joy Wilson: News

The 12/30 White Eagle gig is CANCELLED. I'm not one for deflecting blame, but I assure you I am not responsible for the cancellation of our gig. Far from it. I was SOOOOOO looking forward to this show. It was a scheduling error that the booker mistakenly overlooked, but as they say... shit happens. I'm beyond bummed, but I'm not going to spend the last few moments of 2011 moping about and feeling sorry for myself. My guitar and I had our quiet moment of mourning earlier today, but we've decided to buck up and move on. There will be more shows in 2012.

My apologies for any plans that we messed up for you and yours and especially for those of you who's plans to attend our show involved getting a babysitter. You are my heroes. I do not take your attendance for granted and I want you all to know that I appreciate your support of my music over the years.

Speaking of years... here's to the next one ahead of us! May it be a good one.

Love,
joy

I've got the bug. I'm listening to Christmas music non-stop in my car, singing carols while washing dishes, decorating the house... Yep. I'm one of the THOSE people. I'm perfectly aware that my behavior is often viewed as annoyingly premature, but alas... I LOVE Christmastime. This is the time of year when people are a wee bit more patient and kind with their fellow humans - friends or strangers. The ratio of smiles and the exchange of pleasantries and eye contact with strangers goes up. It's a time when we spend more time with our friends and family. We get together to eat, drink and be merry. Add music into the mix, and I'm one happy camper. I look forward to raising a glass with you at the next show! Friday Dec. 30th at The White Eagle. Details on the calendar page.

Three cheers for the most wonderful time of the year!
-joy

Sorry for the radio silence, my friends. It was a whirlwind summer for me and then when fall came around I focused on the Portland Marathon. Now that I've crossed that finish line, I've got music on my radar again. Got a text from my friend, Josh, and it looks like JWB will be back in the groove in December with a gig at The White Eagle. December is my favorite time of year, because Christmastime is the ultimate month when people tend to be more kind and cheery with each other. Personally, I wish it was Christmas all year long (yes, I'm one of THOSE people). Anyhoo... I'm getting excited to watch Elf and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and Scrooged, eat lots of pumpkin pie and get jolly and rock out in a bar with my bandmates and my dear ol' festive audience.

I enjoy playing music anywhere and anytime... BUT... like a bad teacher that plays favorites, I absolutely L-O-V-E Kruger Farm's summer concert series! Nothing says "Kick back and enjoy summer in Oregon" like a concert on Sauvie Island at Kruger's. This is our 3rd annual farm gig. You can bet your roasted-butter-dipped corn that I'll be barefoot and smiling at this show! It seems like I spend the entire year daydreaming about this gig and now we're only a week away from this summertime bliss. Looking forward to sharing the sunset with you on July 21st. Oh... and of course... (I wouldn't be a shameless self-promoting musician if I didn't mention this) the new EP will be available for you to stuff in your berry pickin' basket. Only $5!

It's been a long time coming, but the day is finally here! I'm so excited to celebrate together with all my friends and the most wonderfully supportive fans any musician could ever have. Tonight's CD release show is going to be FUN FUN FUN! Come on down to the Secret Society Ballroom tonight at 8:30pm. And remember... the EP is only $4 at the show. What, with an album title of "Four" what else could the price be, eh?

Thanks for sharing in JWB's excitement. We are ready to RAWK and put on a great show for you!

Giddy with anticipation,
joy

Friday, June 10th, 2011 8:30pm
The Secret Society Ballroom

JWB CD Release Party
116 NE Russell St.
Portland Oregon 97202
503-493-3600
Price: $8

Fairweather opens with a beautiful set of dreamy Americana/Folk music, followed by a 5 piece / full cast of JWB'ers and of course, Joy on vocals, guitar and random stage banter duty.

