http://johnsullivanbrigade.com/blog.html JOHN SULLIVAN BRIGADE: 2011 rock opera info Jannis' PHPRss class - http://www.jannis.to/ Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:52:48 -0800 http://johnsullivanbrigade.com/blog.html/liner_notes_to_live_my_dream_rock_true
Dreams, aspirations, hopes and expectations are the focal points of this gritty indie rock opera, pushed by this gritty band with a gritty attitude. If you don’t like gritty, well, it’s too late now. An old expression goes something like ”˜the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry’.

Translation: regardless of how much you prep work you have done, things may not go exactly the way you expect. Although the line generates a negative vibe, the positive side of it all is alternative plans, which is a good starting point on my thoughts regarding my band’s third release, Live My Dream Rock True. There is a story to tell.

I had toyed about writing a rock opera after I shut down my Nineties alternative band and started up a solo-fronted act. After receiving a rare chance to see one of Pete Townshend’s projects The Boy Who Heard Music in a 2007 workshop production at Vassar College, one thing became clear. It was time to redirect the John Sullivan Brigade away from making just another CD and write something more challenging for our next effort. By 2008, I began compiling a series of rough demos to see if there was enough material for such a record.

Time, however, was staring me down in getting my music beyond the Long Island airwaves. When my crappy finance day job ended and learned my experience wasn’t worth a conversation, I reassessed my music situation. If I landed just one song on the music charts, I thought, I’d be satisfied and call it a day. But maybe if I got a taste of success, might I try to keep it going? Those ponderings ended up starting a storyline I set around a fictional band called Rust Hand and their travails after winning a song contest. I reworked old ideas into new songs, combining both imaginary and personal experiences into this two-act, 24-song rock opera. The downside now was that any bandmate was subject to new material appearing on a regular basis.

Speaking of bandmates, writing songs was the easy part. From the band’s launch in 2005 to the current lineup six years later, roughly a dozen members have been associated with the JSB. Although I subscribed to the ”˜addition by subtraction’ theory and that things were always moving forward, progress was affected as getting any new person up to speed took some doing. Certain song arrangements had to be adjusted (with varying degrees of success) and there were always the blending of personalities to contend with. But which musicians would end up as the ones for the task at hand?

The new vibe around this project played a critical part in its development as the band’s musical identity kept evolving. The harder, crunchier groove from the JSB’s first record was our calling card, but lacked the proper dynamics to be much else. Our second effort was much more ambitious in various ways, but the necessary preproduction work was often lacking in spots. For Live My Dream Rock True to work, where all two dozen songs had to interconnect, everything had to stay flexible yet structured. The key was not to shoot for absolute perfection but to avoid straying too far from the path. Thus, my script for a live stage production idea was put on hold; it was way too distracting. Music first; everything else later.

With pre-production rehearsals beginning as we barreled into 2009, our weekly session down in ”˜The Barracks’ digital recording space turned into months. As part-timers, our personal lives slowed us down. And with the media quiet on our exploration and nobody showing interest in financing this venture, I wondered where exactly the JSB stood in the middle of this maddening quest. Sure, my eclectic quintet has been this quintessential long shot in a crowded horse race and that wasn’t going to change. But could a multi-generational band -- that includes a drummer of 60 and a sax guy of 20 -- blend their experiences together and turn out a finished product?

I thought so, and LMDRT forged on. The tunes quickly fell into three categories: one-third that stood on their own, one-third acting as connectors to add storyline clarity and one-third as hybrids. After one lineup managed to test-run a good chunk of its viability at one show we taped, the results exposed what was working and what wasn’t. More important, I got a bird’s eye view as to what this might sound like from start to finish. More changes continued through 2010 that eventually led to summer discussions about using a producer at his studio and what was needed for that situation to work. With the recording lineup of founding JSB veterans Steve and Russ teaming up with the young newcomers Brian and Charlie now set, much like the decision on what the next release should be, how to record the songs took another turn.

