Mail_Bag

06/18/08

I’m listening to your new album right now. I like it; pretty good.

James Hawley

06/17/08

Awesome - I hope that flavor of Jack tastes smooooooth. Lobster, etc., is on the way when you get down here.

Thanks to all of you guys (I will be sending additional emails tonight, in fact). We have gotten so many compliments on all of the music, but especially the live stuff. My daughter loved OHO and wants a CD. I have an extra copy of Brickolage and am going to send it to her - another fan comes alive.

John Makowski and many others loved the harmony on the Beatles songs perfect dinner music.

The entire day was great and all of you played such a great role in it - we can't thank you enough, but we will be trying real hard when you get down the beach.

Debbie and Jeff

05\06\2008

How fortunate I was to be able to make some bit of music with this incarnation of OHO. I knew was having fun at the time but only upon review of the Yamaha Soundcheck Video did I realize that I actually contributed something, the band was effin good, I didn’t sink the OHO ship and most of all, your sustaining vision of the band remained vivid and vital. Thanks Jay.

-b.

Bill Janssen



Jay,
Wow! What a great time Saturday! I just wanted to say thank-you once again, for inviting me to be a part of that awesome experience. I really had a wonderful time, as did all of my family and friends who came, and I really appreciated the positive response that I got from your great guests, like your sister, and son Matt, and Dave's wife, to name a few. Everyone was just so upbeat, and enthusiastic, it was just so uplifting to be a part of that.   So, thank-you, and it was great joining you in your music!

Take care,
Jeniye

03/25/2008

Jay

I never heard you guys perform so well as Saturday night - especially the vocals. In my opinion, the ladies were outstanding and each kept getting better as they appeared, with the last woman overwhelming us with her depth, tone and soul.  Where do you find these people?

Let me know!
Jeff and Debbie

03/10/08

Dear Jay:

        The package was a surprise to receive, to say the "least"! The contents were even more fantastic! The tribute to the mothers was a "classy" touch and makes me very proud! I wept when I opened the CD/DVD at work yesterday, I couldn't control myself, which is fine by me!

So, in closing, thank you for everything and we'll see you at the SHOW! Feels like old times!

        Love,

        Andrea

03/12/08

Hey Jay

Got to give a quick listen so far (all right, I admit it. I only listened to the ones I played on). It's amazing how you have woven together all these varied raw materials into this epic thing. Very enjoyable and interesting. My son thinks the packaging is spectacular. Thanks for sending it to me. ................Sue

03/10/2008

Большое спасибо от вашего секретного обожателя!!!

Big            thanks   from your   secret            admirer!!!

After all, the whole Universe is kind of Bricolage,

thus – Divine.

После всего, вся Вселенная создана из того, что оказалось под рукой.

И тем самым – Божественна.

                 МамаСамсонова

03/09/2008

"I just got back from vacation and I got the OHO CD from you. What a pleasant surprise!! Thank you for remembering. You guys are so talented--I love the CD...was "jamming out" to it on the way to church this morning. Thanks for sharing your music. What a gift you guys have!

Blessings,

Kristen S.

03.09.08

"Jay,

I'm sitting here really enjoying the DVD and I'm gonna confiscate the CD for my car. Man, this brought back so many old, good memories and I remember being at so many of these places. What a great idea! And I like it a lot. I just want to let you know it's a hit."

Joel J.

03.06.08

03.06.08

"David & Jay,

BTW, I watched some of the DVD...I haven't aged a bit..hehe..I still can't believe it was 20 years ago. That's half my age...seems like it was just yesterday...thanks again for the opportunity. It was one of the highlights of my career.

Tom Hirschmann

Old Hickory, TN"

"I have been listening to the CD repeatedly. The songs are all just so great! I'm very excited, and honored that you have invited me to sing at the CD/DVD release/listening party."

Take care,

Jeniye L.

03.01.08

"Bricolage came out very nicely and the vocal mix of 'Dream Lifted Up' turned out just right. The DVD is neat too and I like the feature with the words and credits. That era is a part of OHO history I didn't catch when it was current events. And I like the sound Jay got on

his Godin Acousticaster when you played for the kids."

Bill P.

03.01.08

"Got a CD/DVD copy yesterday from Bill P., and I must say congratulations once again to you both for all the work and obvious devotion to quality that goes into this continuing event that is OHO. I watched the DVD portion last night and enjoyed the hell out of it. You can tell from the CA footage that the band REALLY played well together and sounded decent. My best to you both and don't hesitate to ask if I can ever be of help musically speaking.

Take care.

Glenn W.

02.29.08

"I just started to listen (track 4 at the moment) and the CD sounds great! The packaging has a really fantastic artistic look and tonight I will be checking out the DVD. I'm on track 5 ("Time") and this one is standing out as one of my favorites so far. Nice guitar and keys and the ethereal harmony vocals. I look forward to looking at the credits as to who played what (I hear a violin and sax). Well, let me finish listening and I will shoot you a final email review once I get through it all; but I can already foresee a grade of A."

Mike O.

02.29.08

"What a testament to your perseverance and vision. You are to be commended on an excellent realization of over 20 years of creativity with the release of Bricolage. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the project--I know this is just another step in a lifelong journey. On a sadder note, I read where Mike Smith of the DC5 died."

