Dancing With The Unknown http://johnzay.com/journey.cfm Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:45:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com 12 for 2012 part 2: Yesterday Has Gone Away http://johnzay.com/journey.cfm?feature=1156851&postid=1994869 The next song I am previewing from the new album is called “Yesterday Has Gone Away”. It is a bittersweet ballad that acknowledges the pain and loss from days gone while embracing where we are now and truly staying there. Because I believe our power resides in our presence and our presence requires all of us, not what we have left lingering behind. As I transition to living in Germany my days in Los Angeles are beginning to feel like a dream. I am beginning to feel the sting of missing friends and a life gone by. But as we move into spring I can only be optimistic, meeting life's challenges as they have already begun to foster new growth in a new place. Sometimes I feel being a Rebel is a full time Job..... Yesterday Has Gone Away Music & Lyrics by John Zay If I could hold your your pain in the palm of my hand If I could feel my way through the distance of the past If I could look into the choices that you've made I would breathe right through the memories as they fade cause I appreciate your pain for you there is no shame so why don't you come home again If I could find a way to go back in time I would take your hand and tell you it's all right cause there is nothing I would change You're where you need to be today so why don't you come home again Yesterday has gone away Yesterday has gone away And If took the blame would it give back another day? And if I looked away would it help you to feel safe? Cause your lost in your mind and it's you I need to find so why don't you come home again Yesterday has gone away Yesterday has gone away Yesterday has gone away Yesterday has gone away
The next song I am previewing from the new album is called “Yesterday Has Gone Away”. It is a bittersweet ballad that acknowledges the pain and loss from days gone while embracing where we are now and truly staying there. Because I believe our power resides in our presence and our presence requires all of us, not what we have left lingering behind. As I transition to living in Germany my days in Los Angeles are beginning to feel like a dream. I am beginning to feel the sting of missing friends and a life gone by. But as we move into spring I can only be optimistic, meeting life's challenges as they have already begun to foster new growth in a new place. Sometimes I feel being a Rebel is a full time Job.....

Yesterday Has Gone Away
Music & Lyrics by John Zay

If I could hold your your pain
in the palm of my hand
If I could feel my way
through the distance of the past
If I could look into
the choices that you've made
I would breathe right through
the memories as they fade
cause I appreciate your pain
for you there is no shame
so why don't you come home again

If I could find a way
to go back in time
I would take your hand
and tell you it's all right
cause there is nothing I would change
You're where you need to be today
so why don't you come home again

Yesterday has gone away
Yesterday has gone away

And If took the blame
would it give back another day?
And if I looked away
would it help you to feel safe?
Cause your lost in your mind
and it's you I need to find
so why don't you come home again

Yesterday has gone away
Yesterday has gone away
Yesterday has gone away
Yesterday has gone away


