The artist in me has long been dormant, and I started this blog, in part, to help reconnect with my writing. My inspiration for this blog, as you all know, is Jay. (If you didn’t, go back and read my inaugural post.) Courageously, he has embraced his talents and committed himself to pursuing a career in music and performance. He has created his own label, Great Depression Records, and he is currently financing this tour on his own. For the time being, he’s quit his day job, and had devoted the past 5 months to his music.
Things aren’t happening TO Jay; he’s making things happen for himself. I admire this more than anything else about him.
I arrived at Johnny Brenda’s Tavern in Philly incredibly early and hunkered down at the bar to wait until I was needed. Before long, the venue’s manager escorted me upstairs, along with fellow volunteers Howard and Marc, to meet Jay and learn the ropes. For what could have taken all of 5 minutes, Jay spent half an hour with us, chatting and sharing some stories from the foreign legs of his tour. And he had the venue put the merchandise table in the performance space so that his volunteers could enjoy the show, too.
Jay's merchandise, available for purchase at www.jaybrannanstore.com
Jay got sick somewhere in France, and despite struggling with illness and the ensuing threat to his voice, he soldiered on to Australia to perform for his fans. Despite circumnavigating the globe, he lamented not being able to enjoy the exotic locations he was visiting. He seemed weary and drained, and understandable so. He could have cancelled his performance last night and focused on recovering. Instead, he rented a car and drove up from NYC to Northampton, MA for his show the previous night, only to get up yesterday morning to drive the 6 hours down to Philadelphia for the show last night. He was full of apologies – for being sick and for possibly not being able to put on as good a show as he would have liked. There was no need to apologize.
Another talented folk musician, Aiden James, opened the show. This was my first experience with Aiden’s music, and I was impressed with his similar commitment to the music, to his art. He played a collection of songs I was hearing for the first time. I need to do more investigating, but I enjoyed his set immensely.
Shortly after Aiden’s set, Jay took the stage, and it was as if he was transformed. I hadn’t noticed this from when I saw him in DC. The show in July was the second on his tour. Goddamned had just dropped, and performance-wise, he was obviously fresher. Still, he was apologetic, cracking jokes about contracting SARS and suggesting that we interpret his coughing as percussive accompaniment. Having had an opportunity to spend some time with the “real” Jay, I’m struck by his genuine love for his music, for performing, and for his fans. And hearing him sing after the experiences he’s logged over the past several months, it was as if I were falling in love with his music all over again.
There were two surprises during the show last night. One was the introduction of a Christmas song he has penned. I didn’t catch a title, and I forgot to ask him after the show. It was traditional, melancholy Jay, about the holiday stripped of its magic. I could relate to it in a very real way (and I’m looking forward to the video clip on YouTube!!!). The other surprise was the performance of his new song, Denmark. Hypnotizing, haunting, and lyrically complex, I like to think this song marks a possible shift in Jay’s music. I (possibly wrongfully so) interpret a bit of hope in the tone of it. Let me know what you think.
Jay’s set included some, though not all of my favorites. I’ll forgive him, though, because he put everything he had into his performance last night. You could tell he was fighting to hit some of the notes, and I appreciate that kind of dedication. Jay even invited the crowd to sing along to help cover it up. For those of you keeping track, here is what he played:
Can’t Have It All
Death Waltz
Soda Shop
Straight Outta Compton
(Outro, I Kissed a Girl)
Jay’s Christmas Song
Housewife
Goddamned
Denmark
Half Boyfriend
Home
Like all good things, the show had to come to an end, but not before Howard and I got two separate shout-outs for volunteering. I felt like such a star! Just as in DC, Jay came out to sign autographs, and take pictures. And I certainly didn’t mind that he did so right next to me! I love that he takes the time to thank his fans, as there’s a genuine appreciation there. (And I got an education as how NOT to act!)
The crowd quickly thinned, and Howard and I shut down the merchandise table. Before heading out, I told Jay that I needed a picture with him, and he was only too happy to oblige. By that time, he was winding down and getting ready for the drive back to NYC. He asked if I wanted him to take off his scarf and glasses, to which I said NO. As we posed for our picture, I told him that he looked fantastic, and he thanked us for helping out.
All in all, it was another wonderful experience. I’ve always admired the artist, but I have a new appreciation for the man. And I’m looking forward to seeing him again in NYC next month as he closes out his 2008 world tour.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating. THANK YOU, JAY!
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