Musically,

Bill P.

02.28.08

Mr. JG,

I received the announcement about the new CD/DVD, I had already read about the event in your monthly "What's Up?" feature. Debbie and I will be in town for Easter, so we are planning to attend. I'll try to get Jon M. to come over as well--the more the merrier. It's amazing how time flies, especially when we are 'retired.' It's grand. Keep up the good work--you are the producer/marketing genius of all time."

Jeff P.

02.28.08

"DVD worked great!! CD sounds really TOP SHELF. I'm looking forward to rotating it in the car for a while... GOOD STUFF!! I hope you're happy with it and thanks for working with me patiently. It has been a really fruitful learning experience, and for me, a 'something done' with this life, which means a lot. Also it has been a wonderful extension of our friendship and fortuitous meeting in Lebanon, NJ."

Sincerely,

-Ben

02/23/2008

Yesterday I read OHO Mach III for the first time. Thanks for the kind words. It took me awhile to read it, even after Dave’s prodding.

After spending a year blogging, I really understand the frustration of having a good product people ignore. You and I have something in common. We both love to write, and we both are very good. Getting people to read it is a task. Once they do, they love it.

I have always understood your gift. I ran with it for awhile, but succumbed to the frustration of keeping the band going. At least in the incarnation with which I was involved. I have to admit it was the most exciting time of my life.

I’ll never lose the memory of my involvement (unless Alzheimer’s takes hold) and will always cherish the shows, rehearsals, Dave screaming for more reverb and his demand for beers at the shows. I never felt like a gofer, and always knew you appreciated what I did. Reading your words confirmed it.

I spent yesterday at home because of the ice storm that was predicted but didn’t really happen. Most of my day involved OHOmusic.com. I want to thank the weather gurus for allowing me that opportunity. I learned things I should have known, but now I do.

Because of this experience, I placed your site on my Blog along with Connell’s artwork. I always liked what he did, but viewing it again gave me a renewed enthusiasm.

I got your invite to the upcoming release party, but will be in Philly that weekend for Easter. Nancy’s family has dwindled in the last several years, and for those remaining, Easter is a big deal.

Keep it going. It’s worth continuing forever.

If you want to waste some time, check out my Blog Boomer Twilight. Give it time to load. It might take a couple of refreshes, since I have added so many videos and games. You’ll see the Sky Records album cover in the sidebar.

It’s nice to be back.

Bob

02/19/2007

Hello Jay! Great to hear from you.

Been pretty well and really busy. I’m finishing my undergraduate degree (with eyes on grad school) and only have 2 classes left. Working full time for the City of Denver. Manage to squeeze in a gig or two here and there. I was in Taipei, Taiwan last November as an invited guest at the 4^th annual Taiwan Blues Bash. I must confess I have an in: the organizer is an old friend. Still, a great trip and good music.

I’d love a copy of the digipak. It will give me something to do during my crepuscular decrepitude and prove to those bastards that I played with a good band in Hollywood. However briefly.

Address still the same. Cell: 303-319-6294 should you require it.

Best to you and yours.

-b.

P.S. Give Dave R another wet willie for me. My fingers aren’t long enough.

Hello Jay,

Yes, I did get the CD you sent me, thank-you! It was rather serendipitous actually. I wrote you that initial e-mail, and then just a few short hours later, I go out to my mailbox, and wa la! There it was.

Yes, I would love to perform at your new CD/DVD release/listening party, that would great! Just send me along the material, and I'll get busy practicing. If there are any songs that you as the lyricist would particularly like to have performed, please let me know, and I will work on those 2 specifically. If not, then I'll just pick 2 out, like you said. I do know that I already really love the high energy, joyfulness of ,"Shouts in the Street", but I'd like to hear your preferences, and the rest of the selections before I decide for sure.

Just give me any further details, like practice times and dates, as you get them. I look forward to working with you, and thank-you for this invitaion!

Take care,

Jeniye Luckart

Hello Jay! Great to hear from you.

Been pretty well and really busy. I’m finishing my undergraduate degree (with eyes on grad school) and only have 2 classes left. Working full time for the City of Denver. Manage to squeeze in a gig or two here and there. I was in Taipei, Taiwan last November as an invited guest at the 4^th annual Taiwan Blues Bash. I must confess I have an in: the organizer is an old friend. Still, a great trip and good music.

I’d love a copy of the digipak. It will give me something to do during my crepuscular decrepitude and prove to those bastards that I played with a good band in Hollywood. However briefly.

Address still the same. Cell: 303-319-6294 should you require it.

Best to you and yours.

-b.

P.S. Give Dave R another wet willie for me. My fingers aren’t long enough.

Jay-

            That’s a good order, mixing up singers and types of songs. One thing I always consider in making up sets is how the mood or feel of one song contrasts with that of the next, and I think that this set does well in that regard. It’s hard to choose, because all of the songs are so good. Like Eros would be good as a first song or the last; same with Attractor and S/He and others. It is a great honor to be a part of this project and I think I’m a better musician, singer and arranger as a result of working with you and David and Bill. Now I have to get busy on the HP songs.

