Jonathan Mudd

Hello, old friends...and welcome new ones!

Let me start by saying how excited I am about 2019. I've got several fun musical projects in the works and I cannot wait to share them with you.

First, I am now completing the mixes for a new album that will mark the culmination of one of the coolest, craziest musical journeys I've ever been on. Over the course of the last year, I re-visited a dozen or so of my favorite original songs and along the way re-wrote, re-arranged, re-recorded...and re-imagined them all. Not only that, I used the opportunity to re-connect and collaborate with musical friends from every stage of my life--from high school daze to the here and now. Each song features a different assortment of players and a lot of very magical moments. I'll soon be telling you more about the project--which I hope to have in your ears by springtime.

Speaking of springtime...I just finished a musical collaboration of a very different sort--with my dear, late, favorite aunt, June McCarty.

Here's the story: when she was clearing out the house she grew up in, my cousin Marietta McCarty discovered a sheaf of song lyrics written by her late mother in the 1950s. Few people even knew they existed...but they are wonderful. One lyric was titled "Hello Spring," and I decided to write music for it. What a joy to spiritually collaborate with my aunt, June McCarty. It's the closest I ever got to co-writing with someone named McCartney! Enjoy the song...and read the beautiful book Marietta wrote about her discoveries, "Leaving 1203."

Finally (for now), I'm looking forward to playing live in 2019, and I hope to see you out there!

In addition to putting together a new band to play my new material wherever they'll have me, I'll be performing great music by some true pop legends. For the third season in a row, I'll be touring with the terrific Beach Boys tribute band Still Surfin'--check out our calendar and pick a date to come out and enjoy the timeless songs of Brian Wilson and his brothers. And on April 6 at The Barns at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA, I'll be joining a merry band of crazy-good musicians in a Bandhouse Gigs tribute to XTC--definitely one of my favorite bands of all time.

Hey, 2019--I'm glad you're here!

Jonathan

Happy new year, friends. I hope you're off to a great 2018.

I hear a lot of people moan and groan about last year, but I really enjoyed 2017. I had some wonderful experiences with my wife and family. I got to go on tour with Still Surfin', the terrific Beach Boys tribute band I'm in. I contributed to some very cool recording projects led by friends both old and new. And I released my third--and best, I believe--solo record, "Evidence." Yeah, some bad shit happened in the world last year, but closer to home, 2017 was a-okay.

Thanks to everyone who came out to see one of my acoustic shows last Fall. It's been really fun playing solo and with various musical pals, and a cool challenge to strip the songs down to their essence and try to get them across live.

In fact, I've been liking it so much I've decided to take a selection of favorite songs from my three albums and re-imagine them as acoustic numbers.

I've already started cutting tracks, and I'll be in and out of the studio finishing them this winter. Some of the songs will be just me singing and playing acoustic guitar, really spare. Others will feature embellishments from some of my musical friends. But all will lean toward straightforward acoustic sounds--you know, stripped. I've even got a few offbeat covers to throw into the mix. It's gonna be fun, and if all goes as planned, I'll release the stuff in the spring.

Until then, hang in there and be cool.

Jonathan

Hey, folks. 

I'm psyched to announce a couple of shows coming up in the DC area--and I hope you'll put 'em on your calendar!

The first is on Saturday, September 16 at The Hamilton. For one night, I'll get to "be" one of the Heartbreakers, performing Tom Petty's classic "Damn the Torpedoes" album from start to finish. It's what they call a "dream discs" show, and I'll get to share the stage with some terrific area musicians and singers (including my pal and musical running-mate Cal Everett, with whom I play in the touring Beach Boys tribute band Still Surfin'). Come check it out!

A week or so later, on Tuesday, September 26, I'll be playing at the Birchmere music hall in Alexandria, VA. This will be the third time I've played the Birch, and I think it'll be the most special.

First of all, I'll be opening for a trio of real legends: Chris Hillman (yeah, of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers), Herb Pedersen (who's played with everyone from Emmylou Harris to Jerry Garcia), and John Jorgenson (no doubt one of the great acoustic/electric guitarists going today).

Second, I'll be playing with two of my best friends and favorite musicians: Cal Everett--see above, a rock idol of mine ever since he fronted the great new wave band Four Out of Five Doctors--and Joe Adams--my bandmate and songwriting partner in Jo Jo Ex-Mariner and one of the finest guitarists I've ever heard, much less played with. Joe, Cal and I will be performing songs from all three of my solo records, and I'm really looking forward to it.

Come out and rock!

Jonathan

Hey, folks!

First, I want to say thanks to everyone who has taken the time to check out my new record, "Evidence."

I have heard from so many friends (dare I say "fans"?) since the album was released, and the kind words really mean a lot. Knowing that you guys are listening makes the effort that went into the project well worth it.

Here is a really thoughtful review of "Evidence" that was published this week by the folks at Blurt Magazine. If you do not read Blurt, you should--it is a terrific music outlet (and I would say that even if they'd panned my stuff!).

Finally...I am super-excited to share this new video for "The Wedge." I hope it rocks your boat.

Jonathan

Hey, thanks for visiting my new website! 

I guess I've been missing in action for a while, so I appreciate you stopping by. 

The fact is, I've been working on this new record—writing, rehearsing, recording, refining. 

Oh, yeah...and...uh...you know, working in a factory and raising a family and sitting in traffic and watching sports on TV. 

Anyway, I'm really glad that "Evidence" is finally out there for folks to hear, and I hope it becomes part of the soundtrack for your own great 2017. 

I intend to make time to blog in this space, so please check back periodically—and let me hear what's on your mind in the "comments" section below. 

Rock onward, 

Jonathan