NYC - back again Uni style
31 Dec 1969
Cruised down from MA to the citaaaee with my wingman Faucher to play an opeing solo set at Columbia Univ. with mentor and good friend, Brad Corrigan . The crowd of 60+ were into the groove and many thanks to all the students who stuck around after the show to chat it up and let me know how you felt about the music. It was a privledge to open the show for Braddigan, who has found his solo voice and is tearing it up on stage with percussionist Ray de Jesus. Looking forward with great anticipation to getting down there in the fall and hopefully playing again with the band in full bloom. Special thanks to Eash and John for promoting the gig and taking care of all the logistics.

Next NYC show: The Cutting Room, May 26th- 8:30-10 PM 18+/$10
Columbia Set List:
windsor gardens
blued out soul
trouble so
stone side
for no one (beatles cover)
springtime blossoms
fine (new)
all this rain
passing time
**highlights: Brad coming on stage to play some guitar/harmonica/harm vox on "fine" and "all this rain"

Sweet Summer Nubben
31 Dec 1969
It's been a great week of music and I have many friends and motivated listeners to thank!

Last Thusday, Erik, Brophy, and I cruised down to NYC to play a set at the Cutting Room, which by the way is owned by "Mr. Big". For those of you who don't know who the heck I'm refering to, Mr. Big is the ultimate love interest of Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City". If you've ever been to the Cutting Room and you know of this man, you'll be pleased, or sickend, to see that there are two rather very large portraits of Mr. Big on the walls of the joint. The unique setting also boasts my favorite arcade, a sitdown Gallaga machine - bringing back skills I acquired in the Golden Peak Ski Lodge. Anyway, The Cutting Room is a great intimate venue and the stage is perfect size. I think we played one of our best sets and it was fun to showcase some "classic" tunes from Outside, as well as several new songs that will be on the upcoming record. Much props to the huge Midd crew that was on hand to get crazy and hang out. This was the first show where fans courageously hopped on stage to display serious dance and singing skills...most likely alcohol induced but I strongly promote this anytime we are in the groove! All in all, it's always solid to be in the big apple and to play an awesome room like that for a great crowd.

Last Saturday I played at Club Passim's, "Campfire Festival" in Cambridge. The unique format for this weekend is named, "In the Roundtable", which slots four singer songwriter's (solo) on stage together and you each take turns playing four songs. The guys I played with were amazing, especially this cat Justin Jones - fantastico! He started his set by anouncing how hungover he was but that his drunk voice was rather good and raspy. He was correct. He floored everyone with his emotional performance and deep songwriting about drugs, love, and loss - the standard subjects of rock. Overall, it was cool to play solo and strip down the songs to their core. The great thing about the room is that everyone there was really eager to hear great music and their attentiveness to the songs made a truly strong connection between the performers and listeners. If you're around next year, be sure to check out this folk festival that boasts over 50 hours of music and over 100 performers.

Playing this Tuesday at Harper's Ferry in Boston and then I'm taking off the remainder of June to travel home to Denver and to start laying down tracks for a new album. I cannot wait to get back in the studio and to share these next batch of tunes with everyone....

Knowledge Gained:
I strongly suggest never doing a turnaround jumper trip to NYC from Boston. Four hours down, three hour show/hangtime, then another four hours back (around 3 AM) Great group effort by the three of us but certainly left a bad taste!

Cutting Room Set List:
Stone Side
Passing Time
All this rain
Sweet Thunder
So Lonely - cover
Trouble so
My Twilight
Waiting on my Soul
Bring you back
Coming Home
Slow Play
Cherry Cherry - cover

Club Passim Set:
Waiting on my soul
Windsor Gardens
Bring you back
Stone Side

The Big Apple - Bette Davis Eyes
31 Dec 1969
Just got back from a sweet trip down to NYC to play my first gig in the big apple. The band and I got it started at CB's 313 in Soho with friends and family enjoying the mellow vibe of the gallery. Many props go out to the fellas, Erik and Dave, for setting the tone and keeping the groove steady throughout the set. The big love fest was all too present when friend and accomplished tenor sax player, Walter Smith, came up for a few songs and played some rapturing melody lines and solos to Outside, All this Rain, Pointing to you, and Passing Time. I definitely didn't want the night to end but was so grateful it finished on firm ground - By far one of the best sets we've played and I'm so psyched it was in NYC. Much thanks to all the people who made it out. We'll be back to the city May 26th at the Cutting Room.

