Jimmy Razor

After my April 2 show at Grove City Lanes, a very enthsiastic couple in attendance asked me what I meant when I joked about having "Gene Vincent Leg."  Here's the backstory, with a little bit of rock 'n' roll history thrown in.

About 15 years ago, I thought I sprained my right knee.  It seemingly healed quickly, but within the past year, I started having recurring pain.  Seeing a doctor, I learned that I had a torn meniscus.  That's one of the pads of cartilage between the tibia and femur.  After physical therapy, I learned to manage this injury, but it periodically flares up.  That is when I wear a drugstore knee brace to protect the joint.  When I wear this brace at shows, as I did on Monday, that is when the Gene Vincent jokes start flying.

Who is Gene Vincent, you ask?  He was one of the pioneering rock 'n' roll artists of the mid 1950's.  Born in the hills of northwest Virginia in 1935, he signed with Capitol Records in 1956 and almost immediately scored a major hit with "Be Bop A Lula."  In short, he was a rockabilly icon.

When Vincent served in the U.S. Navy around the time of the Korean War, he suffered a severely fractured left leg in a motorcycle accident.  The injury was so serious that it never healed proplerly and left the singer with a limp.  When the leg gave Vincent pain, he would perform in a metal leg brace.

Sadly, Gene Vincent often chose to self-medicate by heavy drinking.  By the time he attempted a career comeback around 1969 in the wake of renewed interest in Elvis Presley, he was bloated and had become a pale performer.  Vincent died in 1971 at the age of 36 due to a bleeding ulcer.

Regardless of his self-induced tragic life, Gene Vincent left behind a body of work that is just plain iconic to rockabilly fans.  For proof, please check out this 1958 appearance on a local California country music program.

We are honored to announce that Jimmy Razor and Chris Olson will be a part of this year's "Shakin' It" Buddy Holly tribute show on Saturday, January 28, 2012.  Please tune in to hear our recording of the Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings composition, "You're The One."

"Shakin' It" it is available to Central Ohio listeners on WCBE 90.5 FM.  Outside of Central Ohio, it can be heard streaming at http://www.wcbe.org.

Many thanks to Jon Peterson for creating this fine radio show and for making this event happen.  Please listen and enjoy.

GROVE CITY LANES ANNOUNCES LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE FOR WINTER 2012 

Historical neighborhood bowling center Grove City Lanes announces a new live music schedule for the winter of 2012.  Starting Monday, January 2, a new season of Blue Monday shows featuring local rockabilly performer Jimmy Razor will begin.  These live performances will be held on the first and third Mondays of each month rather than weekly. 

Scheduled Blue Monday dates now include January 2 and 14 and February 4 and 20.  All run from 7:00 to 10:00 PM and highlight free live music, bowling for a dollar a game, and drink specials. 

Singer Jimmy Razor is looking forward to this new season of shows.  The veteran musician has expanded his act to include lead guitarist Chris Olson and periodic guest vocalist Maggie Mills.  Razor and Olson have also recruited a drummer and bassist, who may also make appearances at these live performances. 

Grove City Lanes is located at 3940 Broadway in the heart of downtown Grove City.  For further information, please contact owners Archie Mills or J.R. Rucker at 614-875-4444.

As the summer of 2011 draws to a close, I realize that I am one grateful cat!  Many folks have shown their appreciation and support, allowing me to share my love and musical passion with others.

At the start of July, I was picked to be part of the entertainment festivities at the annual West Como Avenue Block Party.  Sharing the front yard stage with Leslie Zak and The Idiot Boys, the fine people of the West Como Avenue neighborhood provided us musicians with plenty of good food and appreciation.  The occasion also gave my son, Zachary, a chance to join me on stage, providing his precocious backing vocals.  I really think Zach is blossoming into a junior Smokey Robinson to my Carl Perkins, flatbed truck voice and all.

Grove City Lanes' co-owner Archie Mills has been instrumental in giving me a musical home at his vintage bowling establishment.  A second series of Blue Monday shows were booked for August 15 through 29.  The August 22 show was notable for a visit from my good friend Brad Sutton and his compadres and clients from The Heinzerling Foundation.  Also in attendance was local artist Rick Borg, who grabbed a seat alongside the stage and very enthusiastically sang along with my rockabilly and roots-rock covers.

Thursday, August 25 was especially notable.  That morning, The Columbus Dispatch ran my picture and gave passing mention to the free show at Grove City Lanes on August 29.  That evening was a performance at The Mug and Brush Barber Shop as part of their annual customer appreciation event.  About 30 people were in attendance and seemed to enjoy this show in an intimate and unorthodox venue.  Thanks go to owner Jim Morris and his fine staff (including stylist Sue Gary-Borg) for making this event happen.  I was especially blown away by their artful promo poster, using a vintage photo of a much younger (and thinner) Jimmy.  I am very flattered.

Disc jockeys Jon Peterson and Maggie Brennan of WCBE 90.5 FM have been kind enough to spin my recording of "Blue Moon of Kentucky."  Considering the number of local CD's thrust at disc jockeys every year, I am very thankful to have made the final cut for airplay.

Oh, yeah!  I absolutely have to mention my wife, Amy, who puts up with my musical obsession and allows me plenty of time to practice, record, and play shows.  She is certainly the rock who keeps me from going totally bull-goose looney in a world where making money receives far more respect than musical creativity.

Twenty five-years in the music business have taught one valuable lesson:  arrogance and ingratitude are the formula to a quick and painful failure.  For that reason, I give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made the summer of 2011 so special.