Every once in a while it's good to just chill back and be a part of the audience.  Last night I heard an awesome soul/jazz band - Groove Therapy (Knoxville, TN).  The members include Ken (drums), Keith (keys & keyboard bass), Will (woodwinds), and Kelle (vox).  Bob (guitar) sat in and complimented these guys so well.  They are all excellent musicians.  They reminded me of the days when I played in soul and jazz bands - but they are a lot hotter.  Kelle Jolly can be found in my friends list (if she still isn't on my Top Friends), and from her site you can find the band's myspace.

This was my 2nd visit to Knoxville.  Kelle and I met first on myspace and yesterday was our first meeting in person.  She's very cool people... helped me find places in Knoxville to submit my press kit and all that.  She and her husband Will (woodwinds) were very hospitable.

Before I met them, I walked to a Mickey D's for breakfast.  I was told it would be a 7 block walk, but it was more like 17 blocks.  (For those who don't know, I go Greyhound whenever I go.  When I get there, It's either city bussin' it or walk - since I lost my Jeep in 2006... *listen to "My Hoopty" - that's another story).  I needed the excercise anyway.  I stayed at the restaurant for a while watching some political talk on CNN.  A coupla people saw me with my guitar and asked if I'd play.  I said maybe, but was a bit uneasy about what would happen.  I continued to watch TV.  Before I left I was asked again, so I walked up to the front counter and pulled out Guitarsha from the gig bag.  I play an original - "A Test".  Ended up selling about four CDs after it was all over.  I caught a bus downtown and checked out the scene.

Tonight, I play at Cafe Coco (Nashville).

"I Can Smell It"
This is my anti-everything negative song.  There's a whole lot of stinch from all the negativity going around in the country and in the world.  What can I say?  I try to be a positive dude.  You can hate that fact or hate me.  I'll love you all the same.  It's just evil that I hate (I get it from my father).  I'll attempt to depollutalize the air waves at least.  (I think I just made up a new word.  Anybody got the number to Webster?)

"Is This How Ya Folks Taught Ya How To Treat A Man?"
Long title, I know.  That just goes to show you that I really am influenced by Charles Mingus.  This song came to be after I read a magazine cover in a grocery store's checkout line that read something like, "Why Does Your Man Cheat?"  I was thinking to myself, "We're not the only ones.  Who are we cheating with?"  So, just like the magazine was asking in general, this song is asking in general.  It is not directed to a specific person.  This is a recording I did in 2004, my earier recording days, I think even before I decided that I was "really bad" enough to share my music with the whole world through touring and the Internet.  An acoustic version of this song will be on my upcoming acoustic album, and I hope to have it reproduced later with engineers who know what they're doing.  No offense, Ray-Ray.
Ramoth-Gilead: all vocals
Ray Jacobs: synth/drum programming and horns
Shawn Howland: drum set

"Cornbread"
This is a live recording done by a guy at Walden's Coffeehouse in Reno, NV.  Guitasha, my first acoustic guitar, is heard accompanying me (R.I.P.).  There was an open mic that night and I was the special guest, playing a 30-minute set.  There was a lot of talent in the place, as well as listeners who just loved good, live music.  In the past when I thought Reno I usta think Johnny Cash.  Now, this coffee house in Reno is what I think of as being one of my top 10 venues in the U.S. to play.  They made a brotha feel at ease to do what he do(es).  He = me = Ramoth-Gilead.

"Unconditional"
Josh Evans (see www.oldhouserecords.net) recorded me playing this song in a rehearsal room of a church.  Contrary to whoever believes this, I DID NOT and CANNOT (yet) play the cornet solo while strumming the guitar.  Ray Jacobs was there to play the horn for me.  This is one of ten recordings Josh and I rushed through one weekend in May 2006.  Other songs were recorded at the church and in a hotel room and mixed at a Starbucks.  At that rate, maybe I'll keep comin' atcha like 2Pac.

"Crazy About My Baby"
One day I was messin' around with my Yamaha keyboard and its pre-programmed doo-wop styled selection got intertwined with that hip-hop mind of mine.  I guess I'll call this one hip-wop or doo-hop (please doo).  I recreated the by-product that was in my head and recorded what you heard on myspace or the CD you got from me... or someone else.
[fast-forward about two years later]
I usta play horn and sing for a band named Kinfolk and one of my female cousins, ND, sang lead on this song while other cousins sang back up.  At one show, I ended up singing lead because of complicatoins with ND's voice.  National recording artists, neo-soul singer Erykah Badu and rapper Common, were in the audience.  Erykah, so down-to-earth she is, went to check on ND in the restroom as the show went on.  The rest of the audience thought it was all staged and they seemed to have liked it.  Although I wasn't "the really bad" back then, I think it might have sparked something in me to hear the audience's response to our performance.  This recording is of the early days, before that unforgettable performance and even before I became the Ramoth-acoustic-Gilead we all know and love today.
Ramoth-Gilead: all vocals
Ray Jacobs: drum programming and everything else

