shows
03.17.2010
Houlihans, 8:00pm
4240 North Main.
Michawaka, IN 46544
574-271-3663
03.19.2010
Trio's, 9:00pm
129 North Michigan Street
South Bend, IN 46601
574.288.8746
music
links
Half-Pint Jones on MySpace
Half-Pint Jones on Facebook
Half-Pint Jones on Twitter
Sign up here to join the mailing list and to become a member of the Half-Pint Jones Street Team!
archive news
12.14.09
I went to yoga the other day, no this isn't Krojo, and I actually kind of liked it. For most of my life I have preferred the typical guy workout routines of weights, jogging, basketball, etc... but don't let anyone tell you that you don't feel the affects of holding down dog for an hour! An exaggeration yes, but, I could feel the benefits throughout my whole body the very next day. The drill instructor/yogi/flexible dictator placed me in many seemingly "unnatural" positions. Women are certainly more flexible than men, save for the speedo wearing gumby gent next to me, but, I now realize how hard some of these poses really are! It isn't a substitute for cardio, but, a change of pace for sure and good for the body indeed. So, if you want to try something new, go to a Vinyasa class. Why am I blogging about Yoga? I have no idea, I drive a Chevy Cobalt.
-Justin
12.07.09
HPJ wants to give a big thank you to all who made it out to help us celebrate our birthday in 3 Oaks last weekend. THANK YOU. A special thanks goes to Two Turnips whose food reminded me of something.... it will come to me. Every dish was excellent, do you have any left over?
I did not know that babies could fall asleep at a rock and roll show, but that's exactly what happened last Friday. Chris Olivier's most recent addition (around 16 months, I believe) passed out mid concert on stage! After the show, around bed time, we played "find the Olivier" and I believe I saw Jim Leep carrying all of the chilin's, one by one, to a couch to make it easier for mom and dad to find them. They are all very adorable, polite, and musically inclined.
Next Friday we are at Trio's in South Bend. We'll be in touch, I drive a Chevy Cobalt.
11.24.09
HPJ is turning 3! To celebrate, we have a very special night planned for our us and our attendee's. We are very excited that the Acorn Theatre in Three Oaks Michigan will be the venue. Formerly a corset factory, Kim Clark and David Fink purchased the abandoned space in 2001. Two years later the doors opened revealing a truly magnificent 250 seat performance theatre complete with a 1931 Barton theatre pipe organ. We are honored by the chance to perform on a stage that has been graced by Fareed Haque, Carnegie Hall performers, Folk legend Corky Siegel, and many more world class musicians. The music starts at 9, but the fun starts much earlier. Two Turnips will be catering the event with Chef Drew drawing his inspiration from HPJ's lyrics. What will "shaking one's booty all night long" taste like? I have no idea, but cannot wait to find out! Perhaps Two Turnips' creations have come from more appropriate lyrics like "Jam Sandwich for Jonas" and a captain crunch inspired dish from the Bachelor. Whatever they bring, it is guaranteed to taste wonderful, they truly are maestro's in the culinary world. For $30, our VIPs will get to party with us, get the catered meal, a free beer sample from the wine shop's array of craft beer's and the concert beginning at 9. If you are planning on dinner elsewhere that night, $15 gets you into the concert only, starting at 9. We are looking forward to our birthday party on Friday, December 4th. Please come out and expect to have a wonderful time! For ticket purchase info, please visit acorntheater.com.
11.16.09
HPJ is very excited about this upcoming week. We have 5 gigs in 4 days and John Bickel will definitely be shaking his booty at a couple of them. This is fun for everyone. For those of you who don't know, he is a man. A man who is not afraid to take the art form of dance and push the boundaries of what is aesthetically pleasing. I'm kidding, in actuality it is a thing of beauty. Whether demonstrating his interpretation of the Running Man, or, displaying such wonderful original compositions such as the Kick Start, one sometimes wonders if he indeed has bones in his body. Watching crowd reactions, which are always positive and he can actually improve the mood of an entire room, is a lot of fun. On one occasion, much to the delight of well over 200 attendee's his running man, well, actually began running. All over the venue. The best part, we could have been on stage naked and no one would have noticed. He had captured our entire audience and for a brief and wonderful moment in time, reminded all of us that even a dance move that was thought to be out of date can make us laugh and forget time for a while. He is our bus driver, our friend, our tiny dancer, thank you John Bickel.
