Here’s a video for “Wires Of Webster” I recorded at my studio here in New Hampshire. Hope you’re all doing well.

best, Jeff
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Getting ready for ukulele night at Dos Amigos in Dover, NH on May 2nd. If you’re a uke person and want to play, get in touch with me ASAP! The show starts at 9pm. More details soon…

Here’s my first video for yins. I’m taking requests so don’t be shy… This one is “Cold Iron Bed” written by Jack Kelly & His South Memphis Jug Band. Check out the “stinkface” around 1:32.

take care, Jeff

Just got done failing to complete a 10-song album for the RPM Challenge (Record Production Month). It’s based out of New Hampshire. The idea is for folks all over the world to produce an entire album in the month of February. Check them out at…
http://www.rpmchallenge.com/

Anyhow, I wrote ten songs and recorded some entirely and got the bones of others on tape. Figured I’d share a couple of the fruits with you guys. One is called “Roots” and the other is “In Salt Air”. If you hate one, try the other, because they’re very different from one another.

Here they are…

Hope you’re all making it through the winter OK. We’ve been getting buried in snow like crazy out here. This is the kind of winter I’ve been dreaming of for a few years, even if it is a pain in the butt. Anyway, take good care of yourselves.

all the best, Jeff

Just got done with a new recording for you from the “assignments” series. It’s called Wires of Webster. It’s written in response to an assignment from my pal Steve. He played a bunch of the instruments on my album Batteries and Blankets. You might remember him from the mighty Oshkosh rock powerhouse The Willis, of perhaps as his current incarnation as Attack, Octopus. (both are on the “links” page)

Anyhow, Steve wanted me to write a song about the much beloved Oshkosh landmark, studio space, flophouse, etc. the Webster Building. It used to be a hotel, was converted to studio space for musicians and artists, then finally converted to apartments a couple years ago.

The song I wrote jumps off with a reference to “Webster’s Last Stand” a song by another fine Oshkosh band (that Steve has now weaseled his way into). “Wires of Webster” also fulfills one more assignment request. Amy wanted me to write a song about finding ways to make an unfamiliar place into something of a home. This song reflects some of the experiences I had with the incredibly generous folks who were renting studios at the Webster when I moved to Oshkosh and didn’t know anybody. They took me in and I sure am grateful. Give it a listen here…
http://music.lonesomegallery.com/

Getting ready to head back to Decorah, Iowa shortly. Can’t wait. I’ll be playing Chez Shack on Jan 25 and the Steyer Opera House on the 26th. Feel free to email me with any questions about tickets and such. See you soon.

all the best, Jeff

Thanks for stopping in. I’m currently snowed in at the imploded volcano where I make my home. Check it out…

Writing new stuff and hoping to put some live recordings up soon from my shows with Mark Powers out in Portland, OR. I’ll be seeing you Iowa people in late January for a couple of shows in Decorah. I’ll be at Chez Shack on the 25th and at the Steyer Opera House, opening for Pieta Brown and Bo Ramsey on the 26th. More details on that soon.

January 11th, I’ll be at Dos Amigos in Dover, NH with the one and only Justin Carloni. Until then, keep warm and I’ll look forward to seeing you.

all the best, Jeff

So the shows are on for Saturday and Sunday here in Oregon.
Saturday at Aunt Marys in Lincoln City and Sunday at Mississippi Pizza in Portland. Check my schedule for all the details.

Also, check out a brand new song I wrote with my friend Patrick O’Hagin. It’s called “Dirge in D Major”. I play the accordion and Patrick plays the violin. Here it is…
http://music.lonesomegallery.com/

One last thing, just got word that I’ll be playing a show in Decorah, IA on January 26th. I’ll probably book a few Midwest shows around that one. I’ll keep you posted.

Thanks so much for your support. Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.
take care, Jeff

Hope you’re all enjoying the fall. I am. Hiked up one of the mountains behind our place today and got to take in the fall colors all the Massachusetts people drive up here for. Lot’s of weird mushrooms popping up all over the place right now too.

