harmonicanick
1317 posts
Oct 03, 2011
11:42 AM
|
I hope it's ok to ask??
|
Diggsblues
1016 posts
Oct 03, 2011
12:31 PM
|
My last message on face book was he was working
some stuff out and wasn't ready to talk to people
yet and thanks to everyone for their support.
----------
Emile "Diggs" D'Amico a Legend In His Own Mind
How you doin'
|
harpdude61
1084 posts
Oct 03, 2011
12:34 PM
|
I see nothing wrong with inquiring about Jason as long as no one speculates and share facts only. I don't understand the hush hush.
Many people are fans and care about Jason. I would like to hear myself, good or bad.
If he were a bigger name it would be all over the press anyway. It IS part of being famous. For some reason it brings a slap on the wrist here.
|
WinslowYerxa
69 posts
Oct 03, 2011
1:05 PM
|
My last communication with Jason a few weeks ago indicated that he is safe and is getting his head together.
That's what people really need to know -he's OK.
|
harmonicanick
1318 posts
Oct 03, 2011
2:04 PM
|
that is cool, and I wish him all the best from a long way away.
Nick
|
timeistight
152 posts
Oct 03, 2011
2:33 PM
|
Thanks Winslow. That's good news.
|
harpdude61
1093 posts
Oct 08, 2011
5:10 AM
|
Just copy and pasted from Jason's Facebook...
Out of jail court n sentancing pending been sober 80 days trying to hang on miss charlotte as much as the dope got lots of new songs in a lot of trouble n pain but probably goin to treatment in la thanx 2 music cares im scared no computer yet only this cell
Contact my main man corey lindros if you need this number if i owe u money defintly call thanx for all the support
|
eharp
1493 posts
Oct 08, 2011
5:19 AM
|
the most promising note on his condition is "if i owe u money defintly call".
it seems to show he aint just shooting more moves to finance his recent bout with his demons.
|
toddlgreene
3376 posts
Oct 08, 2011
5:41 AM
|
yeah, I got that message too. Hope he's on the road to recovery now.
----------
Todd L. Greene
|
The Iceman
125 posts
Oct 08, 2011
5:43 AM
|
He will probably be living "one day at a time" forever, if he wants to beat his demons.
Not an easy battle, for sure.
Hope he makes it.
----------
The Iceman
|
geordiebluesman
469 posts
Oct 08, 2011
11:28 AM
|
Ain't it the truth, theres always a flip side to genius and always a price to pay for a huge talent.
|
groyster1
1477 posts
Oct 08, 2011
12:11 PM
|
hes a great talent-I wish him the best-so glad this forum supports him
|
DanP
233 posts
Oct 09, 2011
10:05 AM
|
I only know what's been posted on the internet. He has a court date later this month and plans to plead guilty.
We all wish him the best and hope he gets his life back on track.
|
Bluzmanze
13 posts
Oct 09, 2011
11:59 AM
|
I have seen him post on this forum and offer help to aspiring players,nice to see him and other accomplished players do so.Being sober 14 years I wish him luck,but more so the desire to get cleaned up,and surround himself with the right kind of people.It is tough to be a traveling/touring musician and stay the course,but it can be done.
|
markdc70
94 posts
Oct 09, 2011
10:20 PM
|
As music fans, we've all seen this sencario played out many, many times before. When I was young, I just chalked it up to rock-n-roll excess. Then, when it happened in real time to a band that I really dug, I got a little bitter, kind of took it personally, and felt that I shouldn't let myself get so connected with "just a band". Since then, I've come to accept that these people with these amazing musical talents usually come with baggage, and the biggest piece of luggage is a weakness to drug addiction. It really sucks, mostly for them, and much less so for us as fans. I've seen a lot of shows, more than anyone I know, and can say that the 3 or 4 times that I saw JR&NB, that they totally blew my mind with the level of talent that you could see in, literally, a bar. I hope Jason gets it together for himself, as he seems like a good guy, and for us as fans, because SHIT can that dude rock!!!!
|
WinslowYerxa
79 posts
Oct 10, 2011
11:54 AM
|
Jason did get sober once before and stayed that way for several years, so I know he's able to do it. Not sure what knocked him off course so badly, but "One day at a time" is always the way to stay out of trouble.
|
mercedesrules
106 posts
Oct 10, 2011
12:05 PM
|
.....I *would* like to know if he committed an actual crime (one with an injured, complaining victim) or merely a bogus, legislated personal vice misstep. It's not that I want to know because he is a musician; I like to know that about every accused person.
