Sojourn's blog

I hope that you are all doing well; I've been thinking about all of you quite a bit lately, and about how blessed I am. To be honest, I've been wrestling with some issues related to you, and how I treat you as listeners and friends, and how I want to treat you from now on.

You see, I'm not a businessman, and I really don't want to be. When I started learning how to play guitar, it was because of my love of music, and my love of the guitar in particular... and that hasn't changed. What I've been finding as time goes on, is that there are all of these "necessary evils" to the music biz that I don't particularly like, and some ideals within that world that I really don't want to associate myself with any longer.

The most important thing to me is writing and performing my music, and sharing it with as many people who are nice enough to give me the time of day as possible. For those who know me well, you know I struggle quite a bit with selling my CDs to people, and if they are unable to purchase it, I have no problem with giving away my music. In fact, it makes me feel very good. I give away a lot of cds. I receive a lot of wonderful letters and emails about my music inspiring people, so I feel that it's time for me to walk my walk, not just talk the talk...

This is a very long-winded way of saying that I'm trying to find the best way to give away my music from here on out. Times are changing, and I feel that if you want my music, I want you to have it. Period. I don't want my friends and family to remember me as someone who has sold a lot of cds (which I definitely have been fortunate enough to make that claim), but as someone who wrote music that people enjoyed, and that they were able to share with their loved ones. After all, music is meant to be shared.

I'm not trying to invalidate musicians being able to make a living. Far, far from it. But in my opinion, there is too much of a focus on that and making a profit then enjoying the artistic process itself, and trying to write music that will outlive the artist. I have songs that I want to share with you the second I record them, instead of months (or years) later, based upon a recording schedule or album release. I want you to be part of these special moments.
The sad reality is that there are costs involved, and I'm not wealthy. I'm not greedy either, though. So, here's where I need your feedback: If I made the music available digitally (or in a cd format for a little more than the cost of the cd), would you be willing to pay a little to bring me to your town for a concert? Would this be something you'd be interested in? What about other merchandise, like coffee cups or t-shirts? I just want to be able to see all of you in person, recoup recording costs, share my music, and eat occasionally ;)

I would love to hear what you think about all of this.
Love to all,
~ Jonathan

I've entered this little contest in the hopes of getting noticed by my favorite guitar company, Taylor Guitars. The rules are simple: if I get the most requests to play in different cities, then I win some new guitars from them, $5000 (which will be used to go towards finishing my new albums), and a performance slot in the winning city that has requested me the most. So, if you want me to play somewhere, click the Demand It! button on my myspace page (www.myspace.com/jonathannicholson) and follow the instructions. Thank you, this really means a lot to me.

Thank you for everything,
~ Jonathan

This is from our 4th of July performance at Caterina Winery in Spokane, WA. A huge thanks to Dot for capturing this!

The song is called "Waiting Her Turn".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AbNXD-9Ync

Hello hello,

I just wanted to let you know about the all of the new mercandise coming soon to a show near you!

If you enjoy Jonathan's music, please show your support with a T-shirt, coffee mug (my personal favorite), or even a journal. There are more designs on the way, but I'm very pleased with the initial designs so far.

Please feel free to view "The Moon's Prize", the online shop at www.cafepress.com/nicholsonj.

Thanks again for everything, and I hope to have some new music for you soon...

As always,

~ Jonathan

Hello hello,

First off, I want to say thank you to everyone who emailed me, sent cards, called me on the phone, or left a comment concerning my Nana. I have been overwhelmed with all of the comfort and kindness that has been sent my way. You have my deepest love and thanks...

 A wonderful musician from New Zealand was kind enough to review my latest cd "Calliope's End", and I just wanted to share his humbling words with you. You should all check out his stuff, by the way, it's great, great stuff. He's a truly a very talented soul. His myspace page is www.myspace.com/solharris. After you're done here, please go there ASAP. Well, on to the good stuff!

Jonathan Nicholson - Calliope's End

The first time I listened to Calliope's End - the 2006 release by Jonathan Nicholson - I immediately knew I was witnessing the work from a very talented finger-picking guitarist.

With each new song comes a wondrous exploration of intricate guitar work, light and delightful melodies. Each 'soundscape' is played with a sensitivity that many musicians often only dream to achieve, or worse, are simply unaware of.

Warm, relaxing and most definitely audio art, at the end of each song, one almost feels compelled to applaud, such is the intimacy delivered, and to such depth. It really feels as though Jonathan is in the room with you, eyes closed, head down, performing from his soul.

Chasing The Moon is a fine example of such a track. Warm, intimate, soft and soothing with just a hint of reflection. Breathtakingly beautiful.

Despite the instrumental nature of the album (or perhaps, because of it), it is never boring. In fact, quite the opposite. The 'dreamscape tapestry' of tone and sound evokes nothing but soothing pleasure, relaxation, imagination and wonder.

Congratulations, Jonathan, on a superb talent and magnificently crafted, timeless work of art. This is not simple flattery, Calliope's End is truly a remarkable achievement. I'm looking forward to the next release! In the meantime, I'll be cheering your progress as you continue to achieve greater recognition and further musical success, as your talent deserves.

Sol Harris

Songwriter New Zealand

There's a wonderful new guitar website up and running, and the owner was kind enough to interview me!

I have to tell you, the interviewer definitely kept me on my toes with some very intelligent and well thought out questions. I'm very impressed with what he's doing, and if you get a chance, check out his website at www.instrumentalcase.com.

My interview can be found here: http://instrumentalcase.com/JonathanNicholson.aspx

He also has a new podcast that he's started that you can find here: http://instrumentalcase.com/podcast.aspx

It features some amazing music, including a song by yours truly!

