tag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:/blogs/news?p=1News2018-07-20T19:50:17-05:00Jeff Strahanfalsetag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/35346132015-02-16T14:31:25-06:002015-09-14T19:28:07-05:00"Superman" selected by Radio AirplayJeff's song "Superman" is one of 150 songs chosen (out of 1700) by Radio Airplay to appear in their Independent Valentine's Day '15 station on <a href="http://jango.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: rgb(59, 89, 152); cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;" target="_blank">Jango.com.</a>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/35346112015-02-16T14:28:58-06:002023-10-16T09:45:08-05:00"Runaway" is featured in the film "Petting Zoo" that's to be released Spring 2015<p>In 2012 Jeff and his band performed his song "Runaway" live for the film "Petting Zoo" by Micah Magee. I recently received word that the movie is being released in Germany this spring and they are using the band scene (filmed at Billy's Ice, New Braunfels, TX.) I'll let updated on the movie's release in the United States. </p>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/15281372013-09-05T12:26:00-05:002020-11-27T23:23:45-06:00Monkey Around<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBmhWPO5r3k/Uii88K1wVJI/AAAAAAAACJw/u7_NR9m0qWk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-28+at+10.09.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-TBmhWPO5r3k/Uii88K1wVJI/AAAAAAAACJw/u7_NR9m0qWk/s200/Screen+Shot+2013-08-28+at+10.09.33+AM.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>We have just finished recording our new Album, <i>Monkey Around</i>. The CD will be released in October 2013. The album includes 10 tracks of original music and is our best sounding project to date. This album really came out nice and we can't wait for you to hear it.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/14291632013-08-19T12:10:00-05:002013-08-19T12:14:09-05:00Update-Tours and a New AlbumHere is a quick update. Just finished our "Gulf Coast Tour" from Port Isabel, TX over to Bradenton, FL and many points in between. Came home to a weekend at Gruene Hall where we had the greatest crowd ever and got asked to open for Delbert McClinton after our show was over so we pulled a "double." Heading to The Zone Recording Studio on Tuesday 8-20-13 to start recording our new album. Then a weekend off to hunt Dove before heading up to Colorado for the month of September capped off by a final show of the month in San Angelo at our home away from home, Sealy flats.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625922013-04-03T08:52:00-05:002017-01-14T09:35:21-06:00Review of Blue Til I Die<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vra6qNYbxdM/UVx5ypIGRlI/AAAAAAAABT0/dgG5fQh5aVU/s1600/bbmaglogo1header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-vra6qNYbxdM/UVx5ypIGRlI/AAAAAAAABT0/dgG5fQh5aVU/s320/bbmaglogo1header.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="55" width="320" /></a></div><br><br><br><br>Blues Blast Magazine's review of our cd Blue Til I Die is <a href="http://www.thebluesblast.com/bluesartists/jeffstrahan.htm" target="_blank">here</a>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625892013-04-03T08:36:00-05:002022-03-16T05:13:27-05:00Live CD Released<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwqzyiJPJ2o/UVx2WN0FkzI/AAAAAAAABTs/ajO8DALJ_Hs/s1600/cover+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwqzyiJPJ2o/UVx2WN0FkzI/AAAAAAAABTs/ajO8DALJ_Hs/s200/cover+1.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="159" /></a></div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>New CD, Live at Sealy Flats available in the "<a href="http://jeffstrahan.com/store.">store.</a>"<br><br><a href="http://jeffstrahan.blogspot.com/2013/04/new-cd-live-at-sealy-flats-available-in.html#more">Read more »</a>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625882013-04-01T13:10:00-05:002013-04-01T13:10:00-05:00Cheatham Street Warehouse-Blues JamI'm hosting the Blues Jam at <a href="http://www.cheathamstreet.com/">Cheatham Street Warehouse</a> tonight in San Marcos, Texas. This month marks the one year anniversary of the rebirth of the jam. In recent months, we have started to actually draw a crowd of listeners and some great blues players. We've had people from all over the country stop in to listen or play. It's always a good time.<br><br><a href="http://jeffstrahan.blogspot.com/2013/04/im-hosting-blues-jam-at-cheatham-street.html#more">Read more »</a>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4216882013-03-27T08:15:00-05:002021-03-01T03:45:06-06:00Review of Live Show in Talahassee <a href="http://www.fsunews.com/article/20130224/FSVIEW01/130224005/Jeff-Strahan-rocks-BBC?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57113/d729f9136ba007893688458d9dcd8a31bf3564a1/original/fsunews.jpg?1376577998" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="100" width="160" /></a> <br><span style="font-size: small;">Check out this review of our show at the legendary Bradfordville Blues Club. Click </span><a href="http://www.fsunews.com/article/20130224/FSVIEW01/130224005/Jeff-Strahan-rocks-BBC?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4216482013-03-27T08:10:00-05:002017-01-14T09:35:20-06:00New Live CD Available Now<a href="./store.cfm"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57113/4237f2588c62df58b91123460b94fa9477ced99c/medium/cover-1.jpg?1376577998" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="376" width="300" /></a> <br><span style="font-size: small;">Double Disk, Live Recording. 18 Tracks, Get an Autographed copy </span><a href="./store.cfm"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;">.</span>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4217902013-03-27T08:05:00-05:002020-07-03T01:10:09-05:00Texas Music Magazine Review<a href="./reviews.cfm"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/57113/c64e34dceaab170b8b58bf74030e990d22b90f3f/medium/tx-music-cover.JPG?1376577998" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" height="388" width="300" /></a> <br><span style="font-size: small;">Interesting little review of Blue 'Til I Die, our latest Studio Album. Click </span><a href="./reviews.cfm"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> to read the article.</span>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501642013-03-27T07:58:00-05:002017-01-14T09:35:20-06:00Texas Music Magazine<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp31YuFy51g/UVMt9nk4dkI/AAAAAAAABS8/Te7jUpP-I34/s1600/tx+music+cover.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp31YuFy51g/UVMt9nk4dkI/AAAAAAAABS8/Te7jUpP-I34/s320/tx+music+cover.JPG" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a>Wrote a great little article about my latest Studio Album, Blue 'til I Die. For the complete article, click <a href="http://jeffstrahan.com/reviews">here</a>:Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625962013-03-05T12:10:00-06:002013-03-05T12:10:00-06:00Cheatham Street Warehouse-Blues JamI'm hosting the Blues Jam at <a href="http://www.cheathamstreet.com/">Cheatham Street Warehouse</a> tonight in San Marcos, Texas. This month marks the one year anniversary of the rebirth of the jam. In recent months, we have started to actually draw a crowd of listeners and some great blues players. We've had people from all over the country stop in to listen or play. It's always a good time.<br><br><a href="http://jeffstrahan.blogspot.com/2013/04/im-hosting-blues-jam-at-cheatham-street.html#more">Read more »</a>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625972011-11-11T03:08:00-06:002017-01-14T09:35:21-06:00Veterans DayVeterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)<br><br>The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling. (from Wiki)<br><br>I never served in the military but I've had a lot of family members and close friends that have and some still do. When I was little, I entertained the idea of being a Navy Pilot because that is what my father, Lt. W.L. Strahan did and his stories of those experiences were mesmerizing. My eyesight was not good enough to be a pilot and I lost interest as I got older. However, I always felt attached to the military because of my dad. We shopped at the Air Force base commissary in Lubbock. Our our house was full of uniforms, medals, cuff links, hats, flight suits, oxygen mask, pictures of jets and carriers, even the sword that I thought was really cool. Here is a photo of my dad in uniform:<br><br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-5UQ_CFfhY/Tr09550EkPI/AAAAAAAAAJc/4zEgiNZh1t0/s1600/0000119967-01-1_224330"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-5UQ_CFfhY/Tr09550EkPI/AAAAAAAAAJc/4zEgiNZh1t0/s200/0000119967-01-1_224330" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673759170537754866" style=" margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 185px;" /></a><br><br>It's sad that this nation feels it cannot fully trust the motives of a President that declares war. It's sad that the bipartisan nature of our system allows those who are campaigning for office to question those in office for going to war. I find it almost impossible to believe that any human being would declare war, put our son's and daughter's lives at risk, for a cause that was not worthy. I don't believe anyone would sacrifice lives for oil. Guess I'm just naive that way. It seems to me that the one thing all politicians should agree on is whether a threat is such that we must risk the lives of our soldiers. We should be able to question why our country is considering war but once we are there, we should not criticize our leaders They certainly should not criticize each other. We should all stand united.<br><br>When it comes to war, we should stand as one nation behind our leaders and our military. We should be humble and understand that we are not privy to the intelligence and information supplied to our leaders. We cannot begin to understand what is really happening in the world. We cannot be the armchair quarterbacks of military matters.<br><br>United, however, we can hope and pray for a quick resolution of the conflict without loss of life. United, we can hope and pray that our leaders will bring our troops home as fast as possible. United, we can give soldiers a ticker tape parade and welcome home celebration that is fitting. It should be bigger than any Superbowl or World Series celebration. United, we can observe with reverence a moment of silence and a quiet breath of thanks for all who have died and will not return home. Most importantly, no matter what your political preferences are and no matter how opposed you are to a war, you should never demean the motive of the soldiers who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for this Country! Soldiers don't get paid much, they don't live luxuriously, they follow orders and they don't get near the appreciation they deserve.<br><br>Next time you see someone in uniform or someone wearing a veteran hat or vest, tell them THANKS. Say it sincerely! It will make you feel good and it's the least you could do for these people who preserve our way of life.<br><br>Happy Veterans Day. God Bless America.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501652011-11-11T03:08:00-06:002017-01-14T09:35:20-06:00Veterans DayVeterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. (Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.)