----------
|
waltertore
1543 posts
Oct 10, 2011
12:13 PM
|
I wish him the best and as a 1 day at a timer myself I know the struggle. The music business is seeped with addictions. From the small clubs, fans, industry people, it is just about a given one will be tempted with substance use. I remember playing bars and saying- I only made $100 but I got about $50 in drinks and more in reefer, coke, or whatever.
I often wonder about the subconcious and the music world. Are addiction prone people drawn to it subconciously? It is a world where you can get as loaded as you want and as long as people keep paying to see you, you have no job related problems from the drugs/booze that would land you in deep water in a regular job.
I have seen way too many players die young from this life. I find it a struggle each day to stay straight. It ain't easy. I don't buy into the creative mind and addiction angle. Creative minds need to deal with reality as much as the next guy. Again,that ain't easy. But if one can't stay straight they will be victums and dependent on others their entire life. I have watched lots of musicians play the helpless victum role instead of growing up, taking responsibility for ones actions, and moving forward with life. Many claim they can't work a day job, manage money, keep a solid relationship, etc. Again I wonder if the dysfunctional addiction prone souls are subconciously drawn to this field??
Our society has connected addiction as a byproduct of creativty. It also is viewed as a cool thing to many not directly involved with it. In reality there is nothing cool about using alcohol and drugs and it is not at all connected to being macho. They are basically poisons to the body and mind. Why would one want to poison themself? From what I have learned from 40 years of dealing with staying straight, it is about self worth.
When one is deep into addiction, they get frozen in that age frame. I knew one guy that was an alcoholic at 15 and he was frozen at the age and each time he got sober the reality of that time and the 40 plus years inbetween of drunken nothingness was too much for him to handle. Anyway, the road to sobriety isn't easy and the longer and deeper one is into the addictive lifestyle, the harder it is to get out and stay out. Plus changings one friends, lifestyle, is no easy thing to do. I still struggle with playing clubs because people are often drunk and I can't connect with them unless I get drunk. Drugs and alcohol tempt you with the idea that they will get you closer to people. But in reality they distant you further and further as time goes on. I speak straight because I lived in this life on and off for 40 years. It takes the cold hard truth to be held up to you every time temptation arises. I hope Jason can find his way out and stay there. Walter
----------
walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,800+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Oct 10, 2011 12:55 PM
|
joeleebush
347 posts
Oct 10, 2011
7:54 PM
|
I don't like Jason's music one bit...I tolerated about 20 minutes of him once at a live concert, wanted to puke, and then had to go.
BUT.......I will be the first to say that he can damn sure make that harp do whatever he wants it to do. And it doesnt matter WHAT I think, he is an expert at that style and I am sorry he is in all this deep trouble.
I used to be one of those who snickered and giggled at those who were addicted and I called them "weaklings".
That was until I got a dose of it myself!
I was obsessive compulsive, homicidal, suicidal, manic depressive, and borderline psychotic. Living every moment as though I wanted to blast someone and then blast myself too. I was literally wallowing in a boulevard of broken dreams..and at age 50, thats not a good place to be
But a group called Codependents Anonymous (CODA) literally saved me by teaching me to live and recover not one DAY at a time, but one HOUR at a time. Yep, I was really that bad.
Had a lot of support from old high school friends, and also Bill Clarke, Rick Estrin, and John Williamson.
It was a titanic struggle and took almost 5 years to get right in the head. I hope Jason will take the same route and get his head straight also...its NOT an easy task and even now, 20 years later, sometimes that monkey on the back tries to sneak out and say.."ohhhh so you think YOU are in control? Watch this, I'll show you who is in control"
However, with the proper coping tools and strategies, a recovery can and MUST be done..or wind up dead.