It's finally here! The new EP is recorded, zapped onto shiny little discs and shrink-wrapped awaiting your ears! The latest album is titled "Four" as it's my fourth JWB CD... plus, 4 just happens to be my favorite number (not to mention a quintessential Zeppelin album). Come out for a night of music and celebration of my latest musical endeavor. The Secret Society is pretty sweet... cozy and elegant, but not stuffy and pretentious. It's the perfect setting for an intimate night of music and storytelling.

-joy

Friday, June 10th, 2011
The Secret Society Ballroom

JWB CD Release Party
116 NE Russell St.
Portland Oregon 97202
503-493-3600
Price: $8

The tulips are popping up, the grass is begging to be mowed, and the jackets are getting shoved to the back of the closet again. With the onslaught of Spring, the metaphor of sprouting seems all too convenient. What started as a wee seed in my mind, became officially "planted" after a backyard conversation with my drummer on a summer's eve last year... and now... it's come to fruition with a new finished CD, ready to harvest and share with you. The shipment of CDs sits anxiously in cardboard boxes in my basement, but they really want to meet you and go home with you.

The details are getting polished, but at the very least, you can save the date for the EP release on Sat. June 10th at The Secret Society Ballroom. More details to follow.

Giddy,
joy

2010 was a productive year, at least in an introverted way... my latest recording is finished! We're gearing up for the CD release party. Stay tuned for details. As for 2011, it should bring me out of my recording studio shell and back into the gigging world. Got some venue requests or want to host a house party? Give me a shout and let's make it happen!

Happy New Year!
-joy

The Portland Marathon - 10/10/10

I really appreciate all the support from my audience over the years while performing on various stages... but now, the venue has changed... If anyone in Portland, Oregon is interested in cheering me on for my first MARATHON, I would love to see you and get a high five from you along the race course. My bib number is 6442. I'll be wearing a bright pink hat, an orange shirt and black skirted running capris. I'm very excited to finally take a stab at this lifetime goal. I'm also a little nervous. 26 miles is a long way! I've been training for almost a year, but let's just say I'm more confident in my singing abilities than my running. Fingers crossed, I'll cross the finish line standing up!

For more information about the race please visit...

http://www.portlandmarathon.org
Thanks for the cheers!
joy

All day yesterday and today, I've been at KBC studio plowing through the final mixes with my trusty engineer/producer, Brud. Brud wears many hats, but most important, he's my friend. Maybe more important than that is that he is unfailingly honest and offers great constructive criticism. That combined with his talented set of ears, is making for a polished finished product. We should wrap up with the mixing tonight. We've already got a celebratory dinner of sushi planned for tomorrow. Woohoo! Monday the tracks will be mastered by Freq Mastering and then it's off to production. Did I mention that I'm excited?

Mmmm... sushi.

Thanks for checking in,
joy

Ahhh... it's that time of the year when we get to play at our favorite outdoor venue... Kruger's Farm. Fresh corn right from the field, roasted and dipped in butter. Sweet handpicked berries. A blanket and a picnic. Some wine, some beer (not necessarily combined). A setting sun spreading rays across a field of dahlias. And live music. Ahhhh. It's a rough life I live.

Mark August. 19th on your calendar and join us for this special event. This will be the ONLY JWB show until the CD release party... which at this rate will hopefully happen before the new year! I was hoping to have the CD available at the Kruger's show, but that was wishful thinking. Don't you just love the suspense? It's all about the chase for me!

Lately, with my busy and often overwhelmed calendar, I've managed to suck the life and fun out of some things. I had band practice scheduled tonight and I was honestly dreading it. The idea of standing on my tired legs for 3+ hours going through song after song seemed like as much fun as taking Algebra in summer school (which, by the way, I had to do in high school because I got an F during the school year). All I wanted to do was get my PJs on and crawl into bed and read the Steve Martin biography sitting on my nightstand. Out of obligation to my band mates, I loaded up my gear and headed across town to meet up for practice. We weren't more than 2 songs into the session when that ol' familiar feeling washed over me and put a silly grin on my face. Music is so refreshing. I felt like I got a blood transfusion from a young and powerful superhero. It felt so wonderful to be playing music and laughing with my friends. Once again, I was reminded just why I lug my gear around and stand on my feet for hours. Music. Sweet music.