-HPJ
11.09.09
We'd like to thank all of our friends who came out to see us at the Mousetrap and Harrison Landing this past weekend. You made Friday and Saturday very fun! Speaking of fun, we saw a man so inspired on the dance floor that he was able to do the full splits. I've seen incredible acts of athleticism in my day, but, for a man with a nicely groomed moustache to jump up into the air, fling both legs in opposite directions, let gravity take over and drop to the floor without losing a drop of beer from his pint glass, well that was just incredible. His beer was at least 3/4 full, and that is a fact, not a metaphor.
HPJ would also like to thank that guest singers from Saturday night. You guys were a wonderful addition to the night. Also, the bachelorette party was an unexpected and awesome feature of Saturday as well.
We have a full week next week starting at Martyr's in Chicago on Tuesday, Houlihans, The Beanery, Notre Dame, and Club Fever. We hope to see you soon,
HPJ
11.08.09
Be a person of vision. One of heart, one of soul. Reach within yourself to receive the bountiful glory of growth. Understand that the wretches that want your gift will be denied, for you will make this happen.
Your strength lies under this suit of armor, and it will not be disassembled without your consent. It has been spoken, it will be heard. But not until the true embracing of equality grasps you by the hand, following with your heart forward, thus allowing to be lead into your garden of Eden.
--Kroj
09.07.09
I step out onto the porch. The bright sunshine illuminates my face, then I hear the songbird singing with a most illustrious voice, but it does little to soothe my soul. A titan has passed from this world. My titan, my father.
Seeing him lying there with no more need to breathe air into his lungs, or to pump blood through his veins saddens me, but yet I am also overjoyed by what has been gained in my life because of this man.
He taught me the importance of being present. Now it seems easy to be aware what is going on in this present moment, but if we're completely honest with ourselves then we'll see that we fall short of being aware of the Now. My father taught me that truly "being in the moment" means that you are int touch with your true emotions. This includes practicing compassion fully and sharing openly no matter what race,weight,height, or gender you are; loving all that crosses your path and respecting your fellow brothers and sisters.
Despite his physical absence in this world, he lives on in me with such great spiritual presence. I know he's here, he'll always be here for me. I just hope that I make him proud.
In memory of Arthur Krojniewski
Sept.6th, 1939 - Sept. 5th, 2003
--Krojo
07.24.09
1976! The year that I've always considered to be the greatest in album release history…
Kiss' -both "Destroyer" and "Rock -n- Roll Over", 'Peter Frampton' -"Frampton Comes Alive", 'Bob Dylan' -"Desire", 'Alice Cooper' -"Alice Cooper Goes To Hell", 'Frank Zappa' -"Zoot Allures", 'AC/DC' -"Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap", Bad Company, Bee Gees, Genesis, Billy Joel, Blondie, Bob Marley, Wings, Queen, 'Rush -"2112", Stevie Wonder put out "Songs In The Key Of Life"! The list is endless and, love 'em or hate 'em, these albums and artists helped shape a whole musical landscape that pushed the boundaries of possibility..
Sadly, since then, the music industry has soured and spoiled in some respects. The days of having a favorite record store that you could ride your bike to, loiter in, play video games and talk shop, has become an ancient fable handed down from the elders. It's resilience and sense of casual necessity is becoming the folklore of the fated dinosaur. No more standing for hours in mad wonder at the elaborate artwork, labored over and meticulously presented, for the feast of our eyes.
