4-AMhttp://4-am.netIt's 4-AM, Do You Know Where Your Music Is?enhttp://4-am.nethttp://4-am.net/favicon.ico4-AMWed, 10 Feb 2010 16:24:20 PSThttp://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2hourly1Subscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with My AOLSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with PlusmoSubscribe with FeedLoungeSubscribe with The Free DictionarySubscribe with Bitty BrowserSubscribe with Live.comSubscribe with Excite MIXSubscribe with Yourminis.comSubscribe with Attensa for OutlookSubscribe with WebwagSubscribe with netomat HubSubscribe with Daily RotationSubscribe with FlurrySubscribe with ParticlsAdd to Any Feed ReaderSubscribe with fwickiI found it!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/rM7FswKID2o/i-found-itHappeningsfrom JimJimWed, 10 Feb 2010 16:16:02 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=307Do you remember around a year ago when I wrote about the independent short film Bound with Love in which we sang and appeared? I ran across it in a search in a format I could post here on the blog. So here it is. Anytime you hear singing, it’s us and we get some screen time at about the 4:48 mark. Yes, it’s a bit belated in that it’s a Christmas short, but it’s still a nice piece to watch. I hope you enjoy it!

Click here to view the embedded video.

]]>Do you remember around a year ago when I wrote about the independent short film Bound with Love in which we sang and appeared? I ran across it in a search in a format I could post here on the blog. So here it is. Anytime you hear singing, it’s us and we get some [...]http://4-am.net/i-found-it/feed0http://4-am.net/i-found-itIt’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmashttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/wZAQkZYvseo/its-beginning-to-feel-a-lot-like-christmasRoad Storiesfrom JimJimWed, 25 Nov 2009 19:13:43 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=293At least from the perspective of our busy time of year. Last Saturday, November 21st was our first Holiday gig. It was for the grand opening of the Elysian Hotel in accordance with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. We were one block over from the staging area for the parade on E. Walton and were singing outside from 1 – 4 pm. Here’s a picture of us that day:

4-AM_at_Elysian

L-R Jim, Jenny, Flora & Gary (click to enlarge)

The first gig out of the gate is always fun in a lot of ways. You get to see what you remember and what you don’t, and by this point of singing together for almost 15 years, there’s very little we don’t remember, except the occasional lyric (why did I forget that one anyway? Oh…Rudolph, that’s right).

It’s a busy time of year, but one I wouldn’t want to do without. I get to see old friends and catch up with them and enjoy the time of year and help people celebrate it. What more can you ask for?

]]>At least from the perspective of our busy time of year. Last Saturday, November 21st was our first Holiday gig. It was for the grand opening of the Elysian Hotel in accordance with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. We were one block over from the staging area for the parade on E. Walton and were singing outside [...]http://4-am.net/its-beginning-to-feel-a-lot-like-christmas/feed0http://4-am.net/its-beginning-to-feel-a-lot-like-christmasAnd We’re off!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/aAKQztEwiNw/and-were-offNewsA White Christmas Holiday Revuechicagodoor countyJimTue, 10 Nov 2009 18:54:51 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=287Hey there, Jim here.

Well, it’s ramping up to be that time of year again (I won’t say it yet because we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving, but we’ve been booking for the season for a full year already) and a good portion of our schedule is up.

If you’re looking for some light, fun, nostalgic and cozy holiday entertainment this time of year, check out where we’re going to be with our show, A White Christmas Holiday Revue starting right After Thanksgiving. We’re starting off in Door County, WI this year and then all around the Chicago area.

You can follow our schedule on our calendar page and come see us at any of the shows listed there. We look forward to seeing you and talking with you too. So come up after the show and don’t be shy.

Hope to see you soon.