I would also say to Jason...find a copy of an old movie with Frank Sinatra titled "Man With the Golden Arm" and STUDY the film..dont just watch it. There are valuable coping tools in there. One of the most profound is a lesson being taught to Sinatra (Frankie Machine) that says..."Frankie, when you get back home and if you allow yourself to start back in with the same old friends, doing the same old routines, before you know it, that monkey will be out of its cage and you will be right back to the bottom again".
Good luck to you Jason and even though it sounds corny, old fashioned, and extremely un-hip...you will be amazed what can happen while you're on your knees in prayer. (now all the smug, elitist, atheists and the "whatevers" can just laugh themselves to death, it wont bother me at all.) You better watch yourselves though...something like what has happened to him can sneak up and bite you in the ass before you even have a clue.
Thats enough from me.
I wish you a recovery (no such thing actually, just a remission) Jason Ricci. I'll be thinking about you.
Joe Lee Bush
----------
www.reverbnation.com/thejoeleebushbluesgroup
www.joeleebushshow.com
|
nacoran
4725 posts
Oct 10, 2011
9:24 PM
|
Joelee, I'll be the first person to agree you have to believe in something, whether it's yourself or some higher power when you get caught up in a downward spiral. You need to believe there is a reason to get better, plain and simple. That can be a lot of things to different people though.
I won't argue the point at length, but I don't like being used as part of a string that includes 'smug and elitist' just because I believe differently than you. Drug use can sneak up and bite anyone in the ass, atheist, agnostic or fervently religious.
The forum rules prohibit religious discussions for a reason. I'll take the part where you suggest prayer as honest heartfelt advice from one member to another, although my experience with religious advice is when it is aimed at someone with different beliefs usually just ends up creating an antagonistic situation rather than a conversion, or even a conversation, but I'll buy that you meant well.
The rest of your comment clearly strays into exactly into the territory the rules are designed to deal with. Please respect other members beliefs, or non-beliefs, or "whatevers".
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
Last Edited by on Oct 10, 2011 10:44 PM
|
MJ
305 posts
Oct 10, 2011
9:54 PM
|
Well said Walter. I could not have said it any better.
|
Littoral
391 posts
Oct 11, 2011
3:17 AM
|
Well said Nacoran.
|
Zadozica
138 posts
Oct 11, 2011
5:45 AM
|
Wow - Nac, I didn't read anything like that from Joe Lee's post.
|
harpdude61
1102 posts
Oct 11, 2011
6:06 AM
|
Great post Walter!
I thought we had a good thread going for those fans that care about Jason? Just waiting for some one to f^^k it up...and yep...he did....go ahead and lock it.
"I don't like Jason's music one bit...I tolerated about 20 minutes of him once at a live concert, wanted to puke, and then had to go."
There are some virtuosos of various instruments and genres that I may not prefer what they do...but I never got the the urge to puke. Did people notice you turning blue?
If your goal was to upset the thread and people it may have worked on a few. Most probably either laugh at you, feel sorry for you, or both.
Last Edited by on Oct 11, 2011 6:08 AM
|
Blues13
160 posts
Oct 11, 2011
6:48 AM
|
@ harpdude61 I didn't see it that way. I think Joe Lee Bush is being honest, saying I don't like is music but he is a damn good player. Saying y was in those shoes and it's a life long battle an hour at a time. He's talking about is experience and how he battled with it. One human being trying to help another human being as best as he can.
Martin
----------
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Isaac Asimov
|
harpdude61
1103 posts
Oct 11, 2011
6:51 AM
|
Blues13...his post would have been great if not for the couple of sentences that took the sincerity out of it.
|
chromaticblues
1031 posts
Oct 11, 2011
7:39 AM
|
Yes I too believe JoeLee was being honest. He's just guilty once again of being himself.
Well put Walter!
A person in this situation needs to want to have a better life.
