Wow- it's been a wee long time since I last posted anything so I apologize for not keeping in better touch. Never quite sure how often I should say something but I've been tardy with my duty and it's now too daunting to think about all the stuff that has happened the last two months... So please pardon my brevity of snapshots.

Overall, summer was great. Started off with a pretty hectic Boston CD release show at the Paradise where I ended up having some cell phone issues with a fan and their was a huge oil leak in the basement that prevented any kind of sound check - in fact I believe Matt Pynn ended up selling his soul to the fire dept to keep the gig from cancelling . Bad juju aside, it was a real solid night playing with Adam Ezra and seeing so many fans turn out for the music. Big thanks to Buzz Saw and other local friends for promoting the living crap out of the show to colleagues, friends, animals, and local street sweepers.

Apres beanpot, headed out to CO with the band and two crazy mofo's, Will Dailey and Joe mcMahon. Played six shows for a range of people and ended up setting a world record in juggling a soccer ball. I believe it was 1001. Thanks to Scott Morrill for the great set up in denver and Kent at Loaded Joes for bringing out the peeps and extending the room - looks awesome BTW. Relieved to play six straight nights and still feel good coming into the seventh morning. Look forward to hopefully doing another run out there with Will later this year.

In band news, as fortune would have it, I recently met and played with a solid mofo in the utility guitar genre of kick ass. Pedal steel/guitar guru Adam "Ole" accompanied me on a few jouney's across state lines to NYC, and Mid-state lines to Northhampton, MA. Great to have his playing and style represent the feel and sound on the record.
Erik and Dave are still kicking ass and giving out some feeler tatoos that date back to times when G.I. Joe was sacking up with Cobra Con and Different Strokes was a joyous show about some messed up crap.

Side note - went to China and thought I was dreaming for three weeks. Food was outstanding, the scenery was outstanding, the company was outstanding, and the place was like nothing ever imagined. Shanghai alone is enough to put some miles on a person. You can't describe how many people are all around. Before I left I heard that you needed to "smoke a cigarette just to get some fresh air" - wasn't that bad but I sure didn't see the sun while I was in the haze of the cities. China has a lot of bad crap going on right now, but for every single piece of shit it has ten pieces of gold.

I guess that's it for now. Have several solo shows coming up and looking to get out there and play for all the fans who have made the record a success. Keep in touch, tell your friends about the music, and above all else: Listen to Dylan and early Mark Knopfler. Oh yeah, best video of the year is Gnarls Barkley's, "Crazy."
enjoy life!

yeah, it's go time for the summer.
Really psyched to announce the Boston CD Release Party with Adam Ezra Group on Sat. June 17th at Paradise Rock Club. It's going to be a great show - the band plus others from the record will be ripping it live and showcasing the new songs. Come one, come all and bring your lovy dovy.
details:
paradise rock club/967 Commonwealth Ave./Boston/ for tickets visit www.thedise.com/18 and over admission.

Also, heading out to Colorado with the band and Will Dailey for a string of shows (see calendar). More details on that trip in the coming weeks, but just to warm you, MCMC, Breezy and the Anteaters will be bringing a thunderous charge to the region. Has anyone seen Guiness Guy?

New jeborgenmusic.com site is going to launch in the next week. Check out the scene and keep your hands squeeky sheen.

the journey is.....?

Here is a review by http://THISisMODERN.NET
go to the site and click "HEAR THIS" on the main menu or read below. Also click on "GET THIS" to see where they rank the album.

4/10/06 - J.E. Borgen "The General Store"

Possibly one of the most promising albums of the year comes from from one of the most promising musicians in the independent scene today. Mixing equal parts Dispatch and Jack Johnson, throwing in a little bit of country and a lot of folk music, J.E. Borgen has developed a sound that is very much his own. Drawing audible similarities to Toad The Wet Sproket lead singer turned solo artist, Glen Phillips, Borgen's music is very reminiscent of the TTWS sound of the early nineties (i.e. 'Walk On The Ocean', 'All I Want'). The difference here is that Borgen's music translates much better into the present day singer/songwriter style than to that of the early nineties, but captures the listener in such a way that is timeless. Songs such as 'Bring You Back' and 'Home' are wonderful compositions, effortlessly mixing well written lyrics with simple and accessible music. His music, much like that of Toad The Wet Sprocket, has staying power, and will continue to amaze future generations, regardless if Borgen becomes a household name or not. And, like Dispatch, his independent status in the music world today will have him garnering fans from all over the country and world solely on the basis that he is a true talent. This album, his second independent release, is a springboard of possibility and opportunity and no fan of independent singer/songwriter music should be without a copy.

