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June 30th YES, I'M TERRIBLE AT WRITING "BLURBS"
Hi Gang! *wipes dust off of computer* (again)
ok, well, it's no secret that i am terrible at writing regularly. this thing is starting to look like all those diaries i tried to start. dear diary, it's been three years since my last entry....
so let's keep it simple, shall we? here's a quick rundown on some stuff for you:

- New record: four songs down, six or eight to go. we'll see!
- Titles I've been kicking around: "Black Coffee" or "How to Conquer Me"
- I've been recording lots of other folks! Liz Parmalee, Lonesome State, Charlie Strater and s few other kind souls have been keeping the lights on, God bless 'em. (Someone have Tom Waits call me)
I've been playing with some new people, namely Andrew Hodgkins and Haché Horchata from As Fast As have jumped in on drums and bass respectively.
- I'll welcome band names for the new new back up crew! send 'em along: jon@jonnolan.net I wanna keep Hokum as a Tim McCoy/Ken Schopf group. And, we're all cool in case you were curious. No "creative differences" or anything sexy like that. Just shakin' it up!
- We just went and played at The Oneida Casino in Green Bay last week thanks to the super-cool Phil Doran and his trusty pals Ken and Todd. Saw Willie, and lost $125 on roulette.
- Cliff's record is coming out on July 27th at The Stone Church!!!! wheeeee....
- Iced coffee still rules. I wrote a little love song to coffee on the way home from a gig the other night. Will post soon.
- Felice Brothers first record is kick ass. So Is "Emotionalsim" by The Avett Brothers.
Hope there are still some folks out there reading this! Chat soon.....Jon

December 29th HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOLKS / AND, HELLO AGAIN!
Hi Gang! *wipes dust off of computer*
Long time, eh? I'm hoping that Christmas was great for you - all of you who celebrate it, of course - and I'm thinking we could all use a happy new year. I've been doing a lot of studio work as of late. Roy Davis and The Dregs finished up their record with me recently (it's released on Mill Town Records, April 8th), I've been chipping away at Cliff Murphy's long awaited solo debut (sounds great!), and the Lovely Elsa Cross successfully dropped her record on the masses on Halloween! More friends, and acquaintances are due to come into Milltown recording Company soon too.

As for me? Well, I've been sorta stuck on my next record. That's a part of the joy and frustration of having your own recording studio I guess. That is, the clock isn't ticking, so to speak. My ol' pal Cliff Murphy has taken on a sort of co-producer/spiritual advisor role recently. I gave him a demo with about 9 of the 18 or so songs I've been considering for the next release. I figure, it's better to take my time and release something good, than rush a so-so album out there, right? Brilliant, I know. Anyhow, Cliff is helping with some much needed guidance and perspective.

So, how are you, anyway? I love hearing from those who enjoy my music, so feel free to drop me an email, eh? Selfish bastard, I am. Take care of yourselves, ok? See you soon I hope...

Jon

August 24th ZACH TREMBLAY and more...MILLTOWN NEWS
Hey Gang!
My man Zach is the first feller on the newly expanding Milltown Records "roster" to release a CD, the fabulous "Hotel Cities." He's 18. His songs rule. Crazy. When we 'ZuZu's were 18, our songs had brilliant lyrics like "Oooo ooo oo, I need you." Clever stuff, hmm?
Zach's an old soul for sure. I think you're going to enjoy watching his craft develop over the coming years. "Hotel Cities" is a great snapshot of a young songwriter trying on his influences for size, and looking for his own voice. It's rare that one gets to witness this kind of journey from the start, and this CD is a helluva first volley. 18? sheesh. Check it out!

www.myspace.com/zachtremblay

BUY IT on CDBaby ----> cdbaby.com/cd/zachtremblay

*****Zach's CD release show is all ages!: *****
Friday, August 31st - 8pm
Riverrun Books - downtown Portsmouth
I'll be banging on drums, or tinkering on guitars. Milltown's new Portland artist, Roy Davis, opens! I'll be introducing you to more Milltown peeps soon.

July 22nd The RETURN of the MIGHTY SAY ZUZU!! / MILLTOWN RECORDS
Welp, there's some big doin's in the Nolan camp. First off, me ol' band, the inimitable Say ZuZu, has signed on to headline The Stone Church's Newmarket Heritage Festival shindig for a "one off" reunion gig. This will be a grand ole time for sure. Mark your calendars!! Tell your friends!!

Secondly, Milltown Records is expanding! Thus far it has only served as a vanity imprint of sorts for yours truly, 'ZuZu and Hogmawl. However, in the coming months, our ranks will be growing! Everybody has their own record label these days. Ours won't pretened to be something it isn't. Milltown will be a gang of sorts - a group of likeminded souls who support one another, network, hang out, brainstorm together. Many hands make light work, right? Plus, we already have a clubhouse in my studio, the Milltown Recording Company building! I think you're gonna like the other artists on our little label. More news on that soon as well...