After analyzing my options, I chose to produce this in a live format but within familiar studio territory. As we’ve always been this organic-sounding band, recording au natural made perfect sense. Basic tracks were cut live at Sabella Studios, with all five Brigaders strategically positioned around Jim’s main room and his vintage gear. Any additional tracking and fixing up would be done later where needed. Mixing sessions followed alongside engineer Mike Mulieri (of The Upwelling fame as their bassist), whose studio chops and musician mindset blended our organized chaos properly.

Though unconventional for a big project, the live studio approach was the smartest way to go. Because in the end, we captured both the essence of the rock opera’s spirit and the JSB’s best live performance talents, warts and all. And it is here where the songs took on their own personalities, like the comical ”˜Them’ where we mocked ourselves, the very prophetic-sounding ”˜Stinking Up The Joint’ or even the acoustic ”˜Somebody’ that could have lasted forever. Even instrumentals like ”˜Overview’ and ”˜Underview’ and the demo ”˜I Am Yours To Keep’ added something different but thankfully fit the bill.

Not to be overlooked is the title of this project. The word ”˜live’ has two meanings here: the actual ”˜live’ basic tracks recording we did AND my ”˜live my dream rock true’ mantra. In a recent interview, singer Robert Plant said, ”˜Everything you do creatively has a moment — moments of coherence and comprehension and great communion — and then things don’t. It just changes. And thank God for that.’ After fifteen years on the New York metro indie rock circuit, a moment was found. As this might be loosely considered the ”˜big record’ for the JSB, I’m glad we finally got to release this. In any way, shape or form, bigger is better.
— Sully, January 2011
###]]> http://johnsullivanbrigade.com/blog.html/liner_notes_to_live_my_dream_rock_true Sun, 02 Jan 2011 13:52:07 -0800 - JOHN SULLIVAN BRIGADE - 2011 rock opera info http://johnsullivanbrigade.com/blog.html/lyrics_to_live_my_dream_rock_true
This work is dedicated to Peter Townshend.

LIVE MY DREAM ROCK TRUE
an indie rock opera in two acts
by The John Sullivan Brigade

All songs by John Sullivan ©2011; ASCAP.

THE PERFORMERS & MAIN CHARACTERS:

John Sullivan: vocals, piano, guitar, bass, synth, harmonica
Steve Glover: drums, percussion
Russ Rogers: guitar, backing vocals, bass
Brian Caltabiano: bass, backing vocals, guitar
Charlie Lopresto: tenor, alto & baritone saxophone

Additional Characters:
Richie: Rust Hand’s manager
Patty: Sully’s wife
Suzy: PR pro & Brian’s lover
Red: A top record producer

* ACT I *


1. OVERVIEW -- instrumental


2. JAMMING

[Sully]: Here we are, the same bar band
Hard rockers without a plan
So true
But we hold our heads up high
We always love the meet and greet
After we fight onstage each week
Amazed
We don’t break down and cry

CHORUS: And so we jam
Jamming out some tunes today
Jamming out another song some way
Will we make gold today

Here we are, Rust Hand, the band
We’ve got a sad handful of fans
For us
Wannabe superstars
So much here, as you can see
There’s been worse bands in history
That’s why
We keep crunching our guitars (CH)

Gone so far
As local stars
Can go but who said
We’re as good as dead?

Here we are, your hometown band
Lord, can you please give us a hand
If you do
Like Elvis said, ”˜don’t be cruel’
It’s now or never
This won’t last forever
Let’s come together now
Let’s get a break somehow
Let’s make it big right now as we keep
Jamming

3. LIVE MY DREAM ROCK TRUE

[Sully]: When I’m alone I often dream
About this music fantasy
Success seems many miles away from me
The grown-up world thinks I’m a fool
Sometimes it doesn’t look so cool
But I won’t stand and blend in like a tree

CH: What you hear is all I have
To bring one vision to the world
So live my dream rock true

If I knew just where to go
To find my destiny
I’d be as happy as a bird flying free
Not sure why it takes so long
I’m suffering right now
My universe must turn around
But how? (CH)

Late at night I sit alone and stare
Writing ”˜bout the days when I was scared
About those hopes and dreams
My life’s not what it seems

Every time I start to stare
Into the mirror’s eyes
I recall the hunger and the pain
Yes, the band wants all my best
Though I haven’t tapped them blues
The heart is strong but
Are we second hand news? (CH)

4. STINKING UP THE JOINT

[Sully]: We were good? ([BAND]: YEAH!)
So great? (YEAH!)
You like that song? (YEAH!)
And does your date? (YEAH!)
Do you think so? Do you think so?