The new record is out and up for sale on my website a week from March 28th, 2006. Can't wait to share. For more information and to pruchase please visit my website at www.jeborgenmusic.com

Also, keep an eye out for show dates. Stuff is coming in even as I write this so I'll keep it updated and let you know when and where you can see J.E.Borgen. Looks like Chitown, Denver and New England for the foreseable future in April, May, and June. If that's not in your area and you would like to see J.E.Borgen, write me a message and give me some reccomendations on where to play in your area.

Thanks for all the love and be sure to write in and say hello.

J.E.

Artist Interview CDreviews.com Interview with Jon-Erik Borgen Contributed by Joel Dunham JON-ERIK BORGEN The briefest of introductions: Jon-Erik Borgen is a very talented singer-songwriter who currently lives in Boston. Though you haven't heard of him, I'd suggest you go by his CD now at www.jeborgenmusic.com. Don't bother testing the waters, just get it. Yes. It is that good. O.K., so if you don't believe me, read the review first: http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=119 Recently I had the luck to catch Jon-Erik for some words despite his and my finals CDreviews: First off, thanks for doing the interview, it's a pleasure. So, starting from the start! Could you give us a brief synopsis of how you came to where you are, self-releasing this record, studying at Berklee? Jon-Erik Borgen: After graduating from school I was working out in Colorado Springs for a non- profit foundation and on the side I was playing covers of classic rock and folk tunes at small coffee houses and bars like Wooglin's and the Ancient Mariner. At that time my guitar-playing was nothing special but I loved playing and writing simple songs. I started taking lessons from Dan Kirchner, a local bluegrass guru who was also steering me in the ways of applying theory and melodic structure to songwriting. After working in Colorado for a couple years I came to the realization that I wanted to study music and be around the music business full time. By far the most important part of my musical journey was meeting and becoming good friends with Brad Corrigan of Dispatch. In the fall of 2001, I went out on the road with them as their guitar tech and stagehand. The whole experience was surreal. Living life on the road in a tour bus, working the gigs, seeing sold out crowds at venues like Roseland, The Fillmore, The Orpheum, Central Park, and seeing the band interact and perform, was so amazing to me. Instantly I was hooked. That period ultimately solidified my goal of heading east to Berklee and taking a stab at songwriting, performing, and whatever else was going on in the music world. CDreviews: I sensed some interesting rhythms in your guitar style. Do you feel you've been influenced by any "world" music? JE: I've never been hooked on one style or another. I certainly appreciate any type of music that grooves and makes me feel uplifted. The back beat rhythm of reggae and the dance feel of swing jazz are two styles that I think I connect with on a greater level and they certainly come out in my writing. I also love the feel and melody inherent in Latin and Afro Cuban music, but I have a lot to learn in that regard. For the most part my guitar style is based in folk and rock and if other world styles are present, it only adds to the uniqueness of the songs. CDreviews: How do you write your songs? JE: For me, there really is no structured way of going about the process. On the album 'Outside', the rhythm guitar parts all came first and then the melody and lyrics followed. I have yet to write a song where I am writing the lyric first and then following up with a guitar part that correlates to the mood of the words. The feel and melody of the guitar most directly influences the tone and sentiment of the lyric. In terms of thematic elements, the ideas for lyrics stem from life experiences, books, movies, fantasy, or just plain gibberish. Saving the words and melody for last is a real frustrating way to write because the initial stab at it feels like it's been vomited or forced and I'm hardly ever content. I try to reserve some patience and remember take the time to step away from the song for a while and approach it later with a fresh heart. Of course there are songs where I've done this for years and they're still not even close. Sometimes it's a crapshoot and things fall in place. With the song, 'outside.' I ended up writing and recording three versions of the lyric- The first being about a hobo living on the street, the second was a girl strung out, and finally about me living away from home. On the flip side, 'windsor gardens' was written in ten minutes. CDreviews: How do you know your collaborators on this record? Have you gone on tour? What configuration of people comprises J.E. Borgen live? JE: The guys who played on the record (George Correia on Drums/Perc, John Mailloux on Bass, and Jason Medeiros on Keys) were all good friends of John Mailloux's (Bongo Beach Productions) from Fall River and each one was brought into the studio at different times during the production. John was really the mastermind behind putting everyone in place. CDreviews: Where are you touring? J.E.Borgen: I wouldn't use the word 'tour'. It's in the plans but the last few months I've steadily played and promoted my music in smaller clubs around the Boston and New England area. Right now I have a few college shows lined up for 2005 but it's my goal to put together a tour in 2005 and really plug the band and CD. It's definitely something I'm doingin house so it's a bit hard to pull off a consistant tour schedule. I really have to picks my spots. When I'm playing live it's typically a three-piece band with my friends Dave Brophy on Drums, and Erik Privert on bass. Both these guys are established jazz players, but they're on spot with any style. Erik and Dave are a perfect fit for what I am trying accomplish on stage and in communicating the songs in a live setting. I am constantly shaking my head inamazement of their talents. Jason Medeiros plays on keys every now and then. He's also featured on the record as well. I've been really lucky finding all these guys and having them contribute in such a meaningful way. CDreviews: Who've you been listening to lately? Got any influences? JE: I've always been drawn to artists who were saying something meaningful and doing it in an original or captivatingway. Ever since I can remember, singer songwriters like Dylan, Simon and Garfunkle, and Gordon Lightfoot were playing in the background. More recently, artists like The Beatles, Bob Marley, Dave Matthews, Mark Knopfler, and Natalie Merchant have been strong influences on my sound and musical education. Now, I am digging Wilco, Coldplay, Ryan Adams, Jamie Cullum, and Jack Johnson. CDreviews: Any work on new albums? JE: The songs are slowly but surely coming into the mix and we've started to test them out live. The plan is to get back in the studio and lay something down by next spring. CDreviews: Do you know Sarah Brindell? I reviewed her album for the site too. JE: I most certainly do! She was my Arranging teacher at Berklee last spring. She is a crazy cat. Good teacher. Very talented. CDreviews: I'm running dry on good questions. Anything you'd like to add or shed light on? JE: Yeah, I really enjoy Kraft macaroni and cheese. www.jeborgenmusic.com Read Joel's review: http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=119

