerico's Wall, let it tumble down.

Why waste our breath, get more upset

Let's take some time and, just let it rest.

Silence is golden so, I've been told

Come to me now.  Don't say anything more.

We built a wall both, you and I

With stones of words that made us cry.

Like Jerico's Wall, let it tumble down.

Hold me in your arms and say no words.

And then, this wall will seem absurd.

Like Jerico's Wall, let it tumble down.

Let's go to bed it's getting late.  This stacking stones can surely wait.

Like Jerico's Wall, let it tumble down.

And, in the morning when we rise we're bound to see through different eyes

And then, this wall can tumble down.

Let it tumble down, yeah

Let it tumble down, yeah

Like Jericho's Wall, let it tumble down

Let it tumble down.  Let it tumble down

Like Jericho's Wall let it tumble down.

We built a wall both, you and I

With stones of words that made us cry.

Like Jericho's Wall let it tumble.

SEASONS GREETINGS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

I received the following e-mail from Lady Qi.  I watched and decided that the "Story of Stuff" video is much too timely and too well done not to share it with all of you.  Margi, "Lady Qi" writes:

"This is so important ... especially at this time of year when we are SO focused on what to 'buy' for each other for the holidays.  Please take a few minutes to watch this critical message and then think of ways to make a difference this year.
 
Bright blessings,
Margi~*"
 
Go to:  http://www.storyofstuff.com/

Enjoy,

Fremont John
www.fremontjohn.com

"Devil's Dune" Lyrics (honoring the soldiers)

DEVIL'S DUNE
(A soldier's song)
words and music by Fremont John Ashton
Copyright 2003
CD: "Timeline"

I left my wife and little kids behind
Now, I'm holed up in this desert blind oh, oh I wanna go home.
And leave this Devil's Dune.
I'm here to fight in this Iraqi war.
To take a life is something I abhor, oh oh I wanna go home.
And leave this Devil's Dune.
Sleepless nights for endless
Days we fight that menace
In this sandy haze
As the oil wells blaze.
Wind and sand are blinding
Here we stand not finding
Any hope of rest
Still, we give our best.
They said this war wouldn't last too long.
We'll hit 'em hard with our "Shock and Awe"
oh, oh I wanna go home.
And leave this Devil's Dune.
And though, it's harder than at first we planned.
Let freedom ring in this desert land oh, oh
Then, we can all go home.
And, leave this Devil's Dune.
Sleepless nights for endless
Days we fight that menace
In this sandy haze
As the oil wells blaze.
Wind and sand are blinding
Here we stand not finding
Any hope of rest.
Still, we give our best.
We fought a bloody battle through the night.
I lost my buddy in the firefight oh, oh
Some good American's died.
On this Devil's Dune.
I pray this war will be over soon.
We'll be the victors on this Devil's Dune oh, oh.
Still, I wanna go home
And leave this Devil's Dune.
Oh oh. I wanna go home and leave this Devil's Dune Oh oh.
I'll bid salaam, shalom to this Devil's Dune.