<br><br>The holiday is commonly printed as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements. While these spellings are grammatically acceptable, the United States government has declared that the attributive (no apostrophe) rather than the possessive case is the official spelling. (from Wiki)<br><br>I never served in the military but I've had a lot of family members and close friends that have and some still do. When I was little, I entertained the idea of being a Navy Pilot because that is what my father, Lt. W.L. Strahan did and his stories of those experiences were mesmerizing. My eyesight was not good enough to be a pilot and I lost interest as I got older. However, I always felt attached to the military because of my dad. We shopped at the Air Force base commissary in Lubbock. Our our house was full of uniforms, medals, cuff links, hats, flight suits, oxygen mask, pictures of jets and carriers, even the sword that I thought was really cool. Here is a photo of my dad in uniform:<br><br><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-5UQ_CFfhY/Tr09550EkPI/AAAAAAAAAJc/4zEgiNZh1t0/s1600/0000119967-01-1_224330"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-h-5UQ_CFfhY/Tr09550EkPI/AAAAAAAAAJc/4zEgiNZh1t0/s200/0000119967-01-1_224330" class="size_orig justify_right border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673759170537754866" style=" margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 185px;" /></a><br><br>It's sad that this nation feels it cannot fully trust the motives of a President that declares war. It's sad that the bipartisan nature of our system allows those who are campaigning for office to question those in office for going to war. I find it almost impossible to believe that any human being would declare war, put our son's and daughter's lives at risk, for a cause that was not worthy. I don't believe anyone would sacrifice lives for oil. Guess I'm just naive that way. It seems to me that the one thing all politicians should agree on is whether a threat is such that we must risk the lives of our soldiers. We should be able to question why our country is considering war but once we are there, we should not criticize our leaders They certainly should not criticize each other. We should all stand united.<br><br>When it comes to war, we should stand as one nation behind our leaders and our military. We should be humble and understand that we are not privy to the intelligence and information supplied to our leaders. We cannot begin to understand what is really happening in the world. We cannot be the armchair quarterbacks of military matters.<br><br>United, however, we can hope and pray for a quick resolution of the conflict without loss of life. United, we can hope and pray that our leaders will bring our troops home as fast as possible. United, we can give soldiers a ticker tape parade and welcome home celebration that is fitting. It should be bigger than any Superbowl or World Series celebration. United, we can observe with reverence a moment of silence and a quiet breath of thanks for all who have died and will not return home. Most importantly, no matter what your political preferences are and no matter how opposed you are to a war, you should never demean the motive of the soldiers who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for this Country! Soldiers don't get paid much, they don't live luxuriously, they follow orders and they don't get near the appreciation they deserve.<br><br>Next time you see someone in uniform or someone wearing a veteran hat or vest, tell them THANKS. Say it sincerely! It will make you feel good and it's the least you could do for these people who preserve our way of life.<br><br>Happy Veterans Day. God Bless America.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625942011-10-06T08:57:00-05:002011-10-06T08:57:00-05:00Guess What?September has been good to us. I have a freezer full of dove (only my possession limit Mr. Game Warden!) that I'm getting ready to make into Gumbo. I got to do a lot of fly fishing in Colorado. My family is all healthy and happy. Our tour of Colorado was great. The venues, crowds, people, weather, fishing, and scenery throughout Colorado were incredible. But I do love our new house here in Gruene and, I'm glad to be back home where it has now cooled off and been raining. <br><br>October in the Hill Country is amazing and we have a lot of cool shows lined up. Billy's Ice, Sealy Flats, Gruene Hall, etc. Check out <a href="http://jeffstrahan.com">www.jeffstrahan.com</a> for the schedule. I don't want to regurgitate our show lineup here but suffice it to say that things are going good for the band.<br><br>Our Wayward Son album has been getting airplay across the country. We are competing with people like Lucinda Williams, Buddy Guy, Cody Canada, John Hiatt, Steve Earle and other biggies on the Americana chart. We held our own between 150 and 200 on the chart. Not bad for our first run at radio and for this little independent label from Texas, it was pretty damn good. <br><br>I'm working on material for the next album and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Guess What</span>? It's gonna be greasy and bluesy. I'm talking Ray Charles here. I feel like putting out some happy blues music and the songs are coming together real nice. So far I've got titles like "She Only Hates Me When She's Drunk", "I Think I'm Funny", "You Look Like I Could Use Another Drink" and others. Trying to keep it light and humorous.<br><br>We are gearing up for the TexMex Fandango and Blues Cruise in January 2012. You should join us as we venture to Honduras, Cozumel, and Belize. (<a href="http://texmexfandango.com/">cruise details</a>) We'd also like to welcome our newest bass player-Jimmy Hartman. He was with "Devil's Hollow" before and is a great addition to our ever evolving lineup. <br><br>Speaking of bass players, on Sunday, Oct. 9, we are having a fundraiser/tribute to my good friend Jay Hataway who has been battling cancer for a while. Jay played bass with me for a couple of years and we have known each other since High School. He is a true legend and played with greats like Jessie Guitar Taylor. Join us in our salute to Jay. (details on website)<br><br>I'm done ranting for now. Thanks to everyone that supports live music and to all those who are involved in keeping it alive. <br><br>God Bless,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501662011-10-06T08:57:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00Guess What?September has been good to us. I have a freezer full of dove (only my possession limit Mr. Game Warden!) that I'm getting ready to make into Gumbo. I got to do a lot of fly fishing in Colorado. My family is all healthy and happy. Our tour of Colorado was great. The venues, crowds, people, weather, fishing, and scenery throughout Colorado were incredible. But I do love our new house here in Gruene and, I'm glad to be back home where it has now cooled off and been raining. <br><br>October in the Hill Country is amazing and we have a lot of cool shows lined up. Billy's Ice, Sealy Flats, Gruene Hall, etc. Check out <a href="http://jeffstrahan.com">www.jeffstrahan.com</a> for the schedule. I don't want to regurgitate our show lineup here but suffice it to say that things are going good for the band.<br><br>Our Wayward Son album has been getting airplay across the country. We are competing with people like Lucinda Williams, Buddy Guy, Cody Canada, John Hiatt, Steve Earle and other biggies on the Americana chart. We held our own between 150 and 200 on the chart. Not bad for our first run at radio and for this little independent label from Texas, it was pretty damn good. <br><br>I'm working on material for the next album and <span style="font-weight:bold;">Guess What</span>? It's gonna be greasy and bluesy. I'm talking Ray Charles here. I feel like putting out some happy blues music and the songs are coming together real nice. So far I've got titles like "She Only Hates Me When She's Drunk", "I Think I'm Funny", "You Look Like I Could Use Another Drink" and others. Trying to keep it light and humorous.<br><br>We are gearing up for the TexMex Fandango and Blues Cruise in January 2012. You should join us as we venture to Honduras, Cozumel, and Belize. (<a href="http://texmexfandango.com/">cruise details</a>) We'd also like to welcome our newest bass player-Jimmy Hartman. He was with "Devil's Hollow" before and is a great addition to our ever evolving lineup. <br><br>Speaking of bass players, on Sunday, Oct. 9, we are having a fundraiser/tribute to my good friend Jay Hataway who has been battling cancer for a while. Jay played bass with me for a couple of years and we have known each other since High School. He is a true legend and played with greats like Jessie Guitar Taylor. Join us in our salute to Jay. (details on website)<br><br>I'm done ranting for now. Thanks to everyone that supports live music and to all those who are involved in keeping it alive. <br><br>God Bless,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625982011-08-18T04:09:00-05:002011-08-18T04:09:00-05:00UpdateWell, been a while since I have written in this blog. We have been so busy promoting the lastest album that it's hard to keep up with everything. I've also been fishing a lot so maybe it's more of a priority thing.
<br><br>Things with the Band are going great. We have had some really good shows lately at Billy's and Gruene Hall. We had a great time at the Aztec Blues Festival in New Mexico and the Tall City Blues Fest in Midland. The Wayward Son album is on the Americana charts and getting more airplay each week.
<br><br>Getting ready to head out to Lubbock today for our first show at the Blue Light. Then over to one of my top two favorite venues, Sealy Flats in San Angelo. Can't wait to see our friends and homies. I've got the Texas Renegade boys, Tyson Carver on Mando and his twin brother Eli on bass for these shows and it will be a good time.
<br><br>It's been a long hot summer with hardly any moisture so Lois and I have spent a lot of time at the coast. We started Kayak fishing and it's been a blast. I'm going hunting Labor Day weekend way out West Texas and Lois is headed to Florida to see the Grand baby and family.
<br><br>After that we head up to Colorado and Wyoming for about three weeks. Looking forward to some cool weather and fly-fishing there.
<br><br>I'm starting to put together some songs for my next album. Probably try to release a new project 1st part of next year. This album may be more country than any to date. I'm trying to keep it cheerful with more humor and less darkness.
<br><br>Thanks for your continued support and interest keeping us alive. Hope to see you soon.
<br><br>Jeff
<br>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501672011-08-18T04:09:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00UpdateWell, been a while since I have written in this blog. We have been so busy promoting the lastest album that it's hard to keep up with everything. I've also been fishing a lot so maybe it's more of a priority thing.
<br><br>Things with the Band are going great. We have had some really good shows lately at Billy's and Gruene Hall. We had a great time at the Aztec Blues Festival in New Mexico and the Tall City Blues Fest in Midland. The Wayward Son album is on the Americana charts and getting more airplay each week.
<br><br>Getting ready to head out to Lubbock today for our first show at the Blue Light. Then over to one of my top two favorite venues, Sealy Flats in San Angelo. Can't wait to see our friends and homies. I've got the Texas Renegade boys, Tyson Carver on Mando and his twin brother Eli on bass for these shows and it will be a good time.
<br><br>It's been a long hot summer with hardly any moisture so Lois and I have spent a lot of time at the coast. We started Kayak fishing and it's been a blast. I'm going hunting Labor Day weekend way out West Texas and Lois is headed to Florida to see the Grand baby and family.
<br><br>After that we head up to Colorado and Wyoming for about three weeks. Looking forward to some cool weather and fly-fishing there.
<br><br>I'm starting to put together some songs for my next album. Probably try to release a new project 1st part of next year. This album may be more country than any to date. I'm trying to keep it cheerful with more humor and less darkness.
<br><br>Thanks for your continued support and interest keeping us alive. Hope to see you soon.
