
3/18/07
Where the heck have I
been?! On
myspace a lot. I think I've been updating there more than I've
been updating here. Actually, I know I have, and that's due
to some computer stuff that's been going on over the past couple of
months. My pc has retired and I'm currently switching back &
forth between Mac mini (nice and quiet and fast) and a mac 733 (noisy
and slower, but has my web editing software on it, which the Mini does
not. And that was some bad grammar there, wasn't it? But,
despite missing my family and friends in SFLA, I've been having a great
time
around my home base here in Nashville. Yesterday morning, Joe and
I and our friend John Grassadonia were guests on Third Coast Music, (thirdcoastmusic.net), broadcasting from Puckett's Restaurant & Grocery in historic downtown Franklin. Thanks Rick, Pam, Jan and Miss Vicky!
8/23/06
So much has happened.
My father passed away June 5th. Our whole family, including
my husband Joe, was there in the hospital with him when
he let go of this life. I feel so blessed to have spent
the past 1.5 years or so living with him and my mother while
our family lived through his illness and the surrounding
issues. God works in such strange ways. I miss my dad a
lot. Anyone who knows me knows that he's been such a huge
part of my life and owns a huge part of my heart. I hadn't
written anything about his death until now, and I have to
admit I am a little choked up talking/writing about it now.
We sang to him, all of his favorite hymns, while he was
fading over the last couple of days. Never had music been
more powerful in our lives, I think. He spoke his last words
June 2nd while being admitted to the hospital with pneumonia
and never really regained full consciousness after a procedure
to drain one of his lungs which had collapsed. Lots of family&
friends were there for the funeral. It was really beautiful.
The choir he and I had been singing in at church sang at
his funeral. So did my husband Joe; to have him go through
this with me was just... well, I have no words. He was there
just when I needed him most, and somehow always knew exactly
what I needed. My
mother has been amazingly strong throughout everything.
Thank you so much for your prayers.
I
just moved back to Nashville and re-united with my husband
Joe. I'm thrilled to be back at my home with my best friend.
Been making some new friends as well. (Do miss the great
ones I made in FL, though. They are irreplacable.)
I'm
getting some valuable recording lessons from The Protools
Guy himself. When he (joe) gets back from his tour with
John Michael Talbot we'll be finishing my country CD. I
know my dad is smiling down on us. I'll be doing some songwriter
nights and gigs around town. Also have tentative plans to
play in Dallas early next year. I continue to write some
praise & worship as well, and hope to record some of
that soon. And I'll also be compiling all of my God-specific
music on one CD sometime soon. Last night I went through
some of my older stuff and I was reminded how blessed I
have been to have had such amazing opportunities.
Ooh!
And check it out! A couple of my songs are featured on a
hot new website: Http://www.creativecafe.com.
I'm in some great company there. Download some music, why
don't you!
Thanks
for checking in. See ya.
j*a
4/09/06
Another
one of my songs, "The Last Time," has been added
to rotation on Kewlcountry.com.
They broadcast country oldies - Nothing less than a year
old with the exception of indie artists with a traditional
sound, 24/7. They're the sister station of Variety96.com,
which is currently playing my single "Unapologize."
On Kewlcountry.com,
you probably won't hear the same song twice in a week and
you may hear some great music from Indie artists. Visit
them here!
About
the song: "The Last Time" is a traditional-sounding
country waltz. I love the sound of the recording; there's
some tremendous fiddle work on it. I wrote the entire song
in a dream a few years ago. There's a clip on my music page.
Or request it on Kewlcountry.com
to hear the whole thing!
4/05/06
Outbound
Music (http://www.outboundmusic.com)
has just added "Unapologize" to their countrymusic
playlist! Outboundmusic.com's
mission is to provide listeners with a wide variety of easily
attainable quality music while providing indie recording
artists & songwriters honorable and equitable distribution
and promotion services. They donate 10% of its net profits
to charity. How cool!
3/23/06
"Unapologize"
has just been added to the playlist at mvyradio.com's
Local MusiCafe, which is consistently ranked
within the top 15 most streamed internet radio stations
in the world. Visit their site
for a listen!
3/22/06
So
what the heck have I been doing, you ask?
...
Let
me sum up (to quote Inigo Montoya):
Most of you know my dad is seriously ill. I've been with
them (my dad and mom) in south FL for the past year and
it's been a really special time. With such intense personal
stuff going on, I cut back a whole bunch on things I was
so focused on earlier. Not permanently, just now when it's
what I feel called to do. I kind of retreated into my Faith
and learned (once again) what a sublime gift God gives us
when we hand ourselves over to Him. Only God can give you
the biggest something when you're working from nothing.
Of
course, music is something that doesn't just leave you when
you ignore it; the creative voice begs to be satisfied and
I've had some great outlets for it along the way.