We never found our groove -- they lied to us
Stage jumps for every fan were a total bust
Don’t know what they hated but we lost our soul
Forget what happened tonight — we were
Stinking up the joint

[Sully]: We were a smash? ([BAND]: YEAH!)
Come again? (YEAH!)
For our next show? (YEAH!)
You’ll bring a friend? (YEAH!)
See ya next time! See ya next time!

Thank God that nightmare’s over
They’re finally gone
Yelling at our audience was oh so wrong
Don’t know what they hated but we lost our soul
Forget what happened tonight — we were
Stinking up the joint
Stinking up the joint

We’ve seen them and they’ve seen us
Now is it worth the fuss
A night out’s why they’re on our floor
So head on out the door, so head on out the door

Don’t know what they hated but we lost our soul
Forget what happened tonight — we were
Stinking up the joint

5. TO A FRIEND

[Richie]: I think, Sully, we need a good ol’ talk
You fell flat on your face tonight
You balked
I’d like to tell you off big time right now
But rather cursing you out, pal
Here’s how”¦just

CH: Get some cash, make a scene
Write a hit, slash your jeans
Get creative ”˜til you bleed
Punch the mayor, get real mean
Try and get yourself arrested
Just not horribly molested
That’s what’s been suggested
My advice to a friend

I don’t deny your talent, not at all
Now get your act together, man — walk tall!
If you are blaming someone else again
I’ll take a wooden bat to your big head, so (CH)

6. A VOICE

[Brian]: My voice is not angelic
I look like I’m a thief
I never finished college
But I’m sexy and sweet
Now I’d like to have a bigger say
In what we do today
And tomorrow and the next day, ok?

CH: I want a voice
Another choice, that’s all
I want to get the world
To take my call
I want a voice
A voice that carries me
Way beyond my front door
It is all I ask
Nothing more

I am not the leader
Though I can add a touch
Bring an idea to the forefront
Just don’t expect too much
Now I’d like to have a bigger say
In what we do today
And tomorrow and the next day, ok? (CH)

This voice today ([BAND]: that voice today)
My choice today (your choice today)
Let us push, push together, what do you say (CH)

7. DID YOU HEAR

[Richie]: Did you hear about the TV contest
One song can bring us fame
Yes fame, fame, fame
For a new show called ”˜Delay’
This may be our last chance
Since we are out of time
Yes time, time, time
Should have done this yesterday
Can you bang out one quick tune
By tomorrow afternoon
Hollywood wants it soon
We’re out of room

8. ALL THE SAME TO ME (Couples’ Chat)

[Patty]: I’ve heard it all before
[Sully]: I wish I had a say
[Patty]: Such the primadonna!
[Sully]: Hope it goes a different way
[Patty]: Yeah, he’s crashed and burned in the past
[Sully]: Yeah, I’m sure it won’t last
Because

(CH): [Patty]: Dear, it’s all the same to me
No matter what, you’re the one that makes me
Love the dreams you keep alive
As you preach never say die

[Patty]: I’ve been around the block
[Sully]: Who’s loved them oh so long
[Patty]: This brain overloaded
[Sully]: As the band cuts thru the songs
[Patty]: Yeah, he’s crashed and burned in the past
[Sully]: Yeah, I’m sure it won’t last
Because (CH)

[Patty]: They don’t have the same time frames
[Sully]: Can’t they see that this is not a game
[Patty]: Don’t know why they’re not in the flow
[Sully]: I will never say ”˜Please do not go’
[Both]: But what do we know (CH)

9. WAITING FOR THE DAY

[Richie]: ”˜Here’s a single that could take us
up the charts!’

