Check out these awesome Janis Joplin roots blues tracks – freakin’ fantastic!
Stealin
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Leaving this Morning – KC Blues
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Gospel Ship
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Daddy daddy daddy
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Careless Love
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Bourgeois Blues
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Black Mountain Blues
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Chapter Two – An Evening with Janis Joplin happening soon!
Our first Evening with Janis Joplin show went swimmingly and we are stoked about presenting our second performance in Almonte next Saturday, March 31st. The repertoire is expanded, the show is streamlined and the animals are eager for the help!
We have a special guest lined up to make a cameo appearance – no hints here, come out to the show and you will be the first to know who will share the stage with Shanis.
It’s going to be terrific!
Taking A Step Back
Josh: In preparation for our latest massive undertaking “An Evening With Janis Joplin”, a portion of the show has warranted the band learning some covers which directly relate to Janis’ rise to popularity. I think I speak for all of us when I say: “After having spent so much time on Joplin material, these covers are the equivalent of brushing up on a few rudimentary principles.” I think it’s ultimately refreshing, that after all this hard work learning a unique style of music and applying fundamental concepts to these arrangements, certain covers are much easier to learn quickly.
Not only that, but I have a newfound appreciation for songwriting and can apply what I’ve learned to generate interesting musical arrangements to accurately represent a story. Knowledge is power, so why not intake from the legends who produced great music from previous generations?
Shelley: I just LOVE that the members of Joplinesque are as into the music and the history as I am! Thank you, Josh, for sharing that. You know I always say, there is no such thing as an overnight success, even when it comes to Janis Joplin. She worked very hard for a long time refining her musical tastes and her execution of the tunes (as we are having to do just to even come a little close to her brilliance).
She was a consummate professional performer, I only hope that I can convey her persona to her satisfaction – because you’ve got to know she is watching 
A Totally Refining Moment…
Well, we had an awesome gig at O’Reilly’s last night! There were definitely rough edges but what really matters to me is that we were able to present a good show AND find out where our most important working points are in order to be ready for our big Janis gig next weekend.
For those of you who don’t actually live with a musician you may not know that just BEING a musician does not an excellent performance make (did I get that right?) The more orchestrated the tunes the more work and repetition needs to go into rehearsal to get all the right parts to go into the correct places – even better when everyone accomplishes this at the same time as each other!
So, in the spirit of truly sharing my ‘building-the-band’ process, here is what I learned last night:
- John’s new sound system is way better than any house system we will ever be given to use – my in-ear monitor works with it and that is a must – Always use John’s sound system!
- Even though musicians say they will discuss set lists by email prior to the gig they more than likely will not – spoon-feed the musicians with a pre-defined set list otherwise they will discuss and orchestrate the songs on stage in front of all the guests
- Remind the band BEFORE the song starts that I am in control of the ending and to watch my cue - otherwise, aim the song-closing kick closer to the rhythm section’s mid-section that’ll make them pay attention
- and lastly – Always have a smaller, trial gig before you make promises to a crowded house!
O’Reilly’s was awesome last night – as usual the staff were thoroughly accommodating (thanks Scott!) and the patrons were thoroughly patronly. Mary and Larry added themselves to our band mailing list and one of Patty’s porch jammers joined us all the way from Innessville. Can’t wait until next week when we put our refinements to the test!
See you at the Civitan!
The invasion of my home: Part 1
A) As Shelley said, there are extra members to the band… Cam is introduced and I think gelling is happening. Not sure what my introduction (for the gay dance stuff) will bring, so we’ll just have to wait and see. I will say I am having some ear issues, so who knows. Colds blow and suck.
B) So, rehearsal has concluded. A 100% improvment over last week, I would say. Lots of work but that is what rehearsals are for after all. I only played a small role, so I am referring to everyone else. Great job! I had forgotten how a few musicians can magically take over the house. Well, just the main floor. I don’t actually mind… (ask me 16 Sundays from now!)
Band conversations
This is where conversations and discussion between band members. Lots of interesting stuff is going to happen here!