]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:45:00 GMT 79E70101E513A6F2CFF853659C4F73E4 12 for 2012 part 1: Step Into The Love http://johnzay.com/journey.cfm?feature=1156851&postid=1740094 <a href="http://soundcloud.com/johnzay/step-into-the-love">Step Into The Love by <a href="http://soundcloud.com/johnzay">JohnZay &quot;Step Into the Love&quot;&nbsp;will be the opening track off my new record being released this spring. This preview is the first part of my 12 for 2012 series where I will be showcasing a new song from my album once a month for each month of the year. &nbsp;Below is the track &amp; lyrics along with some insight into the meaning and the process of creating the song...enjoy! The Lyrics: This is the now this is the melting eye The Grand Illusion spread across the sky This is the feeling that won't go to rest and all of our spirits being put to the test Beyond this black gold sea where nothing divides you and me Chorus: Step into the love that flows through you each day Like a million suns that lead you on your way This is the end of time the real design The moment of truth where we all align This is the distance that's between you and me facing the lessons that will set us free Beyond all these boundaries where nothing divides you and me Chorus: Step into the love that flows through you each day Like a million suns that lead you on your way Down to the bottom I'm wondering when you'll come up for air Beyond this black gold sea where nothing divides you and me Beyond all these boundaries where nothing divides you and me Chorus: Step into the love that flows through you each day Like a million suns that lead you on your way The Meaning: All is now and now is all. As we witness the unfolding of time &ldquo;the melting eye&rdquo; reveals the illusion of linear reality. Our apparent separation from each other and the world we live in is in my belief is a game for us to see through to ultimately recognize our fundamental need for self love, fulfilling our purpose and connecting to others. In the midst of this journey we encounter war, hunger, greed, pride and the battle over resources, hence 'the black gold sea&rdquo; oil reference. I have been fortunate enough to meet many people from many different countries and most want the same thing; peace, harmony and health for their families. We don't need to get caught up in the fights among our governments which at times can feel like kids fighting in a sandbox. &ldquo;The distance between you and me&rdquo; attract and repel, different energies push us into different places. Recently I have tried on the mantra that &ldquo;In my world there is room for everyone.&rdquo; Trying that on is difficult when it means accepting everyone you've ever encountered as being an essential component in the fostering of your growth. And then of course there is 'Stepping into the love', the feeling we generate from, where our spirits thrive and our dreams feel the possibility of being realized. &ldquo;Like a million suns that lead you on your way&rdquo; and a million is not enough. I really mean there is an infinite variety of places we can draw from in this vast universe that we are such a small part of. But it takes a feeling and for me that can be going for a bike ride on a sunny day, going in the ocean for some waves, or spending time with loved ones. Simple activities that connect us to our joy in a sometimes seemingly complex world, where the possiblity of possibility in our lives can stem from.... The Song: This is one of the most difficult songs I've ever recorded in terms of performance and time spent on it. First it has the most tracks of any song I've put together. I can't tell you how many times I sang it to get the right feel, close to 100 easily. Then after finding a take I liked Angelo Moore of Fishbone came in to the picture. I was working with Angelo in the studio on his album when I got a chance to play him the song. I saw him in pensive mode and right after he told me he heard this gospel idea in his head for the chorus. He came back to the studio and created 6 complex parts on the spot that taught me more about harmonies in 1 day then I learned in years. Afterwards when playing back his voice and hearing such a talented and revered singer on the track it really shook me up. It intimidated me that I had to sing with this guy, and it was my song! So after a momentary existential crisis I realized I had to step up my game not to match him but to do better than I've done before. So what did I do?..... I sang it again, over and over, listening to his technique in the process, how he hit notes, the feel, all of it. And one day it all just gelled. It was truly a blessing to have such a great singer force me to grow and for that I am grateful. The other musicians on this track are no slouches either. My buddy Rico from Hamburg played bass and came out with a great melodic groove for the verse and a Chris Squire-esque part for the middle section. As well as being a great songwriter in his own right, Rico has played and toured all over the world with the likes of Stevie Wonder &amp; Madonna to name a few. Then of course on drums there is long time Speed Of Life contributor Tobias Ralph really kicking down a super-tight groove. Toby was just on tour with Adrian Belew (King Crimson, David Bowie) as well as Lauryn Hill and Tricky in the last year. Credits: Step Into The Love lyrics &amp; music by John Zay John Zay - Vocals, Guitars, Ebow/Slide, Keyboards, Percussion Angelo Moore &ndash; Chorus Gospel Vocal Harmonies, Ending ad Libs Rico Bowen - Bass Guitar Tobias Ralph - Drums Step Into The Love by JohnZay


"Step Into the Love" will be the opening track off my new record being released this spring. This preview is the first part of my 12 for 2012 series where I will be showcasing a new song from my album once a month for each month of the year.  Below is the track & lyrics along with some insight into the meaning and the process of creating the song...enjoy!