June 24th SUMMER!
It's summer! I'm still plugging away at recording my superfantastic follow up CD. My kids are keeping me busy. So is life in general. I wish I had something amazing to share. Hmmmm.... Well, here's something! Rosanne Cash was/is totally cool. As gracious and generous as she is talented. She called me out for a bow after her set, and mentioned me twice during her set too. sheesh. I was thrilled. Her husband is a killer guitarist too.
Welp, the gals are in the pool. I'm, going back outside. You should too. Can't wait to have anothger album for you all (all twelve of you reading this. Hi mom...)
Ice Coffee, jon

May 13th MUSICIANS!...RECORD AN ALBUM WITH ME / GO OUTSIDE, IT'S NICE OUT.
The Milltown Recording Company is now open for business folks! Fancy name eh? :) I'm looking to record kindred spirits in my humble clubhouse of a studio here in Newmarket, and I'm booking my summer now. So drop me a line eh? JON at JONNOLAN dot NET

I'll post more on this new exciting endeavor soon, but please spread the word. Drop me a line if you're a band or artist who would like to grab a cup o' joe and talk about making the next Abbey Road (with me that is). I'll be happy to talk incessantly about how fun it is to make records. Wheee! Also, I'm cheap until the big stars start a'callin' (any time now).

Also..... go outside. It's nice.

APRIL 13th The LAST LITTLE BLOB OF SNOW / JARED DUBRAVSKY / BLACK COFFEE
Wednesday afternoon, as I got out of my car and made my way across my soft, water soaked lawn, I caught a lovely scent on the breeze. Spring! It's a different smell than when you have one random warm day in the middle of winter. It's the fragrance of a deep thaw, it's different. Just like the smell of fall makes me feel like I don't have my homework done, a whiff of spring feels like a second chance - a clean slate.
One lonely little blob of snow sat on the grass, melting slowly. I probably deposited it there with my snow shovel, I thought. Now it's almost gone. I'm always amazed when we come to the end of another New England winter. Granted, this one was pretty mild as far as New England goes - we didn't really get hit with any nasty weather until early January, really. Still, in the middle of the darkest, most bitter cold days, you wonder if you'll ever remember what it's like to feel warm. You get your money's worth of seasons in this part of the country. Then, the days start to get longer, and there's one tiny pile of snow fighting the inevitable. It always cathches me by surprise. It snowed last night again, but it doesn't matter. Soon that snow will melt too, and be running swiftly down my street into the drain that takes it to the Lamprey River and the Great Bay and beyond. Nice. I love spring.

I'm playing in Portsmouth with Jared Dubravsky and The Next In Line tonight. Recently Jared and Co. came into Milltown to record Jared's first solo CD. I've gotta say, he sure writes some damn fine songs for a 22 year old. Sheesh, I mean, when I think of the tunes that I was writing when I was his age. Ugh. Jared's got some good stuff. I've really been having a blast hanging out with the band members and working on the recordings. I can get use to this producing gig if all the stuff is as good as I've been getting lately!

I've been giving it a lot of thought, and I've tentatively decided to name my next CD "Black Coffee." Dark, bitter tasting, delicious. Drummer Ken Schopf came up to the studio a couple weeks back, and we laid down seven tunes. I'm hoping to have it out this summer.

MARCH 4th The TALENTED MS. BRAUNS and "CLOSED FOR THE SEASON" (produced by....me!)
Laurel Brauns is a good pal of mine and great songwriter - an artistic force to be reckoned with. What's more, her keen vision and hard work made the Hush Hush Sweet Harlot music series in Portsmouth one of the most coveted gigs for local, regional and national touring indie acts. Pitchfork even featured the series.

So, you can imagine my thrill when she asked me to take the producers chair for her latest excellent batch of songs, "Closed for the Season." I ended up recording most of it too. Laurels velvety voice commands attention on the dark and beautiful indie folk vignettes that inhabit this CD. Damn good tunes me thinks, though I might be biased. Maybe? I'm proud to have been a part of it all!
My old 'ZuZu bandmate Steve Ruhm played drums, Guy Capecelatro III played bass, and we wrastled Kristen Miller, Audrey Ryan and Thanks to Gravity frontman Andy Happel to contribute strings too. We worked hard on it. It paid off. Closed for the Season is fantastic. Buy it!

