Jeff's Story

‘Twas 1973 when I wrote ENCORE without any vision of a musical or rock opera.  Next “came” LISTEN TO YOURSELF &

STAY STRONG and the concept storyline drove my creation of “WHY ARE YOU ALL SO SAD?” & “DOCTOR THOMPSON”. Around 1975 I inked “DON’T EVER STOP”, “SNEAKIN’ TO THE SNACK BAR” & “CLOSER THAN FAR AWAY”, which gave me a bookend for the project.  Also written was “MAN OF FORTUNE”, which became the title tune and opening live song.  Due to my previous copyright and some lyrical changes, I recently changed the title to “WAITING FOR A LUCKY BREAK” and the Opera title to “A MAN OF FORTUNE”

 

In preparing for a special concert at Armadillo World Headquarters at which Too Smooth did an acoustic featured short set prior to rockin’ the house, the first set for “A NIGHT AT THE ARMADILLO” was a preview of the Rock Opera with two newly written tunes added, “A GIFT WITHOUT MUCH TIME” & “REMEMBER YOU”.

 

 My emphasis in songwriting shifted back to upbeat songs viable for the Too Smooth playlist.  It wasn’t until a bout with pneumonia in 1981 holed me up at my parents’ house for two weeks.  During that down time I wrote and recorded 4 track demos of “CAN’T HELP BUT LOVE YOU”, “I’LL NEVER HAVE A SON”, “WE’VE GOT TO TRY”, “READ THE BOOK”, “YOUR LOVE’S LIKE WARM RAIN” & “NOW I AM GONE” (the new finale).

 

After aging in oak barrels for 43 to 52 years, the nose is exquisite and the ears are so ready to partake.