Fumbling through a record bin is now reserved for the dedicated vinyl allegiance that I still belong to. Instead, traded for hours of scrolling itunes and scraping the pages of Rhapsody and Limewire for the 3 minute hit single …while leaving behind the raw and vulnerable, albeit more interesting b-side gold. I'll never grow tired of the vinyl hunting experience, and the memories something so simple provided.
1978! I can remember, vividly, the day my Dad brought home "Dirty Deeds…". My Mom and older sister were down stairs getting ready to concoct what constituted our dinner, and I was hanging out in my bedroom (no doubt studying the differences between the original Han Solo action figure and the slightly modified but significantly maligned new offering by Hasbro, or whoever, which chafed me nonetheless) and creeping up the stairs was dear old Dad. He popped his head in my bedroom door and said "I bought you a new album today". Those words were to me, what the sound of the door must be like to a lonely dog. I chased my tail in circles I was so happy. Nothing was better than fresh sounds to my eager and naive little ear drums.
In a rare moment, that left me stunned and proud, my Dad stayed in the room as I popped the record from it's freshly opened sleeve, and saddled it onto my no-fi record player. Any vinyl aficionado knows the anxious anticipation that happens, just prior to the first waft of fresh vinyl that exhales deeply, the moment it's shrink wrap is gently violated. It's practically ceremonial, and my Dad provided. On the inside sleeve, per the standard, were the album's lyrics …and the urge to rock was imminent. Laying on our stomachs on my bed, with the lyrics in my Dad's massive hard working hands stretched out before us, we ripped through the first couple of songs in near perfect pitch and aggression …I'm sure of it. Everything about the moment was awesome. Father and son bonding at it's best, over the lyrics of a newer rock-n-roll classic. The guy had great taste in rock music (still does), and often handed down to me his words of rock wisdom: "Alice Cooper may have needed to go to Hell to make this album son, but it got the job done". Alright, that may not be verbatim, but from a man of few words often came carefully selected ones, for sure.
As we eased into the lyrics to "Big Balls" my Dad leaned forward and turned the volume up. About thirty seconds later a shrieking from the underground filled the sweet crooning key of Bon Scott's vocals with what sounded like a rabid animal writhing in pain and anger, but was actually my Mom screaming for my dad to "TURN THAT SMUT OFF". That IS verbatim. She loved the word smut. As my Dad chuckled he reached for the volume knob, turned it down, and quietly said to me "play that one when your Mother's NOT at home. Enjoy the album". He walked out of the room like Clint Eastwood, landed downstairs, and cooly told my Mom "relax, they're talking about dancing, and it's not gonna damage the kid". Thanks Pop! Good lookin' out!
I don't know if he was wrong or right, but I was definitely changed forever. I got the taste. I wanted to get my hands on anything I could that gave way to the world of hidden messages. Albums that spoke a language that gave me liberty. Albums that were merciless, witty, sharp, and educating, but most of all… classic. To seek these out and have them in my brain, from which to draw from, was my birth right as an incumbent holder of the musical torch.
Obviously, as I grew older, I ventured into deeper forays as I learned of Miles Davis, The Meters, Weather Report, and so on, and I always knew I wanted to be in a purposeful musical experience. Something interesting and relevant, something witty and sharp, and timeless. I can only hope that some little kid, somewhere, sitting in his room deciphering the not-so-subtle differences in the Christian Bale action figure, looks back as he grows older and remembers the first time his dear old Dad presented him with a new Half-Pint Jones album. Is that too much to hope for?
Sing for Chicken Wings,
--Jayson
07.14.09
It's time for me to write my blog and being completely blocked right now I thought I would share an excerpt of a book that I'm reading, "Early Japan". This particular excerpt covers the samurai warriors and could be applied to our modern, fast-paced lives.
"The civil wars that swept Japan during the 12th Century brought a new age of strength and steel. Men from all over Japan joined the ranks of warlike Taira and Minamoto clans in their battle for control of the country. A fierce new breed of armed noblemen, the samurai, began to emerge. Artisans turned their talents to the production of superb swords and armor, which combined beauty with a deadly practicality. Japan had put on the armor of war.