Pending:
==================================
-It is written, "Ask and it will be given to you," so here goes...  For all of those who believe in what I'm doing with this music and would like to be a part of something positive, please help me with some personal debt.  Yeah, I could go out and get a "real job" but I'm afraid that if I slow down to do that now, it will be near impossible for me to regain momentum to finish what I've started. Those who know me personally or have felt my passion, should know my true heart.  You should know that I'm doing more than following my dreams, I'm answering God's calling on my life.  So many of you across the country have assured me of that.  Do you think I would run a scam?  If so, I'm not asking you of anything but to get to know me more.  Any good suggestions, gigs, CD purchase(s), or donations would be greatly appreciated.  Even if it's a small amount from each of you, that would help tremendously.  Please don't have pity, just have faith with me.  And if you're looking for one more good deed to do, let this be it.  I am thankful for what has been given so far, but I am still in great need.  Those who invest in me will not be forgotten. (10.30.06)

Hello "really bad" Friends, Fam, Foes, and Fans:

There's a new venue in Dallas that I think is worth checking out, and not just because we'll be doing a show there Wednesday, Oct. 25th.  Pearl @ Commerce is downtown on Pearl and Commerce.  It is a big supporter of the arts, especially music and visual art of various genres.  Plus, there's an open mic.  Some of you know that I have an education concerning the arts, so I really dig the idea of this place mixing "plain folk" art with the "finer" arts.  Below is a message from owner, Rick Yost.  If you don't wanna read it, visit the site: www.pearlatcommerce.com

-Ray Jacobs (the man behind the man)

==================================================

Hey everybody.
We've seen many of our friends in the last
week or so. I thought I'd touch base with
those who've not made it down to Pearl lately.
We've been open for just over two
months now, and we're still enjoying
this exhilarating experience. Okay,
so it's not really as 'exhilarating'
as it first was, but we still are
enjoying ourselves. You should all try this
at least once. :-)
Currently we're experiencing a bit of
a lull in business, and we attribute
this to the time of year; back to school,
the State Fair, etc. Everyone agrees
that surviving this season for the first
time is something all similar businesses
must face; at least we're getting it out of the
way now.

A note about Friday Happy Hours and my stage;
My long-time bud and stage-mate, saxophonist Jay Fosha
is taking some time off. Jay is a devoted family man and
feels the need to be there for his daughters during
the many school activities they are currently involved with
on Friday evenings. I respect a man who knows what's
really important. We'll see Jay again soon.

We have installed some new artwork in the main
room from local artist Bob Wesbrook. Great stuff.

We've also (for the comfort of our friends and patrons)
just replaced some airconditioning equipment in the club.
I was planning to use that money to buy that do-it-yourself
lobotomy kit I've always wanted. But I guess being cool
in Texas is important. "Whatever!"

Anyway, we're still kickin' down here; make it
down when you can and say hello.

****************
Here's what's coming up on stage:

October 9 - Monday
Open Mic hosted by Rick Yost 7-11pm
We've been visited by some really
interesting acoustic acts in the last few weeks.
Come on down, bring your guitar, and get on the list.

October 12- Thursday
The David Gallegos Band 8-12am Nouveau Flamenco, Latin New Age Jazz.
This is one of my personal favorites here at Pearl.
These guys are great, and their music is marvelous.
Unfortunately, they have commitments elsewhere and this
may be their last show with us for a while. Come catch
them while they're here!!!

October 13 - Friday
The Rick Yost Group at Happy Hour 5-8pm
(Then one of our most anticipated Jazz nights yet!)
Birthday Celebration for Thaddeus "Fabulous" Ford II,
6th Generation Jazz Trumpeter from New Orleans,
with special guests Shelley Carrol, Victor Cager,
and more ! 9pm-1am
This is gonna be gooood!

October 14 - Saturday
Ann Armstrong and Steve Hughes - 9pm - 1am - Texas blues
These folks are just awesome. Great vocals, great guitarwork,
great show!!!

October 16 - Monday
Open Mic hosted by Rick Yost 7-11pm

October 18 - Wednesday
Somebody turns 50 today.......
'Birthday Boy'-Rick Yost plays (solo) - 8-11pm
Come experience me-all by myself; the way I did
it for many, many years. Come have a drink with me
and let's talk politics and religion!!! I just love to start shit!
(It's hard to believe I've lived this long without getting shot!)

October 20 - Friday
The Rick Yost Group at Happy Hour 5-8pm
Dave Burris 9pm-1am
We're very pleased to have our buddy Dave back again for an
evening of great Jazz.

October 21 - Saturday
Kirby Kelley - 9pm - 1am - Texas slide guitarist Kirby played
at our grand opening in August, and we're very proud to have
him back on stage at Pearl!!
(The last time I saw this guy play, I couldn't pick up my guitar
for a week!)

*******************************

Don't miss our second Song Writers In The Round
Wednesday, Oct 25. 8pm.
This month the songwriters are:
*An old friend most all who live in East Dallas know, Todd Buckley.
*A buddy I have not seen for probably fifteen years, Eric Folkerth.
*And a songwriter I've just recently met from Tyler, Raymoth Gilead.
This is an ecclectic mix of styles which should make for
an interesting show. Don't miss it.

Thanks for listening.
Rick Yost

Pearl
2038 Commerce St
Dallas, Tx 75201
214-655-8824
www.pearlatcommerce.com

peace