FEBRUARY 26th CONTRIBUTING TO THE GREEN BAY ECONOMY... (and rocking!)
Green Bay was fun! Yes, fun, even as our little stacks of orange chips left the small bit of green felt real estate on the table top for the clear plastic rack in front of the dealer. They dwindled, five or ten bucks at a whack. But, from the look of deserted downtown Green Bay, maybe they could use my $100 more than me. I think I ate that much for "free" at the buffet anyway. Hee.
We did hang out at a hip coffee shop on Broadway called Kavarna. Cool place. We also had a nice chat with the affable Larry Frye in his Stringed Instrument Workshop on the same street. He's a luthier, and from the looks of it, a darn good one. Nice feller too.

For those just joining in, Cliff Murphy (my old Say ZuZu bandmate) and I flew out to The Oneida Nation Casino for a three night run of shows. Hokum bassist Tim McCoy and 'ZuZu/Mass. Trust Co. drummer Tim Nylander were on the gig as well.
Back in the day, when 'ZuZu would travel to the midwest, we'd sometimes get booked by a swell cat named Phil Doran in the little town of Neenah, WI at a cool bar called Automatic Slim's. Phil is now the fella who books the Casino, and along with his trusty assistants, Todd and Ken, they had us at their joint.
You know what's amazing? Hanging with people in the music business who aren't bitter. Phil, Ken and Todd are still in it for the music, even after years in the business. Wow. Gives a guy hope. I sure hope you guys out near Green Bay know what you've got there.

The shows were a blast! It felt like a 'ZuZu show, looking over to my right and seeing Cliff singing along. The Tims rocked. Mike, our soundman was cool and accomodating. If only all the shows could be this enjoyable! We're looking forward to a return visit this summer.

DECEMBER 1st WELL, I'M JUST HANGING OUT.
Greetings friends...
So, I actually started recording the next album the other day. Not too much in the way of progress since it was just me without the band, but it's started. That's something!

Looks like Cliff and I will be heading to Wisconsin in February to play some shows together, both backed by my band. Check the tour page. Just a few more details need to get squared away before it's confirmed, but it's looking good. Also, I just got Cliff's new album tracks in the mail, and I'm going to be mixing it this month! Hip-hip.....

And some sad news, I didn't win the annual Nolan Thanksgiving Hearts tourney. Sigh. No Trash talking for me this year. On a happier note though, my father lost too. If I win, I win. If my Dad loses....I win! Hee hee.

OCTOBER 18 SAY ZUZU ON ITUNES / CLIFF ON MYSPACE / NEW SONGS ON MY PAGE TOO
Yoooo...
So, first, some biz: The 'Zu is on iTunes y'all. Go and buy that shiznit. Also, the few remaining physical copies of Bull, Live and Highway Signs and Driving Songs are at CD Baby and Miles of Music. Just so you know.

Cliff is finally on MySpace! Isn't he too old for that stuff? Perv. Kidding! Go track him down to hear/download a couple of the tracks from his upcoming solo debut. Also, leave hilarious comments and waste time at work. Good times. CLLLLiiiiiiffffFFFF!

I am also on MySpace, although i am considerably younger than Cliff (cough). I've added one of my favorite ZuZu tunes and a live track for download. JOOOOOoooonnn!



AUGUST 27 / AMAZING LINE UP at BOURBONS IN PORTSMOUTH on SEPT 2nd! - MORE STUDIO FUN /
Now don't get me wrong, I may be a little biased about the shows I play, but this Saturday's Bourbons show in Portsmouth really is something special. Bourbons is the newly renamed and newly awesome'd downstairs of The Muddy River Smokehouse in Portsmouth. This will be our first show there under the new regime, and we ain't screwing around. Melvern Taylor and His Fabulous Meltones(!) is on the show as are my new buddy and recent NYC host Nels Andrews and my good pal Andrew Grimm all the way from NYC and Baltimore respectively. Nels is swinging through before heading across the pond to the UK for some touring and Grimm is in the area to play at the renowned Club Passim's Campfire Festival in Cambridge, MA before heading up to join the bill. If you know Melvern, then you know he's reason enough to show up anywaynevermind my hammy mug and Hokum! Don't be lame. This show rules. Also, Neil Young is gonna be there (*).

Laurel's record is coming out GREAT! Guy Capecelatro III and Steve Ruhm deserve giant noogies of appreciation for their super fine rhythm section efforts on the project. The excellent Audrey Ryan also stopped in the recording shack to lay down some fiddle and accordion. Good times.

Three other recording victims are coming in soon too: Kate Redgate, Ben Baxter, and Cara Connolly, oh, and me :) Acoustic demos will be up on my own Myspace page by the end of September or you can kick me in the shins (*).

(*)Lies.

AUGUST 4 / NYC RECAP - PRODUCING - ON THE DOCKET /
My NYC shows were amazing. Joe's Pub and Pete's Candy Store are some of the coolest places I've played in some time. I was grateful to Slaid Cleaves for letting me open one of his two packed CD release shows down there at Joe's. An unbelieveable sound system too. What a pleasure to sing through!