~ Jonathan

Well, "limbo" isn't quite the word to describe where things are. "Huh???" is now the more operative term, but not in a negative way. More of in a "that's amazing, but what just happened?!" kind of way.

A long-time dream of mine recently came true... My latest 2 albums have been submitted and added to rotation on Echoes (www.echoes.org), which in my opinion is the best New Age/Ambient radio show there is, period. It is featured on over 130+ radio stations nationwide, and can be listened to online for a modest subscription fee. I can't even tell you what it's been like hearing "Persephone" alongside the latest works of Eric Tingstad, Loreena McKennit, & BT, among others.

My old friend Joe Moore and I continue to write music I'm extremely proud of; it's a far cry from our humble beginnings. It's not ready to be shared yet, and we're still looking for more members to contribute to this experiment.

In my mind's eye I have an idea as to who I would love to take part in this... and after a wonderful jam session with Joe and probably a few too many glasses of wine, I emailed two of the people who I feel could add so very much. Both are old bandmates of ours from the RCF days (www.myspace.com/righteouscornfarmers). Kelly, the coolest bassist I've ever met, was wonderful enough to respond quickly while on vacation in Europe, just to let me know that he'd be interested in bringing his Bass when he visits here this summer... that's amazing news in itself.

I then tried to contact Jerry, the vocalist and lyricist extraordinaire from RCF and The Fine Print (and has gone to fame with his webcomic Penny Arcade: www.penny-arcade.com), but, unsurprisingly, there's been no reply.

Let me explain: we are not trying to rehash RCF or TFP, but Joe and I were fortunate to be surrounded by these talented people in the first place, and even though this is a completely new project, we feel that these people could enhance this like few others could. No matter what happens, I'm having a great time...

In solo news, my new album is s l o w l y coming along, but I'm madly in love with every song that's going to appear on the cd. I love where I'm being lead to musically, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If it means this album's going to take a bit longer than the others, so be it!

On a final note: Due to the current state of affairs in our lives, Heather and I have decided to remain in Spokane for a while longer. We're actually looking at buying a home in the area, and we can actually afford one here. Those crazy cats in Seattle I think are selling organs on the black market to pay their mortgage! Well, that's what they say on the street...

~ Jonathan

It never ceases to amaze me how things change and evolve, and how doors that seemed to have closed permanently long ago will open just a little, and let a tantalizing glimpse of the other side through.

Over a decade ago I was in a local band that I was maddeningly in love with. It started in high school, and ended when we were in our early 20s. We had such beautiful music, and I felt we were on our way to something amazing. It was a turbulent and defining time in my life, and I made many mistakes. I also learned quite a bit about how not to treat dear friends and band mates. We were called the Righteous Corn Farmers (RCF for short).

We went our separate ways, and with my fellow band members’ solid support, I embarked on the musical journey that I now find myself on, and have been happily blessed every step of the way. Several members of RCF went on to form the incredible band The Fine Print. After they went their separate ways, Jerry (the singer for both groups) went on co-create a very funny online comic strip about videogames and the gaming industry called Penny Arcade (www.penny-arcade.com).

Recently, Joe Moore (my fellow guitarist in RCF, and the main guitarist for The Fine Print) and I got back in touch, and my wife and I have spent some wonderful time with Joe and his lovely fiancée Jodi. I asked Joe if he would appear on my new CD (Whispers, which will be out later this year), and he was gracious enough to say yes.

Then we decided to get together and just try playing some music… to put this in perspective, we have not collaborated at all in a decade, and so I was a little anxious and excited about the whole thing. Both of us have changed and evolved drastically as musicians (and improved)… The chemistry was unbelievable like ten years had never separated us. He still is one of the best guitarists I’ve had the pleasure of knowing in my life, and he has continued to become better than ever. It was a moment that I’m humbled and blessed to have been a part of.

What does this mean? Who knows, I just know I’m looking forward to playing together again soon, and seeing what happens…

On a very important side note, Heather and I are in limbo concerning the whole moving situation. Due to several factors, we’ve decided to let what’s supposed to happen just happen, whether that means moving this year, or staying in the area for a little while longer.
What will be, will be…

Fall is always an interesting time of year for me... there is just a feeling in the air that I cherish, and I think it is reflected strongly in the songs I write during the Fall, and it's even evident in my performances. I feel very alive...

There are some performances I'm highly anticipating this next few weeks, from Arbor Crest Winery this Sunday (always a fav of mine), to my 6th year in a row at Spokane's Fall Folk Festival (has it been that long already??), to some wonderful opportunities I have this November to play alongside some of my favorite musicians at Caterina Winery & The Empyrean (2 of my favorite venues as well). I feel very blessed, and I would be honored if you came out and said hi at a show or two...

On to a last bit of news... this Spring, my wife and I are moving to the Seattle area (closer to Renton & Kent, actually), so this will be one more chapter in this exciting musical journey I've embarked on. I'm sad to leave some wonderful friends and fans behind in Spokane, and I'll miss all of you terribly, but I'm also overjoyed to be closer to some new aquaintances and fans I've made on the west side of the state. This way I won't have an excuse to not perform in the Seattle area more often :)

I look forward to a meeting a whole new batch of music listeners that I hope to have the privilege to entertain, but I promise to return on occasion and perform in the beautiful Inland Northwest...

Thank you all for your love, and I hope to see many of you this Fall!

~ Jonathan

I have two new demo tracks available for listen at my myspace page: www.myspace.com/jonathannicholson. Please take a listen and let me know what you think of these songs...

~ Jonathan