It took more than just a sword and a metal suit, however, to arm a samurai. Part of his equipment was moral and psychological-an austere, unwritten code of personal courage and loyalty roughly parallel to the rules of fealty in medeival Europe. The code, known as "bushido", or 'The Way of the Warrior', demanded an almost religious commitment to military life, in which physical hardship was the order of the day, and a heroic death in battle the most honorable goal.
Having the best tools and gear does not guarantee success in our life journey. Only by developing a spiritual and physical commitment (or a 'Way of the Warrior') to overcome the obstacles of life can we truly find ourselves on the path of Shangri-La."
--Olivier
05.27.09
Boy, I've climbed two mountains in two days and are my feet tired! This is the 4th day of my three week expedition out west with my wife, Amanda. She wrote and won a grant to travel out west to learn more about her Native American roots. It's been an honor to ride along with her, to experience some of the most beautiful scenery that this country has to offer, and to really experience the roots of the first indigenous people of this country. Though we are only 4 days in, I have truly felt blessed to have hiked the sacred Black Hills, or Paha Sapa in Lakota. This trip is such an awakening for me. I feel that this a time of rebirth, a time to walk the path that I have chosen to walk. No regrets, no turning back. Just moving forward and beyond. Traveling is good for everyone. It offers a new perspective, allowing you to re-examine your own view of the world.
--Krojo
05.18.09
From the outside, looking in...
I really didn't know what I was getting myself into. A couple months back, I get asked to help with the website for this band, that a newly acquired friend is a member of. I hadn't gotten a chance to hear the music before I had done some work, but the first chance I had, I got to a show. It happened to be the most recent show at The Acorn. As excited as I was to get a chance to hear a band that I was actually involved with, I have to say, I didn't really expect much, let alone what was ahead.
A little about me....ahh you don't want to know that. The little that matters, is that I love music. I mean love it. I come from a very musical family, have played a few instruments over the years, and find myself quite picky. Not that I don't have a broad taste, I listen to everything. It's more that when I want to hear something, that is all I really want to hear. The radio drives me insane. But when I get into something I like, I want more. Many of the times, I have gone through everything there is by a certain group, but keep wanting more. Why did Simon and Garfunkel have to stop making music together?
So yeah, back to the band. Jill tells me her fiance is a bass player in a band. I hear that often, and I usually don't think much of it. How many people tell you that? I mean, you go check them out. Much of the time, they are pretty good, but usually lacking something. They may be good musicians, but part of the package is just not there. That, or the music is just bla. That is, if it is even their own music.
So sitting there that night, in Acorn, it wasn't long after the first notes filled that beautiful theater with sound, that I knew I was getting myself into something really special. I might have been droolling.
Not only has Half-Pint Jones brought me great music, but also some good friends, fun times, and much more ;) Thank you all.
--Webmaster
05.11.09
Just a simple thanks to all the mom's who nurture and support our passions. Without your example of how to be confident, curious and humble, we never would learn to head straight towards that which makes us happy. Life is too short not to be doing something you love, so, thanks mom's for showing us how and allowing us to follow our passions!
--Justin
05.05.09
Fresh red ripe tomatos....you can't beat em'..yes fresh red ripe tomatos good for any occasion whether its breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fresh red ripe tomatos are the way to go. Good in salads, sauces, and bloody marys yum. I just love fresh red ripe tomatos so don't forget and tell all your friends about fresh red ripe tomatos. Yes wake the kids, phone the neighbors, express your love for fresh red ripe tomatos.
peace
--Mark
04.28.09
It is the LIVINGNESS in Art that makes it art. Form, style, structure, and craftsmanship are of the highest degree of importance in the creative mind of man. Meaningful ideas have nothing to say to the person who has not mastered the tools of his trade. It is only when superb craftsmanship has been successfully wedded to (and has become a channel for) a poetic content that adds new dimensions, insight, depth, and clarity to a man's awareness of himself in relation to a dynamic Universe of which he is an integral and indispensable part that Art is achieved with a Livingness that makes it art. Only by being primarily concerned with the Life Quality, and not the formal and structural elements, can one be certain that he is handling Art itself and is not merely a container.