            I don’t think I can make it tonight but thanks for the invitation. I was thinking that Murph and I and maybe Dave from BN should do a couple of HP songs at one of the open mike nights. Dave and I were also pondering playing as an acoustic version our country band at Borders or someplace like that, with guitar and mandolin (especially after hearing some Chris Hillman/Herb Pedersen live recordings recently). I’ve heard several singers at Borders and we could do as well, if not better.

            That 10-string sounds interesting. I’m trying to get my steel guitar back into shape. Its volume control is jammed but it still lets sound through. I tried to remove it, because I think a replacement part would be cheap, but it is in too tight a space. The better course is probably just to buy a volume pedal, if I can find one that goes all the way to silence on the low end.

Bill

Jayster,

I just had the pleasure of listening to your OHO UP album (between cases…you know..)- verrry listenable stuff in general, nice songs.. to me, 'Out of Thin Air' stood out, and also 'Give Yourself Away' and 'Change in the Wind'..   I took note of the lyrics "axis as bold as love" ! (I'm an old Hendrix junkie, you know…)     Al (the tall guy you met) who works with me agreed about 'thin air', and recognized Glenn Workman of Crack The Sky fame..

I sink my teeth into Psychedelic Sunrise soon..   Based on the title, I like it already..

seeya,   LV



Hello Jay

Many thanks for the parcel which arrived this morning. It was a very pleasant surprise to find it contained 5 discs and various Progression mag copies,

rather than just the single disc I was expecting.It was only a few weeks ago that I discovered OHO via a review of 'Vitamin OHO' in an old issue

of 'Audion' magazine - now I have all this great music to listen to.

Thanks again...

All the best

Martin

10/20/07

Hey Jay,

I was hoping to have your framing by the opening or open mic recently, but alas, late again! :( Promise to have it next time.

Geoff's comments were very flattering. Nice to hear, especially when I needed my spirits lifted! Thank you for sharing. Good commentary on your music as well.

Again, thank you so much for being part of this creative atmosphere. You're enthusiasm and positive energy is a real plus!!!! Generosity of spirit and time is a true gift...It keeps on giving, in more ways than you know.

Thanks for being there, and being part of the Gallery G family!!!

Hugs,

Nancy

August 21,2007

First, thanks again for asking me to play, it was a nice mellow atmosphere, and Nancy and her staff are very cool. in fact, is it possible to not get a crush on Nancy upon meeting her?

Second, your tunes . . whoa! Listened to half of dark side, and it sounds like a late 70s version of Them at times, along with hints of the punky power-pop of the time, which I remember well, 1st album elvis c, graham parker, plastic bertrand on one, et al.

and then oho, the female vocalists kinda threw me at first (only cos I hadn't really expected 'em), but you had a good crop of singers there, and a really distinctive sound--very different from dark side. I especially liked the acoustic flavored tunes like "it will not be late" (can really see the fairport comparison there, and I LOVE fairport). really impressive playing.

keep me posted. couldn't make it to the open mike, but hope to cya around. gw

July 10, 2007

Hi:

How is everything going?

I finally listened to the OHO CD on my computer and it is awesome! So please tell Jay I love it and thanks again for being so kind in giving it to me.

Love you,

Janie

May 15, 2007

Jay,

I got the "Close But No Cigar" CD last week and I made a copy for Frank (Murphy). I played it for our bass player on the way to a recent job and he was quite impressed. Lisa (Griffee) sounds great; sort of reminds me of Carla Olson who was with the Textones and who collaborated with Gene Clark toward the end of his life.

I had figured out some guitar parts, so I'll be getting my guitar out to refresh my memory. There are lots of possibilities for singing--some straight harmonies, some echo or round-ish stuff.

-Bill Phelan

May 14, 2007

Jay,

Nice OHO site & I visited the mellotron link. I have a suggestion for your blog page: Since you were so meticulously ethical to have footnoted many of your musings and dicta, why not carve out a corner specifically dedicated to your very own tautological observations since they do offer that open-ended capacity for both meditation and wonder? I think your dedicated readers would appreciate the indigenous harvest.

-David Dornseif (drummer for THA, 1964-1969, Jay's seminary band)

May 10, 2007

David & Jay,

Thanks for the advance "in-progress" CD of Bricolage--should be a SMASH!

-Ray Jozwiak (Best Lounge Pianist, 2005--Baltimore Magazine)

May 6, 2007

Jay,

I enjoyed hearing you and Dave again. You guys sounded great. You have not missed a beat.

Thanks again for helping us participate in the Gala. We had a great time and it gave us an opportunity to see how we'd do outside the practice room. Playing back the recording (of the show) I noticed one always enthusiastic applauder in the crowd, Cosmo of the Planet Lovetron--so I thank you for being so supportive. You are a true gentleman.

Let's hang out some more--let me know the next BSA Open Mic as I think I will join up and give a listen.

-Paolo (Paul Rieger)

03/09/07

Jay,

Thanks for the CDs & info.. Just want to acknowledge that I got everything - Thus far I've only listened to half the Dark Side CD, and I have to tell you I really like most of them!! Made me wonder what in a group's career separates those who "make it big", vs. those who do not.. Many of these songs were as good & better than "hits" we are familiar with, within their respective genres.

I plan to do all the stuff justice, and enjoy listening to them, no doubt - I haven't delved into Matt's CD yet. You will hear from me after I've had a chance to render my "more-than-amateur" [not-quite-professional] opinion on the whole deal..

p.s., read The Story in the website -- You certainly seem to have quite a bit to "hang your hat on". Sorry about your bro..

