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I still have the best job in the world!

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logo_soundboardAs the whole JUKES family was on their way to Florida to play the HARD ROCK in Orlando, Jim Abbott of the ORLANDO SENTINEL’S SOUNDBOARD managed to have a short conversation with Johnny. Although Jim fantasizes a bit about the guy who is going to play the Super Bowl halftime in Tampa – and with that he’s not alone to fantasize about the different possible combinations of JUKES and E-STREETERS on a stage on the same weekend in Florida – he still manages to catch a few nice quotes from Southside Johnny:

Being on stage, anywhere, is just fine with Lyon.

“I was just talking with my buddy on the Boardwalk and I was telling him that I still have the best job in the world,” he says. “I make enough money and, after that, who gives a darn?” (…)

This past fall, Lyon released Grapefruit Moon, a high-energy collection of Tom Waits songs accompanied by a big-band under the direction of Jukes trombonist (and Max Weinberg 7 member) Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg.

Still, Lyon concedes that winter has been particularly slow for the band.

“It’s traditionally a slow time, but it has been slower than usual because of the economy,” says Lyon, who still sees the glass as half-full.

“When we do play, the people are ready to have fun that’s what we’re here for.”

Read Jim Abbott’s whole post at THE ORLANDO SENTINEL: SOUNDBOARD

I believe that the JUKES will have a real blast, LaBamba, Kazee, everybody will probably be taking their kids to Disneyland, well… and everybody will have a great time whether they will be playing or watching the Halftime show in Tampa, on stage, off stage, in front of a TV… YOU REALLY SHOULD NOT MISS IT! GO, SEE THE JUKES!

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Jim Abbott about Grapefruit Moon

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logo_soundboardThey are still coming in: Another blog reviewed GRAPEFRUIT MOON – and gave another just very brief statement about the actress who did that other Tom Waits cover album:

That Scarlett Johansson album of Tom Waits’ songs was a mess, but there’s another Waits tribute project on the way…

Jim Abbott at the Sunshine State newspaper’s blog: THE ORLANDO SENTINEL – SOUNDBOARD delivered his take on the album already in May, according to the timestamp on the blog! How the heck did he get his hand on the pre-release copy??? Anyway, he deserved all the treatment, since he offers another priceless quote from Johnny:

“I have been an envious admirer of Tom’s songwriting ability from his earliest albums – and have decided to beautify myself with his feathers,” says Southside. “He graciously allowed me that opportunity, and even deigned to sing what may laughingly be called harmony on one song. Our two voices together may be illegal in some states, but the deed is done, and let the chips fall where they may.”

That fact about illegal duets is something, we really now have to keep in mind when we are going to re-evaluate John’s work over all the years! And does the NJ state attorney care about that at all? Or would California state law have to be applied here, since “Walk Away” has been recorded in the Schwarzenegger state? Anyway, while somebody should have stopped before-mentioned sweet Hollywood actress, nobody could stop the fearless chansonier – not even the law! If they want, let them send the troopers to Ocean Grove…! We will hide John in Europe…! How ’bout Belgium…?

Jim continues:

Grapefruit Moon marries the brassy, ballsy sound of big band to Tom Waits’ cinematic, character-driven songs, creating a vibe that evokes the street-smart, houserockin’ swagger that made Southside Johnny and his band the Asbury Jukes legendary (…).

Waits not only gave Southside his blessing for the album – he lends his vocals to “Walk Away”, a song in which he and Southside do what they do best: lay bare the souls of ordinary people with all their problems and dreams, but with an insouciance that brings a rueful laugh. The styles of music explored on the album range from blues to New Orleans strut to swing and even a romantic brass choir on “Johnsburg, Illionois.”

It doesn’t matter how marriage laws in California or Jersey did change recently, or will change again, or should be changed in the future… This marriage – obviously – has been made in Big-Band heaven…

Although I wanted to ignore blogs referring to Scarlett… sincere thanks for that review Jim!

Read Jim’s full take on GRAPEFRUIT MOON at THE ORLANDO SENTINEL