The easiest way to do it in the beginning is a change of environment (meaning get away from the people that do the things he shouldn't be). I'm not saying it's someone else's fault. OH it's his fault! The first 30 days are the hardest. Its gets easier after awhile. I've read alot about people struggling with this the rest of thier life and it being day to day. I must by lucky in that regaurd. Because I did drugs every day for 14 years and my wife hated it! With her constant complaining about it I stopped buying the stuff in 1990 and was in the quiting process for probably 10 years and then without thinking about it just stopped! I have absolutly do desire at all when I see other people smoking pot or doing anything. There is a 0% chance that I will ever do it again.
My point being if wants to, gets sick of screwing up and has someone that cares about him.
He can do it to. He just has to want it bad enough.
He's still young. Hopefully he can rise above it and tell people his story someday!
|
Learning To Reed
31 posts
Oct 11, 2011
10:09 AM
|
I think people are reading too much into joeleebush's comments. Give the guy a break once in awhile... he may be a little rough around the edges sometimes but he's a nice guy and I doubt he meant any harm.
I don't think he was trying to start a religious discussion either... geez. This is how shit gets started on this forum... I don't get offended if someone says they'll keep me in their prayers, if Jason begins and ends his posts with 93, or if Walter Tore likes to entertain spirits of deceased blues musicians in his studio, or if you're an athiest. I don't give a shit. I'm here to talk about harmonicas and enjoy hearing the original music that the guys and gals post around here. Love Walter Tore's stuff and the other Youtube clips that get posted.
If joeleebush hates Jason's music, so what? Lots of people don't like his music... (I like it though) hell, a lot of people hate harp players period. But I still don't think the dude meant any harm.
Hope Jason gets back on his feet. He's a good guy.
|
JInx
87 posts
Oct 11, 2011
10:20 AM
|
"If joeleebush hates Jason's music, so what? Lots of people don't like his music... (I like it though) hell, a lot of people hate harp players period. But I still don't think the dude meant any harm."
I agree no harm was intended, just a cheap attempt to elevate himself in position to rain down a rather banal romanticized version of his own struggle for success.
|
Steamrollin Stan
96 posts
Oct 11, 2011
10:26 AM
|
Jason's youtube vid helped me understand the blues scale, i always thought "he's way out there man", i also scored his cd collection from ebay and a nice personal note inside, whether we like his music or not all i can say is RESPECT! ( i bet if he wrote his autobiography it would be a big seller amongst the music community)
|
groyster1
1484 posts
Oct 11, 2011
10:50 AM
|
sometimes a judge will be sympathetic to a person if they are sincere about getting clean and going into rehab-hopefully things will work out for jason-so many like me wish that they had half the talent of jason and could make a living doing something that they love
|
bluemoose
621 posts
Oct 11, 2011
5:41 PM
|
Christ (oops, damn...sorry) I'd settle for a 1/16 of Jason's talent.
(Can you say 'damn'? Man this gets complicated.)
(Arrrggg...my 'man' above does not relate to any fatherly religious type icon but only a generic homo sapiens reference.)
(Ditto 'homo')
Whew!
MBH Webbrain - a GUI guide to Adam's Youtube vids
FerretCat Webbrain - Jason Ricci's vids (by hair colour!)
|
DirtyDeck
188 posts
Oct 11, 2011
6:34 PM
|
Jinx, your comment smacks of bitterness. Let me guess, you're a huge fan of Jason Ricci's music?
I don't like his music either, doesn't stop me respecting him. As a person, a player, a fellow human being.
I respect JoeLeebush also, for his honesty. I think his intention in stating his distaste for Ricci's music was to emphasize the empathy he feels for this guy and his situation. His fellow man, his fellow human being.
|
nacoran
4730 posts
Oct 11, 2011
7:52 PM
|
Okay, let me clarify,
"now all the smug, elitist, atheists and the "whatevers"
substitute this,
"now all the pejorative, pejorative, your spiritual group and the "whatevers"
I'm not trying to jam Joelee up over this. We all get caught up in rhetorical excess sometimes. One of our jobs as admins is to try to calmly call out the foot fouls before a fight breaks out.
