The Music World According to Kenny...

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11/21/2009

As of this writing, Kelli Tome and her Band of Angels have put together another benefit to help me with my bills; medical and otherwise. I'm taking this opportunity to thank those involved with the planning and execution of this event; food, music, etc, etc. Thanks to the bands; Johnny Neel, Randy Lippincott, Scott Wells, The Witch Doctors, Kombu Combo, Garry Cogdell, Blue Cat Blues, Barrelhouse Blues, E. B. Hawkins, Rory Sullivan, Jenn Minor, Brian Kendig and I want to give a special thanks to Nothin' But Trouble Band. Also, there was an outpouring of many bands offering their time and talent; unfortunately time would not allow this. However, I'm in awe and grateful for their willingness to help me. Thank you from the depths of my soul. While many people gave their time and patience, I must try and thank some key people involved. I'm eternally grateful:

Kelli Tome

Dave and Diana Breakiron

Billy Pierce

Tom Rocco

Kitty Mayo

Vic Hawkins

Jack

Dave Hirsher

Shady

Jim McKee

Joe @ The Country Store

My 2 children; Morgan and Kenny Jr.

Tim Qualls, Jimmy P and all the staff at Positive Promotions (Channel 28)

More importantly you are the people who have continued to come see me perform over the years all over the tri-state area. God is working miracles in my life daily. Yes, I'm struggling to make ends meet as most of us are but today I can count my blessings and move forward.

I'm also slowly starting to perform more, hopefully I'll be back teaching music soon! I'm finishing a couple of instructional videos and a video to help new players working with trios; bass, drums, guitar. Also, last but not least I need to thank my first wife Barbara for the gift of life and planting a spiritual seed in me. I think of you often and I'm sorry for any pain I gave you. You truly are an angel. To Rhonda, thanks for these 2 wonderful children and I forgive you for my suffering, however, I apologize for being a less than adequate husband. Also, I'm making plans to record another CD; lots of surprises and special guests; hopefully by this summer. Keep me and mine in your prayers and I'll do the same for you.

Kenny Jones

Fall 2009

KJ's Update - Fall 2009

Hello Web Surfers, Friends and Music Lovers,

Time for an update on Kenny's World

On the up side, Kenny Jr. is now 18 as of October 24 and a senior at Glasgow High School. My daughter Morgan is a freshman at Cape Henolopen High School in Rehoboth Beach, living with my ex-wife and mother in law. It was time for some female role models. She was starting to pick up some of my insane behavior, and as most of you are aware, my health is not what it used to be. As we near Thanksgiving, I have to remind myself how blessed I am and count my positives, which once I sat down in retrospect are many!!!

Despite the economic state most of us find we are in and I value my time more than ever because there is less of it to waste. I've discovered despite my rough edges and occasional attitude, I have many friends and people who I dare say care about me and love my regardless. They evidently can see beneath my bullshit and false bravado. Like most of us I'm just as scared and confused about my place in this short journey called life. I can truly say that I've been fortunate to have played and been influenced by many players. All good!!! Some I wasn't worthy to share the same air; however they graced me with their energy and I'm forever grateful. I could name names but it would fill a computer. The beauty is that they are aware as I am that we are all connected in some wonderful way.

My only real regret is that I almost always gave in to my inner most desires (good and bad), demons if you will, but from the age of 13 I was certain that music would guide my life. It carried me all over the USA and Europe, Tropic Islands, Saudi Arabia, Alaska, Scandinavia, Canada and Germany. I lived in Nashville for many years appearing on TV shows as a sideman; doing sessions, teaching and learning. And yes, some dark times using things that hindered my spiritual growth throughout my entire life. Alcohol, drugs, too many to mention, and finally around 1986 or87 I took the next 20 years to live drug and alcohol free. This is the sad part of the story and I'm revealing this because I feel like I've almost come full circle and must be totally honest, so please bear with me. Sixteen months ago with my health declining from Type II diabetes, hepatitis C stage 4, high blood pressure, gout and neuropathy, I started drinking and using prescription pain killers. Most of you can imagine it was a self imposed death sentence. However, the sicker I got the more compassion I received from my Higher Power through a few close friends and on October 19 of this year I checked into detox and started the long journey back to sanity. I'm drug and booze free since that day and my clarity improves daily and my health is on the upswing. My life is still music but also I've learned that it's not the destination we arrive at but the joy and pain of the journey.