Stay in touch,

Laszlo

From: "howard markman"
To:
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2007 9:47 AM
Subject: trying to get in touch with jay

jay,

thought you might want to see this. it's a poster from a show we did
together alone with glenn workman in i believe 1976. note the date.
thanks for the great cdbaby review. absolutely love the dark side
disc. and matt's music as well.
trust all is well with you and yours,
Howard

David, thanks for sending me your cd. I greatly enjoyed it and now have

it in my car stereo where I played it for my son. He liked it too which

is saying alot for an ordinarily critical 18 year old who also wants to

be a musician and songwriter. I think the Jefferson Airplane and

Genesis comment is correct but I would add a bit of the Chieftans-

especially the way each musician comes across. Great CD and thanks again

for sharing it.

All the best,

Dan Olmsted.

06/18/2008

Hi Jay
Thanks for the kind words about the CD. I owe you quite a bit since you are the one who introduced me to Bill and got me going on this whole recording thing. I guess I'm like you in that we both enjoy the process and all the possibilities inherent in it. Glad you enjoyed it. I always enjoy getting my "latest mix" in the mail from time to time from you. It's always amazing to me what you and Bill do with the raw material that I have put down. Always ingenious. Take care and thanks for the encouragement......Sue

Jay -
I was very delighted to receive your surprising musical parcel. I think I?m quite complete now (with the exception of perhaps Nazi Dog in good quality...).
You are right, your son?s stuff is hot ! What?s the name of the group ? Steakhouse ? Martini Henry ? Airaid 2.0?
Thank you very much again and let me know if I can do something for you.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from Germany.

Rolf

October 8, 2006

Hey Jay!

OHO's music is still some of the best around. As we were listening to the (advance OHO) CD over dinner my wife, Cathy, remarked, "what talent!" Don't let that go to your head. "Eros" is my fave of the new stuff; of the oldies, "Under Covers" has undergone some really nice changes...a great addition to the collection when you are done.

Kelly is excellent. She has the RIGHT sound and though maybe not technically a better singer (than some of her precursors), I find her more enjoyable on the OHO tunes.

Are those Grace Hearn vocals from my DA88 tapes? (yes they are-Jay) You've made them sound pretty damn good. Say hello to everyone for me.

-D. Kelly

June 2006

Jay:

Thanks for some great tunes. It's really top notch, wonderful stuff. Congratulations, very refreshing to know that some quality still exists amidst the ubiquitous crapola out there. Your son's stuff is real good, too. Proof that his pop was a good influence.

Really enjoyed our conversation after Carl Palmer show -- even if you are a hard case and given to some bitterness!!!! Seriously, though, enjoyed the prog rock philosophic bull slinging. Add me to the mail list!

Keith

June 2006

"Guys,

I'm an Italian girl, my name is Francesca, and I live in Monza near Milan. I'm a big fan of Little Hans. A last I found your address in Progression magazine. I think your music is very good, spontaneous, a little bit melancholy, but fantastic! If possible I would like to order a copy of the "Wunderkind" CD by Litttle Hans, with your autographs. It's very important to me and in Italy it's difficult to find--excuse if my English is not perfect--I hope you can grant my wish. I thank you in advance. Have a great summer!!!

Francesca Bianco

Monza (Milano), Italy

PS--In this period, I'm ill. I've had an incident with the car. Your CD could boost my morale."

Thanks for the CD. Just received it and it's really good stuff! Haven't heard it all the way through but the first 4 songs are great.

Thanks!

J.R. South Charleston, WV 25309

January 26, 2006

"Hey Jay!

Wanted to let you know I received your OHO Music Promo package. It is a virtual treasure trove. Your generosity is overwhelming and I thank you. It looks like the CDs are stacked in chronological order. I listened to Little Hans (1971-72) right away. The literature included is also essential. I especially enjoyed the interviews regarding the Little Hans days ('Progression' issue No. 32). I was at the Bluesette when you debuted 'Peter Pan' and remember pamphlets being handed out to follow along. I will check out the site for ongoing activities. It's going to take a while to soak in all the material you sent. I would really like to see/hear you play live again. Anything coming up? Keep me in the loop. Thanks again."

-Warren Cherry (Towson, MD)

06/18/2008

"Hi Jay!

OHO's new material is excellent, especially 'Eros Is a Verb.' A great song, it sticks in my head and I really like Kelly (Grochmal) on vocals. To me she is by far the best and most listenable singer since GH. She has a 'sound' and seems really well-suited to your music. I like her a lot."

-Dave Kelly (Glen Burnie, MD)

Dec. 26th, 2005

Dear Jay,

I know it's been a very long time and I ask you not to be cross with me for not writing. Sometimes it's crazy that the ones you like the most you treat the worst. Anyway, I hope you are keeping well. Are you guys still going strong in the music business? I bet you are. We'll never forget your Dark Side (reunion) gig at the 'Tattoo' bar in Baltimore: marvelously planned, superbly performed--an unforgettable evening. Back Off!"