Anyway, two pieces of music pertinent news…

1. I just put up a new song from the “assignment” series. It’s called “Hey Faust” and it was written on Evil Webmaster Faust’s chosen topic of pizza. Check it out and let me know what you think…

http://music.lonesomegallery.com/

2. I’m in the midst of booking some shows in the Portland, Oregon area over the Thanksgiving weekend. Here’s the shows so far…

Sat. Nov 24 (still a little tentative but almost for sure)
Aunt Mary’s
Lincoln City, OR
w/ Mark Powers

Sun. Nov 25 (set in stone)
9PM
Mississippi Pizza Pub
Portland, OR
First, Dan Groth (of Portland psych-rockers the Pink Snowflakes) will be reciting some of his poetry, while wearing a corduroy blazer. Next, it’s super-drummer Mark Powers with an as-yet undetermined solo percussion set. Then Mark and I will close the night out together.

I’ll keep you posted as I know more about those dates. Until then, make yourself a frozen pizza and sit down at the computer with someone you love.

take care, Jeff

OK. I got the first song from the “assignment” series done and posted on the net. Jaimie suggested a song on mass extinction might be timely (Tracy also brought up frogs as an indicator species) so here it is. The song’s called “Last Man Standing”.

http://music.lonesomegallery.com/

Thanks so much for all your ideas. Keep ‘em coming. This is very fun for me I hope it is for you too.

take care, Jeff

Thank you so much to all of you who came out to the shows on this last tour (even if you didn’t but wanted to). It was a great trip with lots of old friends. Now I’m back in New Hampshire and getting into the studio again. Been doing lots of drawing and improvising some music. However…

I could use some assignments. I always work well with assignments and sort of miss college sometimes for that reason. As members of the Jeff Mitchell E-mail Announcement List, you are officially being asked for ideas for Things to Write Songs About. Evil webmaster Faust has already got the ball rolling with a couple fine ideas..

1. Write a decent hymn for Unitarians (there is a perceived lack)
2. Write a song about pizza (also lacking)

You’ve got the idea. Anyway, take care of yourselves. See you soon, Jeff

Here’s the complete, updated tour schedule…

Wed. Aug 8
Acoustic Cafe
Menomonie, WI
8pm

Thur. Aug 9
Thirsty Pagan (w/ Charlie Parr)
Superior, WI
9pm

Fri. Aug 10
Sir Benedict’s (w/ Charlie Parr)
Duluth, MN
9:30pm

Sat. Aug 11
Feel Good Festival (w/ Dr. Kickbutt’s Orchestra of Death)
Amherst, WI
5PM

Fri. Aug 17
New Moon Cafe (w/ Jackson Street Polecats)
Oshkosh, WI
8PM

Sat. Aug 18
Peabody’s Ale House
(w/ Attack, Octopus ((Steve McCabe)), Patchwork, TBA)
Oshkosh, WI
9PM

If you haven’t heard Charlie Parr, head to http://www.charlieparr.com and check him out. I would like to have some emboldening, witty, or sensitive words to include in this email, but I am saving them all for the shows. See you there.

yours, Jeff

It’s been a little while. Hope everyone’s well and looking forward to getting to see a bunch of you soon. I’ll be playing a handful of shows in the Midwest over the next month…

Here’s the shows…

Thurs. Aug 2
Chez Shack (Amalia Vagts’s place) House Concert
w/ a set by Amalia
Decorah, IA
8PM

Friday Aug 3
MotherFools (w/ Corey Hart)
Madison, WI
8PM

Sat. Aug 11
Feel Good Festival (w/ Dr. Kickbutt’s Orchestra of Death)
Ashland, WI
5PM

Thur. Aug 16
Cranky Pat’s (w/ Jackson Street Polecats)
Neenah, WI
10PM

Fri. Aug 17
New Moon Cafe (w/ Jackson Street Polecats)
Oshkosh, WI
8PM

That’s all the shows for right now. I’ll send a more detailed update soon. Just wanted to bang this one out and quit procrastinating. Can’t wait to see you guys.