I feel like a mother duck sitting on her eggs. The work is done, now I'm just waiting for 'em to hatch. There's good news and bad news... The good news is that the recording is finished and Dave Friedlander (Pink Martini) is lined up as the mixing engineer! The bad news is that he's out in Paris mixing Pink Martini's latest project, so JWB will have to be patient. Mixing is scheduled for the end of July. Then it's on to mastering and production. All these technical details, blah blah blah. Fingers crossed we'll have the CD ready to share with you at our August 19th Kruger's Farm gig. Either way, we'll have a CD release party by the Fall.

I'm buzzing from an amazing brainstorming/practice session last night. I am so proud to have the friendship and musicianship of Brud Giles, Jeff Gadette and Robert PeArt. The ideas and concepts we discussed were so inspiring to me. Sometimes, it's hard for me to have fresh ears for my tunes, so the perspectives and input of these guys is immeasurably priceless (um... that's a redundant phrase, but you get point). I'm washed with gratitude and pride to be working with such talented and good-humored musicians. I can't wait for our studio sessions this weekend. The recording is coming to life. If anyone is interested in watching a time-lapse of last night's practice session check out the VIDEO page. I'm glad real life doesn't move that fast, or we'd miss all the fun!

-joy

Thanks to everyone who responded to my email asking for your favorite venue ideas for the upcoming JWB CD release show. I read through all your emails and even did some drive-by's and in-person visits to some of the venue suggestions that were new to me. I've got a short list and will narrow it down to one location very soon!

Despite the temporary delay in January with Jeff's shoulder surgery, he's recovering nicely and able to thump out the base lines again. Maybe one lucky fan can catch his sling when he tosses it off the stage during a kickin' bass solo at the release show. Our final recording dates are scheduled, so my winter hiatus from performing is nearing an end. I can't wait to wrap up the recording and get back out gigging again. Thanks for all your patience and support. I've appreciated all the emails asking when our next show will be. It's nice to be missed. Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Just hang tight.

To quote a little disco song... I'm so excited. I just can't hide it. I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.

-joy

This weekend, the band and I did some rough draft recordings to start musically mapping out my next album. I'm so excited. This project is long overdue, yet timed exactly as it should be. I've been busy with another very special personal "project" for the last 4 years - getting married and having two kids! During that time, I continued to perform, but until now I hadn't recorded anything new.

Now... As you can see, the online gig calendar is blank. But not to fret... This winter is devoted to RECORDING!!!. I'll be back performing this coming spring/summer with a new CD to share with you!

-joy

Don't get me wrong... I've still got three good months left of flip-flop wearing, but nonetheless, summer is fading. As Fall starts to set in, I'll be layering in long-sleeves and funky scarves and as winter surrounds me in a chill, I plan to cozy up on my house with pen & paper and of course my guitar. A new album has been brewing for some time and I'm gearing up to make it materialize... but only AFTER I get my final kicks out of summer. Like a little squirrel gathering nuts, I'm planning to gather up a new musical lineup this Fall and get some new material to bust out for you folks next year. That said, if you better get your JWB fix now while you can because I'll be disappearing for a spell. Come out to Kruger's Farm on Sauvie Island this Thursday Aug. 20th for our last official show of the summer.

Your devoted squirrel,
joy

I got a call at 8:30 this morning asking me to get my butt over to Charlie FM's radio station for an interview at 10am. Somewhere in between the bagel in the toaster and Google Maps on my phone, I found myself gripping the steering wheel en route to the radio station. Shel Bailey (AKA "Charlie Girl" of Charlie FM) who just so happens to be in a band that is performing at The Bite, too, interviewed myself, Emily Herring and Reina Collins to promote our upcoming "Women Who Rock" show at The Bite of Oregon. It was super fun.