--Olivier
04.19.09
We recognize that there is a difference. What might be considered a large crowd is subjective only in the context of the environment itself. Example: The Morris Performing Arts Center (in South Bend) seats, maybe, 2200 eager beavers. And, equally as many actual people. On the smaller side, Trio's (also in SB), has a capacity for about 300? A mere fraction! However, both can illicit great amounts of energy on any given night. And saturday night had an energy surplus.
Our faithful Krojo sat in with Umphrey's McGee last night (saturday 4/18) at their show at The Morris. From what I hear, he killed it, yo! He played early in their set, so he could make it back across the street in time for our own show, at Trio's. I had the pleasure of seeing Umphrey's sound check with Kroj, and that in itself was both, cool, and inspirational. I've seen their sound checks before, seen their shows, etc… but it was tight last night. Touring has made them a 6 headed monster. They played 'Eminence Front', and served it up right! That's all I'm sayin'.
Our show was beyond our own expectation. I believe the place was at capacity, and the energy rose to the occasion. We were asked to play a pretty long evening, so we set out to pace ourselves. But, you know how things happen. You get movin', and then things just start unfolding. Good things. We showcased a lot of new material last night. There's always something elating about embarking on a new song in the live setting. We write a lot of stuff that never sees the stage, but when we hit on the songs that get our hearts pumpin', and then see them bloom on stage… it's a great feeling. They're like little, hopeful, banana buds on a banana tree, that grow into delicious, peel and eat, beautifully yellow adult bananas. Right? Yummy… bananas…! So the show was packed with energy.
The place really went to another level though, when Joel and Jake, from Umphrey's came over, after playing 3 hours at The Morris, and sat in with us. I'm surprised the fire department didn't show up, 'cause the house was on fire at that point! (Go ahead, you can keep that one;-) Watching Justin and Jake create spontaneous dialogue on their respective guitars was an absolute privilege. I'm also convinced that Mark 'Hushpuppy' Gamble rewrote the book of trumpet last night. 'Oil of Olivier' definitely played for Parker and Coltrane, and Joel had 16 vestal virgins carry in his fingers, and lay them, ever so gently, upon each and every appropriate key. Krojo may have had an actual 'out of body experience' last night, 'cause I'm pretty sure when I looked back at him, he was hovering above his kit with arms spread wide, palms to the air, and just staring at his drum kit that was driving along at about 137 mph. Angels surely fornicated to sweet sweet sounds slipping from the doors, windows, and loosely tuckpointed bricks at Trio's. (lol…) Playing on that stage last night, with my band, and our friends, was the reason I play the bass. It's an affirmation that making the decision to be a musician, was a good one.
We played that show in front of a large crowd. Sure, a large crowd for Trio's, but 300, or so, ain't half bad. It's subjective to the environment. But the point remains the same. Playing for a full house feels like you're playing for a full house, and that's what makes it a great night.
Peace and bacon grease,
--Jayson
04.15.09
the finger hits the bottom,
doors closing...
slowly rising, anticipation grows,
coming to a halt...
doors open.
It took not even a minute for my eyes to swell with tears.
my jaw slightly ajar, I look on in disbelief
my heart sinks as I look on at all the bodies.
all the bodies...
I tear myself away and then
the journey begins into darkness
and even a little light.
My emotions spiral down, the seemingly endless drain,
then through some extreme circumstance, my heart has hope.
it's small, dim
like a pinhole of light in the darkest night, but still,
it's lifting.
Why must people be so cruel?
Why must people go through such an existence of pain?
Is it fear? Or is it just Hate?
And even though I saw some of the most darkest human beings to have existed, I also saw some of the most hopeful.
Though I am just an observer of this horrible time in human history, I pray that nobody will ever forget that time, so it may never happen again.