I plan to play as much as my health allows and people come to see me and to be honest I'd play if it's just me and a few folks. I've been lucky enough to meet a few of my musical heroes and for that I'm grateful. Today I can count my blessings. Thanks to everyone who cared when I couldn't. There's a special place in my heart and in heaven for us all. Thanks for letting me dump this crap and move on with my life. I'm still hoping to be around when my lovely children bless me with grandkids then I will have time to truly say "I told you so!!!". Thanks and please continue to support live music and be a giver of joy and love. If we all give then we all receive. Pay it forward, random acts of kindness. As I stated early in this thing my kids have turned out pretty good despite their genes, they seem to understand. Hopefully I'll be back to teaching MUSIC soon which is important. I can't imagine where I would be or this world without it. It's so vital; think about it. It can bring back memories and heal a broken heart. It's everywhere. I'm currently working on a new CD. New songs; I'll keep you informed. Once again, thanks to all the kindred spirits who lent me their energy and love. Also, check out the new productions page of groups I've produced and played on. Thanks to Kelli (Bluesgirl) Tome, truly an angel of mercy and a lover of live music. Hope to C.U. somewhere - someplace - sooner or later,

Praise your Higher Power Daily,

Sincerely,
Kenny Jones

2/2007

Hello websurfers,friends,music lovers and curious searchers of the never ending search for entertainment.Its now 2007 and the only thing that is constant is change.However the more things change the more they stay the same.This is my 3rd year teaching guitar and piano at Middeltown Music ( Middletownmusic.com).My trio Jaded Angles continues to work 8 to 10 days a month,Im still running 2 open mics a week.4 corners taven,Elkton,MD....Beachcomber restaurant......Northeast,MD.Check out the schuedle for times and directions.My newest project and Labor of Love is a 10 piece horn band called Big Package..( Bigpackageband.com)...We've just finished our 1st DVD showcasing the band.Check out the site.....I've started work on an instructional video for guitar as well as a lesson book dealing with a unique approach to the fret board.I'm currently planning a clinic on performance with trio formats.This is aimed at improving Bass,Drums,Guitar,and Players working together in a trio format.I pride myself on wearing many hats.Guitarist,Singer,Writer,Producer,seeker of the search for good tone,and keeping music real.I love all styles of music (Rap?) (Almost all) But im remaining open minded.I look forward to 2007 and getting my music to a larger audience.My Jaded Angels CD,My Jazz and Pop CD titeled Ciankaizan..As well as the Big Package DVD are now available.Im still involved in producing local talent.If You need production help on your CD's,Video's,Songwriting help Ect.......Contact me.....Lets talk. Jazzboxjones@yahoo.com. Im currently working on a new CD showcasing many of my musical friends from New York,Nashville, ad the Tri-state area....Look for a summer release.On a personal note my significant other,girlfriend,soul mate,love of my life,angel of mercy,and beautiful spouse Diana continues to love,care,and understand while helping me raise my two children.She always provides a smile with ultimate support for 1 very difficult and high maintenance individual (Me)!!!!!!!!!!On a Daily basis...Its a mystery to me but she seems to find some good in all I do.Thank you i truly love u despite my sometimes negative behavior.I've watched my 15 year old son Kenny and my lovely too mature for her 13 years of age daughter Morgan slowly grow into responsible citizens.They keep me jumping which is a 24-7 job.Also a labor of love so I'll take the good with the bad.The teen years are supposedly the hardest and it seems there is no end in sight.However occasional bursts of kindness and love from the 2 give me the strength and push i need to continue on.They remind me how important family is.To say the least I love them more than the grief and things i do to support the lifestyle I provide them with.In conclusion I thank you all who continue to come see me perform and log on to my site to keep tabs on the latest work.Im greatful to be making my way through life D.M.N.E (Doing Music & Nothing Else).This is only possible because of support and the love we all have for LIVE MUSIC!!!! Thanks to all my old and new friends...I hope to see you all somewhere this year to share the gift of music with you.Feel free to E-mail me if you need production help,help finishing a song,just want to say hello to share a joke or story,or know a club in your area where i could perform please contact me.... Jazzboxjones@yahoo.com Hope to see you soon...Keep my family and I in your prayers and I will do the same for you..Thanks again