My
guitar and I have become intimate friends. I'm also singing
in one of the best gigs available: My dad has been a church
choir member, well, for as long as I can remember. Being
here in the same town with him now, I joined him in the
choir. What awesome experiences we've had sharing this activity
together. And the choir members have been wonderful too.
In
addition, I've been blessed with spending a few mornings
playing for an Senior Adult Daycare Center and Alzheimer's
Day Care Facility. There's no way you can spend a morning
there and not just be smiling ear-to-ear for the rest of
the day.
After
a couple of years off, I just published a new issue of my
web magazine for girls. It has it's own domain now at Philomenagirl.com.
The concept is still evolving and will just keep getting
better with every issue.
I just got the mixes of the last 2 original songs I recorded
up in Nashville (Thanks, Joe!). I love them! Check out my
music
page for some mp3 clips.
One
of the songs, "Unapologize," has just been added
to the rotation on Variety96.com,
an online streaming radio station out of Austin, TX. If
you stop by their site, request my song!
It's
also been selected for the playlist on Thats
Country LIVE!, Canada's top online country
radio station. The station also airs on the US MBN Wireless
Network, which has 1.7 million listeners and rising. Visit
their site here.
And, if you feel like it, request my song!
"Unapologize"
has also been selected to play on the FTM
(For the Masses) Podcast Network,
a group of podcasts that look to showcase the best in independent
and unsigned music from all over the world. Their programs
are available as both streaming media online and downloadable
to listener’s portable media player or computer. They'll
let me know when the song will be used. I will let you know!
I'm
looking forward to recording some electronica versions of
some tradional old Catholic music. You'll be the first to
know when there's something to listen to there.
I'll
be playing for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica on April 22nd
in Boca Raton. See ya there!
Thank
you so much for your prayers and your friendship. Drop me
a line! And keep the prayers coming!
love,
J*A
Give
me a shout!
1/30/06
I
can't believe I haven't said this yet, but:
THANK YOU, VINNIE, FOR THE GUITAR!!!!!!!
Oh,
and I do have a space:
http://myspace.com/
jeanannhandmusic.
Some
of my Christian stuff is there.
9/05
HOLLYWOOD BEACH CLAMBAKE!
I'll
be singing at the
CLAMBAKE PAVILLION
SATURDAY
SEPT. 17th
6:30 - 7:30
8/15/2005
Ok,
so I was a month off! The
Hollywood Beach Clambake is
the weekend of Sept. 16.
I'll be playing that Saturday in
the late afternoon/early evening.
I'll post a more specific time when
I get that information.
7/20/2005
I've
been in Florida and will be playing
at the Hollywood Beach Clambake in August.
I'll let you know the date when I find out.
3/12/2005
I'll be visiting some friends playing at Rippy's
tonight and will will most likely be singing for
a bit sometime between 8 - 8:30. Come on over and buy me
a coke.
3/10/2005
Good
boy!
3/8/2005
Welcome
to my world.
3/6/2005
Foiled
My
foil won't fit in my suitcase. I don't have a bag for it.
And no one wants to see you board a plane with one.
3/2/2005
Ruff
So
this is what followed me
up my driveway when I came home this afternoon. Wish
we could have kept him. But Boo seems kind of glad to remain
the lone dog in the house.
2/9/2005
Good
times & noodle salad.
Just
returned from a very efficient visit to Florida. Last Thursday,
Joe & I shared some music at the annual Run For Life
banquet. I'd missed the event for the past 2 years, so I
was especially glad to see all the regular players in this
event as well as meet some new ones.
Saturday
night, I was in the front row for a hella-awesome Mardi
Gras parade. Actually, it was part of Hollywood's Fiesta
Tropicale (http://www.mardigrasfiesta.com),
a newly resurrected pre-Lent celebration organized by my
brother-in-law. While it captures the excitement and revelry
of a traditional Mardi Gras, it's more family-friendly than
the Mardi Gras you'd find in the French Quarter. I'm already
looking forward to next year. I wonder if I could use my
pull and be Queen of the Fiesta or something like that.
And have people give me presents.
Oh,
and:
Hey, Conrad! Thanks for the ride!
Of
course, the best part of any trip to Florida is spending
time with my family. Thank you all for your prayers for
my dad and mom. (My dad was diagnosed with cancer just before
Christmas.) He's doing well with his treatments; we fully
expect him to come through this strong as he's always done
with everything else. We are of good stock, my people!
Please
keep us in your prayers and good wishes. Thanks!
P.S.
Started tracking vocals for my newer songs. I can't wait
to share them with you!
1/1/2005
Happy New Year!
11/25/04
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Personally,
I am thankful for being born into this wonderful country,
into my wonderful family (new members as well as the originals)
and continuing to live among the abundant blessings with
which God showers me.
If you are reading this, I am thankful for you too! And
thanks for all your wonderful thanksgiving presents &
greetings.
11/22/04
Ok, did the tracking on Sunday night &
really had the greatest time ever! I'm so thrilled with
what took place! Can't wait to share it with you!