[Sully]: I shiver in the winter
But I’m not cold
Thinking ”˜bout you
I’m baking in the summertime
Hope I won’t melt away
Before I take you to

CH: That special place
Deep down inside
Where we both know
And I’m waiting for the day
When I can hold you

I’m sneezing in the springtime
But I ain’t allergic
Not to you
I’m dreaming in the autumn leaves
So much I want to share
Before I take you to (CH)

I understand you, dear
There’s nothing now to fear
As we take a ride
A thousand miles an hour
To that place we both know (CH)

10. SOMEWHERE TO RUN

[Sully]: I told you once before
I’ll tell you once again
You guys had it in you
Didn’t cause a lot of pain
A new day’s rising up
Are you ready to get paid
We ain’t ever looking back
At what happened today

CH: Somewhere to run
We’re hot as the sun
Got the keys to all of our dreams
We want it all today
There’s nothing more to say

I knew our day would come
Thank the mighty Lord, bless you
Couldn’t take it anymore
The notion we were through
Let’s share this with the world
Now that we’ve finally won
Where we’ll end up down the road
Don’t matter — we are one (CH)

We had no cash
No fortune and no fame
But that’s all changed
Let’s take it all the way (CH)

11. THEM

[Sully]: He’s the sax guy you see
Way back against the wall
Charlie’s breakin’ out his metal
He’s quiet but feeling tall

[Brian]: He’s the dude that keeps the groove
As the others roam free
'Steve, move those arms a bit!'
Watch the backbeat drive him

[Russ]: I’m the wild man in between
Bending six strings, yeah!
I’m not afraid to speak up
For the others, so beware!

CH: [Sully]: So what about them
[Brian]: You never hear ”˜em singin’
[Sully]: What about them
[Brian]: They’ll keep your ears a ringin’
[Sully]: They don’t ask for much
[BAND]: (WE DON’T!)
[Sully]: I have a little hunch
[BAND]: (YOU DO?)
[Sully]: Brian, let me think
”˜Cause I never said we couldn’t share

[Sully]: They add the color to the light
[Brian]: Sully, perhaps, try as they might
[Sully]: So much work, so little time
[Both]: I guess they’re doing fine, doing”¦(CH)

12. WE’RE ON OUR WAY

[BAND]: Ready, set -- are we ready yet?
Ready, set -- are we ready yet?
Ready, set -- are we ready yet?
Ready, set -- are we ready yet?

CH: [BAND]: GO! We’re on our way!
[Sully]: Great to be atop the world
GO! We’re on our way!
The fans will throw their clothes at me
GO! We’re on our way!
On the cover of a magazine
GO! We’re on our way!
Having tea soon with the Queen

I don’t know how it happened
Or how we lucked out
But with this band and our luck
We’re on our way!

[BAND]: Ready, set -- it’s all or nothing now!
Ready, set -- it’s all or nothing now!
Ready, set -- it’s all or nothing now!
Ready, set -- it’s all or nothing now!

[BAND]: GO! We’re on our way!
[Sully]: Feeling like a superstar
GO! We’re on our way!
Autographing all day long
GO! We’re on our way!
Pretty poses for the press
GO! We’re on our way!
Bad haircuts to start some trend
I don’t”¦

** ACT II **


13. UNDERVIEW -- instrumental


14. I AM ALL YOU NEED

[Sully]: ”˜Yo guys, check out the demo’
There’s a little piece of us
That wants to run away
And find some inspiration
To make a brighter day
Are you ready, friend
To ride me to the end of time
You’ll do just fine

(CH): I am all you need
Come along now
Let me take the lead
I’ll show you how
You'll be one of us
Don't make a fuss
Just dance
I’ve got you in my trance

So much here you cannot see
You’ve got to trust me, dear
Feel the power, feel the light
Let my spirit kill your fear
Are you ready, friend
To ride me to the end of time
You’ll do just fine (CH)

