As 2008 draws to a close, we raise a glass in honor of our dear, departed friend Drew Glackin and look forward to '09 with renewed enthusiasm. The days will slowly grow longer, George Bush will be evicted from the White House in a month and Drinking Songs for Lovers is mixed and ready to intoxicate the world.

For a preview of things to come, check out Jack's MySpace page for "Drinkin' and Gamblin'" and "Morning Margaritas", sure to become new fan favorites. It's pretty darn good. Stay tuned for some more sneak peeks, including the mariachi horns we're so excited about. They really sound pretty awesome. Also, check out the sidebar right over there (look to your right...see?) and listen to Jack's first Christmas tune, "Santa Claus Won't You Shoot My Boss". You'll be humming it in no time.

Don't forget to visit the General Store for some last minute gifts. Enjoy your holidays and have a brilliant, happy and healthy New Year. We'll see you in '09.

 

November 2008

As Turkey Day looms, Jack is racing to get Drinking Songs for Lovers mixed so he can enjoy some roasted bird, stuffing and cranberry sauce (and maybe some of dad's baked clams) in peace, without the nagging reminder of unfinhished work in the studio. The Mariachi horns are done, and they sound amazing. Jack will give you a sneak preview when he's good and ready, and it should be soon.

While you wait, check him out on "Ireland AM" (it's like their "Today Show" without the insipid hosts). He talks about Brooklyn, bluegrass, barstools and whiskey, and he even sings a new tune, "I Drank Too Much Again." His shirt is pretty interesting too.

With the cold weather returning, you'll be needing some long sleeve shirts. Visit the General Store to expand your wardrobe. The Store also boasts a cornucopia of delightful products, so get the very best for your loved ones this holiday season right here in Jack Graceland. They will feel the love.

October 2008

Lots of exciting stuff in happening in our world, in spite of recent calamities. The economic world had a meltdown, we heard way too much about plumbers and Jack spent most of October pretty much blind as a bat. Yet, we found some time to rehaul the site to make it easier for you fans to find out more about Jack than you ever wanted to know. There's also some great news from other necks of the woods.

We begin with Jack's latest early morning trip to WNYC studios for the Takeaway where he reviewed this year's CMJ Music Marathon. Listen in here.

Next we celebrate the release of Jack Pancaldo's foray into publishing with the new book, Splendor in the Glass. Jack is Jack's dad, and while not a cowboy, he's definitely into martinis. It's a great read and boasts a pic of our hero, with really, really long hair. Worth the cover price for that alone. That and many more worthy items are available for purchase in our General Store, including a brand-new, totally awesome T-shirt of vintage design. As they say in the Real America: Git 'er Done!

Drinking Songs for Lovers is just about ready for mastering. You can make your New Year's resolution easy this time and promise to get one of the very first copies when it's out in early '09.

Be sure to check out our new Extras page. It's crammed full of fascinating multi-media flotsam and jetsam, old and new, from books to videos to wiggly salmon tails.

September 2008

As Jack makes his way back to the States (New York, specifically), we'd like to take some time to note what some of his new Irish fans have been saying about his week of headlining the Dunmore East Festival in Ireland:

From New York, Jack Grace is one of the great characters of country music.

A singer - songwriter, guitarist and banjo-picker, Jack was like the Pied Piper. Everywhere he went, looking for all the world like a cowboy from an old western movie, the fans followed.

On Sunday afternoon, when the sun shone, for a few hours at least, Powers Bar resembled a saloon in the old west as Jack, complete with cowboy hat and rugged boots really kicked up a storm with his 1947 Gibson aceustic guitar autographed by two of his heroes, Merle Haggard and Doc Watson, one of the legends of Bluegrass. (Waterford News and Star, Friday, August 29, 2008)

Sounds like a pretty good time, and this editor wishes she had been there enjoying a Guinness and taking in the tunes (in spite of the rain).