This upcoming week I'm (finally) tracking and producing the new record from my good pal Laurel Brauns. We've been working hard on pre-production for a while now, and I think it's going to pay off. My old 'ZuZu compatriot, Steve Ruhm is coming out of the woodwork to drum on it, and everybody's favorite Portsmouth resident Guy Capecelatro III is holding down bass duties. Good times. I'll make sure to post some results.

I have been writing what amounts to two different thematic batches of tunes. God willing, I'll be starting to lay down some of the acoustic oriented stuff this month! Dunno what kind of album I'm putting out next. Stay tuned...

MAY 25th / SUMMER SHOWS - BOSTON, NYC, WASH DC /
I read a quote from Robbie Fulks one time where he talked about the difference between his solo shows and his band shows. Everytime he walked into a club carrying only his acoustic guitar, it was so easy he swore he'd never play with his band again. Everytime he played with his band, the sound was so big and so sweet he swore he'd never play solo again. I can relate. Luckily for me, I have the benefit of straddling that line too, playing a bunch of solo shows, and rocking out with my fine band Hokum.

This summer I'm continuing my solo Dolphin Striker residency and I'm adding a regular monthly show in Deerfield, NH's Lazy Lion Cafe starting July 19 (it'll be roughly every third Wednesday after that for the near future). Both are exceptionally charming rooms, perfect for a crooner like me to play solo. (That said, I'm going to try and bring some pals like Melvern Taylor to join me at The Striker again).

On the band front though, we've got some big rooms in our future. Tomorrow night we play in Boothbay Harbor, ME with our good pals The Coming Grass. In June we're returning home to The Stone Church to share a night with Jabe and his band. Jabe's new CD is excellent, and this show is his super fantastic ultra whiz bang CD release show! It promises to be a roots rock throw down of epic proportions, and that ain't no hokum. Jabe was instrumental in helping me record my own CD, and having listened to his new one, I think any music fan reading this would do well to pick it up. It's amazing. In July Hokum plays at The Rochester Opera House with John Eddie. It's a gorgeous 800 seat theater. It'll be an awesome chance to open it up and really take Hokum for a spin.

Also in July, I'll be shooting down to NYC to play with my old friend Slaid Cleaves at Joe's Pub. It'll be the first of two release shows for his excellent "Unsung" CD. I'm hoping to play Philly and DC while I'm out on the road, so if you want to help me line something up, don't be shy about emailing me! I'm happy to do a house concert, not just the club thing.

Last but not least, I'm going to start recording the follow up to WSTLL this summer. Hooray! We'll see where it all goes...

APRIL 24th / I'M ON CABLE "ON-DEMAND" TV IN TEXAS! (AND ONLINE) /
You know those things black and white things they clap on movie sets? You know, like ... "Jon Nolan super whiz bang music star, take one. *CRACK!* "
Well, on the ol' checklist of life, having your name written on one is a pretty cool box to check off. Last January, the band and I flew to Austin Texas to film a segment for a new on-demand digital cable channel called PUBLIK MUSIC. It's an amazing new concept for a music channel. They champion the best of the under the radar crop (see: me), providing an enjoyable video segment combining the best qualities of VH1 Storytellers and Austin City Limits. It debuted this month on Time/Warner Digital Cable in the Austin, TX market, and they have plans to bring it elsewhere soon. There's a music video of "Mary (Won't You Come Along?)" and portions of my complete segment for viewing. Waste some time at work and watch it. It's the greatest viewing experience you'll ever have. Scorsese? Speilberg? Tarantino? Fools. Patrick Tourville? Genius! I mean, the guy did ask ME to come on board, right?



APRIL 3rd/ UHHHH.../
Well, not much to report at the moment I guess, except that it's spring! (And the Red Sox are winning in their season opener). Still writing some songs of course. Right now two or three different batches of tunes are taking shape. Some are just pop tunes, some are actually kind of folky, and then some are, well, who knows. I'd love to be more mysterious - more Tom Waits or something, but it's just not me. Sigh. That said, I'm pretty happy with a good bunch of the songs. Some new titles to ask for: "Falls Way" (formerly 'fresh cut grass'), "$300" (formerly pawn shop guitar), "Black and Broken Heart" (oooh, yeah. bring on the misery!), "Everything Has Changed" and plenty more that are half or three quarters done. I dig thematically cohesive albums - not just songs that sound good together, but collections of songs that really belong together. So, we'll see which group of songs crosses the finishline first and that'll likely be the next album.

MARCH 1st /THE OCTOPUS - NEW RPM DEMOS ON MYSPACE/
i have a couple new songs up on my MySpace page. they're from my RPM album, which as you may remember is a challenge to write and record an entire "album" of ten songs or thirty-five minutes of material in the month of FEB (you can read about it in previous "new" blurbs below. I'll be posting some more soon, but this is a start.