<br><br>Jeff
<br>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625952011-04-18T06:33:00-05:002011-04-18T06:33:00-05:00Cruise, News, and other things.You need to check out texmexfandango.com for information on our upcoming cruise January 2012. We leave out of Galveston for Cozumel, Honduras, and Belize. The music lineup features Augie Meyers (Texas Tornadoes, Sir. Douglas Quartet, etc) T. Gozney Thornton (grammy nominated West Texas legend), Joe Forlini (lead guitar for Rusty Weir and now Jerry Jeff Walker) Cynthia Jordon (wrote Jose Cuervo), yours truly and more. Of course our hero Lois Lane will be there so what are you waiting for. <br><br>In order to secure a cabin on the same deck as the artists and other attendees, you need to get your deposit in. It's refundable if you can't go for some reason. All the information you need is here: http://texmexfandango.com/<br><br>Had a great Saturday night show at Billy's Ice. Thanks to everyone that showed their support. You guys are great and Billy's continues to really rock.<br><br>Hoping my new sound gear arrives today. We got the new QSC K12 powered mains with matching subs. Should sound beautiful in any setting.<br><br>Getting geared up for our Colorado Tour which starts next week. Rob Fulton, my usual bass player, is headed to Italy so we have enlisted the Carver twins, Eli and Tyson, from Texas Renegade to play on this tour. We've been rehearsing and it sounds great.<br><br>We sold out of Wayward Son CDs at CDBaby.com but should have it restocked this week. You can still purchase it on iTunes, Lone Star Music, Our Tracks and other online stores. <br><br>Thanks for everything. See you soon.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501702011-04-18T06:33:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00Cruise, News, and other things.You need to check out texmexfandango.com for information on our upcoming cruise January 2012. We leave out of Galveston for Cozumel, Honduras, and Belize. The music lineup features Augie Meyers (Texas Tornadoes, Sir. Douglas Quartet, etc) T. Gozney Thornton (grammy nominated West Texas legend), Joe Forlini (lead guitar for Rusty Weir and now Jerry Jeff Walker) Cynthia Jordon (wrote Jose Cuervo), yours truly and more. Of course our hero Lois Lane will be there so what are you waiting for. <br><br>In order to secure a cabin on the same deck as the artists and other attendees, you need to get your deposit in. It's refundable if you can't go for some reason. All the information you need is here: http://texmexfandango.com/<br><br>Had a great Saturday night show at Billy's Ice. Thanks to everyone that showed their support. You guys are great and Billy's continues to really rock.<br><br>Hoping my new sound gear arrives today. We got the new QSC K12 powered mains with matching subs. Should sound beautiful in any setting.<br><br>Getting geared up for our Colorado Tour which starts next week. Rob Fulton, my usual bass player, is headed to Italy so we have enlisted the Carver twins, Eli and Tyson, from Texas Renegade to play on this tour. We've been rehearsing and it sounds great.<br><br>We sold out of Wayward Son CDs at CDBaby.com but should have it restocked this week. You can still purchase it on iTunes, Lone Star Music, Our Tracks and other online stores. <br><br>Thanks for everything. See you soon.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4625992011-04-15T12:55:00-05:002011-04-15T12:55:00-05:00New Home New Braunfels-700 yds to Gruene HallWell, Lois and I have purchased a house about 700 yards from the front door of Gruene Hall. We left Colorado in May of 08. We lived in the bus until settling in New Braunfels in August of 09. We had an apartment here in New Braunfels at the Landmark Lofts (a high rise really cool place) and wanted to be sure this is the town where we should make some roots.<br><br>The music scene here is what attracted us. Anytime we were on tour through Texas we would play Billy's Ice. The reception there was always amazing and the whole vibe in this community was like a magnet for us. We could have lived just about anywhere we wanted but we wanted to be in a music community. Well, this is it. This reminds me of Austin back in the late 70's when there were thriving original artists everywhere and plenty of places to play, and most importantly, plenty of music lovers to support the art!<br><br>We used to dream about playing at Gruene Hall and now we do it often and live right there. <br><br>Buying a home for us was like saying, "this is where we belong and where we intend to stay for a while." I love it here and look forward to our shows in this town because they are what music should be. We are so centrally located that tours to other parts of the U.S. are convenient. All locations in Texas are easy to get to. We have large airports in Austin and San Antonio, great mexican food, good friends, rivers, beach, etc. What more can you ask for? I can go down the street 7 nights a week and see amazing songwriters displaying their craft. We are indeed lucky and blessed. Thank you Texas, Billy's, Gruene, New Braunfels, and all the good people here!Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501712011-04-15T12:55:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00New Home New Braunfels-700 yds to Gruene HallWell, Lois and I have purchased a house about 700 yards from the front door of Gruene Hall. We left Colorado in May of 08. We lived in the bus until settling in New Braunfels in August of 09. We had an apartment here in New Braunfels at the Landmark Lofts (a high rise really cool place) and wanted to be sure this is the town where we should make some roots.<br><br>The music scene here is what attracted us. Anytime we were on tour through Texas we would play Billy's Ice. The reception there was always amazing and the whole vibe in this community was like a magnet for us. We could have lived just about anywhere we wanted but we wanted to be in a music community. Well, this is it. This reminds me of Austin back in the late 70's when there were thriving original artists everywhere and plenty of places to play, and most importantly, plenty of music lovers to support the art!<br><br>We used to dream about playing at Gruene Hall and now we do it often and live right there. <br><br>Buying a home for us was like saying, "this is where we belong and where we intend to stay for a while." I love it here and look forward to our shows in this town because they are what music should be. We are so centrally located that tours to other parts of the U.S. are convenient. All locations in Texas are easy to get to. We have large airports in Austin and San Antonio, great mexican food, good friends, rivers, beach, etc. What more can you ask for? I can go down the street 7 nights a week and see amazing songwriters displaying their craft. We are indeed lucky and blessed. Thank you Texas, Billy's, Gruene, New Braunfels, and all the good people here!Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626122011-02-11T05:05:00-06:002017-02-01T21:46:43-06:00Grammys without Gagging?This is amazing! You can watch the early presentations at the Grammy's. You don't have to suffer through all the pop-crap that you really don't want to see anyway. Instead, you have a choice. You can now watch Buddy Guy, Trombone Shorty, Kenny Wayne, etc. etc. Check this out!<br><br>Those of you who watch the annual Grammy Awards broadcast are already aware that the show includes performance of the nominees of the current crop of pop music stars, country, rock and roll, rap and other of the most popular musicals styles. Unfortunately performances by artists nominated in styles of music like Blues, bluegrass, folk and zydeco are not included in the actual TV broadcast. These music styles always get to perform and receive their awards BEFORE the TV broadcast actually starts.<br>This year you can actually see these performances as the happen in a live stream on the Grammy website and on youtube.<br>Scheduled to perform in this live pre-telecast program are Buddy Guy, Cyndi Lauper, Maria Muldaur, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Trombone Shorty, Mavis Staples and many others.<br>The 53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 13 from 1 – 4 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be streamed live internationally on <a href="http://www.grammy.com/live">www.grammy.com/live</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/thegrammys">www.youtube.com/thegrammys</a> beginning at 1 p.m. PT. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event.<br>Be sure to check it out!<br><br>Wouldn't it be cool if there were more viewers for the early show than for Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, etc. etc. Now that's a message we'd like to send to the focus groups, analyst and corporate big wigs. Spread the word.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501682011-02-11T05:05:00-06:002017-02-01T21:40:12-06:00Grammys without Gagging?This is amazing! You can watch the early presentations at the Grammy's. You don't have to suffer through all the pop-crap that you really don't want to see anyway. Instead, you have a choice. You can now watch Buddy Guy, Trombone Shorty, Kenny Wayne, etc. etc. Check this out!<br><br>Those of you who watch the annual Grammy Awards broadcast are already aware that the show includes performance of the nominees of the current crop of pop music stars, country, rock and roll, rap and other of the most popular musicals styles. Unfortunately performances by artists nominated in styles of music like Blues, bluegrass, folk and zydeco are not included in the actual TV broadcast. These music styles always get to perform and receive their awards BEFORE the TV broadcast actually starts.<br>This year you can actually see these performances as the happen in a live stream on the Grammy website and on youtube.<br>Scheduled to perform in this live pre-telecast program are Buddy Guy, Cyndi Lauper, Maria Muldaur, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Trombone Shorty, Mavis Staples and many others.<br>The 53rd Annual GRAMMY® Awards Pre-Telecast Ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 13 from 1 – 4 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be streamed live internationally on <a href="http://www.grammy.com/live">www.grammy.com/live</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/thegrammys">www.youtube.com/thegrammys</a> beginning at 1 p.m. PT. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event.<br>Be sure to check it out!<br><br>Wouldn't it be cool if there were more viewers for the early show than for Taylor Swift, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, etc. etc. Now that's a message we'd like to send to the focus groups, analyst and corporate big wigs. Spread the word.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626132010-11-08T05:16:00-06:002010-11-08T05:16:00-06:00What Kind of Music do you play?What kind of music do you play? I get asked this question at least 10 times a week and it is a great question. It's very hard to answer though because we play so many different styles. My albums have included everything from Country to Blues to Singer/Songwriter to Reggae and lots of Southern Rock, Funk, Rock 'n Roll. When you give someone that answer, they are, understandably puzzled. If you know me, you know I hate "labels", categories and pigeon holes for artists. My standard answer to this question about what kind of music I play has been, "Music That Doesn't Suck." In fact that became my slogan and is printed as part of our trademarked logo on our merchandise and marketing material.<br><br>Well, the new moniker for "Music That Doesn't Suck" is Americana. Americana music is defined by the Americana Music Association as: <blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Music that honors and is derived from the traditions of American roots music. It is music inspired by American culture traditions which is not only represented in classic man made / roots based sounds but also through new and contemporary artists whose music is clearly inspired by these great traditions. It is a great genre, vast, like jazz which encompasses a wide range of music. Like jazz, which spans from Miles Davis to Harry Connick to the Preservation Hall, Americana's range includes artists like Gram Parsons, Soloman Burke, The Band, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Mavis Staples...</span></blockquote> This "Americana" description has been around since the 90's. It's not new but it is expanding rapidly and it includes a lot of (hell, most) of my favorite artists.<br><br>Just click <a href="http://www.americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey=">here</a> to look at the variety of artists on the Americana Top 100 this week. There is Robert Plant, Mavis Staples, Los Lobos, Jerry Lee Lewis, J.J. Grey & Mofro, Neil Young. Wow. Blues artits, Country artists, singer/songwriters, all included in this Americana Label.