Dad's a Dork

I've been a songwriter for years and I'm still amazed that I still have any hearing left after playing in bands in high school and college. Anyway, I'm finally getting around to recording some of my stuff at home (I borrowed a friend's Yamaha AW16G recorder and laid down all of the tracks individually in a spare room) and I'm posting the songs here (mp3 format) when they become "listenable." As a group, they make up a virtual CD/album entitled "Dad's a Dork." You may download these without charge for your listening pleasure (or to torture enemies, depending upon one's perspective - I am a songwriter and not a singer). However, if you want to make money off of them, then we want a cut! (Contact me for more info on the latter.) Note: all of these will sound better when burned to a CD and played through either your home or car stereo system. (Computers speakers just don't cut the mustard here.)

Tipper Doesn't Like Jello (by jpearson; copyright 2005) - Jello Biafra was the leader of The Dead Kennedys, a punk rock group that was singled out by Tipper Gore and her Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC). They were placed on trial because of the content of a record album back in 1986. He has since given many "spoken word" tours pleading the case for free speech. I listened to an interview with Jello on NPR about 10 years ago and this song was the result. Alas, our society still has a long way to go as evidenced by the massive overreaction to Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction" and numerous other examples of censorship (courtesy of now ex-FCC Chairman Michael Powell among others). Featured instruments: Fender Stratocaster 1972 [ I recently replaced the original pick-ups with Lace Sensor Gold pick-ups and they sound awesome] (bass line, 2 rhythm and 2 lead tracks); Fender G-DEC amplifier provided the drum track; 48 year old vocal cords.
Gangs (by jpearson; copyright 2005) - Written in the mid-90's after reading increased reports about gang violence and it's effect on local communities. Featured instruments: Taylor 814BCE 6 string w/ ES system (rhythm and lead guitar), Fender Stratocaster (bass line and back up rhythm), 48 year old vocal cords.
Fly With Me (by jpearson; copyright 2004) - My buddy, Craig Reider, turned me onto some great jazz fusion groups in the 70's. Greenwich Village (NYC) had some great clubs where we would watch master guitarists including Larry Coryell, Mahvishnu John McGlaughlin, Carlos Santana and others. This was my attempt at a fusion jazz piece in the 80's.[Warning: not my best lead guitar work.] Featured instruments: Taylor 655CE 12 string guitar w/ ES system (rhythm); Fender Stratocaster (rhythm, lead, bass line); $2 rhythm egg (percussion); 47 year old vocal cords...
She Was Dressed Like Rock 'n Roll (But She Had Country in Her Eyes) (by jpearson; copyright 2004) - The lovely Elizabeth and I were talking in the hallway one day and I described someone as having "country in her eyes." It struck me that this was a title just begging for a song and this is the result. (This is only a 4 track cut - hopefully, I'll find some time to record this in the studio with the addition of some drums, fiddle, etc.) [Lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 814BCE 6 string (rhythm and instrumental lead); Fender Stratocaster (bass line); $2 rhythm egg; 47 year old vocal cords... [note: I will fix last chorus harmonies soon!]
Godspeed (by jpearson; copyright 2004) - I wrote this song for Brenda, my receptionist. Her son was stationed in the Gulf for a while and he kept us abreast of what was going on via his e-mails. [Lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 655CE 12 string, Fender Stratocaster (lead and bass lines), a $2 rhythm egg, a box of Trivial Pursuit (makeshift drum set) and 46 year old vocal cords!
Easy Tonight (by jpearson; copyright 2004) - I wrote this a few years ago for Elaine. The story of how we met... [Lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 814BCE 6 string (rhythm); Taylor 655CE 12 string(rhythm); Fender Stratocaster (additional rhythm, lead and bass lines); Same old $2 rhythm egg, Trivial Pursuit Boxes (poor man's drum set) and vocal cords....
Elections (by jpearson; copyright 2004); Written during the George H. Bush administration, I get to recycle this song every 4 years or so. Featured instruments: Taylor 814BCE 6 string, Fender Stratocaster (for bass line). Same ol' vocal cords, but alas, no rhythm egg...
Lori & Daniel (The Toast) (by jpearson; copyright 2004); When my sister, Lori, married Daniel back in the mid-1980's, I surprised them with this musical toast. Originally performed with just the guitar, harmonica and kazoo. I had a chance to add some other instruments to the mix here. [Incidentally, my old Fender Shenandoah 12 string had become unplayable by the date of their wedding so I had to run out and buy a new guitar that very day. My friend, Steve Mandell (who won the Grammy Award for the guitar part in "Dueling Banjos" and also played with Judy Collins) took me out to the Mandolin Bros. store out in the sticks of Staten Island. Together, we played a lot of vintage guitars for hours before finally selecting a Martin 1943 D-28 6-string (re-issue). The things that we do for family...] *Featured instruments:* Taylor 814BCE 6 string (rhythm and acoustic lead parts), Fender Stratocaster (for bass line), Hohner Marine Band Harmonica, jawharp, and kazoo - you know, the instruments typically heard in Jewish toasts!