Some info on the tunes:

"Bye Bye" - Of course I couldn't just do a simple freaking album right? I had to go and record "full band" material. i did get to play the drums though! i tracked this one at my bass players house - i played the drums, guitars, bass, did the singing blah blah blah...

"3 More Minutes" - I was up mixing my record until 4am last night so that i could make the deadline today (emphasis "dead"). i was almost done mixing and realized i had forgotten to record the vocals for one of the "full band" numbers. ugh. so, i grabbed the guitar, fired up the mic in my kitchen and started singing. what your hear is what i did. it's obvious it was improvised. the clever title refers to the length of time the song needed to be to get me over the required 35 minute minimum (since i didn't have ten tunes). anyway, it was a good excuse to play my girls musical toy octopus. i can KILL on that thing! no one rocks THE OCTOPUS like J-No. boom.

hope you get a kick outta them. More soon...

www.myspace.com/jonnolan

Best,
Jon



FEB 27th / VOTE for ME! - NEW SONGS and GIGS - NOW PLAYING/
The fine folks at The Portsmouth Herald have seen fit to nominate me for "Best Singer/Songwriter." Do a guy a favor and vote for me will ya? This is the only way I'm going to "make it." Hahahahahaha! Ahem. Cynical humor aside, a vote for me sure would be swell. Especially since I lost all those elections for student council back in middle school. Maybe it was my slogan: "KEEP THINGS ROLLIN' VOTE FOR NOLAN!" I was a nerd, what can I say?

I'm furiously putting the finishing touches on my RPM album (for more info see previous posts). There are a bunch of new songs which I have started playing out. I'm pretty psyched about 'em! I'll be posting them somewhere for your listening pleasure as soon as they're mixed and in the can. Some will likely be re-recorded for the new J-No album, whenever that comes out.

Some new gigs, including a couple in the Boston area have been added. Check the "Tour" page eh?

Currently listening to: Cat Power - The Greatest, Jenny Lewis and The Watson Twins - Rabbit Fur Coat. These records are pretty awesome. What are you digging? "I'm listening to...."

FEB 1st / RPM '06 - AUSTIN RECAP/
The RPM Challenge I mentioned in my last news update has really taken off! As of this writing, over 160 local bands/solo artists have signed on to record an album in the month of February. Yikes! It's a pretty inspiring atmosphere in seacoast NH right now. I can't wait to get to work on my own RPM album. I'll be posting some of the songs I'm recording on my messageboard in the coming weeks, as well as a few on my MySpace page. I've decided that in an effort to better my piano playing, I will write all of my songs on the upright piano in my dining room (aka, the kids play room). Amidst a sea of teddy bears, baby dolls, hats, doo-dads and a giant ladybug tent, I, yer trusty pal Jon, will do his best to rock.

In short, Austin was a total blast. Too bad we were only there for two days! Nonetheless, we made the most of it - ate loads of tasty Mexican food, played shuffleboard at the thoroughly excellent Horseshoe Lounge and spent an entire day filming on the set(?!). I'll be posting pictures of our adventures in the coming week or so - or whenever I get my hands on 'em.

JAN 19th / NHPR - AUSTIN,TX - RPM '06/
Well, hello there and a very happy New Year to you! Hey - a last minute heads up. I've been added as a fill-in tomorrow on the fine NH Public Radio program "Front Porch." I did the show just recently as part of The WIRE (the local arts rag I work for). We put out a compilation of NH music, and as ham-iness is part of my skillset (surprise!) they elected me to do the chatting. Anyway, I'll be there for more self serving reasons tomorrow - talking about my CD, what I'm likely to be up to in the coming year etc. It airs tomorrow - Friday January 20 at 6:30 EST. If you want to listen in, it will be streamed on the web. After that it's likely to be archived, so you can check in there later too. J-NO on the Front Porch HERE!

Somehow it feels like spring in NH. Lately, for the last few days at least, the usually brutal January weather has given us Granite Staters a reprieve. As it turns out, it's a taste of the warm weather I'm likely to be experiencing next week when the band and I fly to Austin, TX for a few days. A company out of Portland Maine is spearheading the creation of a new On Demand music channel, Publik Music, which will debut in the Austin Market this March. Somehow the poor bastards thought I'd be a good bet as an up-and-coming artist worthy of inclusion in the initial run of filming (musta been drunk!). It's pretty exciting. The Publik Music folks are second to none, and I'm grateful to be onboard for the channel's launch. The "films" are one part A&E Biography / one part Music Video / and one part VH1 Storytellers. Those who have Time-Warner Digital Cable in the Austin area will be able to watch me and the other artists short films soon! I'll post more details, pics of the filming and other Publik Music news as it comes along. Mmmm, Mexican food.