The Lyrics:
This is the now this is the melting eye
The Grand Illusion spread across the sky
This is the feeling that won't go to rest
and all of our spirits being put to the test

Beyond this black gold sea
where nothing divides you and me

Chorus:
Step into the love that flows through you each day
Like a million suns that lead you on your way

This is the end of time the real design
The moment of truth where we all align
This is the distance that's between you and me
facing the lessons that will set us free

Beyond all these boundaries
where nothing divides you and me

Chorus:
Step into the love that flows through you each day
Like a million suns that lead you on your way

Down to the bottom
I'm wondering when you'll come up for air

Beyond this black gold sea
where nothing divides you and me
Beyond all these boundaries
where nothing divides you and me

Chorus:
Step into the love that flows through you each day
Like a million suns that lead you on your way


The Meaning:
All is now and now is all. As we witness the unfolding of time “the melting eye” reveals the illusion of linear reality. Our apparent separation from each other and the world we live in is in my belief is a game for us to see through to ultimately recognize our fundamental need for self love, fulfilling our purpose and connecting to others. In the midst of this journey we encounter war, hunger, greed, pride and the battle over resources, hence 'the black gold sea” oil reference. I have been fortunate enough to meet many people from many different countries and most want the same thing; peace, harmony and health for their families. We don't need to get caught up in the fights among our governments which at times can feel like kids fighting in a sandbox. “The distance between you and me” attract and repel, different energies push us into different places. Recently I have tried on the mantra that “In my world there is room for everyone.” Trying that on is difficult when it means accepting everyone you've ever encountered as being an essential component in the fostering of your growth. And then of course there is 'Stepping into the love', the feeling we generate from, where our spirits thrive and our dreams feel the possibility of being realized. “Like a million suns that lead you on your way” and a million is not enough. I really mean there is an infinite variety of places we can draw from in this vast universe that we are such a small part of. But it takes a feeling and for me that can be going for a bike ride on a sunny day, going in the ocean for some waves, or spending time with loved ones. Simple activities that connect us to our joy in a sometimes seemingly complex world, where the possiblity of possibility in our lives can stem from....

The Song:
This is one of the most difficult songs I've ever recorded in terms of performance and time spent on it. First it has the most tracks of any song I've put together. I can't tell you how many times I sang it to get the right feel, close to 100 easily. Then after finding a take I liked Angelo Moore of Fishbone came in to the picture. I was working with Angelo in the studio on his album when I got a chance to play him the song. I saw him in pensive mode and right after he told me he heard this gospel idea in his head for the chorus. He came back to the studio and created 6 complex parts on the spot that taught me more about harmonies in 1 day then I learned in years. Afterwards when playing back his voice and hearing such a talented and revered singer on the track it really shook me up. It intimidated me that I had to sing with this guy, and it was my song! So after a momentary existential crisis I realized I had to step up my game not to match him but to do better than I've done before. So what did I do?..... I sang it again, over and over, listening to his technique in the process, how he hit notes, the feel, all of it. And one day it all just gelled. It was truly a blessing to have such a great singer force me to grow and for that I am grateful. The other musicians on this track are no slouches either. My buddy Rico from Hamburg played bass and came out with a great melodic groove for the verse and a Chris Squire-esque part for the middle section. As well as being a great songwriter in his own right, Rico has played and toured all over the world with the likes of Stevie Wonder & Madonna to name a few. Then of course on drums there is long time Speed Of Life contributor Tobias Ralph really kicking down a super-tight groove. Toby was just on tour with Adrian Belew (King Crimson, David Bowie) as well as Lauryn Hill and Tricky in the last year.