P.S.
I would be remiss in my duties not to mention my friend and web master or mistress? Kelli.She shares my love for music and the need to help people stay informed.She is unequeled and relentless in her quest to get information to the masses.(Join her email list by sending an email to ktome@crosslink.net)Thanks Kelli your always and inspiration and a positive force in my search for improvement and tolerance.

4/2005

Greetings music lovers, friends and curious new web surfers. Thanks for logging on. Since we're well into 2005 I'll bring you up to date. Lots of new info to share.

I've recently finished my third solo CD, Cain Kaizan (constant and never ending improvement). It's an original CD showcasing many styles of music with lots of surprise guest players. Also, I handled a lot of the duties myself; bass, piano, percussion, vox, and of course lead and rhythm guitars.

As we speak; I'm making plans to start on CD number 4 which will feature a lot of acustic guitar pieces, solo piano pieces, some blues, jazz, and I'm working on some fusion heavy metal instrumentals. YES!!!, heavy metal.

It's been a great 2005 so far. I've just finished producing Delaware's own local bass and 1st call blues sideman Jimi Pritchard's 1st CD Shopping for the Blues. Jimi is talent coordinator for Positive Promotion's TV show - Talk of the Town with Tim Qualls. It's a great CD with 11 of Jimi's original songs. Look for a summer release date.

Former student of mine Jordan Demorest is on the verge of signing a record deal with his new band Trail of Temper (formerly Delerium Theory). I produced their first album Serve Me Up. It was Metallica meets Areosmith..Sorry, but it's not available unless you really bug Jordan. However, I really enjoyed doing it and it still sounds good. The new album, although a little heavier is as good as any and better than most of what's out there, so check it out. Jordan is also a guitar instructor at Middletown Music.

1/2005

Jordan Demerest - Trail of Temper

A former student of Kenny's is hot on the trail of a national record deal with his original band Trial of Temper, (formerly Delerium Theory). Kenny produced their only album, "Serve Me UP". Check out Trail of Temper . Tell Jordan that Kenny sent you. Kenny's Wednesday open mic at Breaker's will be celebrating 4 years in April. Look for a big party to celebrate this event. Kenny is also celebrating almost 2 years of Sunday open mic at The Beachcomber, Charlestown, MD.

Delaware musician Ed (Slim) Dwornik is orginating a splurge of shows during Febrary and March for The Red Cross Tsunami relief fund. Check the list of shows and venues at http://www.waveofrelief.net, and come on out and participate.

Kenny is finishing local blues fan and first call bass man Jimi Pritchett's freshman release, featuring Kenny, Johnny Neel, Sonny Rhoades and a host of first rate players. The release date is sometime this spring. This CD is the first release for Jimi, however, he has performed on may national releases. Jimi is also talent coordinator for Positive Promotions Talk of the Town with Tim Quall.

Kenny and Jimi are talking with a group of investors to start their own label and production company. Keep your fingers crossed. There is a lot of talent in the tri-state area that should be heard on a larger level. That is the hope for the new label, so say a prayer for Kenny, Jimi, and company. This could be a good thing.