-Gunther Neumayer (Polling, Germany)

12/14/05

"Wow!...you guys did mega work on 'Blue Fix.' I LOVE the chorus swells. They sound fantastic. I really like how it turned out and the rest of the songs are good too, though 'Blue Fix' and 'Burning Grey' are my favorites. Thanks for letting me hear the results and be part of the inner working." -Bennett Davis (Sterling, VA)

June, 2008

I Love your new CD It's wonderful we should call you drumer man. so if you didn't play the drums and you did not play i would not like the CD.

THANK YOU FOR A GOOD REPORT CARD COMMENT.

LOVE RILEY Age 7

Hi Jay, Glad you liked the Dark Side review. I hope I can help spread the good word about the CD. Regarding the new Oho CD, all I can say is that you should be VERY PROUD of your work. I put the CD in my car CD player and listened to it for about 4 straight days. The mix is fantastic, you can hear every instrument along with the vocals quite clearly. I especially liked the acoustic guitars and drums. The syncopation between these instruments and the vocals is riveting. The music is hypnotic in a sense. It sounds better each time you hear it. I would not alter anything on the CD. In what studio was this recorded? How many tracks was it? Thanks for Bill Pratt's email address. Again, keep up the great/ inspirational work Jay. Frank

Jay,

We received OHO’s submission today! Thanks so much I am glad to be taking OHO along!

I’ll be in touch after the conference! I love the CD and concept so this is great!

‘Nette

‘NetteRadio

www.netteradio.com

LIVE on www.RenegadeRadio.net

September 09,2005

Mr. Reeve:

My dad works with you, and brought your CD home. He played it for me, and I really liked it. I am 9 years old and my name is David Randolph. I really like Track 11..."Breaking Away." I make my dad play it over and over!

David

August 2005
Dear Jay,
Greetings from Germany once after a while! By accident I got some of your brainchilds from Progression Magazine. It was good to notice that you are still active and promoting the word OHO. I was quite desperate because most of the cassettes you sent years ago did not stand the test of time, are sticking together and are no longer playable. Progression sold me Recollections, Little Hans and The Ultimate Diet. Ecce OHO was out of stock. I tried to contact Little Wing but failed. So can you please support me with the whole output of OHO once again?

Also, many, many thanks for the Dark Side CD. Sound quality is great! The only thing I really miss is the Wholesale Diamonds version of You Should Envy Me. My EP catched a lot of scratches over the years...Thanks again and please let me know if you need something from me. All the best and hoping to hear from you soon.

-Rolf Niemeier (Leverkusen, Germany)

July 6, 2005

Thank you so much for your help. I love the music. Let me know when the release is. I will be happy to do what ever I can. Im not a musician, just a singer. Good luck to you my friend.

Happy trails,

Kelly Methot

June 30, 2005

Hello, Jay-
Well, first off, let me provide you with a short (and hopefully coherent) synopsis of dark side. I only listened to a few tracks, but the gist of the band became clear pretty quickly. This'll probably sound more like a review than a synopsis, but what the hell. I owe you some good karma for all the stuff that you've sent. Gratitude, that is.

Wonderful! Sounds like a cross between MC5, Question Mark and The Mysterians, and Mick Jagger on Nitrous Oxide. Baltimore's Dark Side punches straight into your brain and leaves you wobbling. Well done, lads!

Second, your other package arrived today, and DAMN! When someone expresses interest in OHO, you don't fool around, do you? Was I was missing THIS many things? Geez, I'll be staying inside for the rest of the year to listen to them! The whole thing was wonderful, and I wanted to call you tomorrow and thank you personally, but this couldn't wait, so I came down here to the library, and send an e-mail instead.. Now I have a copy of the lyrics to give to another person (you already sent those to me, remember?) if I can get them interested in OHO. My girlfriend will be the first victim (insert B-Movie laugh here). She seems to be open to different forms of music, and might enjoy OHO, or Little Hans, or Food For Worms, or, well, there is so much stuff that it's hard to remember it all.

Well, Jay, many thanks taking the time and effort during your busy schedule to send me these CD's, and all the rest of the stuff you have done. I really appreciate it hugely. If you ever need anything (like maybe a copy of MC5, ha-ha). Take care of yourself and keep rockin'!

John Dashner III (Flushing, MI)

June 1, 2005

Jay,

Appreciate the CD very much. I remember the DARK SIDE better than you know. I played electric piano

one of the first times Pete, Jeff, Dave, Craig Considine, Steve not sure who else met and played The Angels

Want to Wear My Red Shoes and Allison from Elvis Costello's first LP. Matter of fact I'm looking at the DARK

SIDE LP Rumors In Our Own Time Legends in Our Own Room. Also, and this should be in your scrap book,

I was instrumental (pardon the pun) in getting DARK SIDE on television around 1978- Baltimore at Ten on

WBAL-TV.

But it was very nice of you to send me the CD. (That's on as I write also.)

Thanks also for the good word on the LIVE section profile. My new CD will be in the mail

to you shortly.

Hope your taking care of your health. Keep in touch.

-Ray

Hey!

Stephanie and I hope you are doing well. Sorry we haven’t gotten back to you, but it’s been crazy! We did listen to your cd and we thought it had a strong Celtic influence but was very Jefferson Airplane-ish too. We enjoyed listening to it and thank you. If we see you , we can give you our detailed Rolling Stone review.

Best Regards,

Kim and Steph

Baltimore Md.

