PEDAL STEEL WRING-OUT

My longest running bandmate, Jon Rauhouse, has been told he is no longer terminal with cancer. Jon hates to admit it, but he has a very positive core. In fact, he is one of the best humans I have ever known. He and Jen are my chosen family. Even hopped up on steroids he is magnificent. 

Last week in Tempe, Arizona, where Jon is from, I had the pleasure of recording him at home for my new record. As I sat on a piano bench listening in my headphones, I felt my insides crush and then release a flood of tears… Oh, how I miss that syrupy sound of his pedal steel drawing out grief and joy. How I miss HIM. We have not toured together since he was diagnosed several years ago for obvious reasons and there is a hole in my life without him on the road. I accept it, but I’m thrilled and mad to know that no one can take his place. He is a one-of-a-kind. I’m over the moon that he will finally be going me at the upcoming Phoenix show (3/29) My heart will likely break in a good way.

Here is a video of Jon taking a pass at a new song. He’s in his element. (Cameo by an engineering ManFriendJeff)

Also, do you have a friend or friends with cancer? If you aren’t already, please talk to them about it. Cancer is a lonely place to be terminal or not. Ask what’s funny about it. Ask what kind of juice you can bring over. Naming a thing takes the fear away and your friend will thank you for it. And just as importantly it makes the disease less nefarious and sinister for you as well. Let the elephant out of the room. Learning and not being lonely are two good outcomes :)