My journey through the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C., April 6, 2009.
--Krojo
04.05.09
Do you ever get the feeling that you're embarking on something huge...like you're a part of something that is just about to explode? Well, that's how I feel about my role in HPJ. I know that on the surface, I'm doing a ton of work with a group of people I consider close, close friends. And on this other, deeper level, there are moments when I'm like "Wow!" I'm an integral part of something so cool, that people LOVE, that makes a difference in a person's day.
It tends to happen randomly...either I'm sitting around, overhearing practice, or I'm at work, at my shop, and "My Name" will come on my playlist. Or I find myself actually RELAXING at an HPJ show (a rarity, as if I'm there, I'm usually trying to help with merch, or writing a set list, or whatever) and I start grooving, trying to go move for move with Jayson's dancing, or shaking my head in total shock and awe of the amazingness of Mark's or Chris' solos. I can actually remember one of the first times I was struck by the band...it was soon after the first album came out, and I was moved emotionally by TPRS. TPRS (Typical Protest Reggae Song) was playing at a gig around the time we were dealing with a very close personal friend departing for Iraq, and I remember just feeling...awestruck. By the words, the emotion behind it, the music...all of it.
It happens frequently when we're in my hometown, back in NY. All of my East Coast friends are HUGE Jonesers. And they've never seen them play live (most of them, anyway.) But they listen to everything we give them, and they buy CDs and t-shirts and support in every way they can. There are always facebook status updates..."so and so is at work, listening to Half-Pint Jones" or a supportive email begging me to get them to book a gig in Poughkeepsie. It blows me away...this love and support and even more so, knowing that it is WARRANTED, and isn't just because it's a project I'm working on.
I'm rambling. Shocking, for those who know me. My point is that in the last few years, I've had a front row seat for the growth and development of this incredible band. These guys have taught each other, and learned from each other, and stretched each other in remarkable ways. For those who have seen this from the early days, it's almost as if if they are two different bands, but moreover, it's like you've been watching a child in Kindergarden learn to color, and then all of a sudden you're given a masterpiece by the adult version. From the lyrical structure, to the incredible meshing of the horns, it's a beautiful thing to have seen and heard. I'm proud, gig after gig, to be so closely involved with this band.
The guys are working hard these days...even harder than usual, that is. They are booking a lot more shows in Chicago, and are really proving themselves to be a force. This summer, the gigs just keep coming, and I couldn't be more excited. The guys have big things in the works, and their motivation and ambition, and most of all talent will allow them to make the absolute most of their opportunities.
I'd like to think I matter in this group of people, and in some (very administrative way) I do. Like I said, I get to be an integral part of this thing that is just...blowing up. So thanks to all you Jonesers for letting me into your email inboxes, facebook and myspace pages each week to keep you updated on the goings on in the World of Half-Pint Jones. And most of all, thanks to the guys themselves...keep on keeping on my friends.
Peace (and bacon grease),
--Jill
03.30.09
I wouldn't call it an obsession. It is simply an aggressive curiosity. Flight has always been something I wanted to dabble in. I could never picture myself going to flight school, and although awesome, flying fighter jets seemed to demand a lot of prep time. I wanted a simpler design. Strapping myself to a kite and jumping off of a mountain seemed just right, and it fit my budget. My first attempt at flight was interesting. I had a life savings of $1000 dollars, it was college, and so I purchased a seat with a fan attached to the back. When the fan engaged, I was to start moving and a parachute was to fill with air and I would fly. What could go wrong, it was a flying parachute? Parachutes, by their very design, are meant to land anyone and anything softly to the ground. I didn't have the time nor the patience to learn the nuances of flying this thing, hell it was college, homework and a moderate social life took up most of my time, so I loaded this flying seat into the back of my buddies truck and headed to a field. Was it legal to fly there? I still don't know! Was it smart? I actually have an answer for that now that I've had the chance to reflect on the adventure. So I fired up my fan-seat-parachute thing, it purred like a fat house cat, mainly snorting but smooth at times. I was now ready to soar above my friends. Just in case, we said our final goodbyes, not that anything could go wrong, it is a flying parachute after all! Parachutes, by their very design are meant to.... you know. So there I was, tearing down the grass runway. For $1000 I was going to have the ability of flight! To be continued next week...... Actually, I'll fill you in. I don't like the ending because it is so anti climactic. It started pouring sheets of rain. It went from a cloudless sky, full of sunshine, to the worst rainstorm I've ever experienced. Perhaps the rain saved my life, but we'll never know. Hell, it was a parachute! What could have gone wrong!?