The ladies were so honest and frank... no arrogant attitudes of coolness, just sitting around talking about the music we love... with some strategically placed, bulky-foamed microphones in our faces. To add to the fun, Shel had us all play the "Fact or Crap" game. Let's just say, I'm not getting invited to Jeopardy! any time soon, but nonetheless, the one or two answers I got right will seem so glorious with the canned applause in the background :)

The interview will air the week of The Bite to promote our August 9th show. I'll post more specific air times when I find out.

joy

Just got off the phone after landing a super fun gig. I'm thrilled to announce that we were asked to play at The Bite of Oregon this year. Mark your calendars for August 9th at noon, grab your sunscreen and join us down at Waterfront Park. More details coming soon on the calendar page.

Can't wait!
-joy

Just got word from Jason Barlow (aka J-Man) my beloved long-time guitarist/violinist, that he's uprooting to Nashville and leaving JWB. I've played with this guy for so long I'm not even certain... 7-8 years??! He's like a brother to me... He makes fun of me, I give him noogies, you know the deal. Anyhoo... He's busting out of Portland to follow his many music leads in Nashville and make a good go of it. Unfortunately, there isn't enough time to schedule a farewell show. As for JWB's existing summer gig schedule... we plan to keep our summer shows. Stay tuned. We'll dig deep and find a gem of a musician from Portland's cache and be back in the swing of things.

So long, J-Man. Make us proud!
-joy

To all our JWB fans who've been asking for more outdoor shows this summer... I'm awaiting word from Portland Parks and Rec to see if the band and I made the cut for their summer concert in the park series. Until I hear back, I will continue to daydream about all the kiddos dancing around barefoot in the grass surrounded by happy Oregonians picnicking and listening to music.

Fingers crossed,
joy

I just got word that due to a sick songwriter (health-wise, not a comment about Michelle House's actual songwriting abilities) we're going to have Carley Baer join us instead. Check her out at http://www.carleybaer.com/.

Enjoy the free show tonight!
-joy

So check this story out... Two days before our last show at Airplay, I got a "cold call" email from a violinist/singer named Deborah Katz. She was merely introducing herself and offering up her stand-in services should Jason Barlow (our longtime guitarist/violinist) be unavailable for a show. Given Jason often tours with national acts, nailing down dates on his calendar can be pretty complicated. That said, I wrote Deborah back and invited her to open for us at our Airplay gig to give us an opportunity to meet and hear each other's music in person. Little did I know that I would be aligning the stars for a magical night of music.

So... fast forward two days to our gig. As we arrive at Airplay to load in our gear, I get a text message from Jason saying he's at the ER with a severe migraine and he can't make it to the show. Poor guy. Bummer for us, too... but wait... here comes Deborah Katz in the door. After our initial introductions, I let Deborah know that we are without a violinist tonight and if she's interested in more than just opening for JWB, she can sit in with us... a sort of "baptism by fire" method, eh?

We decided to go for it - with no rehearsal, no sheet music, no nothing... we had just met each other moments earlier! Deborah just waltzed up on stage and melded right into the mix. A few head nods and hand gestures were all the cues she needed to handle the various song changes and such. She even spontaneously chimed in on vocals! Great violin chops and a beautiful voice. Magical. It was an energized performance for all of us - living on the edge will do that to ya. We will certainly be playing with her again.

What are the chances that the moment we got word of of being down a violinist... another is standing in the room, equipped and ready to stand in? Such serendipity! Thanks to all of you in the audience for being there on this magical night and witnessing the universal language of music unfolding on stage that night.

Dang! It's moments like this that make me LOVE being a musician.

All jazzed up,
joy

PS: Jason is OK.

We've got a little somethin' silly up our sleeve for this evening. Let's just say we'll be channeling our inner Chevy Chase (wink wink nudge nudge)... you just gotta be there to see it unfold.

later,
joy