I actually liked Joelee's honest description of his reaction to Jason's music; although I completely disagree as a matter of taste I think it's important that we honestly share opinions about harmonica style. This is, after all, a harmonica site. There is certainly music out there that gives me the same visceral reaction Joelee is describing, music which I'm sure has some real technical merit.
Heck, I hate most Mozart. There, I said it. I hate Mozart. I love some classical. I recognize his technical genius, but except maybe for his Requiem I find it fluffy and meaningless.
But this is all a distraction. I hope Jason can get things straightened out. He's an amazing player and the helpfulness he's shown is his videos speak to a generosity of character. I don't know him well enough to say more than that and I didn't mean to derail the thread. From his posts I get the sense he tends to value his privacy, so unless there is some important breaking news let's let sleeping dogs lie.
----------
Nate
Facebook
Thread Organizer (A list of all sorts of useful threads)
|
jbone
658 posts
Oct 11, 2011
8:01 PM
|
i am a long time recovering person. i don't blab it all over but when it may help someone i talk about it. this is in hopes of staying on the path myself and possibly letting someone know- who may not- that there really is a way past the addiction.
Jason is a deeply caring guy with huge talent and he has tapped into a huge reservoir of that talent. it does have its price as we have seen in a lot of creative people. i admit that he is leagues past anyplace i've ever been harp-wise. i also admit i don't care for some of what he does musically.
all that said, i respect the man. i also wish him the very best in his efforts to clean up and deal with the wreckage in front of him. it CAN be done and people make it through this sort of stuff every day.
personally, i favor letting him do what he needs to do to get on with his life. i hope to see news of him up the road, and i hope it's good news.
----------
http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000386839482
|
Blown Out Reed
257 posts
Oct 11, 2011
9:43 PM
|
Sage Advice Joe Lee
|
Joe_L
1519 posts
Oct 11, 2011
10:56 PM
|
Joe Lee - i wish you nothing but the the best.
----------
The Blues Photo Gallery
|
Steamrollin Stan
98 posts
Oct 12, 2011
2:09 AM
|
OT here, but someone told me this site can be a bit "aggressive or abusive or clicky ". This topic has inflamed some guys from what i see and in general terms it is not good to see this happening.
I'm only new here and just looking for good things regarding harmonica and all that goes with becoming a decent kind of player, is this the normal way things happen here or am i focusing on negative reply's and maybe should just move on and ignore what i'm seeing.
|
kudzurunner
2740 posts
Oct 12, 2011
2:50 AM
|
WalterTore's post above is just about the wisest and most useful post we've had here this year, and JoeLee's isn't far behind. These men speak from experience. Thanks for sharing that with us, guys.
We all wish Jason the best. Speaking personally, I'd love nothing more than to see him back at HCH 2012.
|
Blocker
104 posts
Oct 12, 2011
2:53 AM
|
Folks we are heading once again toward a locked thread.
Jinx your last post is a breach of forum creed, can I ask that you either retract or modify it..
DirtyDick please try and refrain from reacting to the insult.
The actual debate has nothing to do with the original post.
|
joeleebush
349 posts
Oct 12, 2011
4:21 AM
|
Whew!
Never dreamed that such a firestorm would develop from my simple efforts at making a testimony.
As anyone knows who has ever been in a 12 step recovery program, the programs are spiritual and not religious. The trick is to recognize the difference in the two.
Making that first step is the toughest....facing the fact of being powerless over your life. In other words getting away from denial (and denial is NOT a river in Egypt, by the way).
Just because I choose to detest someone's music, their lawnmower, the way they shine their shoes, the way they brush their teeth, or if they sleep upside down on a bed of nails does not mean that empathy and concern isn't being shown for someone who is headed toward the grave.
It's so foreign for an addict to think ill of another addict...even if the other person is in denial. The pain of depression is just too horrible to think of not speaking up when seeing another person "riding that lightning".
I've always believed that you can't coach baseball until you've been standing out there all alone waiting for that pitcher to throw at your head. You can't be a successful coach until you've played the game..played it for keeps. Walking a mile in my shoes, etc etc.