take care, Jeff

Here’s a review of Batteries and Blankets that I just got in the mail. Thanks Diana…

Echo Magazine

Batteries and Blankets is the newest album by Jeff Mitchell. Midwest dandy and Stout graduate, his music is characterized by smart lyrics and diverse sounds. Released in 2006, Batteries is a bold cacophony of creepy love songs and indie folk ballads. Upbeat foot-stompers intermingle with mournful tirades. The recordings, like his live performances, shine most in their authentic simplicity. His best songs purvey his distinctive warmth and show off his knack for dynamic arrangements. Jeff’s proficient finger picking and simple percussion flow through the album, binding a rambling progression of sad and celebratory songs. This album leaves me missing his passionate performances and charismatic force, so conspicuous in concert, even as my appreciation of his lucid talent leaves me waiting for the next album, and his next tour.

review by Diana Witcher / Echo, Spring 2007
N2548 440th Street
Menomonie, WI 54751

so now i’m home and settling in for a big storm. maybe do some drawing. hope you’re all well. thanks for checking in. here’s a poem i wrote the other day…

snow is on the pine
something has chewed the bark off
probably a moose

Here’s a video Mike Siddall shot of “Seeds of Aster” at the Turf Club show. I was nice and sick and thought I was going to barf in front of the crowd. Made it through a fun, if a little woozy set…
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Also, I really think you should check out Joel Arant’s new video on his Myspace page for his song, “Babyface”. Just make sure and watch the whole thing. You’ll be glad you did. That’s at…

http://www.myspace.com/joelarant

OK. That’s all for now. Take care, Jeff

Are you doing alright?

It’s been wonderful to see some of you out and about for the last couple of weeks. Makes me very glad to have a mailing list when I get blindsided by folks I haven’t seen in a long time. Tour is going well. I’m at my parents’ house in Janesville, WI right now, resting up for my last couple of shows at Pizza Luce in Duluth, MN on the 9th with Charlie Parr and Trampled By Turtles then at the Acoustic Cafe in Menomonie, WI on the 10th.

So far, there’s been a ton of driving, a lot of it in the midst of blizzards. The other drivers on the roads have been intelligent and courteous so far so I haven’t seen anything too grisly go down. I’ve just been taking my time. Cleveland was beautiful, as I had suspected. I got in and out of Chicago without a hitch, had a fine time, and met some wonderful folks. I’ve been put up on some of the finest couches and guest beds the Midwest has to offer, and have been served more excellent breakfasts than I could possible deserve. Got hideously ill in St. Paul for my Radio K and Turf Club sets with Charlie Parr, which lent a surreal intensity to the whole evening. Spent a night in a floating home at the Latsch Island community in Winona, MN. Have gotten to hang out with lots of wonderful dogs and cats (and their human companions). I have also eaten about two bags of Hall’s Mentholyptus cough drops. There’s a lot more, but I should get off the computer soon.

Meanwhile, here’s a video Mike Siddall shot of “Seeds of Aster” at the Turf Club show…

Also, I really think you should check out Joel Arant’s new video on his Myspace page for his song, “Babyface”. Just make sure and watch the whole thing. You’ll be glad you did. That’s at…

http://www.myspace.com/joelarant

OK. That’s all for now. Take care, Jeff

Hope you’re all doing well. We’re just digging ourselves out of the snow here in New Hampshire. We had a truly beautiful storm.