]]>Hey there, Jim here. Well, it’s ramping up to be that time of year again (I won’t say it yet because we haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving, but we’ve been booking for the season for a full year already) and a good portion of our schedule is up. If you’re looking for some light, fun, nostalgic and cozy holiday [...]http://4-am.net/and-were-off/feed0http://4-am.net/and-were-offAnd the pictures to prove it!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/H5yVti0XksU/and-the-pictures-to-prove-itRoad Storiesfrom Jimbuffalo grove daysGigreviewJimMon, 07 Sep 2009 13:04:32 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=239Considering there was a thick fog Saturday morning, the weather was near perfect for the Buffalo Grove Days gig. It was a beautiful , warm day, but at one point of the show, Gary said I was “swarthy”. I think that’s code for “Get away from me, you’re all sweaty!”


4-AM jammin' l-r Gary, Flora, Jenny, Jim 4-AM onstage


We always have a great time when we perform, whether it’s singing, the chatter in between or playing with the audience (and this audience was a lot of fun).

But the best thing about the gig for me came in two parts. Even though it was the beer tent, it was early enough in the day that all ages were allowed to site in and around the area and as we were singing, the crowd grew. That’s always a good sign. And then I was watching as wel were singing and most of the crowd was singing along with us, which is really cool too. Okay, and I always enjoy a chance to use the music to mack on the ladies.

Jim mackin' on the ladies during a song

Jim mackin' on the ladies during a song

It was great to see some friends who came to the show, Steve, David and Ginny, Tim of The Legends and also meet some new friends like Rodney and get the chance to talk with Rich of the White Saddle Band, if only for a moment. There were even rumors that after the show ended Gary and Flora transformed into Austin Powers and Lucille Ball, but I don’t have any pic…

Gary as Austin Powers

Gary as Austin Powers

Well, unfortunately no pictures of Flora as Lucy.

I’d like to thank Karen, the Entertainment Director for the Buffalo Grove Days and Ed, the guy who manned the Sound Board for us. We appreciate everything you did to make us feel right at home. There are a couple of other people who were working Buffalo Grove  Days I’d like to thank, but I didn’t get their names, so I hope this will do. It was a wonderful time for us and the crowd had a good time with us.

Photos courtesy of David Gibbs of Fallingrock Photography
]]>Considering there was a thick fog Saturday morning, the weather was near perfect for the Buffalo Grove Days gig. It was a beautiful , warm day, but at one point of the show, Gary said I was “swarthy”. I think that’s code for “Get away from me, you’re all sweaty!”   We always have a great time [...]http://4-am.net/and-the-pictures-to-prove-it/feed0http://4-am.net/and-the-pictures-to-prove-itWhat are You doing this Weekend?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/DmxBSdk3owo/what-are-you-doing-this-weekendNewsJimFri, 04 Sep 2009 13:09:27 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=226Hey, it’s the Labor Day Weekend. If you’re getting ready to take your last bite of summer and you’re looking for something to do, I just happen to know this great a cappella quartet that’s going to be singing at Buffalo Grove Days in the Beer Tent at 2:30pm on Saturday.

What?  Of course it’s 4-AM and we’re set to have a great time, so if you’re near the Buffalo Grove, IL  area Saturday and want to stop by, take a listen and just say hello, who am I to stop you, Hmmm? Afterall, it is free. and there’s a festival atmosphere and carnival rides and games and food and so on and so on…

Here’s a link to the schedule and map to get there. We’re excited, so come and join us and get excited too, or just have fun, whichever sounds best to you.

]]>Hey, it’s the Labor Day Weekend. If you’re getting ready to take your last bite of summer and you’re looking for something to do, I just happen to know this great a cappella quartet that’s going to be singing at Buffalo Grove Days in the Beer Tent at 2:30pm on Saturday. What?  Of course it’s 4-AM [...]http://4-am.net/what-are-you-doing-this-weekend/feed0http://4-am.net/what-are-you-doing-this-weekendGaryhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/yARQLxWbOB4/garyfrom Gary60'scarol streamfestivalGigGoing in the right direction!I just dropped inILkenny rogerslyricsGarySat, 28 Mar 2009 15:44:59 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=211Last Saturday, March 21st, we trotted out a whole new set list out in Carol Stream, IL. Overall, I was very pleased with the way the set played. Most of the songs were getting their first play in front of an audience. I can always tell if our song choices are hitting the mark when one or two audience members turn to each other and nod as if saying, “I remember that one”. A few people even began to sing along. A good omen! As in any debut performance, we discovered our blemishes and now know where tweaking and added rehearsal is required. However, I am very excited and inspired with where we are headed.

