Album Notes

This project is a more heavy handed offering than the usual Jayway fare. However, that doesn’t mean there is a lack of variety so typical of the Jayway way. The following descriptions will give you an idea of what to expect. Read on, reader…

This Old River- A nod to Weezer. Whose songs tend to be a wall of power but maintain a melodic sense reminiscent of the Beatles. Also thrown in for good measure were the lyrics from a classic standard from the movie “Show Boat”. Gary Alt helped with a guitar solo and outro licks to give it a full tapestry from end to end. (Side note: The subject matter regarded “brain plasticity”. Scientists have discovered the unique ability of the human brain to keep growing new neural pathways despite the aging process. But one has to engage in new activities that challenge the mind. That’s your science lesson for today.)

Nights on Broadway- There’s something about a well written song. No matter who originated it or how it is performed, the quality of it shines through. This Bee Gees epic is one of those songs. It just has a cool groove and vibe. The reason it was covered here was due largely to a joke that came about as a result of a band member from a band of which Jayway was once a part. This band mate really hated the Bee Gees. (At least during the disco era. And he was not alone.) So, Jayway decided to “rock up” what he felt was one of their best songs. As it turns out, it works as a rocker. And since it qualified for this project, in it went. (Side note: Another member of the same band felt that he would be unable to perform this version live since he couldn’t think of it without laughing due to the Jimmy Fallon/Justin Timberlake skit on SNL. Needless to say, the band never performed it.)

Pond of Koi- This song was originally intended for an “Orange Wax Theory” project that never got off the ground. Since it contained power chords, it made the grade for this album. Beatlesque in nature, it was one of those stream of consciousness songs that ended up being about the wars in the Middle East. Wailing guitar solo, bass and other effects provided by Robert Waddington.

Nobody Wants to be Free- This song blurs the line between southern rock, blues and country in Tom Petty fashion. With a little help from Gary Alt on an effective slide guitar solo and counterpart lead towards the end that was influenced by the dueling guitars of the Beatles’ “The End”.

Chasing the Tale- Weird, wild and whacky Zappa-like song comprised mostly of loops and Robert Waddington’s live guitar. A tune about the futility of keeping up with mass media, this one contains some Youtube video folklore. In fact, if you pay close attention, you might hear subliminal cuts from a couple of popular ones.

Showdown- A take on classic rock songs when you knew the song immediately by its opening riff. And it doesn’t hurt that it sounds a bit like the Scorpions.

Octopus- This one was thrown in as a palate cleanser, which piano has that ability to do. Especially on a guitar rock album. With a blazing solo by Gary Alt, it stayed within the realm of the intended result for this project.

Rotten Neighbors- Inspired by real life. Its trailer park feel coupled with some unexpected modern twists puts it in a couple of categories. CCR meets Kid Rock?

Cosmic Traveler (Where Are You Going Now?)- This modern rocker is a sequel to Beef Wellington and the Mad Cows’ “Where Did You Go?” With the vocal help of Gary Alt and Elaine Arvanites (Mrs. Jayway) it made for a well rounded performance and a really cool song.

Happy to Be- This song lay waste in archives and was almost forgotten. Until it became apparent that it belonged on this album. With guitar and fx help from Robert Waddington it took on an unexpected, but appreciated, Soungarden flavor.

Final Exposition: The Candle- Creepy and entertaining all at once, this first installment of a 3-part symposium regarding the world’s dominant elements encounters the mighty Babylon the Great (organized religion) with audio effects engendering mental images of cathedrals and dark passages with a scathing denunciation at the end.

Final Exposition: The Coin- Part two of the series, this ditty poses as a slick, grooving, commercial, dance jingle to get your attention and pick your pocket at the same time. Much the same way the Traveling Merchant, or big business, has been doing to the masses for aeons. (Just in time for the protests on Wall Street.)

Final Exposition: The Crown- Finally, the Wild Beast, or world government, is exposed by drawing back the curtain on her inability to not only bring peace to this planet but, to desist from ruining it with her battles and pollution. Dramatic guitar solo provided by Derek Alt gives it a Coheed & Cambria feel.

Pyromaniac Fireman- A punk excursion on a topic that speaks for itself. Concluding this album on a frolicking note.

NOTE: All songs were written, performed, mixed,produced and mastered by Jason “Jayway” Arvanites at Hillside Studio in West Milford, NJ. (With the exception of “Nights of Broadway” written by Barry, Maurice & Robin Gibb.)