Jam Seven

How Many Ways

How many ways do we need to solve this one?
How many ways does it take to understand?

The more we are connected, the less we can communicate.
I just want to say hello.
The less we are rejected, the more we cannot tolerate.
You are standing way too close.

How many ways does it take for you to really understand?

How many ways can there be to demonstrate?
How many ways does it take to make it clear?

The more we are connected, the less we can communicate.
I just want to say to you.
The less we are rejected, the more we cannot tolerate.
Where are all the friendly hands?

How many ways does it take for you to really understand?

Must I lay it right down, so it's simple to see,
and it's easy enough.?
Should I boil it down, make it clearer to see,
so it's easy, not tough?
Must I strip it right down, and distill it on through,
so the essence remains?
Should I skin it right down, 'til we get to the bone,
and the words are so cold?

How many ways?
How many ways?

My Time

Everyday there’s a new way thought of, a scheme of fraud and greed.
It's in the mail, or online lurking. There is no guarantee.

You cannot have my money, not a dime.
You cannot have a moment, of my time.

They are always out in the cities, in all towns, big and small.
Turn around now. Check who’s behind you. Look out for the pitfall.

You cannot have my money, not a dime.
You cannot have a moment, of my time.

Every business, yes every service is ready for your call.
It doesn't matter what someone tells you. They're in it for the haul.

You cannot have my money, not a dime.
You cannot have a moment, of my time.

You cannot have my money, not a dime.
You cannot have a moment, of my time.

Lady Chevy

Lady Chevy cruising down the street,
Slick and flashy and she can’t be beat.
Mirror finish hiding her blue eyes,
Come and get me with your modified.

Highway honey driving dressed in white.
You’ve got no money but you’re just my height.
Make a right turn with your Four by Four.
I’ll be waiting standing at the door.

I know (that) you’re the only one.
I know (that) you’re second to none.
Come on, let’s sit in the sun.
Let me finish what you, you’ve begun.

Dancing dreamer shuffling down the road,
Don’t have to tell me I’m already sold.
Start your engine. Let’s go for a ride.
Run this highway 'cause you're qualified.

I know (that) you’re the only one.
I know (that) you’re second to none.
Come on, let’s sit in the sun.
Let me finish what you, you’ve begun.

Lady Chevy on the interstate,
She's got the stuff, but you're just too late.
Can't you see she's a one man ride?
(She's) never looking to the other side.

I know (that) you’re the only one.
I know (that) you’re second to none.
Come on, let’s sit in the sun.
Let me finish what you, you’ve begun.

The Six Legendary Cats Suite I: The Nurturer

The opening movement to The Six Legendary Cats Suite introduces Isis Catatelli (as presented through the Solo Guitar) in an eight measure theme that recurs at the beginning of each main section. In this composition there are six main sections, a bridge, Drum break and an ending. Refer to the table above for measure and timing information.

The first Rhythm Guitar represents static conditions in the cats’ world, whereas the Bass and Drums symbolize both stable and progressively changing environments. Section two introduces a second Rhythm Guitar that compliments the mix as the very young kittens add season and present challenges to Isis’s life.

Two minutes into the song (and at measure 49) a second Lead, yet subservient, Guitar gently sneaks in. It gradually gets more ambitious and abrupt as Isis ponders her existence as a feral mother cat and provider versus her very limited interactions with people. In the end, the second Lead Guitar sings in harmony with the Solo Guitar as Isis satisfactorily resolves this conflict.

The song continues and finds Isis and family confronting a number of issues and dangers until the Drum break which signifies the successful weaning of her kittens.

At last, the theme is stated for the final time and all other instruments have harmoniously found their best complimentary positions. Isis, The Nurturer, and her kittens are peacefully enjoying family life. They decide to celebrate their triumphs during the song’s ending at measure 157.

Let It Go

So, do you think
it’s all wrong and you’re down?
And if your world is not so sound,
you better change the old plan.

Let it go and fade away
like melting snow on a warm day.
And you’ll know when it’s okay.
Let it go.

Let it go from your hand.
Go and change the old plan.
Let it go from your hand.
Then let it show when you can.

So, can you see?
And if it seems that you’re alone.
With no calls on your phone,
you better change the old plan.

Let it go and fade away
like melting snow on a warm day.
And you’ll know when it’s okay.
Let it go.

Let it go from your hand.
Go and change the old plan.
Let it go from your hand.
Then let it show when you can.

The Six Legendary Cats Suite II: The Explorer

This second composition of The Six Legendary Cats Suite features Fellini Catatelli, the defacto kitten leader and diplomatic liaison between the Catatellis and people as he seamlessly interfaces with the natural, feral world and the curious people world. Fellini’s most distinctive characteristic, however, is exploring. The Solo Guitar boiled down his essence to the two measure theme that begins this piece.

There are eight main sections and an ending to The Explorer. Each main section begins with the theme, continues into the verse and finally advances to the run. At first, the two measure theme simply repeats itself before entering the verse. As the song progresses, the theme’s duration varies up to six measures, allowing other instruments to sneak in, just as Fellini’s incredible curiosity sets the stage for his many surprises.

During each of the eight verses, the Solo Guitar’s objective is to seek new adventures and to create an on ramp to the run, as Fellini would do numerous times each day. Here, the Drums, Bass and Rhythm Guitars tend to relax in order to build momentum for the run.