Kenny and Uptown East had a great debut to a packed house at Elkton's all-new Four Corners. New Years Eve at Appetites on Main was also very successful. Check out the photos!!! Keep logging on and stay involved with the music.

Thanx,
See you soon,
KJ

1/2/2004

Greetings:

As we speed into 2004 and out of 2003, the more things change the more they stay the same. Many new and exciting changes? Just a few. I'm putting the final touches on a new CD (Cain Kaizan*) which will include many styles of my originals and some surprises. Also, I had the pleasure of working as producer on NJ based duo Casual Gypsies 1st CD and Delaware Blues singer Alissha Foraker's first promo CD, both release as independents.

I'm still teaching guitar and piano at D.S.Music in Newark, DE and will start teaching at Middletown Music in January as well as private lessons. I've managed to survive another year of D.M.N.E. (doing music and nothing else).

Thanks to Desiree, Debbie, and Nick at Breakers Pub for another great year. I've hosted Open Mic every Wednesday, April 1st will mark 3 years.

Also thanks to Tom and the crew at the Beachcomber, Charlestown, MD. Every Sunday hosting Open Mic, celebrating a year in March.

I look forward to 2004 working with the Duo, Trio, and the Big Band.

Thanks:
Tom Casey at Casey's River House in Elkton, MD
Charlie & Kath at the Riverside Club, Lancaster, PA
Dave Weinstock at Appetites On Main, Exton, PA
Karen & Guy at Captain's Cove, Kirkwood, DE
Pete, Diane, and Timmy and all the crew at Woody's, North East, MD
North East River Yacht Club, North East, MD:Ken Johnston, you're the MAN!!!
Andrew at the Poplar Inn, Dundalk, MD
Numerous Private Parties (Thanks to all concerned. You know who you are.)
Eddie Greer at Chesapeake Inn, Chesapeake City, MD
Dominick and hte staff at Schaefer's Canal House, Chesapeake City, MD

Once again I'm still able to play, teach, and create music because of the people who continue to come see me and support my love of this crazy business. I'm truly grateful for all of you who allow me to be a part of your lives. I'll continue to give 110% in the hope I'll be given many more years of music to share. Thanks again.

My main focus has been my children. Kenny Jr. is 12 now and studying the drums, laying basketball, baseball, football and is now a brown belt in karate. It's amazing to watch him grow and even more amazing that I'm playing a part - trying to be a role model, discipliarian, and in the process hopefully a friend and good Dad. My daughter Morgan is a green belt in karate, studying clarinetand piano. She is 10 years old now and is a beautiful young girl; growing way too fast for me but time waits for no one. They're both healthy and doing well in school and they still seem to like spending time with me (go figure!). I'm truly blessed to have them.

Once again I'm grateful for many things this year and hope too see you ate a venue (bar, pub, restaurant, VFW, concert, festival, open mic, etc.) near you.

In closing, remember to support the arts. I was lucky enough this year to se Steely Dan and Pat Metheny live and purchased a pile of new CDs, Jazz, Pop, Blues, etc. Also, my hero Pat Metheny' s new CD is at the top of the list (Quiet Nights). Check out any and all of his work. He is truly inspiring to all guitarists. Thanks to all of the musicians who allowed me to share my music with them and vice-versa. I'm not worthy!!!

I'm currently working on a day of music concert featuring local talent from DE, MD, and PA area sometime in March or April 2004. I'll keep you posted on the date and location.

Remember music is the true universal language. It transcends time and can make a bad day good, relight an old flame, soothe a broken heart, turn a frown into a smile.

Thanks for your time.

I've added some photos from my past. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Maybe a laugh or two.

Hope to see you soon,
Kenny Jones

P.S.
Here I've enclosed some words of wisdom? You decide.

Words of Wisdom

If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving isn't for you.
Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye opener.
Bills travel in the mail twice as fast as checks.
If you think that nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.
If at first you don't succeed, destroy all of the evidence.
No one is listening until you make a mistake.
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel good.
Don't sweat the petty things, or is it pet sweaty things?