Remember, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition”? I am currently working on “I Just Dropped In”. Very 60’s and kind of tongue and cheek lyrics in today’s world. Look for it soon. We are gearing up for the summertime festivals so keep an eye on the gig posting to see if we are appearing near you.        Peace

]]>Last Saturday, March 21st, we trotted out a whole new set list out in Carol Stream, IL. Overall, I was very pleased with the way the set played. Most of the songs were getting their first play in front of an audience. I can always tell if our song choices are hitting the mark when [...]http://4-am.net/gary/feed0http://4-am.net/garyOh, it’s ON!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/nsVa-2AT0BQ/oh-its-onNewscarol streamGigmarch 21stplayoffssetJimMon, 16 Mar 2009 19:24:22 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=195I told you to keep checking here…And now it’s paying off. This Saturday the 21st we’re going to do our new set at Playoffs in Carol Stream. All the details can be found on the gigs calendar page, so I won’t bore you with the details here. So come see us live, take a picture, say hi. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Mark it on your calendar. Yes, now, before  you forget. See you then.

]]>I told you to keep checking here…And now it’s paying off. This Saturday the 21st we’re going to do our new set at Playoffs in Carol Stream. All the details can be found on the gigs calendar page, so I won’t bore you with the details here. So come see us live, take a picture, [...]http://4-am.net/oh-its-on/feed0http://4-am.net/oh-its-onTime to try it out Livehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/46jdlH7Ik44/time-to-try-it-out-liveHappeningsaudienceliveperformperformancerehearsalrehearsesongsJimThu, 05 Mar 2009 21:52:14 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=188Well, we’re going to jump in with both feet. At our rehearsal on Wednesday we felt really good about the set and so we decided it’s time for a time honored tradition of finding a spot to try it out and see how it plays in front of a live audience. Not a full gig…But run the set as a whole. And do it as soon as possible.

That does a couple of things for us. It gives us extra motivation to work out all the tweaks we need to make now and it gives us the chance to get comfortable with the set. You know, kick the tires and see how it rides. So you might want to keep looking for us while we’re looking for the place we’ll play because it might happen pretty quickly. We’ll give you as much notice as we can, of course, but it’s likely to happen with a short turnaround time.

While you can look for us here (lets not be too obvious, Jim), you can also find us and become a fan of our Facebook page at http://band.to/4-am/ and become a fan while you’re at it. Oh and don’t forget to come up and say after any gig you attend. We’re nice…And silly…And well, I could go on for awhile, but not now.

]]>Well, we’re going to jump in with both feet. At our rehearsal on Wednesday we felt really good about the set and so we decided it’s time for a time honored tradition of finding a spot to try it out and see how it plays in front of a live audience. Not a full gig…But [...]http://4-am.net/time-to-try-it-out-live/feed0http://4-am.net/time-to-try-it-out-liveThere’s a new Set on the Horizonhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/0NGGdzTE3e0/theres-a-new-set-on-the-horizonHappeningssetJimSun, 01 Mar 2009 09:58:27 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=165We’ve been working up a lot of new arrangements lately and we’re really happy with what’s happening with them. So we decided to take the next step and put together a set that includes a lot of these new arrangements. It’s a set of 13 songs and out of the 13, 9 of them are brand new arrangements we’ve done. So we’re getting this set together and we’re going to rehearse it and try it out in the near future live.  So here it is:

Song Original Artist(s)
Drift Away Dobie Gray or Uncle Kracker with Dobie Gray
Eli’s Comin’ Three Dog Night
Follow Me Uncle Kracker
Temptation Eyes The Grass Roots
Come See About Me The Supremes
Down on the Corner Creedence Clearwater Revival
The River Garth Brooks
It’s A Little Bit Me The Monkees
Rhumba Girl Nicolette Larson
Spooky Classics IV
No Time Left for You The Guess Who
Black Velvet Alannah Myles
Mony, Mony Tommy James and the Shondells or Billy Idol

 
We’re excited about the set, what do you think?