<br><br>I am lucky to live in the center of a strong Americana music scene. New Braunfels and the surrounding area is the heartbeat of the Texas Music Scene. It's like Austin back in the day. The Americana radio station here in New Braunfels is KNBT and it exists because the people that own and run it LOVE MUSIC! KNBT has been voted the #1 Americana Radio Station in the nation. Did you get that? #1. You can listen live through the internet <a href="http://knbt.fm/site/">here</a>. KNBT has an iPhone App that lets you stream the music right through your phone. You should give it a listen. I'm not hired to promote the Radio Station. I'm not even connected with them. I just love what I hear on there and you will too! <br><br>So check it out. Pull yourself away from the Clear Channel, Corporate owned, corporate sponsored radio stations that exists to make money for the Big Wigs and listen to some American music created by artists for the love of art, not for the love of money. If you think Taylor Swift is the best artist in America, you've been duped. She is good but there is so much more. I promise you will hear music you like, new and old. Next time someone says what kind of music does Jeff Strahan play, you can tell them Americana (or Music That Doesn't Suck) same difference. <br><br>Until next time,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501692010-11-08T05:16:00-06:002022-05-16T13:18:07-05:00What Kind of Music do you play?What kind of music do you play? I get asked this question at least 10 times a week and it is a great question. It's very hard to answer though because we play so many different styles. My albums have included everything from Country to Blues to Singer/Songwriter to Reggae and lots of Southern Rock, Funk, Rock 'n Roll. When you give someone that answer, they are, understandably puzzled. If you know me, you know I hate "labels", categories and pigeon holes for artists. My standard answer to this question about what kind of music I play has been, "Music That Doesn't Suck." In fact that became my slogan and is printed as part of our trademarked logo on our merchandise and marketing material.<br><br>Well, the new moniker for "Music That Doesn't Suck" is Americana. Americana music is defined by the Americana Music Association as: <blockquote><span style="font-weight:bold;">Music that honors and is derived from the traditions of American roots music. It is music inspired by American culture traditions which is not only represented in classic man made / roots based sounds but also through new and contemporary artists whose music is clearly inspired by these great traditions. It is a great genre, vast, like jazz which encompasses a wide range of music. Like jazz, which spans from Miles Davis to Harry Connick to the Preservation Hall, Americana's range includes artists like Gram Parsons, Soloman Burke, The Band, Lucinda Williams, Lyle Lovett, Mavis Staples...</span></blockquote> This "Americana" description has been around since the 90's. It's not new but it is expanding rapidly and it includes a lot of (hell, most) of my favorite artists.<br><br>Just click <a href="http://www.americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey=">here</a> to look at the variety of artists on the Americana Top 100 this week. There is Robert Plant, Mavis Staples, Los Lobos, Jerry Lee Lewis, J.J. Grey & Mofro, Neil Young. Wow. Blues artits, Country artists, singer/songwriters, all included in this Americana Label.<br><br>I am lucky to live in the center of a strong Americana music scene. New Braunfels and the surrounding area is the heartbeat of the Texas Music Scene. It's like Austin back in the day. The Americana radio station here in New Braunfels is KNBT and it exists because the people that own and run it LOVE MUSIC! KNBT has been voted the #1 Americana Radio Station in the nation. Did you get that? #1. You can listen live through the internet <a href="http://knbt.fm/site/">here</a>. KNBT has an iPhone App that lets you stream the music right through your phone. You should give it a listen. I'm not hired to promote the Radio Station. I'm not even connected with them. I just love what I hear on there and you will too! <br><br>So check it out. Pull yourself away from the Clear Channel, Corporate owned, corporate sponsored radio stations that exists to make money for the Big Wigs and listen to some American music created by artists for the love of art, not for the love of money. If you think Taylor Swift is the best artist in America, you've been duped. She is good but there is so much more. I promise you will hear music you like, new and old. Next time someone says what kind of music does Jeff Strahan play, you can tell them Americana (or Music That Doesn't Suck) same difference. <br><br>Until next time,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626142010-10-23T05:34:00-05:002010-10-23T05:34:00-05:00Creative Energy leads to BlessingsIt's been a while since I "blogged." Just been too busy with life and songwriting. There are so many social networks popping up for artists that it has become a fairly large job just to keep up with them and keep them updated. We do it because the "experts" tell us we are gonna miss out if we are not on top of the newest trend and its the way to get our music out there. Sometimes I just want to say screw this, you can find me at one place www.jeffstrahan.com But I don't, I keep on adjusting to the trends. <br><br>In addition to our website, we have facebook, myspace, adva, iLike, Reverbnation, mobbase, artistdata, sonicbids, twitter, bandcamp, radiofreetexas, lone star music, eventful, itunes, amazon, cdbaby, yahoo, google, etc. etc. The "Jeff Strahan" profiles that you see at these places were all created by Lois and I and they are all updated and maintained by Lois and I. I'm not whining but you get the picture. We spend more time on this stuff then we want to and they just keep on creating new ones. Now there is Ping on iTunes and I have to study it, figure out how to create the profile, and get it done. I'm determined to keep our business in house and close to my heart. I have input on every damn thing we do and I like it that way but it's getting to the point where I can't continue to govern it all. I'm learning to delegate. <br><br>I'm sitting in Durango, Colorado right now at the hotel watching deer cross the river and looking at the unbelievable colors of the trees. I feel great, I'm with my kids and life is great. I've been listening to and writing a lot of music lately. I feel rejuvenated and creative. I feel more like and artist again and less like a businessman. Lois created a space at our house for me to write and set up my studio again and I've realized that I have to always be writing and creating. If one of my social network profiles suffers a lack of attention because I was writing and creating then so be it.<br><br>If you know me, you know that my live shows are what I live for. I love to connect with a crowd and perform a "musical" show. I don't care about playing music that a bunch of drunk people can dance to. That's fine but it's not my thing. If my music makes you want to dance, that's great but I'm not playing brown eyed girl so you can put your moves on your new found mate. I like it quite!! I like for the words to be intelligible because that is what songs are about.<br><br>So, what's the point? The point is that I have new music and lyrics coming through me like forces from spirits past and I want to share the emotional aspect of that energy with you. I've got a new album in the works and I'm excited about the SONGS. My most popular songs have always been Superman, Montana, and Take Me to Texas. These songs just came out. It's not the style or groove that makes them popular. It's the energy that connects with people. These songs were not demanding on me as a writer. They did not take a lot of work. Some of them took a little time to organize and get right but the themes and messages just flowed. These songs are not mine. They just came through me from somewhere else but it's my job to capture them, recognize the force, organize it, and then present it to you. The reason they are powerful is because they have a life of their own. This is a new understanding for me but it's true and it makes perfect sense, even though it's a little out there.<br><br>So with that new understanding, I'm trying to treat every song on the new album as a force of it's own. I'm not forcing the melody, beat, lyrics, style, genre, or anything else. I've got a lot of songs that will probably end up done acoustically. A lot of these songs will not sound like anything you have heard from me before. But, they will all end up recorded because they flowed through me with an energy that could not be ignored. If I feel like I'm hung up and having to force a verse or melody, then I'll can it and move on to the next song. Should be interesting!<br><br>Music and art is very spiritual and when it happens we all know it. I see it all the time when I'm watching other artists perform. I can tell those that music flows through and those that force it. I feel it. When it's right, I get a lump in my throat and a pounding in my heart because it moves me. That's why a lot of times we attach the the most lyrically and musically simple songs. A song with one chord can be way more powerful than a song with a complex arrangement as long as the creative energy is relayed correctly to the listener. So that is the goal of my music from this point forward. I want to recognize the spiritual forces, channel them, and send them out through my voice and fingers to embrace you and envelope your senses. When that happens, you send the energy back through me and we all become "one."<br><br>After writing this blog, I googled energy flowing through artist and found this article entitled "<a href="http://www.examiner.com/spiritual-living-in-austin/the-most-powerful-force-the-universe-flows-through-you">The most powerful force in the universe flows through you</a>." It is exactly what I'm talking about it. It applies to all of you because energy flows through us all. Take a moment, click the link, and read it, it will be help you understand a lot of things about yourself and others. I hope I can also do that with music and not with social network blasts about how cool I am.<br><br>Love and Thanks! I am blessed to have energy flow through me and then be channeled back at me.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501832010-10-23T05:34:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00Creative Energy leads to BlessingsIt's been a while since I "blogged." Just been too busy with life and songwriting. There are so many social networks popping up for artists that it has become a fairly large job just to keep up with them and keep them updated. We do it because the "experts" tell us we are gonna miss out if we are not on top of the newest trend and its the way to get our music out there. Sometimes I just want to say screw this, you can find me at one place www.jeffstrahan.com But I don't, I keep on adjusting to the trends. <br><br>In addition to our website, we have facebook, myspace, adva, iLike, Reverbnation, mobbase, artistdata, sonicbids, twitter, bandcamp, radiofreetexas, lone star music, eventful, itunes, amazon, cdbaby, yahoo, google, etc. etc. The "Jeff Strahan" profiles that you see at these places were all created by Lois and I and they are all updated and maintained by Lois and I. I'm not whining but you get the picture. We spend more time on this stuff then we want to and they just keep on creating new ones. Now there is Ping on iTunes and I have to study it, figure out how to create the profile, and get it done. I'm determined to keep our business in house and close to my heart. I have input on every damn thing we do and I like it that way but it's getting to the point where I can't continue to govern it all. I'm learning to delegate. <br><br>I'm sitting in Durango, Colorado right now at the hotel watching deer cross the river and looking at the unbelievable colors of the trees. I feel great, I'm with my kids and life is great. I've been listening to and writing a lot of music lately. I feel rejuvenated and creative. I feel more like and artist again and less like a businessman. Lois created a space at our house for me to write and set up my studio again and I've realized that I have to always be writing and creating. If one of my social network profiles suffers a lack of attention because I was writing and creating then so be it.<br><br>If you know me, you know that my live shows are what I live for. I love to connect with a crowd and perform a "musical" show. I don't care about playing music that a bunch of drunk people can dance to. That's fine but it's not my thing. If my music makes you want to dance, that's great but I'm not playing brown eyed girl so you can put your moves on your new found mate. I like it quite!! I like for the words to be intelligible because that is what songs are about.