Top of the Scales (parody lyrics by jpearson; music by John Bettis and Richard Carpenter). I've always enjoyed writing parodies - this is one of my favorites. On a serious note, though, Karen Carpenter had one of the most beautiful voices in music. She died in 1983 from complications of her eating disorder (for you trivia junkies: Karen actually succumbed to emetine poisoning (the active ingredient in Ipecac). She used so much Ipecac in order to induce vomiting that it finally affected her heart.) Eating disorders are among some of the most difficult conditions to treat. You can learn more at: www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Featured instruments: Taylor 814BCE string, Fender Stratocaster (for bass line, additional rhythm, and lead guitar), anorectic vocal cords.
Angel in the Garden (by jpearson; copyright 2004); My friends, Deb & Jeff, recently landscaped their property. A very spiritual couple, they had placed a small statue of an angel in their garden that glows in the dark. They used to own a music store and we often get together to play acoustic guitar and sing. Deb's been running around a lot lately, playing nurse to friends and family members (no specifics here - that would be a major HIPPA violation). This song essentially wrote itself. [Lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 655 CE 12 string with ES (Expression System) pickup; Taylor 814 BCE with ES system (lead guitar); Fender Stratocaster (for the bass line), and (now) 47 year old vocal cords attempting some 3 part harmony. [Interesting note: it's difficult to sing the word "God" and not have it come out sounding like "cod." ]
Sam's Lullaby (by jpearson; copyright 2004); Shortly after moving to San Diego, Samantha joined us and she was definitely not a happy camper those first few months - cried bloody hell all night long. About the only thing that would quiet her back down to sleep was for Elaine to drive her around in the car at all hours of the night. These nightly jaunts provided Elaine with seemingly boundless opportunities to learn all of the intriguing facets of the San Diego infrastructure. She failed to appreciate this fact, however, and soon started insisting that I begin dealing with little Sam. I wrote this lullaby while carrying her and - lo and behold - it worked like a charm. (Good thing, too, as San Diego gasoline prices started to skyrocket!) A little dated, as you can tell by the lyrical references to Johnny Carson, but still a soothing piece. Featured instruments: Taylor 814 BCE 6 string, Fender Stratocaster (for the bass line), 46 year-old whispering vocal cords.
A Dose of You (by jpearson; copyright 2009); There comes a time when you meet a kindred spirit that ignites a spark. This song was recently written in under 24 hours after just such a meeting. Laid down 6 tracks really quick over weekend and did simple mix. (Sorry - don't have a drum kit or keyboard yet) Hoping for lots more inspiration in the future... [lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 814 BCE 6 string, Fender Stratocaster (bass, rhythm lines, lead) 52 year old vocal cords.
Storybook (by jpearson; copyright 2009); My old friend, Nita, is a professional singer who is always looking for new songs. She's been wanting something along the lines of Celine Dion. Inspired by the same muse as "A Dose of You," I wrote this for Nita last week while walking across the Lake Hodges trail bridge. [lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 655CE 12 string guitar; Alesis QS8 Synthesizer for the piano, strings, and bassoon parts (Special thanks go to TJ Baden for lending this to me); 52 year old vocal cords (I think that I may have strained myself hitting some of the notes. Is that TMI?)
Someone To Come Home To (by jpearson; copyright 2009); A very close friend has had some tough times of late and I wrote this for her. Being alone is tough at times. [lyrics] Featured instruments: Taylor 655CE 12 string guitar; Taylor 814BCE 6-string guitar; Alesis QS8 Synthesizer for piano, 52 year old somewhat hoarse tired vocal cords... (I might re-do vocals when voice is stronger)

The Acorn Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree Dept: My father had written poetry and stories for years. Some friends put some of his lyrics to music and recorded them for a CD entitled "Just Another Day at the Office." You can check them out here. [NOTE: my sister, Wendy, sings on "Pitter Patter of Love" and "Coffee." She's the one who inherited my mom's singing abilities.]