Embrace my sensation
Accept my salvation
Support my foundation
Will you? (CH)

15. IT’S TIME

[Sully]: All day driving, all night we work
Free and clear to be real jerks
But I forgot I have three more
Family folks waiting by my door

CH: It’s time to run around
It’s time to find new ground
Hustle, move it now
Step up, do it now
It’s time

The bump and grind, it’s such a drag
Gigs so iffy, the cash so sad
Richie and Suzy, our business best
Smoke and mirrors from behind our desk (CH)

Can’t unwind for a single day
Never any time to laugh and play
Waiting for the fun part to come around
Sick and tired of being contract bound (CH)

16. WHAT I WANT (Girlfriend’s Lament)

[Suzy]: Don’t you know we’re on the train together
We’re both on the same side
Look no further, can’t you see
Our future’s clear, just you and me
We can make a damn good team
Do you know what I mean

CH: ”˜Cause what I want is you tonight
A face to kiss to make things right
And take me to the very end
A star to hold, a soul mate friend
That’s what I want, that’s where I want to be

It’s in the air, we’re getting close
Two becoming one
Do not worry, do not run
Here it comes, our rising sun
We can make a damn good team
Do you know what I mean (CH)

Let me press my hand upon your face
And stand beside your lovely space
You’re the one I must embrace
Can I be your home, your special place?

Knowing all I know today
Let me show you the way (CH)

17. TRUE PRETENDER

[Sully]: Rub it in my face, shove it down my throat
Telling me we suck but you want my coat
Talk behind my back, kick me when I’m down
Throwing crap at us, bash us all around

CH: Too hip, too cool, too together
Always changing like the weather
Evil eyes expose your lies
And you think we’re the true pretender

Writing nasty notes, stealing ideas, yeah
Plagarize my songs, you won’t play fair
Faking web news, you fibbed again
Grabbing our spotlight, where does this end? (CH)

Now who’s the band in disguise
Man, you’re not what you advertise
You’re two-faced as I thought you’d be
A joke for all of us to see, yeah (CH)

18. DRAW THE LINE

[Brian]: Look around, buddy
Turn around, buddy
Our back’s against the wall
It’s time to stand up tall
What a mess, Sully
Look at us, Sully
We’ve got to move ahead
Let’s wash your cluttered head

CH: For tonight we’ll make a stand
We’ll rule the airwave land
If we crash and burn, don’t worry
We’re still here
It is time to draw the line
”˜Cause we’re all on borrowed time
Keep the faith
And let the music guide our way

Look up, I see a sign
Wake up, you know it’s time
Draw the line
Take a chance, all is fine

Check it out, buddy
Are you lost, buddy
We’re going nowhere fast
Recall our painful past
Sober up, Sully
Find your clothes, Sully
Not sure you really care
Are you gonna just spit and swear (CH)
Look up”¦

19. SOMEBODY

[Sully]: Times are tough as you well know
When the money goes away
You’ll take whatever job that comes
To leave these darkened days
In case it takes much longer
Don’t turn your back on you
There’s a way out from this place
Listen, here’s what you do

CH: You have to call somebody, find somebody
Lean on somebody, cry on somebody
Hold somebody, tell somebody
That you need to make things right
Don’t be alone tonight

Seems like last year took forever
As the whole wide world slowed down
More bills past due came today
It’s happening all around
But I remember your super smile
That could light up our town
Don’t despair, we’ve got your back
Take this advice right now (CH)

Just head on down to the river to see that sunrise
Or walk down to the church
To see a groom with his bride
There’s so much you’ve forgotten
And so much, my God, way ahead (CH)

20. GONE

[Sully]: Our future has been torn apart
This band Rust Hand is dead
The dream arrived, so crystal clear
But our label packed and left
You and Suzy killed our day
Tomorrow and the rest
Why make me switch the song, bassman
It’s a tragic contract mess

CH: We are gone
There’s nothing more to say
It’s back to square one, son
I am gone, you are gone, we are gone