Set:
windsor gardens
my twilight - new
blued out soul - new
trouble so - new
stone side
outside
all this rain
pointing to you
passing time

Sweet Home - Gesture of thought
31 Dec 1969
Chillin' in the motherland of Denver and enjoyinga respite from the east coast chill....

Played a 30 min. set at the Mead St. Station in the Highlands region of Denver and had a blast showcasing some new tunes and tweaking the old originals to fit a solo vibe. Met Tony, who was the MC for the night, and he couldn't have been more chill...if you're in Denver make sure to visit the Station on 32 ave. and enjoy the local talent and solid bar.

Anyway, things are in the works for a new album, which will hopefully be out this fall. Lovin' kicking it with the band and the talents of EP on bass and Brophy on the kit. Chemistry is the magic word.....it's growing into something pretty substantial and I can't wait for all the J.E.Borgen fans to hear what's coming down the pipeline.

Spilling out my thoughts.....I've had such an overwhelmingly positive response to "outside" from everyone that it's really propelled me to keep forwarding the word out there and writing new material. I am at a frustrating point right now because I want to be able to share with so many and be able to voice this music on a more substantial level. Still looking for management and booking reps - right now it's all in house and I sure could use the extra push that a bigger industry player could provide. But the dream is still alive and I think there's an important growing and learning experience involved at this stage in the music. Grassroots, Grassroots, I am the grasshopper.... The fans are the ones that make the difference and if the music is there....the love will eventually fall into place. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you who have seen a show, signed the mailing list, sent emails, bought CDS, and/or just passed the word on to your groups of friends. You're the reason art exists on a real level.

If you're around Boston, NH, NYC in April come check out a show....the dates are posted on the site. Also, if you know of a place in your area that you think I should try to book, or if your school, or community would want J.E.Borgen to come jam, let me know that as well.......I am on a mission to spread the love.

As I like to remind myself from time to time - Keep enjoying the journey.

J.E.

My First Posting
31 Dec 1969
Yo Yo Yo Yo, here it goes!

I just wanted to say what's up to anyone checking out my first blog attempt.

All is well in the beantown and I am finishing up at Berklee before heading out to Colorado for some family time and freshy pow pow. After 2 1/2 years hangin' out on the corner of Boylston and Mass Ave., I'm finally graduating this semester. Not sure if I'm any smarter now but I'm looking forward to spending the next year touring, writing, and recording another album with the band.

Much appreciation to those of you made it out to shows over these last two months. The performances were a blast and cutting my teeth at places like the Beechcomber and Wheelhouse Tavern were forever memorable with the likes of Fred in the crowd drinking his face off and requesting covers of Black Sabath - which unfortunately I couldn't accomodate at the time....so the adage goes - what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. But anyway, thanks to the bars, especially the Reel Bar and All Asia, for letting us get our groove on and bringing the people some love.

Continuing onward, I am looking forward to getting out there this winter and performing at colleges and other bars and venues in the New England, NYC, Denver, and DC areas. The dates are posted on my website but I'll also be tossing out reminders on this bulletin board when events arise. If anyone out there has a recommendation of a spot to play in your area, please pass it along.

For now, the J.E. Borgen Bulletin Blog is going to serve as a message board for me and anyone else to post there thoughts, questions, and/or comments about music, life, and all things J.E. Borgen. The only thing I ask is that you're posting be considerate and mindful of language and offensive content.

All said, I'm really looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this bulletin and having fans and friends be involved!

Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope to see you in 2005.

Enjoy the Journey!
Jon Erik

The General Store / Relief Project
31 Dec 1969
Man, it's been a while since I checked in. Better late than never. Anyway, just so excited about what's been going on creatively in my world over the last few months.

I've teamed up with well known local producer Scott Riebling (American Hi Fi, Avery, Nina Gordon) to do a recording of songs that I've written over the last year. "The General Store" which is slated to be released by late January is definitely edgier than "Outside", and with the added playing and style of Dave Brophy on drums and Erik Privert on bass, there's more of a coherent band feel . The name of the album does not reflect a title track but rather a concept in the overall feel of the record. From song to song it's a hodgepodge of emotion and style - from reggae to folk to rock to jazz - there's a little piece of all the music I love put into these songs. You can find what you're looking for at "The General Store" is sort of what sums up my thought on the 11 tracks. Working with Scott has been outstanding and he's driven me to challenge my writing and to creatively dig down to find the true soul of each song - even if it's at the sake of my sanity. From a lyrical standpoint I've felt more open and taken more risks this time around....there's a huge part of my soul and vision in these works. The songs go in and out of my life and the lives of those around me. Emotionally, there's definitely more of a personal connection for the listener to dive into.