Credits:
Step Into The Love
lyrics & music by John Zay

John Zay - Vocals, Guitars, Ebow/Slide, Keyboards, Percussion
Angelo Moore – Chorus Gospel Vocal Harmonies, Ending ad Libs
Rico Bowen - Bass Guitar
Tobias Ralph - Drums
]]> Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:30:00 GMT BE72106901EE6635F0D319B7F5F2B7DA About the new single "Eshu Amania" http://johnzay.com/journey.cfm?feature=1156851&postid=1023614 Eshu is one of the main deities of the Yoruba tradition from Nigeria. He is a trickster who often pairs perspectives that are opposed but are also right from each party's vantage point. Although sometimes a difficult process, the hope is to lead his pupils to emotional maturity and compassion. The image Eshu appeared to me in a dream dancing and playing reggae guitar in my backyard with a haunting female vocal in the background. He came as an african man dressed in all white with a confident jovial attitude. The rock section came to me in subsequent dream where I was in a studio looking at the monitor with some friends while working on the song. The jungle percussion beat with the rock riff emerged there and I was told that's what the song needed to get people moving. After scrambling for my guitar and scribbling in my journal when I woke up, I was able to recreate what I heard in these dreams as best I could with &ldquo;Eshu Amania&rdquo;. I've been recording and mixing for Angelo Moore of Fishbone for his Dr. Madd Vibe solo album. One day he came by the studio with a car load of percussion to put down on one of his tracks and then left it all here while he went on tour. I must thank him for providing that spontaneous stroke of serendipity. I proceeded to lay down multiple percussion tracks and each one sounded better on top of the next. The rhythm section is thick and the percussion section overlays the drumset nicely which definitely may start some spontaneous hip shaking. My dear friend and long time Speed Of Life contributer Tobias Ralph (Tricky, Lauren Hill) layed down some serious drum grooves while in LA this January. He did 5 great takes which I was really able to utilize in the remix. Thank You Tobias! Jamaican born Balfour Tomlinson has reggae in his dna, and hits the pocket just right on the bass. Angelina Narvaez's haunting east Indian style vocals bring the dream to life... Eshu is one of the main deities of the Yoruba tradition from Nigeria. He is a trickster who often pairs perspectives that are opposed but are also right from each party's vantage point. Although sometimes a difficult process, the hope is to lead his pupils to emotional maturity and compassion. The image Eshu appeared to me in a dream dancing and playing reggae guitar in my backyard with a haunting female vocal in the background. He came as an african man dressed in all white with a confident jovial attitude. The rock section came to me in subsequent dream where I was in a studio looking at the monitor with some friends while working on the song. The jungle percussion beat with the rock riff emerged there and I was told that's what the song needed to get people moving. After scrambling for my guitar and scribbling in my journal when I woke up, I was able to recreate what I heard in these dreams as best I could with “Eshu Amania”.

I've been recording and mixing for Angelo Moore of Fishbone for his Dr. Madd Vibe solo album. One day he came by the studio with a car load of percussion to put down on one of his tracks and then left it all here while he went on tour. I must thank him for providing that spontaneous stroke of serendipity. I proceeded to lay down multiple percussion tracks and each one sounded better on top of the next. The rhythm section is thick and the percussion section overlays the drumset nicely which definitely may start some spontaneous hip shaking. My dear friend and long time Speed Of Life contributer Tobias Ralph (Tricky, Lauren Hill) layed down some serious drum grooves while in LA this January. He did 5 great takes which I was really able to utilize in the remix. Thank You Tobias! Jamaican born Balfour Tomlinson has reggae in his dna, and hits the pocket just right on the bass. Angelina Narvaez's haunting east Indian style vocals bring the dream to life...