January 11,2005

Hi,

I'm with KFJC and receive copies of the "Acoustic Rainbow" sampler CDs. One of your tracks was on vol 17 and I received a card telling me to go to your site to get a free copy of the above CD ("Up"). I enjoyed the track and, if the rest of the CD is up to the same standard, I'm sure we'll be palying it at the station.

Ray Boreham - KFJC,
San Jose, CA

Thanks,
Ray - KFJC

January 11,2005

David,
I love the CD! Every song is special and has it's own unique sound. Please bring out a new album!
Dale Dulski
Baltimore, MD

January 5,2005

Hi Jay,
Nestled among the bills, a long-awaited check, and holiday sale flyers was OHO's UP CD accompanied by your (cath)article: an unexpected surprise! I enjoyed both immensely! The packaging was absolutely beautiful! I am going to email Connell too. My daughter Mariah loved it. At 14 she recognized how beautiful the music was and how "PERFECT" Grace's voice is. The water metaphor is right on target when it comes to describing her voice. Every track was ear candy!! I hadn't heard the mix of "Flip Side." What a treat!! Awesome song/production. And I also loved the violin playing the keyboard part on "It Will Not Be Late." That was like listening to what I heard in my head. I could go on and on. Anyway, thank you for thinking of me and brightening my holiday with the package and article. Happy New Year.

-Angie (former OHO vocalist/keyboardist)

December 29, 2004

Hello,
Please have a look at the website from my radio show based in Antwerp. I think OHO's music would fit well into our format. My colleague who hosts a "singer/songwriter" show is aware of OHO's music and found the band to be one of the better new bands he knew. I am listening to your compilation album now. It's an amazing, fantastic compilation; great mix as well! I will put together a long show about OHO and OHO-related projects using all the material you sent me and I will do what I can do on our web page to make your efforts worth it. Here and there I will need your help but I'll be
able to start putting the show together sometime in January.

-Gerald Van Waes, Belgium

11/29/04

Hello, my name is George Watson and I teach film and video at a private secondary boarding school, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, in Hawaii. Our website address is: www.hpa.edu. I would like your permission to use OHO's music for some of our student projects. These are non-commercial projects that may be entered into student film contests. Let us know if we may use
your music. Thank you for
considering our request. Aloha, George

11/17/2004

Hi,

OHO,
That was extremely good of you to send the The Oriency Anthology and
the Another Dreamer sampler.
"Ethiopia" and "Angels" were both fine additions to my small OHO
collection. I also downloaded mp3s of "Lez Lee", "Parade Charade" and
"The Plague" from your site.
Is there some way to obtain any more of the earlier stuff, such as
Vitamin OHO, Okinowa, Ecce Oho or Dream of the Ridiculous Band?
Although I love the female vocals, I'm also a longtime prog fan, and
would probably enjoy all reincarnations of the band.
Thanks to your Up CD, I searched out more music by Grace Hearn and
bought her Grace and Savage (Messy Blue Ending) CD, as well as three
Hand To Mouth CDs. I searched the internet for any other female
vocalists who have worked with you, but found nothing else. You guys
have a knack (or luck) for choosing exceptional vocalists, and writing
songs that showcase them along with great instrumentation.

Thanks also very much for that sampler from Another Dreamer. Your "Moon
Draw Your Curtain" is excellent, and keeps me looking forward to your
next CD.

I am ALWAYS looking for new artists to discover, and I thoroughly
enjoyed every song on that Another Dreamer sampler. I'm heading to that
site right now to check out more from those other musicians.

Thanks again for both CDs, and the kindness behind them.

John Fiorentino

09/16/04
"Jay: I want to feature OHO's songs 'Out of Thin Air' and 'The Secret' on Enchantress radio and Radio Free Rock. It would be an honor to play the music of a great progressive rock band that's compared to everyone from Fleetwood Mac, Jefferson Airplane, to Genesis and Gentle Giant. Speaking of the Giant, I know Ray and Derrick Shulman and have met them a few times. They managed a band I worked with, The Granati Brothers, who've been around since 1976. It will be my pleasure to feature your music on Radio Free Tunes stations and I will promote OHO in emails and on message boards.
Cheers," -Paul Carosi http://www.radiofreetunes.com

07/05/04

“Anna Maria’s latest changes to The Ectophiles Guide were a real shock to me, as I had trouble imagining anyone would care enough about OHO to write a page for them except possibly myself! Nice job! I figured I may as well reminisce about one of my favorite local bands from ages ago".

“Unlike what the (Ectophiles) guide says, OHO were from Baltimore, MD. The first time I saw them, they were opening for Til Tuesday (actually Aimee’s band played before OHO’s set), on the “Everything’s Different Now” tour...It was the first time I saw OHO and I was transfixed. Anyone who has seen Grace in recent years knows that she is a bewitching presence on stage. And back then, fronting a livelier, poppier band, she was a more animated version of where she is now. The songs swooped and soared and I was smitten.

“I caught them a few times in the next month and then they had a fund raiser to make a new album. They had a special deal if you donated $100. I was debating whether or not to do that. I had just gotten a cash award at work, so I had the money. I went to the theater, and the 3 people in line in front of me all paid $100. Inspired by their example, I ponied up the money too. Later, when I got to know the band better, I learned that everyone else who gave $100 was either related to the band members or room mates. They were totally baffled as to who I was.