When he's not up late entertaining the masses, Mr. Grace continues to beat the odds and get up at the crack of dawn to join the Takeaway team on something he calls "the radio". He'll probably be talking about dogs and some other stuff. You won't know unless you listen. Check him out various mornings at 6 am, or for you night owls, watch or listen here.

Come back soon and check for some new items in the General Store, new gigs and other stuff you'll like. By the way fans, Battleship is back. We had ttouble with our old Web host, and they tried to run off with some of our files. Here's to external hard drives. Play on!

What the hell I think I'll run for president, here is my platform:
1) Putting a stop to the internet, TV and newspapers and trying to convince everyone to meet in the town square for information.
2) Putting an end to hangovers once and for all while increasing the amount of free alcohol available to the public.
3) Force George Bush and his entire administration to move to Iraq. They will all work the counter at our new Freedom Fries locations. They will all be paid the minimum wage they deemed fair for the rest of us.
4) Create a cellphone abuse police, offenders caught will be forced to take an intensive course in respecting the existence of other humans (NOTE: Folks in advertising will simply be forced to take this course.).
5) It is crucial that private jets and helicopters be made available to all Americans in need, they are all too often wasted on the powerful and privileged.

Please give to the jetsforall.com fund (I checked, thankfully there is no such site...yet.)

September 2007

We admit it. We get a little lax about news updates during the dog days... It's just because we're so busy enjoying the thrills of summer. Now that fall is here, we're getting our act together. Just in time too, because Jack's long-awaited bit on the Onion News Network has taken the cyber world by storm. Check out his starring role as Wayne McMurtry, the new country star that eggs on Osama and advocates using dogs as a weapon on an unimaginable scale. 

In other news, Jack's debut at Belmont Park was a rousing success. Jack made a huge breakthrough to a younger audience, and Daria played the ponies for the first time (not a bad first outing -- she actually made some money). There are plenty of other Gigs to choose from, so check 'em out. Jack just finished writing a hilarious new trucker song that he's sure to debut to a grateful audience in the near future. Time to bone up on your trucker lingo, here.

May 2007

Jack has completed the taping of his stint on the Onion's fledgling online News Network, starring as Wayne McMurtry. It's the only chance you'll get to see Jack perform "new country" (of which we most heartily disapprove most of the time). We'll be sure to let y'all know when it's up for your viewing pleasure. That documentary we promised will also be up soon.

If you can't wait that long, head out to Banjo Jims for the few remaning Sundays this month and enjoy Van Hayride as they finish up their two-month encampment there. There are plenty of other Gigs to choose from, so check 'em out. There are plenty of new tunes to learn, old favorites to swoon over and some Neil Young covers once in a while that sound great every time.

Summer movie season is almost here, and if you choose wisely, you'll get to hear our hero in the theatres in several new flix, namely ("Hopin' For Some Good" in the opening credits of Four Lane Highway (official site), "Trying To Get Away From Nothing At All" in I'm Reed Fish (info | trailer), "Trying To Get Away From Nothing At All" in BUFFET: All You Can Eat Las Vegas (official site)
and revisit Beerfest on fabulous cable TV and hear a short burst of "What I Drink And Who I Meet At The Track".

Speaking of the track, we're heading there soon, so watch out. Jack lost big on Derby Day and wants to make his money back. He was a little disappointed that his horse was in first place for the entire race until Street Sense blew by him. Tough break, but he did win thrsee or four years in a row, so his time was gonna come sometime.

Come by the Rodeo Bar on MAY 31 Premiere Party for the premier party for I'm Reed Fish.

Check out some of our MySpace sites for some new tunes.

April 2007

The Onion has done it again. Not content to be the world's premier satiric newspaper, now they've gone and launched The Onion News Network. Our hero is set to star as new country star Wayne McMurtry in an exclusive online piece that rips those "let's open a can of whoop-ass on those furriners" types with the Onion's usual hilarious take on current events. It's coming soon, so if you are checking this important news update on your mom's computer, it might be time to get your own.