]]> Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:20:00 GMT C299E8A13DDE022221292898B5B7DE63 How I Got To Europe... http://johnzay.com/journey.cfm?feature=1156851&postid=560055 So a few weeks ago two of my closest friends went for it and got married at a small shamanic ceremony I couldn't make it to in Kansas City. At first when I heard the news I felt sad and disappointed I wasn't there for this occasion. After all we'd been friends for years and this was an important moment to share. I made it about me. But I soon realized how could I not applaud them for being in the moment, defying convention and loving themselves enough to take a spontaneous leap together. Of course from all accounts the union was magical and made the ceremony that evening all the more powerful. Soon after the male friend of the two told me he was bringing his new wife to Spain for a honeymoon and surprising her by having their closest friends on hand for a proper ceremony. He then asked me to officiate the wedding. Okay....I thought. But how would I get to Europe in just over a month, I can't afford that or take time off from my busy life. I quickly remembered one of my first basic lessons, using I Can't and I Can in my speech. Such a simple concept that's so overlooked. Upon further meditation not only did I set my mind to it I intended on turning my trek over a continent and a sea into a musical adventure as well. I took a chance on the unknown. And she came like a seductress in the midst of the darkness, presenting her gifts in ways I couldn't quite perceive until they arrived in my arms. I wrote an email to a musician friend in Germany and asked if he could line up some gigs. I told him I was coming although I didn't have a ticket yet. He submitted my stuff around and not only got some shows, but a television appearance and assembled a band to play with. Okay, taking it in. Then while in NY visiting family another gift emerged. When speaking to a cousin about my plans for Europe she told me she could help get me over there through a close friends buddy pass. Wow, 2 gigs, a television appearance and a ticket for next to nothing. . Consciousness co-creating in ways unknown?? So one last thing, some funding. After talking to a friend he suggested meditating on Divine Right Employment. And thats what I did just before a phone call came through for a great paying music composition gig right up my alley. It was from a producer I haven't worked with in over a year. Musical tastes were in synch and I was able to fund this entire trip by doing some work in the last few weeks before it. Now I don't want to seem like an &ldquo;optimist&rdquo; but if this is what 'dancing with the unknown' is like then let Her seduce me. Now I already knew this, it's happened to me many times traveling but I couldn't always see it in my day to day life. And in the future I'm sure it may not be such smooth sailing but I'll still follow the flow, create the vision and swim with the energy. The unknown, a place many of us run from constantly, through every avoidance technique imaginable. Or who knows, it could just expose us outside of our box where our real authenticity may actually lie. What if we actually saw it as a place where the best things come out of, where everything comes out of for that matter, and that is there to love and support our vision? I mean after all it got me to Spain so I could officiate my best friends wedding. No way I was missing that again! So a few weeks ago two of my closest friends went for it and got married at a small shamanic ceremony I couldn't make it to in Kansas City. At first when I heard the news I felt sad and disappointed I wasn't there for this occasion. After all we'd been friends for years and this was an important moment to share. I made it about me. But I soon realized how could I not applaud them for being in the moment, defying convention and loving themselves enough to take a spontaneous leap together. Of course from all accounts the union was magical and made the ceremony that evening all the more powerful.

Soon after the male friend of the two told me he was bringing his new wife to Spain for a honeymoon and surprising her by having their closest friends on hand for a proper ceremony. He then asked me to officiate the wedding. Okay....I thought. But how would I get to Europe in just over a month, I can't afford that or take time off from my busy life. I quickly remembered one of my first basic lessons, using I Can't and I Can in my speech. Such a simple concept that's so overlooked. Upon further meditation not only did I set my mind to it I intended on turning my trek over a continent and a sea into a musical adventure as well. I took a chance on the unknown.

And she came like a seductress in the midst of the darkness, presenting her gifts in ways I couldn't quite perceive until they arrived in my arms. I wrote an email to a musician friend in Germany and asked if he could line up some gigs. I told him I was coming although I didn't have a ticket yet. He submitted my stuff around and not only got some shows, but a television appearance and assembled a band to play with. Okay, taking it in. Then while in NY visiting family another gift emerged. When speaking to a cousin about my plans for Europe she told me she could help get me over there through a close friends buddy pass. Wow, 2 gigs, a television appearance and a ticket for next to nothing. . Consciousness co-creating in ways unknown??

So one last thing, some funding. After talking to a friend he suggested meditating on Divine Right Employment. And thats what I did just before a phone call came through for a great paying music composition gig right up my alley. It was from a producer I haven't worked with in over a year. Musical tastes were in synch and I was able to fund this entire trip by doing some work in the last few weeks before it. Now I don't want to seem like an “optimist” but if this is what 'dancing with the unknown' is like then let Her seduce me.

Now I already knew this, it's happened to me many times traveling but I couldn't always see it in my day to day life. And in the future I'm sure it may not be such smooth sailing but I'll still follow the flow, create the vision and swim with the energy. The unknown, a place many of us run from constantly, through every avoidance technique imaginable. Or who knows, it could just expose us outside of our box where our real authenticity may actually lie. What if we actually saw it as a place where the best things come out of, where everything comes out of for that matter, and that is there to love and support our vision? I mean after all it got me to Spain so I could officiate my best friends wedding. No way I was missing that again!

]]> Sun, 07 Nov 2010 21:50:00 GMT E28344EA8B552E80C8E49F9F097EC05C