Hope everyone is doing well and staying cool in this ungodly heat.  JJLF are doing fine and just wanted to share what's going on in the world of The Lonesome Few.

We are right now in the process of putting the finishing touches on our first major album.  Some of you may remember this is our second effort if you "Whiskey Nights", but this is the first work that we think really shows off what we are capable of. 

We couldn't have gotten this far without the invaluable input and work of Wes Sharon of Studio 115 in Norman.  This guy knows what he's doing and it shows in the product we've produced so far. 

Another guy that helped open up the JJLF sound is Jeremy Watkins (Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Stoney Larue).  Jeremy came in and played fiddle on four tracks and did the backing vocals on all but one song on the album.  He even did what he termed the "man duet" on "Oklahoma Sky".  We really think he adds a new dimension to all the songs he helped out on.  Our deepest thanks go out to him for coming on board and believing in this project. 

Right now we're just waiting to get some steel guitar on some of the tracks and then it's all in the can.  Mixing, mastering and pressing (is that term even used anymore?) all come later.  We hope to be able to get it out to you all in early to mid-October. 

We are definitely excited about this project and we hope you like what you hear.  Till then, we'll see ya on down the road.

JJLF

P.S. When we get some of the rough mixes we'll post 'em on the site.  Hope you like it as much as we do.  We look forward to hearing your opinion on it. 

So, buckaroos, it's about time to update ya'll on the upcoming album's progress.  Well so far, we've laid all the Bass, Drums, Lead, and Rhythm guitar tracks (minus the acoustic) for all of the songs.  Now comes the time-consuming, and sometimes soul-sucking, process of recording lead and backing vocals.  We should lay all the lead vocals down by Wednesday.  Keep your fingers crossed.  We are. 

After all the vocals are recorded, we are shooting at getting a guest musician or two down to the studio to add some tracks.  We're looking at trying to get Randy Crouch in to do some steel and fiddle on the album (if you don't know Randy Crouch, you ought to check him out, I don't know one person who has heard him and doesn't like what he does musically), however, if that doesn't work out, we have a few options for some folks to come in and work with us. 

It's all looking good right now and we're really pleased with the way the tracks have turned out.  We can't wait to get the album into your hands to get your take on it.  That is the whole point in doing all of this work.  Partly narcissism, mostly masochism. 

Check out our schedule and come see us at a place or two.  Until then, keep doin' what you do, and we will too.

Got some new things that we’re all excited about.  First of all, Sunday, March 23, we’re beginning the recording of our live album.  Yes, you heard it right, a LIVE album. 

That means a few things. 

First off, we need you there.  Secondly, we need you to bring some friends.  Thirdly (is that even a word?), we need you to get loud.  

That’s all that is required of you.

March 23, 2008---The Blue Note Lounge---23rd and Robinson, OKC

Show starts around 7PM.

We are really excited about this because we want a snapshot of how the band sounds live at this moment in time.  We think that if we can get the sound and the recording straight this will be a great representation of the JJLF live sound. 

We also want to be able to produce a representation of the cool atmosphere that the Blue Note has. 

Also on the to-do list this week--record new studio album.

Yes folks, believe it or not, we are beginning the recording of two albums in the same week.  Call us crazy, call us dumb, call us anything but organized. 

We are heading to Studio 115 in Norman to begin work on the "As yet untitled" studio album.  All the usual suspects will be there: Jeremy, Jason, Bart and Blake.  However, we are in the process of adding a 5th person to the recording.  I don’t want to ruin it by putting it out there too early and then being all disappointed if it happens to fall through, but just know that you will be impressed when this happens. 

Also on the calendar, BILLY JOE SHAVER!!!!  Yes that’s right kids, we will have the honor of opening up for the Honky Tonk Hero himself, Billy Joe Shaver at the Blue Note Lounge on March 30.  Getcha tickets early, call into work, it’s gonna be packed and it’s gonna be a helluva night. We cannot wait. 

So there’s the notes on the happenings of JJLF.  Two albums--one week.  Billy Joe Shaver.

How’d we get ourselves into this mess?

Best,

JJLF

So it's been awhile.  Playing shows and doing the day job thing...it can wear a person down.  However, I wouldn't have it any other way (as cliched as that may be)! 