The Record is Mixed! heading to NYC and having Jack Kavorkian (I know, but no worries) mix the ten songs to 1/2 inch. Seems like the journey to this point has been long winded but I'm truly ecstatic to get the record out and do a big push of shows in March-June. thanks for taking a listen, giving feedback, and telling friends. "I know what got into you - five generations of Lodge family breeding" Please feel free to reply to this blog with quotes from wedding crashers. I've started it off for any takers. enjoy the journey!

Wow, what a crazy month for music. Thanks to all who rolled through the inconvenience of the transit strike in NYC and joined us for a great night of music at Irving Plaza. We sold out the room and the energy surrounding the release of the compilation was ovewhelmingly positive. I was on top of the world sharing the stage with State Radio, Pete Francis, Braddigan, Stephen Kellogg and Kate Voegele - so much great music to be heard. All told there were over 1000 in attendance and we raised over $25,000 towards the relief project and our NPO partners. We also collected over 2000 pounds of food for NYC Chair. Braddigan and I are in the process of putting together one or two more shows this year in Chicago, DC, and or Philly so check out thereliefproject.org for more details and to purchase your copy of The Relief Project, Vol. 1. Last week I finished up the final tracks on my upcoming CD release, The General Store. I am really proud of the writing and production and certainly can't wait to share it with you very soon. I am in the process of booking prep schools, colleges, and venues for the spring so if you have a place I should check out, by all means please drop me a line and let me know. For more information on shows and the release date please check out jeborgenmusic.com Next week you'll be able to pre order your copy. Be well and in good spirits.

Wow, what an introduction to Chi-town. Still pumping some serious adrenaline from all the yells and cheers. Thanks to all of you who came out and made some serious noise at Schubas. So psyched to have such an engaging crowd and to meet so many cool people. As always, great to open for Braddigan and hear him and Ray light up the stage. Can't wait to make it back there and play again - hopefully soon. Thanks to Hilger and Kyle for helping out with the gear and getting folks out there on a cold Tuesday evening. Setlist from Schubas - Trouble so, fine, all this rain, bring you back, passing time, stone side, jane says, waiting on my soul, cherry cherry. THE RELIEF PROJECT- Can't believe this night would be such a fire striker but the benefit/CD release concert has sold out! It's going to be a crazy night and to have so many acts performing for such a good cause...Amazing. Proceeds will go to Katrina Relief, Save the Children, and Conscious Alliance will be supporting a food drive at the venue - Bring 5 cans of food to get a raffle ticket for a drawing for a new guitar signed by all the artists performing that evening. All merchandise will be $10 and sales will go to the designated charities. Thanks to all you who bought tix and coming to support the launch of this CD compilation and non profit organization. THE GENERAL STORE CD update- This record is kicking my ass, in a good way...like Miagi Do does to Daniel(son) in Karate Kid 1 - Just finished lead guitars at Q division in Somerville and the whole sound is really coming together. Completely floored by the playing of Duke Levine and his contribution on electric, slide,and dobro - beautiful lines and texture that is taking the recording to new places. Sincerely thought I would be done with this project before the holidays but I guess it's never the case where you finish on time. The extra time is well justified and will payoff in the end. Just can't wait to share the songs, the sound, the vibe of the whole thing. For rough mixes, check out www.myspace.com/jeborgen and get a taste! Happy Holidays and bring good cheer to all those around you!

Hey friends- this is my first blog entry on myspace...pretty sweet deal. Thanks for checking out the tunes. Let me know what you think