--Justin
03.22.09
Other people's music....its fun to pretend. I love playing covers to an extent, it's how we all learn to play. But at some point, it's time to put yourself out there. If not you are just imitating, pretending.
I mean no disrespect to the lowly cover band, but you're going nowhere, and you're robbing yourself. There is nothing like writing, arranging and performing your own music, your'e being yourself when you do.
And no matter what style or genre i have nothing but respect for you. So keep on rocking, funking, jazzing, reggaeing, bluesing, in your own way, and i will listen intently.
--Mark
03.16.09
Superman lives in my house.
His heart is pure and his mind is true. Cape is red and suit is blue.
Although he's indestructable, he's still so super loveable.
He wakes up early, never late, immediately donning suit and cape.
He flies around all day long, saving Mom and singing songs.
Eyes of fire, he knows no boundries of desire.
He'll save the day before his lunch, then he eats and drinks some punch.
Naps are his kryptonite.
Nightmares sometimes give him hassle but my warm bed became his castle.
He'll live forever in his mind and Mom and Dad til the end of time.
Full of love and judging zero, he is a true super hero.
Superman lives in my house.
--Chris
03.08.09
I remember when I was 16, and eager to get to the DMV, (a feeling never to be uttered through my slightly bloated cranium ever again), to get my next bench mark privilege as an american citizen. Turning 13 was awkward, and anti-climactic, so 16 with a driver's license was going to make up for a lot.
I had actually had my first experience behind the wheel, at the ripe age of 6. My parents used to let us sit on their laps and steer the car, (it was the 70's, and times were loose). As crazy as that sounds, I remember being good at it. I was obsessed with annoying my parents to let me "drive". When I turned twelve my mother took my older sister and I out for some mexican food, and I begged her to let me drive the car, solo, for my birthday. She finally cracked… kind of. She looked down at the large bowl of cascading Jalapeno peppers sitting on the festively dressed table, adorned with the classic mexican staples, and exclaimed "if you eat the biggest pepper in this bowl, you can drive the car". As the last r rolled out of that sentence and from her pursed, smirky looking lips, (as she was pretty confident I'd give up), I'd already started devouring a pepper that may have actually been classified as a small pickle, due to the immense size of it
As I glowed from the elating combination of residual heat from the jalapeno pepper, and my excitement of driving the car solo, after years of only steering, two things occurred to me. 1. I knew right then and there that I loved mexican food, and hot peppers, and 2. Come hell or high water, I was gonna kick ass at driving that car. Donuts, reverse spins, a Starsky and Hutch across the hood of the car to make my entrance… It was all going through my head. However, when it was done, it turned out to be a fairly tame driving experience, but I felt on top of the world nonetheless, and it proved that driving was in my blood.
When it came time to get my license on my big day, my dad picked me up. This was a special father and son bonding day that we'd both been waiting for. A rite of passage was taking place. The day my dad knew his son would become a man. And no son of his was getting there the easy way. My dad showed up in an older Datsun that he had. Small, gray, and unassuming, but solid. And, for no apparent reason, the bucket seats had these furry, royal blue, seat covers adorned with the Playboy bunny logo on the head rest of each seat …(more about Playboy later).