11/17/04
Studio - On Monday, I'll be tracking the
rest of my songs for my CD. I am very excited about that!
My
Joe!
Here is a great review of my husband's latest CD:
http://www.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=6060.
I am so very proud!
10/26/04
My mom & dad are so cool!
They're working at the polls... in South Florida!
No wonder I turned out alright. For the most part.
Happy
Belated Birthday, Jon! (That's my brother, who also happens
to be one of the biggest musical influences in my life).
10/21/04
This
is what you should not eat for breakfast:
A pot of coffee and 1/2 a bag of low-fat oreos.
I'm just saying.
10/7/04
I
don't like talking about my flair.
Dick Cheney's flair? I could go on forever.
dickcheneyfanclub.com.
9/25/04
FREE
BURRITOS!
Actually, it was even better than
the phrase sounds.
Joe & I just got back from a really cool night! Rick
Lonow (one of my favorite persons in Nashville and an amazing
musician) invited us to come listen to him play as a member
of Burrito Deluxe, the current incarnation of the legendary
Flying Burrito Brothers. It was an awesome show and an awesome
time! Much of the crowd was from the Americana Music Association
Conference and the people I met were super fun. I even got
a lesson in two-stepping (Thanks, Joyce!)
Thanks, Rick! You da dawg!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM & JUDY &
JEN!
I MISS YOU!!!
8/17/04
Does this mean I'm officially a redneck?
I got an electric hedge trimmer for my birthday from my
husband. That's what I told him I wanted (many, many times;
I am not subtle about such crucial things as presents) &
I wasn't lying. When he gave it to me, I was happier than
I would have been if he'd handed me another piece of jewelry
or something like that. So I guess that's it. I am a redneck.
When
I tell my girly-girl friends what my husband gave me for
my birthday, they're all "Oh, I'm so sorry!" To
which I respond, "No, I really love it! It's just what
I wanted!" They
pat me on the head and say, "Sure it is, sweetie."
But behind my back they say, "What a brave girl."
Now
I want some kind of powered saw.
And
a shotgun.
Oh!
And be
a member!
8/04/04
Thank you all so much for
the birthday gifts & greetings!
You're so thoughtful & generous! You make me feel like
a princess!
7/23
Send
me birthday greetings!
Or
presents...presents are good.
And tell me I'm pretty.
7/11
I've
always thought that if I were in the circus, my chosen act
would be either the trapeze or the tight rope. The trapeze
artists and tight rope walkers always get the best costumes,
so very sparkly. Swings make me a little nauseous, though.
I guess it would have to be the tight rope.
Free
Streaming Audio
Listen to free streaming audio of Jean*Ann's
songs at her Broadjam location:
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/
artistindex.asp?artistID=7182
You'll hear both her country & her Christian music there.
6/04
Nothing
happened in June. I overslept and the month just kind of
got away from me.
5/20/04
I got an email from Martha Stewart. She's
grateful for my kind words and support. And she wants me
to buy stuff if I can. And complain to my local tv station
if they cancel her show. I said ok.
Here
I am in my kitchen practicing to take over for Martha. In
case she needs it.
From the looks of things, I seem to use a lot more breakfast
cereal than she does.
I'm
going to S Fla tomorrow to see my family-- YAY!
5/11/04
Joe & I did a concert at a church
in Franklin, LA Saturday night. Beautiful church, wonderful
people, extraordinary priest. Plus we got to visit our friends
who live there. A great experience all around.
4/17/04
We got a riding mower last night. Dreams
do come true.
4/14/04
Tanya Harding moved here sometime last
year, I think. Training for a boxing career. She'd be fun
to hang out with. I mentioned that to Joe and I think it
made him a little nervous.
3/24/04
Just added a partial list of the cover songs I do. Check
the "booking"
link.
My brother & his wife just had their second child, a
beautiful little boy named John David.
3/12/04
I
sat in with a friend at Legend's Corner down on lower Broadway
(Thanks Darryl!) My friend Darryl O'Donnel is amazingly
talented; I don't think there's a country song he doesn't
know and can't sing the pants off of. If songs wore pants,
that is.
I love that area (around Legends Corner) because it's a
great piece of Nashville country music history. A lot of
tourists come through there and most of the ones who do
are true country fans. Got to do some good old classic songs,
which I just love to sing! (To
see some of Legends Corner, go here.)
Hoping to find myself there again one day soon. Singing,
I mean. I guess I could go & just hang out too.
2/29/04
Apparently,
there is no news. I will shortly be posting a link here
to my blog. So even if there's no news, you'll at least
find something entertaining to read.
Country music, country music,
country singer, nashville country music, live country music,
country music nashville, faith hill, shania twain, julie
roberts, gretchen wilson, gretchen peters, chely wright,
music row mafia, music row, live country music, female country
singer, female country artist, Jeanann Hand