<br><br>So, what's the point? The point is that I have new music and lyrics coming through me like forces from spirits past and I want to share the emotional aspect of that energy with you. I've got a new album in the works and I'm excited about the SONGS. My most popular songs have always been Superman, Montana, and Take Me to Texas. These songs just came out. It's not the style or groove that makes them popular. It's the energy that connects with people. These songs were not demanding on me as a writer. They did not take a lot of work. Some of them took a little time to organize and get right but the themes and messages just flowed. These songs are not mine. They just came through me from somewhere else but it's my job to capture them, recognize the force, organize it, and then present it to you. The reason they are powerful is because they have a life of their own. This is a new understanding for me but it's true and it makes perfect sense, even though it's a little out there.<br><br>So with that new understanding, I'm trying to treat every song on the new album as a force of it's own. I'm not forcing the melody, beat, lyrics, style, genre, or anything else. I've got a lot of songs that will probably end up done acoustically. A lot of these songs will not sound like anything you have heard from me before. But, they will all end up recorded because they flowed through me with an energy that could not be ignored. If I feel like I'm hung up and having to force a verse or melody, then I'll can it and move on to the next song. Should be interesting!<br><br>Music and art is very spiritual and when it happens we all know it. I see it all the time when I'm watching other artists perform. I can tell those that music flows through and those that force it. I feel it. When it's right, I get a lump in my throat and a pounding in my heart because it moves me. That's why a lot of times we attach the the most lyrically and musically simple songs. A song with one chord can be way more powerful than a song with a complex arrangement as long as the creative energy is relayed correctly to the listener. So that is the goal of my music from this point forward. I want to recognize the spiritual forces, channel them, and send them out through my voice and fingers to embrace you and envelope your senses. When that happens, you send the energy back through me and we all become "one."<br><br>After writing this blog, I googled energy flowing through artist and found this article entitled "<a href="http://www.examiner.com/spiritual-living-in-austin/the-most-powerful-force-the-universe-flows-through-you">The most powerful force in the universe flows through you</a>." It is exactly what I'm talking about it. It applies to all of you because energy flows through us all. Take a moment, click the link, and read it, it will be help you understand a lot of things about yourself and others. I hope I can also do that with music and not with social network blasts about how cool I am.<br><br>Love and Thanks! I am blessed to have energy flow through me and then be channeled back at me.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626062010-07-26T16:15:00-05:002010-07-26T16:15:00-05:00(No title)OK, Redfish is about the best fighting and best eating animal ever! So glad that Texas put in the slot limits and allowed this fish to come back. It's like hooking a brick wall and then a fight for sure. Even better is when you cook em up. Anyway, just loving life and enjoying myself. Oh by the way, did I tell you about my gold guitar. It rocks. Only 100 of these strats made and they are amazing. Anyway, love ya.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501732010-07-26T16:15:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:45-05:00(No title)OK, Redfish is about the best fighting and best eating animal ever! So glad that Texas put in the slot limits and allowed this fish to come back. It's like hooking a brick wall and then a fight for sure. Even better is when you cook em up. Anyway, just loving life and enjoying myself. Oh by the way, did I tell you about my gold guitar. It rocks. Only 100 of these strats made and they are amazing. Anyway, love ya.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626072010-07-26T07:08:00-05:002017-01-14T09:35:21-06:00New iPhone App is ready<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/TE3CSP-GqzI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZomAU8yRCG0/s1600/green+app.png"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/TE3CSP-GqzI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZomAU8yRCG0/s320/green+app.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498264338869693234" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 49px;" /></a><br>After a few months of work, our iPhone App is now available. This little app has ALL of my music, show dates with maps and details, twitter updates, photos, videos, etc. etc. In the near future, we will be providing free song downloads to those people that have the app on their phone. The app is free and you should have one! Click on the green apple to preview the app here.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501742010-07-26T07:08:00-05:002017-01-14T09:35:20-06:00New iPhone App is ready<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/TE3CSP-GqzI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZomAU8yRCG0/s1600/green+app.png"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/TE3CSP-GqzI/AAAAAAAAAFg/ZomAU8yRCG0/s320/green+app.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498264338869693234" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 49px; height: 49px;" /></a><br>After a few months of work, our iPhone App is now available. This little app has ALL of my music, show dates with maps and details, twitter updates, photos, videos, etc. etc. In the near future, we will be providing free song downloads to those people that have the app on their phone. The app is free and you should have one! Click on the green apple to preview the app here.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626052010-06-22T14:32:00-05:002010-06-22T14:32:00-05:00Exciting ThingsFunny how some of the simplest things seem to excite me the most. We got our new koozies and they look awesome! Lots of different colors. We got pink, black, red, green, and a really cool neon green. Just in time for all you river rats and beach bums to put to good use. See what I mean, little things.<br><br>I'm trying to buy another guitar. I played this Gold Sparkle Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster a couple of months back and I cannot get it out of my head. Kind of the <br>"Lois" of guitars if you will. One dance and I was hooked. Yes, you can compare guitars to girls as long as you remember you can't sleep with the guitar and keep your priorities right, ha ha. Anyway, I made an offer on one today and am waiting to hear whether I will own it or not. I hope so. There were only 100 made so they are a little difficult to find.<br><br>Kyle Ortiz is back on drums with the band. I'm excited about that. He and Rob Fulton, the current bass player, are great musicians and family. We have fun and this will be a good sounding band. Maybe the best lineup yet and you know me, there have been a lot of them lately.<br><br>I'm writing new material, jotting down ideas, keeping my voice notes on the iphone full of spontaneous thoughts or melodies in order to get material ready for the next album. Sometimes I listen to those voice notes and say "wtf?" was I thinking. I still laugh at myself for becoming one of those songwriters that wakes up and rights something down because it's so brilliant. Give me a break. I write that stuff down so I don't forget it and then half the time I hear it back, it's not good. But the other half usually yields something good so I do it. I hope to schedule some studio time for early fall and get the album out around Christmas or New Years.<br><br>We have a lot of really fun shows coming up and a lot of new venues we are working on. There is a new venue here in New Braunfels called the Phoenix Saloon. I've heard great things about the sound there and so we are going to check it out this week. Stay tuned. Also, there is a new place in Fredericksburg we are working with to get some dates.<br><br>All is well here. Stay tuned. Look for us in your town and get out and say hey.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501752010-06-22T14:32:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:45-05:00Exciting ThingsFunny how some of the simplest things seem to excite me the most. We got our new koozies and they look awesome! Lots of different colors. We got pink, black, red, green, and a really cool neon green. Just in time for all you river rats and beach bums to put to good use. See what I mean, little things.<br><br>I'm trying to buy another guitar. I played this Gold Sparkle Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster a couple of months back and I cannot get it out of my head. Kind of the <br>"Lois" of guitars if you will. One dance and I was hooked. Yes, you can compare guitars to girls as long as you remember you can't sleep with the guitar and keep your priorities right, ha ha. Anyway, I made an offer on one today and am waiting to hear whether I will own it or not. I hope so. There were only 100 made so they are a little difficult to find.<br><br>Kyle Ortiz is back on drums with the band. I'm excited about that. He and Rob Fulton, the current bass player, are great musicians and family. We have fun and this will be a good sounding band. Maybe the best lineup yet and you know me, there have been a lot of them lately.<br><br>I'm writing new material, jotting down ideas, keeping my voice notes on the iphone full of spontaneous thoughts or melodies in order to get material ready for the next album. Sometimes I listen to those voice notes and say "wtf?" was I thinking. I still laugh at myself for becoming one of those songwriters that wakes up and rights something down because it's so brilliant. Give me a break. I write that stuff down so I don't forget it and then half the time I hear it back, it's not good. But the other half usually yields something good so I do it. I hope to schedule some studio time for early fall and get the album out around Christmas or New Years.<br><br>We have a lot of really fun shows coming up and a lot of new venues we are working on. There is a new venue here in New Braunfels called the Phoenix Saloon. I've heard great things about the sound there and so we are going to check it out this week. Stay tuned. Also, there is a new place in Fredericksburg we are working with to get some dates.<br><br>All is well here. Stay tuned. Look for us in your town and get out and say hey.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626082010-06-10T03:21:00-05:002010-06-10T03:21:00-05:00Lamenting the Future of BluesHere is a great article from the Wall Street Journal on the future of the blues. <br><br><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704002104575290532300233738.html#articleTabs%3Darticle.">Lamenting The Future Of the Blues</a><br><br>This aricle hits the nail right on the head. Blues music needs to breath. Purists and traditionalist need to open their minds a little and not be afraid of losing the tradition. I've been speaking about this for years. I've even moved away from calling myself a blues artist because I've been told my multiple industry leaders that I'm not bluesy enough. Even more importantly, calling yourself a blues artist conjures up mental pictures of some old guy from the 20s with a resonator guitar singing on a scratchy 45 or 78 rpm record. Fans and venues that depend on fans don't like that image. What they should vision is someone like Gov't Mule, Derrick Trucks, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, etc.<br><br>There is a great discussion of this article on the Blues Foundation's Facebook. Please read the article and the comments on the Blues Foundation's Facebook and please chime in to let us know what you think!<br><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheBluesFoundation">Blues Foundation Facebook</a><br><br>I'll be back in the next few weeks to comment once the dust settles.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501762010-06-10T03:21:00-05:002018-07-20T19:50:17-05:00Lamenting the Future of Blues<p>Here is a great article from the Wall Street Journal on the future of the blues.