The WIRE is sponsoring a new event called R.P.M. (Record Production Month) this February. I'm gonna be a part of that too! It's a great event which is sure to nurture the ol' NH music scene. I'll be doing my best to write an album in FEB and complete the task. Read about it at: www.rpmchallenge.com

DEC 28th / YEAR'S END - DOLPHIN STRIKER REZ CONTINUES/
Hi there. Jon Nolan, your old americana playing pal here. I just wanted to express how grateful I am to all of you who supported me and my music this past year - especially to those who made advance purchases of my CD so that I could afford to put it out. You are truly the best. I've got some new material that the band and I have been trying out lately. We'll be woodshedding a bunch of it soon, and debuting a few more new tunes soon. Once again though, thanks for making 2005 a great year.

My favorite new weeknight haunt is the Dolphin Striker in Portsmouth. It's a great room - a wonderfully candle lit, rustic tavern with exposed stone foundation walls, dark wooden tables and as fine and friendly a bar staff as can be found. My buddy Ray who books the joint has graciously extended my residency there through at least the early part of 2006! Yes, I know it's a Tuesday thing, a school night and all, but music always breaks up the week nicely eh? Yep. I'm going to get some pals to join me more often too, just to shake it up. Next week I've got Phil Bell, a new acquaintance of mine who writes fantatsic songs. He's been bumming around some of the local open mics for a while now - one of the bright spots in the midst of a million Pearl Jam covers. He gave me a copy of his EP and it's amazing stuff. He recorded it at Wavelab (Calexico, Richard Buckner, Neko Case) in Tuscon, AZ. Come check him out. I'm a big fan.

DEC 18th / BOSTON HERALD - GFAC 207 - THIS WEEKS GIGS /
The Boston Herald named my CD as one of the top five alt-country releases of 2005 (at the number two slot!). I had no idea I was on their radar. Cool, cool, cool. It all helps right? What's more, I beat out Ryan Adams. Crazy. See For Yourself!

Tune in to the Greetings From Area Code 207 radio program this Wednesday night if you live in Portland. My good pals Melvern Taylor and Spencer Albee of As Fast As and I will be on the show to promote our upcoming shows together. The shows are Thur. Dec 22ndat The Press Room in Portsmouth, and Fri. Dec. 23rd at SPACE in Portland. Come on down.
yer pal......Jon

NOV 23rd / HAPPY THANKSGIVING! - A NICE SURPRISE - NEW SONGS /
One of the folks on my message board recently introduced the idea of listing the top ten records from the last ten years. The idea being that we can all list those albums which have become important to us , and then we could trash each others lists right? Good fun! I'm kidding (sort of). Anyway, he mentioned that the idea was inspired by No Depression Magazine's Top 20 of the last ten years. I decided to check out their site and lo and behold - Peter Blackstock, one of the editors, made me the subject of his latest blog entry. Wow! He had some very cool, heartfelt things to say about the CD. I must say, it was a nice early xmas gift. His blog is on the front page of the No Dep website: No Depression Magazine

I've had a bit of a song writing explosion as of late, which is kinda nice. I'll be introducing them to the world in the coming months. A few of them, like "Black and Broken Little Heart" and "Pawn Shop Guitar" have already made their way into some solo performances, but look for them to work their way into band performances too. I can almost, sorta see the next album taking shape. That said, ask me in a month and I may feel differently (but I hope not).

I hope all of you Americans are getting ready for a nice long holiday. I am gearing up for the annual family card game. We play hearts every year, and we're pretty serious about it. It kinda scares my wife. We do some pretty ridiculous things, but it's all fun. For instance, the winner gets to write their name and the year on the wall of my fathers barn, while the losers have to write peoms in honor of the winner which are to be recited on their knees in front of the whole family. Good times. Ahhhh, it is good to be the reigning champ. My poor poor brother and father. They have no chance.

OCT 30th / HAPPY HALLOWEEN! - FREE DOWNLOADS /
Hi Gang! Trick or Treat and all that...

A few months ago when I was "updating" my website (which is to say, screwing it up), I eliminated all the downloads from my Audio/Visual Page. My web guru, the kind and talented John Hofstetter (who also designed my album artwork), helped me out and fixed 'er up nicely. I have since added some new downloads for your pleasure in addition to some of the old goodies. I'll try and do that more often too. "All Dried Up," a song from my album, will actually be featured on the No Depression Magazine website for the month of November too! (It's kind of exciting to be featured).

Also, I added another different download on my MySpace page for you to grab. You can get "Blue to Here," a Say ZuZu song of mine, as played by me and my band (Jon Nolan and Hokum) at The Stone Church for the CD release show.