Read on of more of life as Kenny sees it. Wisdom? or what?

Here are some things a man would never say:

Her breasts are just too big.
Let's go shopping at the mall. Honey, I'll hold your purse.
I think we're lost. Let's pull over and get directions.
I'm absolutely wrong. You must be right.
Sometimes I just want to be held. It's not always about sex.

Here are some things we as a species would like to hear from a woman but never will:

I think hairy butts are really sexy.
This diamond is way too big. Let's choose a smaller one, honey.
I'm wrong. You must be right.
Hey, get a whiff of that one. Way to go, sweetheat.
Could our relationship be more physical? I'm tired of being just friends.

And finally, to quote Shakespeare "The true dignity in a man lies in his ability to despise himself".

Here are my takes on the less intelligent (stupid) side of men:

How are men like parking spaces? The good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped.
What is a man's idea of helping with the housework? Lifting his leg so you can vacuum.
What does a man consider a seven course meal? A six pack and a hot dog.
How many men does it take to change a roll of toilet paper? We don't know. It's never been done.
How can you tell a man is sexually excited? He's breathing.

What's New ....

Back to the top

The Dish on Kenny...

Woody's, North East, MD
Duo, Trio, Full Band
"Kenny has provided a diverse selection of quality music for the last 5 years. Always entertaining."
---Pete Wood and the Staff at Woody's

Rendezvous Inn, Perryville, MD
Kenny Jones and the Jaded Angels
"Always on top of their game. Keep rockin'. Looking forward to another year of great music."
---The Staff at the Rendezvous

Alloway Village Inn, Alloway, NJ
"Kenny's Open Mic Thursday always brings in a great collectionof players. He is always well received and respected as a gifted musician with a great personality. Always a blast!! Thanks, Kenny for hosting."
---Brock Ayers and the staff of the Alloway Village Inn

Breaker's Pub, Newark, DE
2 years and counting, hosting open mic on Wednesday:
"Kenny continues to attract a wealth of talent. Never boring, always different and exciting. It's always about the music. Thanks for giving us your best every week. You're like family. Looking forward to another fun filled year."
---Nick, Deseree, and Debbie

Captain's Cove, Kirkwood, DE
"On the deck or inside the restaurant, with the full band, Kenny does it all. Such a pleasure. Always on top of his game. Don't forget us when you become famous!!!"
---Karen and the staff at Captain's Cove

Riverside Sportsmen and Swimming Association, Lancaster, PA
"Kenny, Thanks for such great music. Every time you visit, we get such a buzz from the regulars and staff. Everybody loves the band. We look forward to seeing you this year. A lot more, hopefully."
---Charlie and Kathy, The Riverside Club

Holiday Inn, Newark, DE
Thank you for a great month of music: Jazz, Blues, Motown; you covered it all. Looking forward to seeing you in the fall. Thanks

Delaware Park, Newark, DE
Kenny and the Jaded Angels; Always a crowd pleaser. Has been a great two years. We look forward to many more!

Sue
Kenny: I'm having so much fun; better and cheaper than therapy. You've been so patient. Thanks for sharing your gift
---Sue

Poplar Inn, Dundalk, MD
Kenny, I only wish we could book you every week. Great singer, guitarist, entertainer. Keep coming back, we love you.
---Andrew and the Staff

David Finney Inn, Old New Castle, DE
Kenny covers all the musical scenarios with style and humor. Always a crowd pleaser (overworked and underpaid ha-ha!!!). He's on the Christmas list.
---The Staff of the David Finney Inn

Jim Sooy (Student)
Thanks for the knowledge, The Beatle songs, and being a friend. You make learning fun! Thanx
---Jimmy

John Clark (Student)
Thanx, Kenny, I'm reading music and improving musically. It's just what I needed. Thanks.
---John