<br><br><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704002104575290532300233738.html#articleTabs%3Darticle.">Lamenting The Future Of the Blues</a><br><br>This aricle hits the nail right on the head. Blues music needs to breath. Purists and traditionalist need to open their minds a little and not be afraid of losing the tradition. I've been speaking about this for years. I've even moved away from calling myself a blues artist because I've been told my multiple industry leaders that I'm not bluesy enough. Even more importantly, calling yourself a blues artist conjures up mental pictures of some old guy from the 20s with a resonator guitar singing on a scratchy 45 or 78 rpm record. Fans and venues that depend on fans don't like that image. What they should vision is someone like Gov't Mule, Derrick Trucks, John Mayer, Joe Bonamassa, etc.<br><br>There is a great discussion of this article on the Blues Foundation's Facebook. Please read the article and the comments on the Blues Foundation's Facebook and please chime in to let us know what you think!<br><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheBluesFoundation">Blues Foundation Facebook</a><br><br>I'll be back in the next few weeks to comment once the dust settles.</p>Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626092010-05-03T05:26:00-05:002010-05-03T05:26:00-05:00UpdateSorry I've been lazy about keeping this blog up to date. Lois and I have been in a whirlwind lately. We toured Colorado in Late March/Early April. Got back to Texas on a Thursday and left for Spain on Saturday.<br><br>We spent about 5 days in Grenada, Spain and then rented a car and drove over to Portugal. We had a villa right on the Atlantic Ocean for 5 days and it was amazing. We returned to Spain and stayed a couple of days in Madrid. We got to hang out with my daughter Julie and it was an outstanding time. <br><br>Since returning to the states, we have been gigging pretty hard. We just finished up Billy's Ice, a Blues Fest and Fiesta in San Antonio with Seth Walker and other great bands, a night a Willie's place in Hillsboro, an afternoon at Gruene Hall, and an acoustic show at Guadapalooza with Keegan Reed, JR and Brandon Jenkins. It was a lot of fun. Hard to say what the highlight out of those nights was because they were all special.<br><br>We sold out of Amen to the Blues and are having to order another stock. I hate that when that happens. Not really.<br><br>Getting geared up for Summer. Got some great shows in Texas and Florida lined up so stay tuned. Like to welcome our new drummer AJ Mancabelli to the lineup. The current band configuration is really good, please Come see us. <br><br>I'll post some pictures of Europe later. I had all my photos on my iPhone which ended up lost so I'll have to get some pictures from Lois and Julie.<br><br>Thanks for your support,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501772010-05-03T05:26:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:45-05:00UpdateSorry I've been lazy about keeping this blog up to date. Lois and I have been in a whirlwind lately. We toured Colorado in Late March/Early April. Got back to Texas on a Thursday and left for Spain on Saturday.<br><br>We spent about 5 days in Grenada, Spain and then rented a car and drove over to Portugal. We had a villa right on the Atlantic Ocean for 5 days and it was amazing. We returned to Spain and stayed a couple of days in Madrid. We got to hang out with my daughter Julie and it was an outstanding time. <br><br>Since returning to the states, we have been gigging pretty hard. We just finished up Billy's Ice, a Blues Fest and Fiesta in San Antonio with Seth Walker and other great bands, a night a Willie's place in Hillsboro, an afternoon at Gruene Hall, and an acoustic show at Guadapalooza with Keegan Reed, JR and Brandon Jenkins. It was a lot of fun. Hard to say what the highlight out of those nights was because they were all special.<br><br>We sold out of Amen to the Blues and are having to order another stock. I hate that when that happens. Not really.<br><br>Getting geared up for Summer. Got some great shows in Texas and Florida lined up so stay tuned. Like to welcome our new drummer AJ Mancabelli to the lineup. The current band configuration is really good, please Come see us. <br><br>I'll post some pictures of Europe later. I had all my photos on my iPhone which ended up lost so I'll have to get some pictures from Lois and Julie.<br><br>Thanks for your support,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626102010-01-28T03:27:00-06:002010-01-28T03:27:00-06:00Politics (latin for "many" (poli) "bloodsuckers" (tics)Here is a poem I thought was funny and scary:<br><br>Tax his land,<br>Tax his bed,<br>Tax the table<br>At which he's fed.<br>Tax his tractor,<br>Tax his mule,<br>Teach him taxes<br>Are the rule.<br>Tax his work,<br>Tax his pay,<br>He works for peanuts<br>Anyway!<br>Tax his cow,<br>Tax his goat,<br>Tax his pants,<br>Tax his coat.<br>Tax his ties,<br>Tax his shirt,<br>Tax his work,<br>Tax his dirt.<br>Tax his tobacco,<br>Tax his drink,<br>Tax him if he<br>Tries to think.<br>Tax his cigars,<br>Tax his beers,<br>If he cries<br>Tax his tears.<br>Tax his car,<br>Tax his gas,<br>Find other ways<br>To tax his ass.<br>Tax all he has<br>Then let him know<br>That you won't be done<br>Till he has no dough.<br>When he screams and hollers;<br>Then tax him some more,<br>Tax him till<br>He's good and sore.<br>Then tax his coffin,<br>Tax his grave,<br>Tax the sod in<br>Which he's laid.<br>Put these words<br>Upon his tomb,<br>Taxes drove me<br>to my doom...'<br>When he's gone,<br>Do not relax,<br>Its time to apply<br>The inheritance tax.<br>Accounts Receivable Tax<br>Building Permit Tax<br>CDL license Tax<br>Cigarette Tax<br>Corporate Income Tax<br>Dog License Tax<br>Excise Taxes<br>Federal Income Tax<br>Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)<br>Fishing License Tax<br>Food License Tax<br>Fuel Permit Tax<br>Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)<br>Gross Receipts Tax<br>Hunting License Tax<br>Inheritance Tax<br>Inventory Tax<br>IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)<br>Liquor Tax<br>Luxury Taxes<br>Marriage License Tax<br>Medicare Tax<br>Personal Property Tax<br>Property Tax<br>Real Estate Tax<br>Service Charge T ax<br>Social Security Tax<br>Road Usage Tax<br>Sales Tax<br>Recreational Vehicle Tax<br>School Tax<br>State Income Tax<br>State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)<br>Telephone Federal Excise Tax<br>Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice FeeTax<br>Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes<br>Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax<br>Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax<br>Telephone State and Local Tax<br>Telephone Usage Charge Tax<br>Utility Taxes<br>Vehicle License Registration Tax<br>Vehicle Sales Tax<br>Watercraft Registration Tax<br>Well Permit Tax<br>Workers Compensation Tax<br><br>STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. <br>What in the hell happened?Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501782010-01-28T03:27:00-06:002023-12-10T13:03:44-06:00Politics (latin for "many" (poli) "bloodsuckers" (tics)Here is a poem I thought was funny and scary:<br><br>Tax his land,<br>Tax his bed,<br>Tax the table<br>At which he's fed.<br>Tax his tractor,<br>Tax his mule,<br>Teach him taxes<br>Are the rule.<br>Tax his work,<br>Tax his pay,<br>He works for peanuts<br>Anyway!<br>Tax his cow,<br>Tax his goat,<br>Tax his pants,<br>Tax his coat.<br>Tax his ties,<br>Tax his shirt,<br>Tax his work,<br>Tax his dirt.<br>Tax his tobacco,<br>Tax his drink,<br>Tax him if he<br>Tries to think.<br>Tax his cigars,<br>Tax his beers,<br>If he cries<br>Tax his tears.<br>Tax his car,<br>Tax his gas,<br>Find other ways<br>To tax his ass.<br>Tax all he has<br>Then let him know<br>That you won't be done<br>Till he has no dough.<br>When he screams and hollers;<br>Then tax him some more,<br>Tax him till<br>He's good and sore.<br>Then tax his coffin,<br>Tax his grave,<br>Tax the sod in<br>Which he's laid.<br>Put these words<br>Upon his tomb,<br>Taxes drove me<br>to my doom...'<br>When he's gone,<br>Do not relax,<br>Its time to apply<br>The inheritance tax.<br>Accounts Receivable Tax<br>Building Permit Tax<br>CDL license Tax<br>Cigarette Tax<br>Corporate Income Tax<br>Dog License Tax<br>Excise Taxes<br>Federal Income Tax<br>Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)<br>Fishing License Tax<br>Food License Tax<br>Fuel Permit Tax<br>Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)<br>Gross Receipts Tax<br>Hunting License Tax<br>Inheritance Tax<br>Inventory Tax<br>IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)<br>Liquor Tax<br>Luxury Taxes<br>Marriage License Tax<br>Medicare Tax<br>Personal Property Tax<br>Property Tax<br>Real Estate Tax<br>Service Charge T ax<br>Social Security Tax<br>Road Usage Tax<br>Sales Tax<br>Recreational Vehicle Tax<br>School Tax<br>State Income Tax<br>State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)<br>Telephone Federal Excise Tax<br>Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice FeeTax<br>Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes<br>Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax<br>Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax<br>Telephone State and Local Tax<br>Telephone Usage Charge Tax<br>Utility Taxes<br>Vehicle License Registration Tax<br>Vehicle Sales Tax<br>Watercraft Registration Tax<br>Well Permit Tax<br>Workers Compensation Tax<br><br>STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids. <br>What in the hell happened?Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626112010-01-14T05:41:00-06:002010-01-14T05:41:00-06:00Looking ForwardI'm always excited about the future even though my enthusiasm often gets dampened by the damned music business. This way of life is difficult. I heard someone once say you better be ready for lots of rejection if you want to be an artist. How true that is. We see our share of rejection.<br><br>We sometimes have gigs cancelled, the small charts we manage to get on drive me crazy because one day your there, the next your falling, attendance at shows fluctuates depending on the weather and what's on TV (something U-2 does not worry about). Sales of CDs and digital downloads are up and then down. I could go on and on. However, I must say that the good outweighs the bad and you just have to let the bad news splash off your back and examine the reality. You also have to remember, what your definition of success? I don't expect to be doing any more than I am. I certainly don't expect to be playing sold out stadiums etc. I just want to play every night for a crowd, big or small, that enjoys being part of a live show. So far, I get to do that about 2 to 3 times a week so I would never complain. But I do want more.<br><br>We have accomplished a lot this year. The new venues we are in (Gruene Hall, Railroad Blues, the Dock etc.) are fantastic, fan base has grown a lot and the people that are following are loyal and friendly. I really feel like the people on our mailing list, facebook, myspace, twitter etc. are my friends. I'm glad to see them at shows and we share music in common. <br><br>So what am I looking foward to? That questino requires a little history to put in full perspective. This is the first year in the last five that we are not going to Memphis, TN to compete in the International Blues Challenge and I'm glad. It was a great learning experience but was beginning to make me bitter and I'm glad to get away from it. There is a lot of really, really great talent there but it seems that talent is not always the deciding factor. Politics, as usual, play a big role and that competition, while intending to broaden the acceptance of "blues" music, is actually working to stifle it. <br><br>I'm a little frustrated with the whole "blues" thing. The "Blues Traditionalist" continue to hinder the growth of the genre by rewarding those artists that are stuck back in the 1940's and sound like a old scratchy phonographic record. Pure blues is fine and some of my favorite current artists do it well. But I've seen some smoking good players, singers, and songwriters in Memphis get beat out by posers. I've seen artists that were true to their heart and soul get beat out by actors in fedora hats playing someone else's music and acting like they were stuck in the 1930s. The overflow of that is that it's become a curse to say you play the blues because everyone has this picture of Robert Johnson playing an old out of tune acoustic guitar and singing about slavery. The Blues media insists on keeping it from naturally developing. <br><br>At the time Robert Johnson was singing the blues, believe me, it was cutting edge. People were convinced he sold his soul to the devil. The lyrics of John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters and others were seductive, sexy, and way different than anything people had heard. Hell, that's was got groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones into music. But that cutting edge out there scene died off when people started insisting that "Blues" artists remain true to the form. Rock and roll carried the torch and still does to this day. But new "blues" is pitifully close to extinction. Ok, enough about this for now. Let me just end by saying even though I once thought I was a Blues artist, it has become very clear to me that I'm NOT. The Blues community, industry leaders, record labels, etc. etc. have told me I'm too country, or too rock, or just not bluesy. Ok, I quit. I'm not going to even try to call myself a blues artist anymore because by your definition of the blues, I'm not close. Glad I got that off my chest.