Looks like my last “real” blog post was back in December… yikes!
Well, there’s a few reasons for that. As some of you may already know, 2010 has been an eventful year for me. In January my fiancée, Keshama, and I had our first child; a little boy we call River. He happens to be the coolest little dude in the universe, but you’ll just have to take my word for it 
Keshama and I decided to take a break from LA to experience parenthood somewhere far away from traffic jams, mocha frappachinos and non-existent back yards. For us that place was New Zealand. We bought ourselves a little house on a few acres, in what you can safely say is the absolute middle of nowhere. We have been living here since October of last year and while we do plan to head back to Los Angeles in the not-so-distant future, it’s a safe bet that we will be racking up the frequent flyer miles over the coming years.
Speaking of years… It’s now been ten since the release of my first album, From There To Here. Let’s just say it’s been one hell of a road. Many ups and downs, many triumphs as well as near-nuclear-meltdowns. But three albums later I’m still standing and ready to give it another go.
Before leaving for New Zealand in the fall, I began work on record number four with producer and friend, Dave Darling. While I suppose many will call this yet-to-be-titled album a departure, an “arrival” is probably a little closer to the bone.
The album – at least so far – is just a few swear words shy of a bluegrass album. If “Alt-Bluegrass” hasn’t been coined yet then I’m hoping this album lands me the title. The album will feature John Hatton of the Stray Cats on bass, Cody Bryant of Riders of the Purple Sage on mandolin and fiddle, Teddy Andriadis ( Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper) on the accordion and Dave Darling (Boxing Ghandis) and myself playing everything else. But with at least 5 or 6 more tracks to go, anything and anyone is still possible.
I’m really pleased with this album so far and in a weird way it marks a new beginning. It’s the first time in many years that I haven’t been drawing on older songs or trying to fulfill the oppressive terms of a major label or a publishing contract. I’m just doing what I want to do, and more and more that seems to be country and bluegrass. The plan is to be back in the studio around the end of the year and I hope to have the album ready by some time in 2011.
For what it’s worth, if you’re reading this I truly want to thank you. If you’re still here after 10 years it likely means you are a true fan, friend, or possibly both. It’s the support and encouragement from folks like you who keep me inspired and continuing to make music. I really do appreciate it.
With that said, I’d like to hear from you. So don’t be shy. Leave a comment, question or unsolicited rant below. I’ll do my best to respond to everyone.
If you haven’t yet, please sign up for the mailing list (over there in the top right hand corner), and get a free download of my latest single while you’re at it. Be sure to also connect with me on Facebook and Twitter.
Things probably won’t really start to heat up until early next year but there are a number things in the works so stay tuned and be sure to check back soon.
By the way… Any ideas for the title of the next album?
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey John,
I’m a great-grandmother and I’ve been a fan since your first album. Congratulations on the birth of your son! I’m looking forward to the release of your new album. Hope you enjoy your new life in New Zealand.
Thanks Josee. You might be the first official great grandmother to post here
Thanks for all the well wishes. I haven’t left the US for good though. Just plan to be doing a lot of back and forth.
Thanks again. I hope to have some new music to share soon.
Hey John! Congrats on your new baby. I have to tell you that my son (17) and I recently discovered your music. We were talking today how every time we listen to your cds, we are amazed at how much we love your music. Thanks so much for your contribution to the music world. Hope to hear something new from you soon!
PS I hope you don’t mind, we tell everyone about your music!
Hey Julie,
Thanks so much for spreading the word. Hope to finish the next album by the end of the year.
All the best,
JO
Being a dad is awesome, and I mean that in the English sense of filling you with awe.
I hope the fatherhood colours your world as it does mine.
Looking forward to your new release. May it be a cool as the others.
Have good times.
#AS cool as the others#
Thanks Rob, I definitely know what you mean. It is pretty awesome. Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it.
And baby makes three !! I’m thinking of heading to acreage soon. Tired of the big city and big city music mostly too. Yee-hah. I used to play some bluegrass with one fantastic female banjo player years ago. Good to see you’ve moved across the sea from me here in Sydney. Green pastures beckon.
Thanks Mark. having some space is definitely nice. And man do I have space. I’m about 45 minutes from the nearest grocery store. Definitely a change from Hollywood. Gotta have both I think though.
Yes I agree. My ideal is a home in the country and one near the city too. Peace and tranquility mixed with culture and people.
Congratulations John with your son, hope that he’ll be as talented as you, maybe more
. I’m very glad to hear that you prepare a new album, I wish you good luck, and inspiration in creation of this one. I’ll think on the title of your new album, but I’m not advanced in this style of music (bluegrass), I like to listen the music and that’s all, but the first thing that came to me (when I read that the album will contain songs from many other musicians and the article on what style of music is this bluegrass) was “RainbowJazz” 
, I don’t know why but that’s it 
. Maybe because for me it seemed as a mess of different music styles and musicians, dunno 
Thanks, Andrei. I really appreciate it!
Great news, man…glad fatherhood is as rewarding for you as it is me, and looking forward to a great ‘arrival’ of an album. I’d say ‘Arrival’ for a title…but I think Journey took that one already. lol How about ‘Middle Earth’, since you seem to be residing where Peter Jackson made LOTR come alive.
all the best,
m|p
Thanks, Michael. That’s 2 for Arrival. We’ll see.
Congrats on the baby. I have been listening for the ten years and still listen to you a few times per week. I have no doubt I will dig the next release.
Also, where can I find another copy of the cover of It’s Gonna Be Alright that you did a while back? Man that was classic…
Thanks for the continued support Jon. I send the track out to everyone who signs up for the mailing list. If that’s how you got it and you’re already on the list email me at oszajca at gmail.com and I’ll send you the track.
Hi John,
I’m one of those that has been there for 10 years. When I met you you were going to sleep in your van along I-5 between Portland and Seatlle. You were touring with Robin Trower.
I love that things are going your way – River is beautiful.
I remember it well Greg. That was a fun tour. Thanks for the support after all these years.
When do we get to hear some of it?
How about “If The Phone Don’t Ring, You’ll Know It’s Me”.
Can’t wait for the album.
I like it, Margaret.
Congrats on your little one John. can’t wait to hear the next album.
JO, you’re great. Nice to hear that we’re going to get to hear some more music from you. Can’t wait!