And speaking of Mom, Mother's Day is approaching fast. Isn't about time you got her something nice for all her troubles? Check out the General Store and get her that Steak reissue and maybe a T-shirt. That will make her smile.

In other video news, Jack has completed a short documentary about himself soon to air here in Jack Graceland. We'll make it nice and easy to stream but if you're still on dial-up, you should probably get yourself some broadband. With all of these exciting downloads coming, you won't be able to stand the wait.

Jack has been playing a lot of Gigs lately, interspersing new tunes in among the classics. Get out and hear for yourself. If you're house-bound, content yourself with some MySpace action at our various outposts:

www.myspace.com/jackgraceband
www.myspace.com/steakforyou

Come back soon when you've upgraded your gear. We'll be ready

February 2007

Steak is back! You old-timers who misplaced your prized copy of Feasting on Famine, you're in luck. Jack has decided to reissue the opus that gave us "Big Bear," (blame it on) "Tequila," "Parent's Country Home" and more. You newbies who have no frickin' idea what I'm talking about, you better go to http://myspace.com/steakforyou right away. Then, visit the General Store to find out how to make your life so much better.

We're off to see Lady Daria's Pre War Ponies at Barbes. You should probably move to Brooklyn so you can enjoy these kinds of things. Otherwise, be content in your cyber enjoyment and visit our various My Space sites. You know, you really should get out more.

www.myspace.com/jackgraceband
www.myspace.com/steakforyou
http://www.myspace.com/vanhayride

October 2006

February 2006

Jack has pushed back the release of The Martini Cowboy to coincide with the debut of his new talk show on FX, "Keep on Eye on the Drunk Guy" or something (not to be confused with his best-selling memoir, Keep an Eye on the Eyetalian -- now available as an Audio Book!).  We've got a Web-exclusive sale of his new opus in our General Store, so you need wait no longer.  If you like, you can have a little taste first. "Try Not to Cry" is Bossa Country, shaken but not stirred. Or how about "Rotary Phone" (Zappa fans, listen carefully:  there's something special in there for you.)?

[Seized by Department of Homeland Insecurity]

September 2005

Summer's nearly over, New Orleans is under water, and Dubya is still president for another three years.   Things are looking pretty bleak.  Good thing, then, that Jack has made good on his promise to offer a little taste of things to come. While The Martini Cowboy's official release isn't for several months, you can hear a choice cut now. 

In other news, the group's heartthrob Russ "the Fuss" Meissner ties the knot at the end of this month.  Sorry ladies, he's officially taken. Congrats to Russ and Tara, best wishes and good luck.  It's not easy being married to a Canadian.

Oh yeah, that CMJ Festival is about to hit NYC like a Category 5 tittie twister in September. Jack does double duty at the Rodeo Bar this month with both Van Hayride and Jack Grace Band peforming.  Damn, that makes me thirsty.   Git on over and have a margartia (I recommend Prickly Pear - Ed.).

Jack's also hangin' at the Ear Inn, hawking schnitzel and cold beer at Cafe Steinhof and hogging the photo booth at the Lakeside.  Get out and see a show.  These are just some of the public performances scheduled for the near future, where, as Jack explains,"...it happens with a bunch of instruments, some people, a room and some beverages. We hope you can be a part of it. You could go to one of these designated areas or you could go to Africa and live naked with an elephant family. It is your choice.

June 2005

Van Hayride founder and pianist (as well as our newest addition to the Jack Grace family) Jon Dryden explains: "...[Van Halen] sing about bad love and whiskey -- they are country songs." He's right of course, and the rest of us are amazed this didn't occur to someone sooner. "Jaime's Cryin'" is quite clearly meant to be performed in this way, and Van Hayride proves incontrovertibly that Jack can indeed perform armed with only his goatee and a microphone (although it was odd seeing him guitar-less the first time).