We've been recording around Boston at Mix One Studio and Prism Studio and I've been tracking overdubs and vocals with Scott at his apartment.....which is totally chill and the homemade pizza is the best I've found in Beantown. Anyway, I'll keep you posted on this front. I can't wait to share it with you.

The second project going on in my life is "The Relief Project." This NPO was started by my good friend Brad Corrigan and I after witnessing the massive devastation of the Tsunami in South East Asia. The Relief Project is a collection of 19 artists that have come together to use their music as a creative tool to bridge cultural gaps and fight against poverty and (social) atrocities against children worldwide. Together we have produced a compilation CD that is being released at a Dec. 22nd benefit show at Irving Plaza in NYC. The money raised will go to larger organizations who are fullfilling the goals and mission of TRP. We are truly inspired by the response we've received from the music community and our fans to put out this CD and get the organization rolling. Many thanks to all of you who have supported this movement.

More information on the relief project.

More information on the DEC. 22nd show.

Live your life.

The Relief Project - CD release on Dec. 22nd
31 Dec 1969
Well, it's finaly here - the relief project is going to be unleashed at Irving Plaza in NYC on Dec. 22nd with a hyped and hip benefit show. Performers include State Radio, Pete Francis, Braddigan, J.E.Borgen, Kate Voegele, and Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers.

Co-founded by Braddigan and myself (Third Surfer and Midnight Sun Records), The Relief Project is a collection of 19 artists uniting to use their music as a tool to rebuild lives; a bridge to bring cultures together in the fight against poverty; and a voice calling for the protection and liberation of displaced and orphaned children the world over.

In collaboration with other notable non-profit organizations, The Relief Project seeks to support communities in immediate need around the globe. We hope the vision behind this compilation will inspire you to learn more about the project and its role in caring for humanity. Your involvement, voice, and purchase of this CD is instrumental in providing aid and renewed opportunity to those most affected by adversity.

For more information on the compilation CD, benefit concert, street team, and the non profit organizations we are partnering with, please visit THERELIEFPROJECT.ORG

Here is a listing of the 19 artists on THE RELIEF PROJECT, VOL.1:
steven delopoulos// state radio// kate voegele// braddigan// griffin house // max heinegg // north mississippi allstars// toothpick // endochine// phil keaggy // slightly stoopid // arrested development // stephen kellogg and the sixers // pete francis // dispatch // j.e. borgen // nate allman // rich price // will dailey

Join in and use your interest, mind, and voice to help spread the word.

Recorded in a basement in Back Bay: Recent Press
31 Dec 1969
Hey guys!

Just got my first review of the album.

Find the review by clicking "HEAR THIS" on the main menu. Also click on "GET THIS" on the main menu to find out where they rank THE GENERAL STORE.

Also, here is an interview I recently did for the Middlebury Campus (April 13th, 2006): Click here to read full article

Album? Done baby.
31 Dec 1969
The new record is out and up for sale on my website a week from March 28th, 2006. Can't wait to share. For more information and to purchase please visit my website.

Also, keep an eye out for show dates. Stuff is coming in even as I write this so I'll keep it updated and let you know when and where you can see J.E.Borgen. Looks like Chitown, Denver and New England for the foreseable future in April, May, and June. If that's not in your area and you would like to see J.E.Borgen, write me a message and give me some reccomendations on where to play in your area.

Thanks for all the love and be sure to write in and say hello.

J.E.

Kicking off 2006
31 Dec 1969
Mamacita, what a loco month for music. Thanks to all who rolled through the inconvenience of the transit strike in NYC and joined us for a great night of music at Irving Plaza. We sold out the room and the energy surrounding the release of the CD was ovewhelmingly positive. I was on top of the world sharing the stage with State Radio, Pete Francis, Braddigan, Stephen Kellogg and Kate Voegele - so much great music to be heard. All told there were over 1000 in attendance and we raised over $25,000 towards the relief project and our NPO partners. We also collected over 2000 pounds of food for NYC Chair. Braddigan and I are in the process of putting together one or two more shows this year in Chicago, DC, and or Philly so check out thereliefproject.org for more details and to purchase your copy of The Relief Project, Vol. 1.

Last week I finished up the final tracks on my upcoming CD release, The General Store. I am really proud of the writing and production and certainly can't wait to share it with you very soon. I am in the process of booking prep schools, colleges, and venues for the spring so if you have a place I should check out, by all means please drop me a line and let me know. For more information on shows and the release date please check out jeborgenmusic.com. Next week you'll be able to pre order your copy.