Just putting the final touches on the schedule for my Feb/March solo tour through the mighty Midwest. Here’s what’s on the books right now…

02/26/2007 10:00 PM - Barking Spider
11310 Juniper Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106 -

02/27/2007 09:00 PM - The Note (w/ Seqouia, Story of the Sea, & Grinner)
1565 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60622 - $7

02/28/2007 07:30 PM - 318 Cafe
318 Water Street, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331 - $6

03/01/2007 09:30 PM - The Stones Throw (w/ Trampled By Turtles & Downers Grove)
304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701 - $7

03/02/2007 08:00 PM - Winona Arts Center (w/ Eddie Danger)
228 East Fifth Street, Winona, Minnesota -

03/02/2007 10:00 PM - Rascals (w/ Eddie Danger)
151 E 3rd st, Winona, Minnesota

03/03/2007 09:00 PM - Sugar Room (w/ Charlie Parr)
Mankato, Minnesota -

03/04/2007 06:00 PM - Radio K (w/ Charlie Parr)
Minneapolis, Minnesota

03/04/2007 09:00 PM - Turf Club (w/ Charlie Parr)
1601 University Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota 55104 -

03/05/2007 08:00 PM - Reptile Palace (w/ Incandenza & Disposable Thumbs)
141 High Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901 -

03/09/2007 10:00 PM - Pizza Luce’ (w/ Trampled By Turtles & Charlie Parr)
11 East Superior Street, Duluth, Minnesota 55802 -

03/10/2007 08:00 PM - Acoustic Cafe
102 Main, Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751 -

That’s the schedule as it stands. Can’t wait to see you all. If I’m not coming your way (like say to Decorah), perhaps a road trip is in order. Needed to save a little time in the trip home to hang out with Gramma. Check out the “schedule” page on http://lonesomegallery.com for more show details. Here’s a little something for you, just in case you were worried about how to define what a “bug” is…

BUGS
Order Hemiptera
Commonly known as bugs, this order of insects contains some 67,500 described species, split into two suborders, the Heteroptera and the Homoptera. The unifying feature of all bugs is their piercing and sucking mouthparts, housed in a beak-like rostrum.

from BUGS, BEETLES, SPIDERS, & SNAKES
by Ken Preston-Maftam, Nigel Marven, & Rob Harvey

So now you know.
take care, Jeff

Polecats till we meet again 1.22.07
Video sent by boxcarbaer

hey folks,
here’s a little video of the Jackson Street Polecats playing at a house concert in Cambridge, MA a bit ago. I’ve got a solo show coming up Feb 12th at the Red Door in Portsmouth, NH. Check out the schedule for upcoming midwest tour dates.
best, jeff

How’s life?

I’m sitting in New Hampshire, preparing to get snowed in for a day or so. Also awaiting the arrival of my jug-band compatriots, the JACKSON STREET POLECATS!

Bass destroyer Nate Lehner can’t make it this time, but ukulele fondler Aaron Baer and dog petter (and washboard rubber?) Geoff Schwartz will be making the trip to New England to visit and play a few shows. If you are yourself an east coaster, or have friends and loved-ones who are, please be alert while reading the following list of shows…

Thur. Jan 18th / 8pm?
Ricks Outer Bar
Cape Cod, MA

Sat. Jan 20th / 8pm
house concert (email for directions)
Cambridge, MA

Tues. Jan 23rd / 7pm
house concert (email for directions)
Water Village, NH

Fri. Jan 26th / 9pm
Dos Amigos burritos
Dover, NH

That’s it! Hope to see some folks out and about. To hear Jackson Street Polecats music, visit…

http://www.myspace.com/jacksonstreetpolecats

I even posted a new, live version of our performance of “Josie Ball” at the Peabody’s Jazz Orgy a couple years back.

take care, Jeff

Just wanted to say happy holidays and new year to all you good folks. Thanks so much for a great year, especially you guys that came out to the Decorah and Oshkosh shows a week or so ago. Big thanks to Amalia Vagts http://www.myspace.com/amaliavagts for hosting a fantastic house concert at Chez Shack and her darn good opening set. Thanks to Arne Hengesteg for sitting in on drums. Thanks Sarah Voswinkel http://www.myspace.com/sarahvoswinkel for opening up the Polecats show in Oshkosh.

Overall, thanks to all y’all for being great friends, supporting live independent music, for encouragement and criticism. Hope to see you all a whole lot more in the next year.

much love, Jeff

p.s. still in the works…New England Jackson Street Polecats tour in late January / Midwest solo tour late February early March…more soon.