VH has been getting a lot of attention lately, but the Jack Grace Band has been far from idle.  Final mixes are nearly complete, and The Martini Cowboy is almost ready for mastering.  There are some great new songs, including a Bossa number that you can't get out of your head. 

With the summer sun finally making its appearance here in NY (and possibly other areas of the country as well) it's probably time yo beef up your wardrobe with Jack Grace T-shirts from our General Store. Or if you are looking for that special item for Father's Day, remember what Jack himself has pointed out so many times before: "Jack Grace CDs and T-shirts make fine gifts for all the people you kinda like." 

[Maybe we need better lawyers]

December 12, 2004

Jack's tune "Hopin' for Some Good" is featured on NPR's Open Mic, a showcasee for self-produced, independent artists where visitors can hear and rate new music.  Visit now and give Jack the high marks he deserves.

The Christmas season has reared its consumer-baiting, Walmart-stampeding, credit card-over-spending head again. This year, we think you should forget the hassle and spend all of your money at the Jack Grace General Store because, as Jack himself has pointed out, "Jack Grace CDs and t-shirts make fine gifts for all the people you kinda like."  For the obligatory gifts for people you don't really like, how about this?

The Martini Cowboy is about to gather his people together into the studio once again and get those great new songs recorded for all of you hungry music lovers out there on a CD to be titled The Martini Cowboy, naturally. The man himself is looking forward to getting back to work and says, "This begins the fun part which continues until we get the CD's in hand. Then the promotion begins , which is, well, not as fun.

Other things that are more fun at first:
1) The One Night Stand - My favorite story of late is of a friend who had one of these, Halloween night (a Sunday).  He had to walk home in his big fat clown outfit past Monday traffic honking and laughing at him.
2) Telling your boss to f$*k off at the Christmas party - A fine time indeed... until the 'How do I face 'm on Monday' hangover kicks in.
3) A Martini Drinking Contest - go ahead and win, champ.
4) Fast food - Mmm tastes good. Huh? I suddenly feel like a 97 year-old man being beaten by angry monkeys.
5) Having a huge party while your parents are away - That's right you're the coolest, everyone's having a really good time... and the most dangerous guy in school is wearing your mom's fur coat in the hot tub. "

[Why won't they just leave us alone?]

May 31, 2004

More praise for I Like It  Wrong. New York Press writer Alan Young notes,  "...what sets his songs apart from rest of the country or alt-country scene is his laugh-out-loud, absurdist wit. Not only is this a great party album and a great driving album, but it’s also very smart and very funny."  We've been telling you that all along, but perhaps another opinion will sway you, and you'll finally get your own copy of the CD in time for Flag Day (June 14, don't forget!).

Jack's sound  continues to ripple across the country's airwaves.  Check the radio listings for a station near you.  While you are enjoying "Ice Cold Beer" or "When I Drink Whiskey" your mind might wander, and you might find yourself wondering what Jack is doing right now.  Chances are he's working hard on some new tunes for the next record, The Martini Cowboy.  He's written at least 8 incredible tunes (some of which are about drinking, naturally) with new characters we'll all someday cherish.  Well, maybe not Uncle Luther...

Jack is also busy playing around town, so catch him before he goes away to impress the folks at some other venues in the nation's heartland later this summer.  Daria looks and sounds lovelier than ever, Drew is back from his stint with Gram Parker with a new attitude and a fistful of DVDs.  Poppa is still good-naturedly driving his station wagon full of gear, and many other fine players are sure to liven things up. Maybe even Russ will come out of hiding.

April 15, 2004

Here in Jack Graceland, your shot glass never runs dry, income taxes are never due, and the Martini Cowboy continues his heroic mission to save the world from the scourge of mediocrity.  After all, it's not your grandfather's country music. So says the New York Press, which goes on to note, "Grace's ferocious steel guitarist tours with indie rockers the Silos, his drummer is a jazz cat and the man himself slings more than a few sparks from his big, hollow-body Gibson. With a wink and a grin and a few shots of tekillya, they'll quote from Led Zep, the Bee Gees and Neil Diamond before they bring it all back home." All of these statements are true. 