But, the biggest shock was the unexpected stick shift. I broke into a cold sweat. "Dad, you showed up here in a stick shift car? Are you serious?" My dad just kinda chuckled and said, "if you're gonna get that license, you're gonna have to show me you can drive this just as well". Rather than cry like the defeated little scamp I felt like, I took it like a man, and said "give me the keys". After about an hour I had it down, and we proceeded to the test. I stayed confident throughout, and ended up getting a perfect score… in a stick shift car. It was an absolute high. I had reached mecca. I credit my relaxed state to what my dad had said to me right before I took the driving test. He said "don't think about anything, just drive, and do what you already know how to do. You'll do great". I always appreciated the confidence he had in me on such a monumental day in my life, and have never forgotten that.
When we were leaving, he flipped me the keys and said, "here, it's all yours… you earned it" As I looked at the Playboy bunnies, gleaming back at me, I thought two things. 1. My life couldn't be any sweeter, and 2. My dad has some explaining to do!
Lately I've been feeling as though the band has been studying hard for it's driving test, and we're pretty much ready for the license. Our live shows have a steadily growing confidence that feels really good. We're more relaxed, and the songs are slowly being refined and polished. Our last 6, or so, shows have been great achievements for us. Collectively, we've stumbled upon an unspoken feeling of cohesion that can sometimes only transpire, under the covered veil of a mysterious night. The kind of feeling that just shows up unannounced, but is welcome nonetheless. So, it's a good time for the brethren of Half-Pint Jones, and we hope you'll stay tuned to take part in the evolution of it all.
Peace and bacon grease!
-Jayson
03.02.09
Man,what a great weekend! We had the pleasure of sharing the concert stage with the band, The Young Dubliners. Talk about two bands that don't sound anything alike, but yet fit like a well worn baseball mitt. The fellas in Young Dubs were very accommodating to us, both before, and after our set. I fully encourage anyone who is a lover of music to check these guys out. Nothing but class acts!
In an also encouraging set of circumstances, HPJ was approached by some film students who want to shoot an HPJ video! Thoughts are to have our first video be : The Bachelor". It's seems to be a no brainer, as who wouldn't want to see Justin in his true environment. You know, he really does eat scrambled eggs & Captain Crunch (I swear, it's true). I have hard incriminating photo's to back up my statement!
Oh, and by the way, Jayson met his doppelganger in the Young Dubs bass player, Brendan, who it seems, like Jayson, like to talk to people as if they are Christopher Walken. Very disturbing to watch when they were chatting to each other.
Saturdays show was a lot of fun as well. We played in Saint Joseph, MI. at Czars and had a great turn out! I really feel that people are starting to come out in droves to support us. That is super encouraging. It makes me and the guys feel appreciated, since without all of the fans, we would be playing tunes in my basement.
That's all from my cozy couch right now(wiped out, too much rocking!)
Namaste, Krojo
01.08.09
Welcome to the NEW AND IMPROVED Halfpintjones.com! We know the site has been down and out for some time, but we've been working overtime to get all you Jonesers the perfect new site! We'll have blogs, news, show information, and tunes up here, and we'll be updating it as frequently as we can so that you can all be kept up to date on all that's going on in the world of Half-Pint Jones.
Speaking of news, let us just wish you all a Happy New Year! 2008 was a good one for Half-Pint Jones, and 2009 promises to be even better! We're kicking off the new year with a bang, with our OFFICIAL CD-Release gig for the new album! Come hang with us January 16 at Bowly's in Elkhart to celebrate the joy of SINGLE FILE. And for all our Indianapolis fans, HPJ will be hitting The Mousetrap in Indy on January 17--come out and support!
We're really hoping to expand our street team in 2009, so if you're interested, click on the STREET TEAM link and join up! And if you're new to the HPJ world, definitely sign up for our email list. We send updates about once a week with gig information, new tunes, and all that jazz. If you haven't found us on Facebook or MySpace, you can click on the links and add us as a friend!
In the coming weeks, we'll try to get our merch up here and make it even EASIER for you guys to get your hands on CDs, t-shirts, stickers and the rest.
Thanks for starting 2009 with us!
Peace,
Half-Pint Jones