I don't know how many of ya'll actually read these things, but if you write songs, and for that matter, even if you don't, maybe you will relate.  Lately it seems that every song that I hear is about how proud everyone is to be country and a redneck, and I admit, I've written a song or two about those things, but does it seem like anyone is connecting on any different level anymore? 

I mean, Billy Joe Shaver is my hero.  Plain and simple.  Just like his songs.  But they aren't simple at all, his work is extremely complex.  And yet, it seems, that everyone who listens can connect on different levels.  How do you get that way as a songwriter?  I have no flippin' idea.  That's why he is my hero.  He is that good.  And that is apparently why I have writer's block.  or maybe I'm just lazy.  I don't know, but chasing Billy Joe is tiring and frustrating. 

He is extremely fast for an old man. 

JJ

Just an update about some new venues and some past shows.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Stella's Country Palace Lounge on either Friday or Saturday.  Without a group of you true friends and fans, we wouldn't have had any fun at all and probably would have just got drunk and into a fight with that one chick with the shiv out in the parking lot.  So, um, thanks for coming out!

We really need some support for the acoustic nights at the Blue Note Lounge in OKC, which, BTW, are going to be moved back to monday's next week (August 6th). (Editor's Note: The Blue Note acoustic show is now every Sunday @ 8:30pm. Updated Dec. 15)  So tell a friend or two and come out to get over that weekend hangover.  You know the Blue Note is a good place doing good things and their high point beers are only $3, so where can you go wrong?

We also just locked in a couple of new venues, the first of which is The Mercury Lounge in Tulsa.  JJLF will be there on October 20th for the first time, so we hope to see all our Tulsa friends out for that one!  We also picked up a gig in Norman town at a place we didn't know existed, but we are glad it does.  It is called Flamingo Bay and it operates kinda like the Blue Door in OKC.  You pay to get in to hear some good bands, but you BYOB/Liquor and you can party till 4am.  So we are definitely looking forward to that!  

So thems the updates.  Oh yeah, we're about to add seven or eight new JJLF tunes to the setlists so come out and listen for 'em.  Buy a shirt!

We'll be seein' ya'll out and about!

JJLF

Just so's y'all know, we now have t-shirts whch will be available at all our shows. 

Once we figure out how to get a pick of 'em up here, we will.  Until then, know that we have two styles. 

Style One--black shirt, White Logo on the front and the slogan "Whiskey Nights and Long Hard Days" on the back. 

Style Two-- white shirt w/ full color logo on the front. 

All shirts are $15.  We have a limited quantity, so come out and see us and pick one up!!!

Best,

JJLF

So a lot's been going on lately.  Played the Wormy Dog Saloon twice in the last two months, and Friday, May 25, we'll be playing there once more.  Go out to the ballgames in Bricktown and then make your way to the Wormy.  We'll be there waiting. 

Tuesday Nights are Acoustic Nights at the Blue Note Lounge on N. 23rd and Robinson in OKC.  Been doing it for a while now and it's definitely starting to pick up.  If you haven't made it out yet, try.  We're doing it for fun and that's definitely what we had last night.  A big shout out to Dusty, Big Cody and Bob for showing up last night and bringin' the crew.  Gonna have to make sure that we get "Omaha" into the set list for a few people.  Thanks for everyone who came out.  Hope to see ya'll again next Tuesday.

Hopefully have some more merch out within the month.  Shirts and CD's to match.  Can't be going any better so that's where we'll end this one.

Go catch a game and then catch JJLF @ the Wormy Dog on Friday!

Hope to see ya'll out. 

I'm done, son.

JJLF

Product to get into your sweaty little paws.  Yes, ladies and gentleman, we have now put out the CD-- Jeremy Johnson & The Lonesome Few - Whiskey Days & Long Hard Nights. 

"How do I get my copy?" you may ask.  Well, folks, we will have them at every show that we do from now on. 

"How do I know where you're playing?"  That one's easy.  Check the dates on the homepage.  For instance, April 19 (tonight) we'll be at The Wormy Dog Saloon in OKC for the first time ever.  And yes, we will have the CD there. 

So come one, come all, and we'll do you up right. 

Or is it do you right up? 

Oh, well, it doesn't matter.

One way or another, you'll get done.