<br><br>I feel safe and appreciated in Texas. The people I play for are music lovers. I have guys in Cowboy hats high fiving me and hippies giving me the thumbs up. Everyone in between seems to be having a blast so we must be doing something right. The reality is that I love to play music for people more than anything. I get to do that all the time and it's always good. I love the sound of a cool drum beat with guitar and bass winding their way around it to create a moment whether it's Blues, Southern Rock, Country, or Funky New Orleans Little Feat Americana. Whether there are 10 people or 1000 people in the crowd, it's always good and I mean it! <br><br>Because of this internal categorization frustration, my next album is going to be no holds barred, whatever comes out, music from my soul with no thought about genre. I think as a writer, I'm just learning to really open up and want to expose more of myself than I probably should. But that's what works. That is what people relate to. So, long story short, this is going to be a monumental year for us. I'm going at this with an intensity and focus on the FUN of playing music. It will be interesting to see where it takes us but I'm looking forward to it!<br><br>Thanks for your support. You really can't imagine what it means.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501792010-01-14T05:41:00-06:002013-04-03T11:07:46-05:00Looking ForwardI'm always excited about the future even though my enthusiasm often gets dampened by the damned music business. This way of life is difficult. I heard someone once say you better be ready for lots of rejection if you want to be an artist. How true that is. We see our share of rejection.<br><br>We sometimes have gigs cancelled, the small charts we manage to get on drive me crazy because one day your there, the next your falling, attendance at shows fluctuates depending on the weather and what's on TV (something U-2 does not worry about). Sales of CDs and digital downloads are up and then down. I could go on and on. However, I must say that the good outweighs the bad and you just have to let the bad news splash off your back and examine the reality. You also have to remember, what your definition of success? I don't expect to be doing any more than I am. I certainly don't expect to be playing sold out stadiums etc. I just want to play every night for a crowd, big or small, that enjoys being part of a live show. So far, I get to do that about 2 to 3 times a week so I would never complain. But I do want more.<br><br>We have accomplished a lot this year. The new venues we are in (Gruene Hall, Railroad Blues, the Dock etc.) are fantastic, fan base has grown a lot and the people that are following are loyal and friendly. I really feel like the people on our mailing list, facebook, myspace, twitter etc. are my friends. I'm glad to see them at shows and we share music in common. <br><br>So what am I looking foward to? That questino requires a little history to put in full perspective. This is the first year in the last five that we are not going to Memphis, TN to compete in the International Blues Challenge and I'm glad. It was a great learning experience but was beginning to make me bitter and I'm glad to get away from it. There is a lot of really, really great talent there but it seems that talent is not always the deciding factor. Politics, as usual, play a big role and that competition, while intending to broaden the acceptance of "blues" music, is actually working to stifle it. <br><br>I'm a little frustrated with the whole "blues" thing. The "Blues Traditionalist" continue to hinder the growth of the genre by rewarding those artists that are stuck back in the 1940's and sound like a old scratchy phonographic record. Pure blues is fine and some of my favorite current artists do it well. But I've seen some smoking good players, singers, and songwriters in Memphis get beat out by posers. I've seen artists that were true to their heart and soul get beat out by actors in fedora hats playing someone else's music and acting like they were stuck in the 1930s. The overflow of that is that it's become a curse to say you play the blues because everyone has this picture of Robert Johnson playing an old out of tune acoustic guitar and singing about slavery. The Blues media insists on keeping it from naturally developing. <br><br>At the time Robert Johnson was singing the blues, believe me, it was cutting edge. People were convinced he sold his soul to the devil. The lyrics of John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters and others were seductive, sexy, and way different than anything people had heard. Hell, that's was got groups like the Beatles and Rolling Stones into music. But that cutting edge out there scene died off when people started insisting that "Blues" artists remain true to the form. Rock and roll carried the torch and still does to this day. But new "blues" is pitifully close to extinction. Ok, enough about this for now. Let me just end by saying even though I once thought I was a Blues artist, it has become very clear to me that I'm NOT. The Blues community, industry leaders, record labels, etc. etc. have told me I'm too country, or too rock, or just not bluesy. Ok, I quit. I'm not going to even try to call myself a blues artist anymore because by your definition of the blues, I'm not close. Glad I got that off my chest.<br><br>I feel safe and appreciated in Texas. The people I play for are music lovers. I have guys in Cowboy hats high fiving me and hippies giving me the thumbs up. Everyone in between seems to be having a blast so we must be doing something right. The reality is that I love to play music for people more than anything. I get to do that all the time and it's always good. I love the sound of a cool drum beat with guitar and bass winding their way around it to create a moment whether it's Blues, Southern Rock, Country, or Funky New Orleans Little Feat Americana. Whether there are 10 people or 1000 people in the crowd, it's always good and I mean it! <br><br>Because of this internal categorization frustration, my next album is going to be no holds barred, whatever comes out, music from my soul with no thought about genre. I think as a writer, I'm just learning to really open up and want to expose more of myself than I probably should. But that's what works. That is what people relate to. So, long story short, this is going to be a monumental year for us. I'm going at this with an intensity and focus on the FUN of playing music. It will be interesting to see where it takes us but I'm looking forward to it!<br><br>Thanks for your support. You really can't imagine what it means.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626012009-11-30T06:25:00-06:002017-01-14T09:35:21-06:00Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/SxQWswJWB9I/AAAAAAAAACA/ZikScqTKa0Y/s1600/JeffStrahanDaughter3.jpg"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/SxQWswJWB9I/AAAAAAAAACA/ZikScqTKa0Y/s320/JeffStrahanDaughter3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974010472957906" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" /></a><br>Man, what a week. Lois and I had all 7 of our kids here for Thanksgiving. We were blessed and had a great time. Work was put on hold except for one show at Sam's Burger Joint Thanksgiving Eve with the great Ruben V. We saw some old friends and family there and had a great time. Jessica, my 16 year old, performed my song "Butterfly" and it was fantastic. We dedicated it to my late father and it was a very emotional moment for everyone, especially she and I.<br><br><br>I'm looking forward to the New Year. 2009 has been hard with the loss of my Dad and my good friend, Poodie. We also lost Rusty Weir and many others that the music community will miss. I've always had better luck in even number years and 2010 is going to be uncommonly good. I've got material on scratch pad for a new album and feel more inspired than ever to make a great recording. <br><br>I really like living here in New Braunfels and I'm glad we moved. Sure, I miss the mountains, trout streams and my family and friends in Colorado but there is plenty of scenery here and I suspect most of my family will eventually end up here. We are only 45 minutes to Austin, 25 minutes to San Antonio and there is always great live music almost 7 nights a week within 5 minutes of the house. The weather and the people are great and the feeling here is good. <br><br>I'm gonna do my usual reflect on the past year soon. We have accomplished so much this year and I really feel like the luckiest guy in the world. But right now I just want to dream of what's gonna happen in 2010.<br><br>Thanks to everyone for your unwavering support. See you soon!<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501812009-11-30T06:25:00-06:002017-01-14T09:35:21-06:00Holidays<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/SxQWswJWB9I/AAAAAAAAACA/ZikScqTKa0Y/s1600/JeffStrahanDaughter3.jpg"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/__g-vzQK43n4/SxQWswJWB9I/AAAAAAAAACA/ZikScqTKa0Y/s320/JeffStrahanDaughter3.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409974010472957906" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" /></a><br>Man, what a week. Lois and I had all 7 of our kids here for Thanksgiving. We were blessed and had a great time. Work was put on hold except for one show at Sam's Burger Joint Thanksgiving Eve with the great Ruben V. We saw some old friends and family there and had a great time. Jessica, my 16 year old, performed my song "Butterfly" and it was fantastic. We dedicated it to my late father and it was a very emotional moment for everyone, especially she and I.<br><br><br>I'm looking forward to the New Year. 2009 has been hard with the loss of my Dad and my good friend, Poodie. We also lost Rusty Weir and many others that the music community will miss. I've always had better luck in even number years and 2010 is going to be uncommonly good. I've got material on scratch pad for a new album and feel more inspired than ever to make a great recording. <br><br>I really like living here in New Braunfels and I'm glad we moved. Sure, I miss the mountains, trout streams and my family and friends in Colorado but there is plenty of scenery here and I suspect most of my family will eventually end up here. We are only 45 minutes to Austin, 25 minutes to San Antonio and there is always great live music almost 7 nights a week within 5 minutes of the house. The weather and the people are great and the feeling here is good. <br><br>I'm gonna do my usual reflect on the past year soon. We have accomplished so much this year and I really feel like the luckiest guy in the world. But right now I just want to dream of what's gonna happen in 2010.<br><br>Thanks to everyone for your unwavering support. See you soon!<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626032009-11-01T02:55:00-06:002017-07-19T16:22:36-05:00Hard WeekThis was an extremely difficult week for me. My dad, Wendell L. Strahan, passed away last Saturday, October 24 in Lubbock, Texas. He had been in and out of the hospital since Labor Day Weekend due to injuries he received in a car accident. We had to let him go last week in Lubbock and the funeral was last Thursday. I knew this day would come but I dreaded it and knew it would be hard.<br><br>Chances are that, had he survived, he would have not been able to walk. I'm glad he won't suffer anymore and I know he would not have wanted to live paralyzed. We will miss him dearly and will continue on working hard, smiling, and thinking positive just like he would want us to do. Wendell was almost 80 years old and still worked 6 days a week. Makes me smile big to think that he and Poodie are getting to know each other now and watching over us. I can feel dad around me and I see him in everything. I was so lucky to have the greatest father on earth. <br><br>I hope when I die that the people who knew me speak of my life like my fathers friends did of him. I heard story after story about how dad affected and influenced so many people, many of whom I did not even know.<br><br>The good news from all of this is that my mom, who was also in the accident, is healthy and strong. She will have a hard time adjusting to her new life style but I'm confident she will be ok. Thank God for my family who kept me going through all this. My sister, Jennifer, is amazing and my wife, Lois, is great. Without them, it would be impossible.