As an aside, I just went to my dentist last week for a cleaning (no cavities! Woo!). My doctor was all fired up. October, as one might imagine, is a dentist's worst nightmare - what with all that sugary candy and all. Sugar Daddies! Caramels! Jellybeans! Oh My! I got my usual "Fruit Roll-ups are the devil!" spiel too, which whilst I find them a yummy treat indeed (as I remember), I haven't had one since they were a new phenomenon and I was eating one during snack in Ms. Whalen's class in 3rd grade. That being said, apparently it's bad for tooth enamel if super sugary things glue themsleves to your teeth. Who knew?

OCT 2nd / PICK the SINGLES /
In the coming weeks I'm going to be sending my CD to some more radio folks. Of course, they all want to know which tracks I should tell them to play. I have my own ideas, but I figured I'd put it to a vote. So, if you have any thoughts on what two songs I should direct music industry folks to listen to, send 'em on over!
I could use your valuable perspective for sure. To be clear, we're not talking about a major radio promotion here, but it will be sent out kinda all over the place. In any case - pick two tunes! email me with your picks here: PICK TWO SINGLES!

SEPT. 23rd / NO DEPRESSION FEATURE - PORTLAND SHOW ADDED /
It turns out I will be featured in the "Town and Country" section of the next No Depression magazine ( a fine music magazine that covers Americana music and the like). Make sure to check it out and support your favorite NH musician. They'll be reviewing the record as well, so keep your fingers crossed for a good review.

Also, I've just been added as an opener for the lovely and talented Lori McKenna in Portland, ME at SPACE Gallery on Saturday, October 1st. SPACE is a very cool venue with perhaps the best sound in town. Lori's star is rising too, and desevedly so. She's a great songwriter whose songs are prominently featured on the next Faith Hill record (including the title track!). It's a victory for one of the good guys (or gals in this case) so be sure to keep an eye on here too eh?

SEPT. 20th / BENEFIT CONCERT and DOLPHIN STRIKER RESIDENCY /
I am sorry dear friends, I failed you. I failed to alert most of you to the fact that yesterday was Internat'l "Talk Like a Pirate Day." Oh well, mark yer calendar for next year hmm? Happily, those who came out to Saturday's Press Room show were "treated" to an onslaught of pirate talk (ARRR!) and pirate jokes. Wow. Now that's showmanship.

On a much more inportant note, some friends and I (my side project, The Citizen's Band) are putting on a benefit for the hurricane survivors/recovery. We'll be playing a bunch of old country tunes and honky tonk. It'll be good fun. The Press Room will be pitching in a portion of the nights bar sales too, so drink up! You must not miss the show! THE PRESS ROOM / Daniel St. - Portsmouth, NH / 7-9pm / Thursday, Sepetmeber 22nd!

Lastly, make sure to check out the tour page for more details, but I am starting a three month residency at Portsmouth's The Dolphin Striker. Each show I'll feature a special guest who will sit in with me, and maybe play a set of their own. Jim Gambino (of Hokum and Swinging Steaks fame) is on board for a night, as is Melvern Taylor. More guests to come!

SEPT. 8th / CD REVIEW from HOLLAND's ALTCOUNTRY.NL /
Assuming you don't speak Dutch, you can find various online translators if you really want to check out what the review says. The fine folks at Altcountry.nl gave "WSTLL" 3 1/2 horses. Not bad I guess(?). The translators I've plugged it in to come out ok, but some of the translations are hilarious. If there are any kind Dutch folks who want to translate it and send it to me, I'd be grateful!

Altcountry.nl review HERE

SEPT. 5th / GIG CHANGES and UPDATES /
I am sorry to say, I did have to cancel tonight's perfomrance in Northampton, MA at The Basement - and Portland's Big Easy show on the 24th was bumped as well. Tomorrow's show in NoHo at Bishop's Lounge is still on however! I will be booking more Maine and Massachusetts shows in the coming weeks too, so stay tuned.

Also, starting in October I'll be doing a five show residency at Portsmouth's Dolphin Striker. The Striker is kind of a hidden gem in Portsmouth. It has a great rustic New England feel. There'll be no cover(!), and I'll be playing the shows along with some special guests who I think you should know about. The residency runs through December only.

SEPT. 1st / NORTHEAST PERFORMER MAGAZINE FEATURE and CD REVIEW /
Northeast Performer did a nice feature on me.

CLICK HERE to read the feature, ye music fan ye.

I also got another great review! It says in part, "Nolan artfully blends the New England vibe and the midwest vibe and the southern vibe and all the others into one wholly American sound on When the Summers Lasted Long. Nolan knows how and when to rock."

CLICK HERE to read the awesome review. (bottom of page!)