]]>We’ve been working up a lot of new arrangements lately and we’re really happy with what’s happening with them. So we decided to take the next step and put together a set that includes a lot of these new arrangements. It’s a set of 13 songs and out of the 13, 9 of them are [...]http://4-am.net/theres-a-new-set-on-the-horizon/feed0http://4-am.net/theres-a-new-set-on-the-horizonPicking up and Carrying Onhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/0r6sv1Cpsn4/picking-up-and-carrying-onHappeningsfrom Jim4-AMfilm shortNorman Skulproductions stillsroyko.tvTannenbaumJimWed, 18 Feb 2009 19:48:00 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=157I can’t believe it’s the middle of February already.  It was a busy holiday season for us and one of the things that was out of the ordinary for us was the work we did on the short film Bound with Love. This was one of a series of films based on the works of Mike Royko, a Chicago Columnist. You can find out more about the series of films at Royko.tv.

On December 5th, we went into a recording studio and recorded O Tannenbaum in about as many different ways as you could imagine, Fast, slow, in German, in English, only on Oooo, on Oooo switching to Ah and… well, you get the idea. It was a great time and we enjoyed every minute of the time we spent recording, even when we left the warmth of the recording studio to go out in the back lot to record the ambiance of singing outdoors and believe it was very cold that night, but it was a great experience, all the way around and that was only the beginning.

We did our part of the filming on December 13th. There had been a major part of the shoot the night before as well and true to Chicago, the weather was very different between the two. The night before was cold with wind chill dropping to somewhere near -20 degrees Fahrenheit, but the night we filmed, it was near 40 degrees above zero and the snow was melting with standing water all around, amazing (you can see production stills from the shoot on our Sights & Sounds page). Once again, despite the weird weather, everything went pretty well, we actually lip synched to a small alarm clock/cd player for the shoot as well as did some live takes, that was interesting. Everyone was great to work with and a lot of that had to do with the person who was the driving force behind the project, Norman Skul. One of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet and one of those guys that you hope you’re going to get the opportunity to work for and with again. He made everything flow really smoothly and there was just a great attitude throughout the entire experience.

Sadly, we learned that Norman passed away suddenly and unexpectedly after the first of the year. I didn’t get to know him very well in that short time, but based on what I saw when I did get to work with him, everyone who knew him, loved him and he will be missed. Fortunately, we’ve been told that production is going to continue not just on Bound with Love, but on the whole series and Norman’s vision will continue. Maybe that’s the best tribute of all.

]]>I can’t believe it’s the middle of February already.  It was a busy holiday season for us and one of the things that was out of the ordinary for us was the work we did on the short film Bound with Love. This was one of a series of films based on the works of [...]http://4-am.net/picking-up-and-carrying-on/feed0http://4-am.net/picking-up-and-carrying-onFrom 4-AM to Youhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/VRFblId5Azg/from-4-am-to-youHappenings4-AMChristmasMerry Christmasvideo cardJimTue, 09 Dec 2008 21:05:52 PSThttp://4-am.net/?p=133

]]>http://4-am.net/from-4-am-to-you/feed0http://4-am.net/from-4-am-to-youSay it with Pictureshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/9kJVyldBBz4/say-it-with-picturesNewsUncategorized"sights and sounds""St Charles" "IL" "pictures"FacebookphotoshootJimThu, 25 Sep 2008 21:31:39 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=784-AM Photoshoot Banner

Hi there, just a quick couple of updates, last Sunday, September 21, we got together and did a Photoshoot in St. Charles, IL. While we don’t have all the pictures yet, we do have some of them back. You can see them on our Sights and Sounds page. Take a look and tell us what you think. We’re going to be using some for our official ‘head shots’, but we’ll still show all of the finished products to you here on the site. We’ll just keep adding them as we get them. Also, if you have a Facebook account, we have a new 4-AM page there. Come become a fan there too!

