joy Wilson: News

I feel like a mother duck sitting on her eggs. The work is done, now I'm just waiting for 'em to hatch. There's good news and bad news... The good news is that the recording is finished and Dave Friedlander (Pink Martini) is lined up as the mixing engineer! The bad news is that he's out in Paris mixing Pink Martini's latest project, so JWB will have to be patient. Mixing is scheduled for the end of July. Then it's on to mastering and production. All these technical details, blah blah blah. Fingers crossed we'll have the CD ready to share with you at our August 19th Kruger's Farm gig. Either way, we'll have a CD release party by the Fall.

I'm buzzing from an amazing brainstorming/practice session last night. I am so proud to have the friendship and musicianship of Brud Giles, Jeff Gadette and Robert PeArt. The ideas and concepts we discussed were so inspiring to me. Sometimes, it's hard for me to have fresh ears for my tunes, so the perspectives and input of these guys is immeasurably priceless (um... that's a redundant phrase, but you get point). I'm washed with gratitude and pride to be working with such talented and good-humored musicians. I can't wait for our studio sessions this weekend. The recording is coming to life. If anyone is interested in watching a time-lapse of last night's practice session check out the VIDEO page. I'm glad real life doesn't move that fast, or we'd miss all the fun!

-joy

Thanks to everyone who responded to my email asking for your favorite venue ideas for the upcoming JWB CD release show. I read through all your emails and even did some drive-by's and in-person visits to some of the venue suggestions that were new to me. I've got a short list and will narrow it down to one location very soon!

Despite the temporary delay in January with Jeff's shoulder surgery, he's recovering nicely and able to thump out the base lines again. Maybe one lucky fan can catch his sling when he tosses it off the stage during a kickin' bass solo at the release show. Our final recording dates are scheduled, so my winter hiatus from performing is nearing an end. I can't wait to wrap up the recording and get back out gigging again. Thanks for all your patience and support. I've appreciated all the emails asking when our next show will be. It's nice to be missed. Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Just hang tight.

To quote a little disco song... I'm so excited. I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

-joy

This weekend, the band and I did some rough draft recordings to start musically mapping out my next album. I'm so excited. This project is long overdue, yet timed exactly as it should be. I've been busy with another very special personal "project" for the last 4 years - getting married and having two kids! During that time, I continued to perform, but until now I hadn't recorded anything new.

Now... As you can see, the online gig calendar is blank. But not to fret... This winter is devoted to RECORDING!!!. I'll be back performing this coming spring/summer with a new CD to share with you!

-joy

Don't get me wrong... I've still got three good months left of flip-flop wearing, but nonetheless, summer is fading. As Fall starts to set in, I'll be layering in long-sleeves and funky scarves and as winter surrounds me in a chill, I plan to cozy up on my house with pen & paper and of course my guitar. A new album has been brewing for some time and I'm gearing up to make it materialize... but only AFTER I get my final kicks out of summer. Like a little squirrel gathering nuts, I'm planning to gather up a new musical lineup this Fall and get some new material to bust out for you folks next year. That said, if you better get your JWB fix now while you can because I'll be disappearing for a spell. Come out to Kruger's Farm on Sauvie Island this Thursday Aug. 20th for our last official show of the summer.

Your devoted squirrel,
joy

I got a call at 8:30 this morning asking me to get my butt over to Charlie FM's radio station for an interview at 10am. Somewhere in between the bagel in the toaster and Google Maps on my phone, I found myself gripping the steering wheel en route to the radio station. Shel Bailey (AKA "Charlie Girl" of Charlie FM) who just so happens to be in a band that is performing at The Bite, too, interviewed myself, Emily Herring and Reina Collins to promote our upcoming "Women Who Rock" show at The Bite of Oregon. It was super fun.

The ladies were so honest and frank... no arrogant attitudes of coolness, just sitting around talking about the music we love... with some strategically placed, bulky-foamed microphones in our faces. To add to the fun, Shel had us all play the "Fact or Crap" game. Let's just say, I'm not getting invited to Jeopardy! any time soon, but nonetheless, the one or two answers I got right will seem so glorious with the canned applause in the background :)

The interview will air the week of The Bite to promote our August 9th show. I'll post more specific air times when I find out.

joy

Just got off the phone after landing a super fun gig. I'm thrilled to announce that we were asked to play at The Bite of Oregon this year. Mark your calendars for August 9th at noon, grab your sunscreen and join us down at Waterfront Park. More details coming soon on the calendar page.

Can't wait!
-joy

Just got word from Jason Barlow (aka J-Man) my beloved long-time guitarist/violinist, that he's uprooting to Nashville and leaving JWB. I've played with this guy for so long I'm not even certain... 7-8 years??! He's like a brother to me... He makes fun of me, I give him noogies, you know the deal. Anyhoo... He's busting out of Portland to follow his many music leads in Nashville and make a good go of it. Unfortunately, there isn't enough time to schedule a farewell show. As for JWB's existing summer gig schedule... we plan to keep our summer shows. Stay tuned. We'll dig deep and find a gem of a musician from Portland's cache and be back in the swing of things.