SEPT. 1st / CD BABY SALES TO RED CROSS /
I'm sure you've all been watching the horrific pictures of the hurricane disaster in Mississippi and Louisiana. Pretty horrible stuff. For what it's worth, (and please tell your friends) 100% of the sales of my album on CD Baby will go directly to the Red Cross as hurricane relief for the next week. Buying some tunes is a pretty easy way to help out.

To buy one of my CDs go here:
Jon Nolan Hurricane Relief CD Purchase

Or go directly to The Red Cross to donate money to their relief fund.
RED CROSS DONATIONS

AUG. 17th CITZEN'S BAND SHOW / HONKY TONK FANS TAKE NOTICE- Fans of old time country music should head on over to The Press Room in Portsmouth on Thursday August 25. My honky tonk side project, The Citizen's Band will be playing from 7-9pm upstairs. The band features Bruce Derr on pedal steel, Mary Dellea on upright bass, Zack Field on drums and yours truly on guitar. Good times. Cheap entertainment. If all goes well, we'll be covering Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger" in it's entirety! Wheee.

AUG. 7th - Here's a fine feature I forgot to put up here from The Portland Phoenix previewing my CD release show up there last week. READ IT HERE

AUG. 5th - NUMBER TWO on the MILES of MUSIC CHART!
Welp, it turns out I was the second best selling album of the month of July at the wonderful online music store Miles of Music! Being that I was only beat out by the mighty Son Volt and their new release, I have to say, I am feeling purty chipper these days. Thanks to all who purchased the album, and of course, feel free to direct your closest hundred pals to their site to keep the streak going hmm? The CD is also available at ITunes and all Bull Moose Music stores throughout New England. Check the "Merchandise" page for a link to my ITunes site. Hope to see you out and about!



JULY 16th - BOSTON / PORTLAND AREA CD RELEASE SHOWS....
Calling all Boston and Maine music loving types! Hokum and I will be rocking your neck of the woods this month. For all you ZuZu fans, Cliff will be opening the show in Cambridge, MA on Thursday, July 28th. He's damn near completeing his own debut solo CD, so come check out his great country folk tunes hmm?
The Big Easy is a great venue right in downtown Portland. The band will be firing up the rock in the olde port. Please don't miss it. We'll be sad if you don't come. The show is on Friday, July 29th.

STILL IN the TOP TEN AT MILES of MUSIC!
A few weeks ago Miles of Music emailed me to let me know that When the Summers Lasted Long was the number one selling album of the week! This week they let me know I had maintained a respectable numero three. Since I was only beat out by the great Son Volt and their new album, and the first Volebeats album in years - I'm still feeling pretty good about things. I still beat out John Hiatt, so there you are.
Thanks to all who purchased the album. It certainly doesn't hurt that MoM gave their "MoM Approved" stamp, eh? The lovely folks at Miles of Music have graciously chosen my new CD to be one of their featured "100% Guaranteed MoM Approved" selections. That means that you can purchase my disc through them, and if you're not satisfied that it kicks total alt-country/Americana/pop arse, you can send it back for full credit in their store. Pretty cool huh?

If you haven't bought the record yet, or if you know someone who wants to buy it in the near future, make sure they buy it through Miles of Music! It sure would be swell of you. See me on the charts for yourself, their chart is on their webpage on the lefthand column about halfway down. Help me stay in the top ten!

Other bits o'News:

In the coming month or two I'll be heading into the studio to produce the new CD by Laurel Brauns, a fine songwriter and all around good gal who transplanted herself back to NH via the Pacific Northwest. Good tunes! I'll post clips once we get something to tape.

I just played/hung out with my palsThe Everybodyfields from Johnson, TN. Friends, family and members of the Jon Nolan messageboard are probably sick of hearing me talk incessantly about them, but what can I say? I'm in love with their music. It's just gorgeous, gorgeous stuff. Sam from The EF and I rode down to Northampton together and traded Michael Jackson jokes and such the whole way down - discussed the merits (or lack therof) of various albums we're both into/not into. Good peoples them Everybodyfields are. If you see them, ask Sam to tell you his favorite joke - the one about guys waiting for a bus. Too funny. Early Praise for "When the Summers Lasted Long"

Miles of Music
"These nine breezy, acoustic - based twang-pop tunes take his distinctly strong and melodic vocals into long, lazy days of endless sunshine. (WTSLL)..has all the warmth, brilliance and wonder that comes with its title."

The WIRE
"Nolan's 'When the Summers Lasted Long' will not dissapoint awaiting fans."

Portsmouth Herald
"...a satisfying joyride that will help clean the cobwebs out of your head as spring turns to summer and the joys of top-down, open-windows roadtrips come calling."

Fosters Daily Democrat
"From front to back this record beckons to be heard."

A national release date for "Summers..." will be announced later in the month.

Best,
Jon

ps- Always love to hear from you....email me here -->"Hello Jon..."