Ron (Student)
Kenny, Thanks! I'm on my way again. Still learning. Thanks for the shortcuts and the constant inspiration. You are truly the man.
---Ron

Beachcomber, Charlestown, MD
Sunday's Open mic night still seems to keep the flow of local talent coming back. Thanks Kenny for making it all happen and being such a great host.
---Tom and the staff at the Beachcomber

North East River Yacht Club (NERYC) North East, MD
Kenny, Thanks for 4 years of great music. Duo, trio, full band...you've always delivered what's required. We look forward to another great year. Thanks again.
---Ken Johnston, manager (NERYC)

Danielle (Singer/Songwriter)
Kanny, Thanks for always being supportive of my career. Producing my first CD, co-writing my first song. Your guidance and input about this crazy business. You've seen the worst and best of me. Lotsa love, you're always in my thoughts. Thanks for being a part of my new CD release. I couldn't have pulled it off without you. You're the best.
---Love, Danielle

Target Studios, Elkton, MD
Thanks for bringing so many of your projects to Target. It's always a pleasure working with you. Always top notch players. Never a hassle. You seem to make the impossible possible, no matter what. You're a great musician and a good friend.
Sincerly, Marc Moss, owner, Target Studio

Tune Room, Wilmington, DE
Kanny had produced many Indie artists as well as his own originals here at the Tune Room. He has a vast network of top notch players from NY to Nashville who respect and enjoy working with him. He always provides greatmusic for his clients; wearing many hats as a player, arranger, back-up vocalist. Producing state of the art quality no matter the budget of style. Thanks, KJ. Keep comin' back.
---R.B. Hunter, owner

D.S. Music, Newark, DE
Kenny teaches guitar and piano at the store, going on two years and working a full schedule. Young and old students seem to respond to his knowledge and approach. His sense of humor and one on one attitude make him a great choice to learn, improve, or master your instrument. Thanks, Kenny, rock on.
---Dave Sumner, owner D.S. music

Bayou Cafe, White Marsh, MD
Kenny & the Jaded Angels, one of a kind. Great mix of music. Very personable. First rate, very professional. We look forward to seeing you this year.
---Joe Scopell, manager

Mark - Casual Gypsies songwriter/guitarist
Thanks for making our first studio project so painless (except for the $$$, ha-ha!!!) Thanks for your patience and the free guitar lessons. The project is more than we could have ever imagined. Thanks for making it sound so good.

Buddy Ayars of the band casualgypsies
Mark & I have always had a nest of ideas that translated well into lyric and melodies over some acoustic guitar chords. During the spring & summer of 2002 we spent time meeting with several producers. Mark & I wanted casualgypsies' first album to combine the singer/songwriter with traditional rock & roll. Americana, folk rock, roots rock, whatever you want to call it, it had to be real. We listened to recordings produced by Kenny in the past and his far & above excelled some of the other big wigs we had talked to. Tommy Conwell told me, "Bud, 99 % of people don't give a shit who's on your record, only if it sounds good." Kenny might not carry the weight of some the guns in New York or Nashville, but he has all the tools to make a great record. He's an accomplished musician with years of experience both in & out of the studio, he has access to a long list of musicians (if you want an obscure instrument on your record, Kenny probably knows an eccentric musician who plays it), his arrangements are never too much or too little (only what the song asks for) and his ear for placement in the mix is exceptional.

It doesn't matter the genre that you play, Kenny somehow always reaches into that bag of tricks of his and pulls out exactly what you need. He's not timid. He may not always tell you what you want to hear. At times you'll get the famous "Trust me." Just listen. In the end you'll be happy you did.

Kenny Jones isn't Daniel Lanois. You won't get Bono to come play on your record. But you won't need it. He will take your songs and ideas and turn them into something tangible. We not only have a solid album now, but also learned a lot in the process. Kenny is a good teacher, pretty good joke teller, exceptional player and one hell of a producer. We couldn't have made the album we wanted without him.

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