To those here who appreciated my post I am grateful.
To those who decided to laugh, jeer, and exercise that ubiquitous "smug, elitist" attitude....I will say for you to remember some words from one of the old timer's song.... "Before you accuse me, better take a look at yourself"
I will say it again, (read into it whatever you wish),....."Jason Ricci, I am sorry for this deep trouble you're in, locking up that monkey on your back can be done..millions have done it and so can you. Godspeed, I will be thinking about you.
Joe Lee Bush
----------
www.reverbnation.com/thejoeleebushbluesgroup
www.joeleebushshow.com
|
6SN7
189 posts
Oct 12, 2011
6:16 AM
|
@joeleebush- I appreciate your candor and honesty . I am sorry that you got ripped for opinion (20 min and I puke) I have heard plenty of that said by others here but in a different form and tack, old vs. modern, etc, whatever. You weren't trying to start a fire...
Honesty is one of the keys to recovery.
|
logansays
48 posts
Oct 12, 2011
6:26 AM
|
@blocker
"DirtyDick please try and refrain from reacting.."
Im sure u meant Dirty Deck
|
DirtyDeck
191 posts
Oct 12, 2011
6:46 AM
|
Logan, I sure hope he did!
Man, all these attacks on my personal hygiene, I'm off for a shower...
|
toddlgreene
3382 posts
Oct 12, 2011
6:53 AM
|
I just want to know how he knew it was dirty-did it taste dirty?
----------
Todd L. Greene
|
LittleVillage
34 posts
Oct 12, 2011
7:21 AM
|
Comment removed by moderator.
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2011 8:03 PM
|
JInx
90 posts
Oct 12, 2011
7:46 AM
|
I'm sorry JoeLee and DirtyDeck. I'm just sour pussed about everything these days and for some reason I tend to transfer it to the internet. Instead of dealing with my current state of affairs I seem to be searching the nets for places to attack. I've been kicked out of all the forums before I found this one. Maybe I can shape up, before the ax falls here. Aside from my nonsense, this is a great forum....I'll try to not mess it up.
PS JoeLee your blues is the schanizzle!
|
Learning To Reed
34 posts
Oct 12, 2011
8:03 AM
|
@LittleVillage
True, this is a fucked up world, and a fucked up thread now. But get ready to get attacked for your comments. I'm sure someone will be offended and this thread will be locked.
I like Jason, and hope he recovers, but people can go overboard with sympathy it seems.... he did wrong and got himself into this situation and it's gonna take time for him to get back on his feet. Best of luck to him. (Hope luck isn't perceived to be an attempt at starting a religious discussion.)
|
Tuckster
895 posts
Oct 12, 2011
9:02 AM
|
First of all, I wish Jason the best! He literally shook up my little harmonica world the first time I heard him.
Re: joeleebush I have no problem with his post. I think it's very important to make the distinction of not liking an artist but still recognizing their talent. We all have our personal tastes.
|
waltertore
1549 posts
Oct 12, 2011
9:08 AM
|
Joe Lee is old school. The old school musicians lived big and loud, kind of like the old school pro wrestlers. It is part of who they are. I can't tell you how many of the old guys were in Joe Lee's vein. I came up on the tail end of it and miss it in todays musicians. They also were very kind and caring once you got to know them. Todays musicians tend to be very humble, and non assuming. That is their way and also can be very kind and caring. This is a classic example of a generation gap. It is very important to keep the continum alive. We all need to learn from our elders. It is a many century long and tried and true way of learning an art. The nature of the net, though most likely unintentional, is to kill the time honored traditional ways of learing. I continue to have a drive to keep the old ways on the map by simply sharing the ways I learned music. This is one of the main reasons I stay on this forum. Walter
PS: One thing that hasn't changed is the addiction problems...
----------
walter tore's spontobeat - a real one man band and over 1 million spontaneously created songs and growing. I record about 300 full length cds a year.
" life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" - helen keller
2,800+ of my songs
continuous streaming - 200 most current songs
my videos
Last Edited by on Oct 12, 2011 9:19 AM
|