“OHO the band had a longer history than I was familiar with. They’d been around for 5 or 7 years before I stumbled across them (webmaster-the fund raiser was in August 1989 and OHO was initially formed in 1973). They were actually a loose collective of artists, but it was always Grace’s involvement that captivated me. The older albums are supposed to be progressive rock.

“The CD they were raising money to release was called Audition, which was later remastered a bit, re-ordered and released (eponymously) as OHO (Sky Records). It featured a single called Out of Thin Air that I submitted for the Happy Gift Project that year. I still think it’s a dizzyingly perfect pop song. I know there’s a handful of us DC/Baltimore folk who grew into Hand to Mouth from OHO, but probably not too many (the OHO webmaster opines-most likely due to the HtoM’s arrogant refusal to network and stubborn denial of their origins). Thanks to Anna Maria for putting the page together. It brought back some really nice memories for me. And I didn’t realize OHO had released a newer CD.” –Neal Copperman

Jay,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I never got a chance to chat with you
during the evening but I did want to thank you and your group for playing at
Summerfest 2004! You guys were great and we received some great remarks on
the music. Best, Brock Yetso (The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young
Adults/www.ulmanfund.org)

I just bought the OHO "Up" CD from CD Baby. It is a truly wonderful CD.
I am looking forward to the release of your next CD.
I went to your site and did a lot of reading. From what I can tell, the women who sang so beautifully with you on "Up" are no longer with the band, which is a tragedy. This being my only exposure to your music, it is hard for me to imagine they are not part of your group anymore.
I'll be interested to see how the music evolves, but I wanted to be sure to compliment you for the "Up" CD.

John Fiorentino

"Hello Jay! Many thanks for sending me UP. Music like yours is always welcome in my radio show and to listeners. Of course I will play more songs from the CD. The listeners will surely like it as much as Long To Be Latin from the Acoustic Rainbow CD. Did you ever think about a concert tour through Europe/Germany? Many greetings from Deutschland!"

-Achim Bierman (Country Folk/Just Good Music)

"Hello everyone of OHO. Dropping a note to say we'll be airplaying/webcasting and introducing OHO's new music, Moon Draw Your Curtain, on April 30th at approximately 8:23 pm (Japan Standard Time). Have a great week! Best, Michiko & Chris" (Radio Yellow Beat, Japan)

February, 2004

Hello Jay and everyone of OHO,

Hope things are great with OHO this year of 2004.
Dropping a note to say, we'll be airplaying/webcasting OHO's "Your Luck Is Awake" on February 13th, the day before St.Valentine's Day at approximately 8:28pm (Japan Standard Time)Have a great week!
Best,
michiko and chris
Yellow Beat

Hi Jay,

You can remember me, my name is Lev, several months ago I've bought some OHO stuff from you. Browsing my mailbox I've found out that I haven't answered your latest message - and that's a shame, since I can honestly tell you that I've been enjoying OHO music ever since. Sorry for not replying in time!

"Okinawa" and "Recollections" are equally fantastic and I must tell you that inspired by great music of OHO, I've bought the Little Wing LP reissue of Vitamin OHO - so now I'm a happy owner of the complete album, even with that little track that is omitted on "Recollections". Your music strikes me with its combination of rocking dynamics and pure prog-rock complexity and I like how you mix sympho-prog with some weird, almost avant-garde passages. This is exactly my kind of music! And I keep spreading the word OHO, there are already quite a lot OHO fans in Moscow and even in Finland, behind the Arctic Circle! (I've sent a CDR of Okinawa to my friend who lives there).
I also apperciated the Progression zine excerpts that you've sent me - knowing a history of the band only added to my fascination. And that Vitamin OHO booklet is fantastic as well, especially since the used LP copy that I've later bought came without this insert.
Though Food For Worms is not really my type of thing, as it turns into a slightly new-age direction, I must admit that this album is a grower. First I didn't like it at all, but with every repeated listen I find more and more positive traits in it! . The instrumental level is especially superb and some of the songs ar e just cool. I cannot say I'm playing it as much as Okinawa or Recollections, but I'm doing it at least once per month and with my schedule it actually means much (being a rater on Gnosis I'm bound to constantly listen to an awful lot of albums by different bands).
"UP" is a fine return to form - a highly professional and melodically flawless album, in some ways it does more for me than Food For Worms. I understand that the time has changed and the 1970s music isn't suitable in 2000s, but what impresses me most of all is that at the every stage of your musical career (Little Hans / Oho / Food / Oho again) you managed to make a highly challenging music, be it progressive rock, new age or melodic rock of "UP". Keep it up Jay and be sure you have a little but dedicated fanbase in Russia :)

Hope this message will finally tell you how much I liked your music after my six-months-long silence. Keep in touch and keep making great music!

All the very best,
Lev!

It’s Colin from Australia. I have played your track, “It Will Not Be Late” with a good response. I would really appreciate a copy of your ‘UP’ CD for air play on my program.” –Colin Fielding, 96.5 FM, Victoria, Australia

A note to let you know the Tokyo Trade Show in October was very successful (please see “What’s Up?” update, May 20, 2003 for details). It was the very 1^st trade show that experimented with music—the music gave rockin’ as well as warm and inviting atmosphere quite different from the norm, and was extremely well accepted. Couldn’t have done without OHO’s music and participation. Thanks again. We will keep on exploring more intriguing promotional activities and when the time comes to do something new and different again, we hope you will be interested. We hope 2003 has been a fruitful year for you.