<br><br>Until next time,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501842009-11-01T02:55:00-06:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00Hard WeekThis was an extremely difficult week for me. My dad, Wendell L. Strahan, passed away last Saturday, October 24 in Lubbock, Texas. He had been in and out of the hospital since Labor Day Weekend due to injuries he received in a car accident. We had to let him go last week in Lubbock and the funeral was last Thursday. I knew this day would come but I dreaded it and knew it would be hard.<br><br>Chances are that, had he survived, he would have not been able to walk. I'm glad he won't suffer anymore and I know he would not have wanted to live paralyzed. We will miss him dearly and will continue on working hard, smiling, and thinking positive just like he would want us to do. Wendell was almost 80 years old and still worked 6 days a week. Makes me smile big to think that he and Poodie are getting to know each other now and watching over us. I can feel dad around me and I see him in everything. I was so lucky to have the greatest father on earth. <br><br>I hope when I die that the people who knew me speak of my life like my fathers friends did of him. I heard story after story about how dad affected and influenced so many people, many of whom I did not even know.<br><br>The good news from all of this is that my mom, who was also in the accident, is healthy and strong. She will have a hard time adjusting to her new life style but I'm confident she will be ok. Thank God for my family who kept me going through all this. My sister, Jennifer, is amazing and my wife, Lois, is great. Without them, it would be impossible.<br><br>Until next time,<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626042009-10-21T09:26:00-05:002009-10-21T09:26:00-05:00LubbockAh, Lubbock, Texas and the Texas Tech Red Raiders!! Warms my heart!<br><br> This was the "big city" when I grew up in Lamesa (60 miles down the road). I used to go there to party and watch live music. Hell, I liked it so much, I ended up going to Texas Tech University.<br><br> The live music scene there has always been amazing. The musicians that came from there and still live there can hold their own with anyone I've seen anywhere. Stubbs Bar-B-Q started out there and look at it's success in Austin now. One of the largest venues in Austin bringing in big headliners!<br><br> Back in the day, Fat Dawgz and the Spoon were staples on the live music scene. The Spoon (now called The Texas Cafe) is still there and still going strong. I had an apartment right across the street from the Spoon and saw many many bands there over the years even though I actually remember just a select few. Now, I'm performing there 3 or 4 times a year and it is always, did you get that, ALWAYS a good time. I like the people, the smell, the stage, the feel, everything. This is a venue that likes live music. People go there to be together enjoying and listening to live music. They don't go there to Karaoke or line dance to the record player.<br><br> We are headed there right now to play during this week of the Texas Tech/A&M Game. It's gonna be fun, no doubt. So if you are looking for something to do, come check out this historical venue, get a cold beer or a "cherry bomb", take in a few smiles from the crowd, listen to some live music and have a good time. That's certainly what I'm gonna do.<br><br>God Bless Joe Ely, Jay Hataway, Jessie Taylor, Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, the Darren Welch Band, John Sprott, Delbert McClinton, Terry Allen, Lloyd Maines, Natalie Maines, the Maines Brothers, Sons, Grandfathers, Tech Alums-Pat Green and Corry Morrow, and the list goes on and on (sorry, too many to list). <br><br>See you this week!<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501802009-10-21T09:26:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:46-05:00LubbockAh, Lubbock, Texas and the Texas Tech Red Raiders!! Warms my heart!<br><br> This was the "big city" when I grew up in Lamesa (60 miles down the road). I used to go there to party and watch live music. Hell, I liked it so much, I ended up going to Texas Tech University.<br><br> The live music scene there has always been amazing. The musicians that came from there and still live there can hold their own with anyone I've seen anywhere. Stubbs Bar-B-Q started out there and look at it's success in Austin now. One of the largest venues in Austin bringing in big headliners!<br><br> Back in the day, Fat Dawgz and the Spoon were staples on the live music scene. The Spoon (now called The Texas Cafe) is still there and still going strong. I had an apartment right across the street from the Spoon and saw many many bands there over the years even though I actually remember just a select few. Now, I'm performing there 3 or 4 times a year and it is always, did you get that, ALWAYS a good time. I like the people, the smell, the stage, the feel, everything. This is a venue that likes live music. People go there to be together enjoying and listening to live music. They don't go there to Karaoke or line dance to the record player.<br><br> We are headed there right now to play during this week of the Texas Tech/A&M Game. It's gonna be fun, no doubt. So if you are looking for something to do, come check out this historical venue, get a cold beer or a "cherry bomb", take in a few smiles from the crowd, listen to some live music and have a good time. That's certainly what I'm gonna do.<br><br>God Bless Joe Ely, Jay Hataway, Jessie Taylor, Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Buddy Holly, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock, the Darren Welch Band, John Sprott, Delbert McClinton, Terry Allen, Lloyd Maines, Natalie Maines, the Maines Brothers, Sons, Grandfathers, Tech Alums-Pat Green and Corry Morrow, and the list goes on and on (sorry, too many to list). <br><br>See you this week!<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626002009-10-20T11:59:00-05:002009-10-20T11:59:00-05:00Very TouchedSometimes I read my email and am literally brought to tears by the touching notes I get from people. I know it sounds kind of lame to be a cry baby but I am really blessed to touch people with music and when they let me know, it just gets emotional. Sorry, I cry sometime, but I'll still whip your ass. Ha ha. <br><br>I had a message from a guy this week who said his brother was a huge fan of mine and had recently passed away. Before he had passed away he was talking about my album and one of he shows he had gone to with his girl. The family played my song Butterfly (off Amen to the Blues) at his funeral and they were wondering if I could play it this Friday Night in Lubbock at our live show. Then he sent me a picture of his brother that was taken at one of our shows and I knew exactly who he was. It's really saddens me that such a young man died. But it moves me to know that my song Butterfly sent him off to Heaven and that the family will always think of that song when they think of the departed.<br><br>Today I got another message from a friend of mine that said his father had passed away last night. He had left the hospital for a short bit and was gone when his dad died. They had called him back to the hospital. He said he played "Just a Douche" all the way to the hospital in his car just to keep his eyes dry. I'm just glad that the music I write serves a purpose. That's why I write it!<br><br>These are two of many stories I could share but you get the point! I'm really touched to know that my music is heard and that it matters. I supposed I'm just like everyone and I often get swallowed by negativity. I try to stay positive and it is a daily battle.<br><br>From now on, I am the "Ambassador of Happiness." My job and my daily chore is to spread smiles and laughter around this crazy world. It's a big job but I'm gonna do it. I'm going to focus on the positive side of everything and I'm going to create some good energy wherever I go.<br><br>Sorry to ramble but this meant a lot to me and I just wanted to share it. Until I see you, keep smiling. If you need intervention, call the Ambassador of Happiness-a.k.a. me.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501852009-10-20T11:59:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:47-05:00Very TouchedSometimes I read my email and am literally brought to tears by the touching notes I get from people. I know it sounds kind of lame to be a cry baby but I am really blessed to touch people with music and when they let me know, it just gets emotional. Sorry, I cry sometime, but I'll still whip your ass. Ha ha. <br><br>I had a message from a guy this week who said his brother was a huge fan of mine and had recently passed away. Before he had passed away he was talking about my album and one of he shows he had gone to with his girl. The family played my song Butterfly (off Amen to the Blues) at his funeral and they were wondering if I could play it this Friday Night in Lubbock at our live show. Then he sent me a picture of his brother that was taken at one of our shows and I knew exactly who he was. It's really saddens me that such a young man died. But it moves me to know that my song Butterfly sent him off to Heaven and that the family will always think of that song when they think of the departed.<br><br>Today I got another message from a friend of mine that said his father had passed away last night. He had left the hospital for a short bit and was gone when his dad died. They had called him back to the hospital. He said he played "Just a Douche" all the way to the hospital in his car just to keep his eyes dry. I'm just glad that the music I write serves a purpose. That's why I write it!<br><br>These are two of many stories I could share but you get the point! I'm really touched to know that my music is heard and that it matters. I supposed I'm just like everyone and I often get swallowed by negativity. I try to stay positive and it is a daily battle.<br><br>From now on, I am the "Ambassador of Happiness." My job and my daily chore is to spread smiles and laughter around this crazy world. It's a big job but I'm gonna do it. I'm going to focus on the positive side of everything and I'm going to create some good energy wherever I go.<br><br>Sorry to ramble but this meant a lot to me and I just wanted to share it. Until I see you, keep smiling. If you need intervention, call the Ambassador of Happiness-a.k.a. me.<br><br>JeffJeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4626022009-10-19T05:07:00-05:002009-10-19T05:07:00-05:00Past WeekendWe had a GREAT SHOW in San Angelo at Sealy Flats on Friday night. Lots of old friends and new fans showed up and it was a party. I love that little venue. It has a lot of charm and is so much fun. Thanks to Rod and Denise for inviting us and putting us up at the "Blues Inn." The Blues Inn is a bed and breakfast that is attached to Sealy Flats and it is fantastic. The rooms are so nice and everything is top notch. You really should make a trip there just to stay at the Inn and hang out in town.<br><br>Then we went to Eisenhower Park in San Antonio for Music In The Park. This was a fundraiser for Cancer and Leukemia awareness. Barry, who put it on, did a fantastic job and hopes to see the event blossom into a huge annual event. We performed after Ruben V and had a blast. We got to catch some of Ruben's set and that guy is a for real guitar player.<br><br>This week, off to Lubbock to perform at the Spoon (Texas Cafe) one of my all time favorite venues. This week will be special because it is the Texas Tech/A&M Football weekend. Things will be crazy. I'll keep you posted.Jeff Strahantag:jeffstrahan.com,2005:Post/4501822009-10-19T05:07:00-05:002013-04-03T11:07:46-05:00Past WeekendWe had a GREAT SHOW in San Angelo at Sealy Flats on Friday night. Lots of old friends and new fans showed up and it was a party. I love that little venue. It has a lot of charm and is so much fun. Thanks to Rod and Denise for inviting us and putting us up at the "Blues Inn." The Blues Inn is a bed and breakfast that is attached to Sealy Flats and it is fantastic. The rooms are so nice and everything is top notch. You really should make a trip there just to stay at the Inn and hang out in town.<br><br>Then we went to Eisenhower Park in San Antonio for Music In The Park. This was a fundraiser for Cancer and Leukemia awareness. Barry, who put it on, did a fantastic job and hopes to see the event blossom into a huge annual event. We performed after Ruben V and had a blast. We got to catch some of Ruben's set and that guy is a for real guitar player.<br><br>This week, off to Lubbock to perform at the Spoon (Texas Cafe) one of my all time favorite venues. This week will be special because it is the Texas Tech/A&M Football weekend. Things will be crazy. I'll keep you posted.Jeff Strahan