It’s hard to think we’re finished
Didn’t have a chance to slide
The music life in front of us
One chance to blossom died
For your lack of brilliance, well,
We’ll dub thee king of the fools
Ruler of the idiots
How could you be so cruel (CH)

[Radio broadcast]:”¦and voted in next week. In music news, Top 40 stars Rust Hand were dropped yesterday from their label after performing a different song other than their single on a TV show. No word on what their next move will be. Coming up soon”¦

21. HOME AT LAST

[Sully]: Did you miss me?
[Patty]: YES I DID
It’s right there on your pretty face
Did you hate me?
YES I DID
I know — I was having fun

CH: Now I’m home at last
That pipe dream is in the past
Yes, I’m here again
It’s your last chance to send me out the door

Got the bad news?
YES I DID
But what could I really do?
Heard it’s over?
YES I DID
That we blew up like the rest? (CH)

Did you worry?
YES I DID
I thought so but you never called
Any struggle?
YES I DID
There was more I should have done (CH)

22. FOLLOW ME

[Red]: Red is thinking
Something big could really happen
My reputation follows me
And so it goes
I don’t flake out
”˜Cause I am where the action is
This kahuna gets what he deserves
It’s so much fun

There’s nothing to this
Yeah, you gotta lotta free time
Digging your cool buzz
It’s all by design
Producing you, friend
When can we meet again

CH: Things will be sweeter
If you follow me
The grass is greener
If you follow me
Life will be neater
If you follow me
All these things you want — sign here!

Here comes the question
Important one, important one
Can Red shape you all the way
Do we agree?
Back comes my answer
A better one, a better one
Can’t create ”˜til you say yes
And that is all, and that is all
There’s nothing”¦(CH)

23. I AM RIGHT

[Sully]: I’ve struggled and I’m sick of it
I’m wasted to the core
There’s nothing left inside of me
I’m ready for the door
I don’t care who’s wrong because I’m right

I’ve battled, yes, the best of you
I’m stronger for it now
My confidence is shining now
I won’t throw in the towel
I don’t care who’s wrong because I’m right

CH: I am right — [BAND]: You are wrong
Oh so right — That you’re wrong
I am right — You are wrong
Oh so right — That you’re wrong
So we don’t agree no more

I can’t decide which way to go
I quickly need a change
So if we keep it going now
Let’s try to rearrange
I don’t care who’s wrong because I’m right (CH)

It’s clear we need a timeout now
I need some R&R
Can’t change a thing at all, comrades
I prayed we’d come this far
I don’t care who’s wrong because I’m right (CH)

24. FAREWELL

[Sully]: First it’s a hobby and
Next it’s my job then
It’s over, I don’t know
Where do we go now
Everything’s over
What happened to our soul, oh

CH: Our dream is over
Goodbye to all, farewell
Should have seen it coming
They got lost
While I got found, c’mon

My heart was beating as
Our time was fleeting
I know we gave our best
Since we decided that
No one’s excited let’s
Put this thing to rest ”˜cause (CH)

We all get one chance in this life
To stand and fight
We rode the big wave
”˜Cause we thought I saw the light
There’s only one road to the truth
We had our say
Let’s join together, reunite, another day

Where do we go
Where now, man, I don’t know
Everything’s over
What happened to our soul, oh (CH)

R E A D. . .

Piano sounds; Unknowns abound;
Thinker struggles; Entertain locals;
Manage demands; Newer plans;
Media ride; Suffering bride;
Fresher thought; Fortune sought;
Address how; Going now;
. . .B E T W E E N. . .

Guitar jam; Demo band;
Completely out; Distraction rout;
Stiffer competition; Possible fruition;
Unapproved reality; Expected profanity;
Partner retreat; Musical conceit;
Believing trends; Collective ends
. . . T H E. . . L I N E S. . .

###]]> http://johnsullivanbrigade.com/blog.html/lyrics_to_live_my_dream_rock_true Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:52:48 -0800 - JOHN SULLIVAN BRIGADE - 2011 rock opera info