Everything comes together during the run. Fellini has that incredible look of confidence as he struts, shuffles and grooves along his way. The run continues to build energy until it is released into the next theme.

The Second Guitar is introduced in verse three in order to add texture. As the verse transitions to the run, this guitar becomes more active and playful, as did Angelo and Marino. In verse five the biggest kittens, Antonio and Galliano, start getting into the act as the Bass Guitar gets more assertive. Fellini’s wit and experience always win out as the Solo Guitar is always on top even when momentarily challenged. However, beginning in verse six, Fellini can still be taught a lesson or two from Mom as the D-50 Organ injects a bit of reality.

Finally, at five minutes and thirty seconds, and after a long and tiring day, Fellini stretches, yawns and goes to sleep. Afterwards, an exhausted Antonio manages to wish his brother a good night’s sleep with the final four Bass notes.

Who Is The One

Yes, long ago, with nothing to show,
back before when hands told of time.
Was a concern, too much to learn.
Wandering with hands full of grime.

What’s right and what is wrong?
Who does and can’t belong?
Who will decide what you know?

Just take a look inside,
to where you cannot hide.
Way down deep in your soul.

Who is the one who’ll make you shout?
Who is the one who’ll make you cry?

And if one of some will shout it out,
so that one less one will have to die.
Send the hateful martyr to their sky.

Now here today. With all we say.
Well, you know, it’s been said before.
Who claims to know? Who won't let go?
We still fight the same selfish war.

When knowledge you hold high,
is suspect or a lie.
Who then decides what you know?

When you trade common sense,
to sit upon the fence.
They’ll tell you where you can go.

Who is the one who’ll make you shout?
Who is the one who’ll make you cry?

And if one of some will shout it out,
so that one less one will have to die.
Send the hateful martyr to their sky.

The Six Legendary Cats Suite III: Nature

The third song from The Six Legendary Cats Suite begins with a three measure drum beat that sets the mood at 120 beats per minute. The Drummer leads the band into the smooth yet stately theme reminiscent of the Catatelli family. The 24 measure theme then repeats itself as a second Lead Guitar accompanies and harmonizes with the Solo Guitar. This second Guitar represents Isis’s burning desire to start a new family knowing that her existing kittens are well taken care of.

The theme concludes and segues into the first of four main sections of improvisation via an abrupt key and timing change. Although the timing is reduced to 106 bpm, the pace of the instrumental actually seems to pick up.

The main sections are similar and start with a three part verse which flows into an eight measure chorus and concludes with a one measure free-for-all break. Meanwhile, Isis is searching for new territory during the verses, checks on her increasingly independent kittens during the choruses and sorts it all out during the breaks. Unknown to everyone, Angelo, The Observer, secretly follows Isis and will soon have to choose to stay with his brothers or leave with Mom.

Beginning in the third verse, the Bass begins to break out with some authority as Isis prepares for her departure. In chorus three, Saxophones are introduced to accompany the Solo Guitar in sounding the old European alarm. These Saxophones continue into the fourth verse. Their counter dance represents the kittens in yet another playful mood. They can be seen chasing each other, jumping into bushes and running up and down trees.

At five minutes and thirty-two seconds, and with 100 percent confidence in the safety and well-being of her teenage kittens, Isis leaves, as is indicated by the Bass Guitar solo. Next, it’s Angelo’s turn during the performance of the Drum solo. The beat of the drums tells him to join Mom, but the subsequent guitars which represent his brothers, want him to stay. Back and forth it goes until he decides in favor of the overpowering drums.

The piece continues with a final iteration of the theme and concludes with a triumphant ending as the four remaining playful brothers progressively migrate from a feral birth to a compatible life with people.

Wise Man

There’s a young man at the office. He's an overtime man.
With no time for a moment, he'll work all he can.
There’s a wise man in the fine room. He has the big chair.
With no time for a novice, business is his care.

If money makes you happy, you’ll be happy when you’re old.
But when money is your calling, then you’re a slave to your gold.

There's a lady at the party. She’s dressed to astound.
She's searching for a soul mate. But he isn't around.
There's a wise one in the garden. She’s out there alone.
She thinking that her wise man is someone she can own.

If your love makes you happy, you’ll be happy when you’re old.
But when your love is your calling, then you’re a slave to its hold.

There’s a tanned man pumping iron. He can lift the big weight.
When he looks in the mirror, he sees his own date
There’s a lady in the limelight. She is all for the show.
She spends all his money, she wants you to know.

If your fame makes you happy, you’ll be happy when you’re old.
But when your fame is your calling, then you're a slave to the cold.

Freeloader

Check out the horizon. Don't wait for the night.
Batten down the hatches and get ready for the fight.

He's a freeloading man. He'll take all that he can.

Notify the women. Danger is around.
Some will run for cover and some are just unbound.

He's a freeloading man. He'll take all that he can.

Mr. Slick and his dirty tricks are back in town.
He's the one with the fancy car.
Money's low in his account so far.

Open shirt and a loafer's smirk, get this lowdown.
He's the one with the alibis.
Ponzi was just another name he goes by.

Can you see? He's a freeloader.
Can you see? He's a freeloader.

Back up all your data. Empty all the shelves
Watch out for the traitor. Sync your clocks on to the twelves.

He's a freeloading man. He'll take all that he can.

Freeloader. Freeloader. Freeloader. Freeloader.

Mr. Slick and his dirty tricks are back in town.
You better not let the old guard down.