Another respectable paper writes, "What’s a man with a Johnny Cash voice and a penchant for singing about Bloody Mary mornings, noons and nights to do? Canvass the city with his honky-sqwanking tears-in-beers songs and whip up a respectable following. Not bad for an urban cowboy."  (The Village Voice) Not bad indeed. Oh, and there's that New York Times piece that got us all in a tizzy last month.

You can find out what all of the fuss is about by attending one of the Gigs. So cozy up to the band at the Lakeside Lounge on the 17th.  Jack has some advice for this show: "Get there early if you'se wanna table (before some East Village knucklehead wannabees sit there and say 'oh there's music?' while sipping on their Michelob Ultras, talking loudly over the band about whom they identify with most on 'The Apprentice'). Oh they'll be there anyway all right, but if we take the tables, we can heckle them in force (The secret heckle code for Saturday's performance is: 'Man, it feels low carb in here tonight')." Of course, if you prefer peanuts, visit the Rodeo Bar on the 29th, have dinner and catch the show.  Their shrimp fajita is really quite special.

Mother's Day is only weeks away and what would she like more than flowers?  I Like It Wrong  naturally, so  buy now, pay later with your charge card (or hers...) .

March 15, 2004

Last year when the Ides of March rolled around, things weren't so rosy in Jack Graceland. The nation was about to go to war, I Like It Wrong wasn't even finished yet and Jack didn't have a dog.  Well, we're at war now and Jack still doesn't have a dog, but all of that could change very soon (at least the dog part anyway).  In preparation for this important development, Jack has finished his latest book, Getting Ready for Bronson, a lullaby to an as-yet unborn pup sure to be loved, spoiled and fed meatballs once he gets here. For more on this and other Jack Grace titles, visit our Book Club.

This month also found some long overdue attention for the Martini Cowboy in the form of a New York Times feature, "A Honky Tonk Man Whose Turf Is the Hip-Hop City".  It's still up on the Times' Website, but you gotta pay to read it. We have it here for free, so check it out.    We're all very excited.

I Like It Wrong is selling like hotcakes, so get your copy just in time for Easter. Our General Store now features three easy to use payment methods through PayPal, CDBaby or Amazon.  Buy one for your mom too.  It doesn't contain any explicit lyrics (check if you don't believe us), and it would make Jack's mom really happy.

We would like to thank our sponsor Absolut Meatball for its continued support.  Don't forget to have an Absolut Meatball Martini the next time you're out in a fine drinking establishment.  Join us at the Rodeo Bar later this month for a special Jack Grace birthday concert, and maybe we'll all have one with you. 

February 22, 2004

We are still deep in the throes of the coldest season here at Jack Graceland.  Having weathered some chilly weather and enjoying a brief respite from the frigid temperatures, the Martini Cowboy was generous enough to share some important insights with his loyal subjects in the form of Cures for the Common Winter Blues.  You'll find out what pierogies, sex and Maaco have in common.

I Like It Wrong is now available.  Our new General Store is crowded with product ready and waiting to be shipped to your eager hands. It's a safe, it's secure, it's PayPal.  Everyone knows how to use that.  Amazon and CD Baby are also coming soon, but they will sell out quickly.  Get supplies while they last. If you need to test drive the new baby, check out some tunes in the Music section and eyeball some artwork while you're at it (lyrics are fun too).

We would like to thank our new sponsor, Absolut Meatball.  The Absolut Meatball Martini is the perfect  complement to a substantial portion of Jack's own Southern Fried Veal Piccata. Then there's the miniature version of Manhattan made of meatballs... The choice is yours: fine dining Jack Grace style or another sorry helping of Mcflabburger with Freedom Fries.

I think you know what to do...

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