Be well and in good spirits.

Crazy Schubas, TRP, TGS
31 Dec 1969
Wow, what an introduction to Chi-town. Still pumping some serious adrenaline from all the yells and cheers. Thanks to all of you who came out and made some serious noise at Schubas. So psyched to have such an engaging crowd and to meet so many cool people. As always, great to open for Braddigan and hear him and Ray light up the stage. Can't wait to make it back there and play again - hopefully soon. Thanks to Hilger and Kyle for helping out with the gear and getting folks out there on a cold Tuesday evening.

Setlist from Schubas - Trouble so, fine, all this rain, bring you back, passing time, stone side, jane says, waiting on my soul, cherry cherry.

THE RELIEF PROJECT-
Can't believe this night would be such a fire striker but the benefit/CD release concert has sold out! It's going to be a crazy night and to have so many acts performing for such a good cause...Amazing. Proceeds will go to Katrina Relief, Save the Children, and Conscious Alliance will be supporting a food drive at the venue - Bring 5 cans of food to get a raffle ticket for a drawing for a new guitar signed by all the artists performing that evening. All merchandise will be $10 and sales will go to the designated charities. Thanks to all you who bought tix and coming to support the launch of this CD compilation and non profit organization.

THE GENERAL STORE CD update-
This record is kicking my ass, in a good way...like Miagi Do does to Daniel(son) in Karate Kid 1 - Just finished lead guitars at Q division in Somerville and the whole sound is really coming together. Completely floored by the playing of Duke Levine and his contribution on electric, slide,and dobro - beautiful lines and texture that is taking the recording to new places. Sincerely thought I would be done with this project before the holidays but I guess it's never the case where you finish on time. The extra time is well justified and will payoff in the end. Just can't wait to share the songs, the sound, the vibe of the whole thing. For rough mixes, check out Myspace and get a taste!

Happy Holidays and bring good cheer to all those around you!

Swinging out of Summer
31 Dec 1969
Wow- it's been a wee long time since I last posted anything so I apologize for not keeping in better touch. Never quite sure how often I should say something but I've been tardy with my duty and it's now too daunting to think about all the stuff that has happened the last two months... So please pardon my brevity of snapshots.

Overall, summer was great. Started off with a pretty hectic Boston CD release show at the Paradise where I ended up having some cell phone issues with a fan and their was a huge oil leak in the basement that prevented any kind of sound check - in fact I believe Matt Pynn ended up selling his soul to the fire dept to keep the gig from cancelling . Bad juju aside, it was a real solid night playing with Adam Ezra and seeing so many fans turn out for the music. Big thanks to Buzz Saw and other local friends for promoting the living crap out of the show to colleagues, friends, animals, and local street sweepers.

Apres beanpot, headed out to CO with the band and two crazy mofo's, Will Dailey and Joe mcMahon. Played six shows for a range of people and ended up setting a world record in juggling a soccer ball. I believe it was 1001. Thanks to Scott Morrill for the great set up in denver and Kent at Loaded Joes for bringing out the peeps and extending the room - looks awesome BTW. Relieved to play six straight nights and still feel good coming into the seventh morning. Look forward to hopefully doing another run out there with Will later this year.

In band news, as fortune would have it, I recently met and played with a solid mofo in the utility guitar genre of kick ass. Pedal steel/guitar guru Adam "Ole" accompanied me on a few jouney's across state lines to NYC, and Mid-state lines to Northhampton, MA. Great to have his playing and style represent the feel and sound on the record.
Erik and Dave are still kicking ass and giving out some feeler tatoos that date back to times when G.I. Joe was sacking up with Cobra Con and Different Strokes was a joyous show about some messed up crap.

Side note - went to China and thought I was dreaming for three weeks. Food was outstanding, the scenery was outstanding, the company was outstanding, and the place was like nothing ever imagined. Shanghai alone is enough to put some miles on a person. You can't describe how many people are all around. Before I left I heard that you needed to "smoke a cigarette just to get some fresh air" - wasn't that bad but I sure didn't see the sun while I was in the haze of the cities. China has a lot of bad crap going on right now, but for every single piece of shit it has ten pieces of gold.

I guess that's it for now. Have several solo shows coming up and looking to get out there and play for all the fans who have made the record a success. Keep in touch, tell your friends about the music, and above all else: Listen to Dylan and early Mark Knopfler. Oh yeah, best video of the year is Gnarls Barkley's, "Crazy."
enjoy life!