Thank you for UP! I will be playing some of it next week on my weekly show, Mel’s Freeform Café on 91.9 WNTI in Hackettstown, NJ. –Mel Thiel

you view this as a compliment (I am a huge Alanis Morsette fan), I love that

“You magnificent bastards! Just happened to listen to UP, the one with what’s her name. What a fantastic CD! I wish I played on it.” –Joe O’Sullivan (former OHO lead guitarist)

"Jay-Thanks for the BBBB II CD and also belated thanks for the other ones. It's fun to get stuff in the mail long after you've forgotten all about it! Nice work. Also wanted to say thanks for introducing me to Bill Pratt--he has hooked me up with several studio jobs. I have found that I absolutely love recording and have gotten enough experience through you and your friends that I'm cautiously considering a project of my own. Just thought you'd like to know about the ever-widening 'ripple' from that first OHO thing I played on. I've learned a lot by workin with ya! See ya around, Sue Tice" (Arnold, MD)

"I received your CD's...WWWOOOOOWWWWW!!!!! IT'S FANTASTIC. Congratulations. I loved your music!"

"I can't tell you how much I enjoy 'UP,' a beautiful effort, and good medicine for me. This is about the best thing I've heard lately and all of you should be proud." -John Harris (Catonsville, MD)

“Thanks for the discs. Both OKINAWA and Ecce OHO are really fascinating albums of original music.” –Volkmar Mantei (Stralsund, Germany)

“I don’t know how I came into possession of your ‘Recollections’ CD, but tonight I though I’d chill out and put on a CD I haven’t heard and I was really pleasantly surprised. What a wonderful disc! Really creative, virtuosic, and fun to listen to. Reminiscent of early Genesis, which isn’t bad (I named my 7 –year old boy Gabriel). What a great treat! Anyway, thought you’d like to know that you are appreciated.” –Bill Hilt, Columbia, MD

“Hello David! I’m a progressive rock fan from Moscow, my name is Lev. Recently I’ve got a CD from trade with OHO’s album ‘Ecce’. The music is simply FANTASTIC-it’s my cup of tea! Where can I buy the rest? ” –Lev, Russia

“Hi Jay! I’ve just received ‘UP’ today, and the only thing I can say is: Great Stuff!! I stood in total awe! That’s exactly the sound I collect for 15 years now. Are you going to tour with the band? Maybe in Germany? That would be great…” –Christoph Absmaier, Alz, Germany

“I do like OHO—Vitamin OHO is excellent. Last week at a local CD/record fair, I chanced to get another CD, simply called OHO. The songs are superbly arranged, with two very fine girl vocalists.” –Ernie Oldershaw, Scotland

“Trip. Got this (Recollections) in Progression magazine yesterday. First time I ever heard of this band. Great stuff. Like an American Genesis!” –Patrick Landon, CA

“Are you sure OHO are American? I mean, no offence, but something (“Recollections”) this great would have to be English, wouldn’t it? This is a compliment by the way. Seriously, would love to know more about your band. Will look at the website in the meantime, Wow!” –Graham Nunn, UK

“I listened to your CD, awesome, really good music. I had a couple of friends over and they commented on how good it was. It was really good.” –Shanta Persaud, FL

“The Recollections CD is excellent. It has become one of my favorites. I am looking forward to Okinawa. Thanks for the great music.” –M. Johnston, Tennessee

“Let me say first and foremost that the music blows me away! I have listened to progressive rock from many countries, but never to a band with chops like this. I love it !!! I friggin’ love it !!!! And humor, too! I gotta get the lyrics to these songs. I hope OHO continues to put out this great music. Thanks.” –V. Dashner, Flint, MI.

“I forgot to thank you for OHO’s UP. It’s a really nice package and the songs sound great. It is in my Top 10 all time favorite CD’s.”-D. Kelly, Glen Burnie, MD.

“I have finally had time to sit and really listen to UP…it’s fantastic! I am very impressed. It will be super to dance to. I agree with all the reviews on the cover. My favorite cut is ‘Lost & Found’…love the rhythm and the vocal. Of course the percussion is excellent as well. I know it will be a huge hit!” -K. Emanuel (origin unknown)

“There’s lots of good stuff on UP. OHO always does a fine job and your music is so well recorded. You guys should be famous.” –B. Phelan, Lutherville, MD.

“OHO is the best ‘unfamous’ band I have heard. With the miracle of modern technology and the internet surely something could be done to rectify such an injustice.” –Ken, Ohio

“’Recollections’ is outstanding! I can’t believe it! Fantastic!” –A. Dunkes, MD.

“’UP’ has arrived and has been spinning steadily ever since. It’s subtlety and timelessness mesh so well with the intelligence and passion of the lyrics that it does not appear slick in a contrived way. OHO has some very beautiful tunes and the way you’ve included songs from all across the past 10+ years comes off as seamless. You’ve hit your stride and hung on.” –D. Field, Seattle, WA.