So long, J-Man. Make us proud!
-joy

To all our JWB fans who've been asking for more outdoor shows this summer... I'm awaiting word from Portland Parks and Rec to see if the band and I made the cut for their summer concert in the park series. Until I hear back, I will continue to daydream about all the kiddos dancing around barefoot in the grass surrounded by happy Oregonians picnicking and listening to music.

Fingers crossed,
joy

I just got word that due to a sick songwriter (health-wise, not a comment about Michelle House's actual songwriting abilities) we're going to have Carley Baer join us instead. Check her out at http://www.carleybaer.com/.

Enjoy the free show tonight!
-joy

So check this story out... Two days before our last show at Airplay, I got a "cold call" email from a violinist/singer named Deborah Katz. She was merely introducing herself and offering up her stand-in services should Jason Barlow (our longtime guitarist/violinist) be unavailable for a show. Given Jason often tours with national acts, nailing down dates on his calendar can be pretty complicated. That said, I wrote Deborah back and invited her to open for us at our Airplay gig to give us an opportunity to meet and hear each other's music in person. Little did I know that I would be aligning the stars for a magical night of music.

So... fast forward two days to our gig. As we arrive at Airplay to load in our gear, I get a text message from Jason saying he's at the ER with a severe migraine and he can't make it to the show. Poor guy. Bummer for us, too... but wait... here comes Deborah Katz in the door. After our initial introductions, I let Deborah know that we are without a violinist tonight and if she's interested in more than just opening for JWB, she can sit in with us... a sort of "baptism by fire" method, eh?

We decided to go for it - with no rehearsal, no sheet music, no nothing... we had just met each other moments earlier! Deborah just waltzed up on stage and melded right into the mix. A few head nods and hand gestures were all the cues she needed to handle the various song changes and such. She even spontaneously chimed in on vocals! Great violin chops and a beautiful voice. Magical. It was an energized performance for all of us - living on the edge will do that to ya. We will certainly be playing with her again.

What are the chances that the moment we got word of of being down a violinist... another is standing in the room, equipped and ready to stand in? Such serendipity! Thanks to all of you in the audience for being there on this magical night and witnessing the universal language of music unfolding on stage that night.

Dang! It's moments like this that make me LOVE being a musician.

All jazzed up,
joy

PS: Jason is OK.

We've got a little somethin' silly up our sleeve for this evening. Let's just say we'll be channeling our inner Chevy Chase (wink wink nudge nudge)... you just gotta be there to see it unfold.

later,
joy

I've got a show at Rock Bottom Brewery tonight. Come on down. I'd love to see you. It will be just little ol' me with my ax. My set starts around 9:30pm.

Later,
joy

Another fun night at Airplay last night. I dig this venue and I'm looking forward to coming back in April for a show with the whole band. Sometimes I dread solo shows, because I feel so naked without the band. Yet, it always turns out to be an affirming exercise for me. I busted out an old song from my first album last night (Summersong) and was honestly surprised I still remembered it. It was so old and had gone unsung for so long that it actually felt somewhat new and fresh. Hmmm. Funny how that works. Nonetheless... my goal for 09 is to drum up an album's worth of new material and get back in the studio for another recording session. I think I'm overdue for a new CD, whacha think? Speaking of CDs, thanks to the folks that bought 'em last night. I always appreciate your support.

See you next time!
joy

Wow! What a fun show last night! It was so wonderful to see so many new faces. I love reaching a new audience. Thank you for all the kind words and for supporting me with all the CD sales. Sorry we ran out of 'em... I didn't bring enough with me, but what a wonderful problem to have, eh? I hope to see all our new JWB fans at the next show. Please get the word out and tell your friends. After my 2 year musical maternity leave, I definitely need your help getting back on the scene.

And of course, a thank you to our regular show-goers. It's so wonderful to see your smiling faces in the audience. When people come back for more, it validates what I'm doing. Lastly, a big shout out to Rhobley, Anne & Shannon for helping Thomas out with the kiddos during mommy's set. It was a special treat to have my beloved rugrats listening to my music.

Thanks for a wonderful night!
-joy

Hope to see you at Airplay Cafe tonight. I'll be there with the full band. It's a short set for us so don't be too fashionably late or you'll miss us. We're playing from 7:45-8:30pm.

Later,
joy

I'm working on a new site (in between changing diapers). Be patient, being a mother of two makes "free time" a little hard to come by. My goal is to get out and start performing regularily again in 2009! Likewise, I plan to get this site updated with regular posts. Stay tuned. -joy