j-notes.com: A year later…
193 entries
691 comments
On October 15, 2002, I posted my first entry on this weblog. There is so much that has happened in my life since that first entry. I am constantly amazed and richly blessed just because I stepped out on faith and pursued my dream of writing about music. I have met some of the coolest people in and out of the blogosphere and I am glad to call them friends. Here are some of the highlights of the past year and a look forward into the next year. Yeah, I am going to be a little modest about it. Stop by often for I am adding more to this post as the day goes on.
Cool stuff over the past year
- Press credentials for the 46th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival and having my reviews linked to their website.
- Reviewing new music and concerts.
- My first artist interview with Jeremy Pelt. Did you buy his new album yet?
- Meeting Shirley Horn, Carla Cook, René Marie, Jason Moran, Kurt Elling, Geoffrey Keezer, Lynne Fiddmont-Lindsey, and Terence Blanchard.
- Being on the radio with Vince Outlaw of The New Jazz Thing on KSDS-FM in San Diego. Yo Vince, where’s my clip!!!
- Music reviews published in Arise Magazine, Jazzhole Newsletter, and on Jazz Review and Blogcritics
- Patti Austin’s surprise birthday party!
- Sitting first row center for Lizz Wright’s concert in April in L.A. I had to sneak to write notes because I did not want to be a distraction.
- Music, music, and more music! You know who you are and you know I am very grateful!
- Gwen’s blogger luncheons and happy hours!! Yo Gwen, when is the next event?
- Attending a vocal seminar with Ledisi and actually having to sing in front of her.
- Anita Baker playing Oakland and taking notes in the dark
- Flashback Friday’s!!!
- Cool site banner, categories for archives, and most comments section. Thx Gwen, Kevin, and Mike.
- First Annual Festival of Desserts
- Thanks to everyone who let me know when I forget to spell and grammar check especially Tubba, JS, and Antonio G!
- Playing t-ball with A.J.’s little guy and knocking the ball out of the yard into the brush. I was sooo embarrassed.
What did people search on the site?
Lots of interesting stuff but some of my favorites were Christina Aguillera, Britney Spears, Eminem, Ghostbuster’s and lots of song lyrics.
What’s next?
Reviewing more music and concerts, gaining more knowledge of jazz and other good music, keeping my passion for the music, and just continuing to have fun. I also want to make my first trip to NYC next year to visit the many jazz clubs. More interviews and Q&A’s. Ultimately, I would like to write liner notes. 🙂
Thanks for all the love from my family and friends. I know my dad is smiling down on me.
Thank God for a great year and may the music never end!
Stay crispy!
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2003 at 12:55 am. It is filed under Special Feature.
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Happy Anniversary. I am truly impressed and look forward to many more years.
Happy Anniversary James…. J-Notes is truly wonderful. Your site shows a commitment and passion I rarely see.
Congratulations on j-notes’ first birthday! Or anniversary! Or whatever. Time to do a site search for Backstreet Boys lyrics …
I am so jealous. Hopefully my own personal online mess will last that long…
there’s an anniversary? wait! who are you? are you that cat from Oak Park?
happy anniversary, D7! or is it D4? or D1.5? i can never remember.
Yes! Jazzy congratulations on a job well done — Most people flop after 6 months and you continue to shine over here at http://www.j-notes.com!
Congratulations on your first year of blogging! This is my first time posting on your site but certainly not my first time visiting. I am always amazed at the great job that you do with your reviews and your vast insight into the nuts and bolts of the musician and his/her music. Through your site I have been able to keep up with who’s doing what/where/how. Thank you for all of the time and effort that you have put into making your site a reliable quality source for music lovers. I have been spreading the news of my discovery of your blog to those music lovers that I know and all that have viewed it share my sentiment. We all thank you! Keep up the great work! You are “Le musique connoisseur extraordinaire” !!! Best wishes for an enjoyable and rewarding second year on j-notes.com
Zen
Happy Anniversary! May the next year be even more amazing.
-js
Your anniversary/birthday is my birthday! Synchronicity! I knew there was something special about you! As long as YOU write it, I know there will be lots for us to read and enjoy it. And definitely…THANK GOD FOR MUSIC.
Many congrats to you! You’re a true inspiration- and you make the best cookies ever!! See you at Yoshi’s tonight.
happy anniversary!
Congrats on year 1. Keep doin’ your thing playa…
A whole year already! May you have many, many more doing what you love and sharing it with us all. I’m looking forward to it.
congrats on your first year. thanks for the cookies (well, at least the recipe), for introducing me to new music, and reminding me of old favorites. hope the next year brings you more of what moves your soul. keep rising!
Happy Anniversary!!!! Looking forward to what the j-notes.com future will provide
Happy Anniversary!! I love your site soooo much I have to tell you that Ive never really been into jazz music but you got me open 🙂
and everytime I come by your spot I get inspired to hook mine up a little bit more
I look forward to all the new things that your site will bring, blessings
Congrats on one year…. all the best for many more (should my wallet hold out with some of your recommendations). So when will you grace us with a visit on the East coast?
How does it feel? It must feel great! You have accomplished a lot in such a short period of time. Learn from what went not quite right and improve on what worked and you will succeed even more in the coming years. I am extremely proud of your vision, action and results. Keep the faith! You will do just fine 🙂
Wooooo happy belated birthday J-notes. It’s been a pleasure watching the site grow as I expect it to continue doing for many more years.
I’m glad you’re here, I’m gladder you’re you and I’m gladdest just enjoying your view. *big hug!*