]]>Hi there, just a quick couple of updates, last Sunday, September 21, we got together and did a Photoshoot in St. Charles, IL. While we don’t have all the pictures yet, we do have some of them back. You can see them on our Sights and Sounds page. Take a look and tell us what [...]http://4-am.net/say-it-with-pictures/feed0http://4-am.net/say-it-with-picturesGaryhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/TyyIYZCr8-o/garysfrom GaryarrangingDu-WopGarymethodsingingtenorGaryThu, 04 Sep 2008 13:58:19 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=74Gary here. I am the Tenor of the group  I just thought I would post my first entry into the 4-AM site. As a group and with Jim’s help we are just starting to grasp the possibilities of sharing our work out in the cyber world. As we gain greater skills in our use of music production technology as an arranging tool I think you will begin to hear changes in the kind of sounds we create as a group. Traditionally, we have worked from written musical arrangements. We would then experiment using the written piece as our source. We are now experimenting with vocally improvised sketches and then developing the arrangements from these “vocal ideas”. It really is not much different than standing on a street corner and making up harmonies as was often the case with “Du-Wop” groups. Only now, we record the ideas and expand upon them. The more I learn the more I find out I need to learn. I really dig the creative possibilities.

Keep checking in for a listen and look at what we are doing and where we are going as artists.  I think you will find it an interesting journey.

]]>Gary here. I am the Tenor of the group  I just thought I would post my first entry into the 4-AM site. As a group and with Jim’s help we are just starting to grasp the possibilities of sharing our work out in the cyber world. As we gain greater skills in our use of [...]http://4-am.net/garys/feed0http://4-am.net/garysHappy Labor Day!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/JdsppeeVXz4/happy-labor-dayfrom Jim4-AMLabor DayParadeperformancePlurkThe Garden ClubTwitterJimSun, 31 Aug 2008 19:31:30 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=67It’s that time of year again and that means that I’m in a parade. Actually, it means we all are, just not as 4-AM.  Jenny, Flora, Gary and I are going to be in the Zion, IL Labor Day Parade as The Garden Club. If you’ve seen Mary Poppins, think the chalk drawing and that’s what we look like. This has always been a fun group for me for a lot of reasons, some of it is the music, but one of the most important is because this is a big reason for becoming 4-AM, so it’s special.

So if you’re up in the Zion, IL area and want to see us, the parade starts at 1:00 CT, you can click the map link under the Next Show heading at the bottom of the page. If you want to follow me on Twitter or Plurk you’ll get some on the scene updates and probably a picture or two (I’ll see what I can work out, cell phones don’t really go with the turn of the 20th Century costumes).

No matter what you do, have a great weekend!

]]>It’s that time of year again and that means that I’m in a parade. Actually, it means we all are, just not as 4-AM.  Jenny, Flora, Gary and I are going to be in the Zion, IL Labor Day Parade as The Garden Club. If you’ve seen Mary Poppins, think the chalk drawing and that’s [...]http://4-am.net/happy-labor-day/feed0http://4-am.net/happy-labor-dayNow with More Music!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/qqbOG5RtY-w/now-with-more-musicNews4-AMmp3new musicJimThu, 21 Aug 2008 20:23:49 PDThttp://4-am.net/?p=63Hi there, Jim here. I just wanted to let you know that we’ve got some more mp3s on the Sights & Sounds page so you can get to know our sound even better and see the variety of mus that we perform. I hope you like them, we’re working on getting more out to you as soon as possible. Let us know what you think.

]]>Hi there, Jim here. I just wanted to let you know that we’ve got some more mp3s on the Sights & Sounds page so you can get to know our sound even better and see the variety of mus that we perform. I hope you like them, we’re working on getting more out to you [...]http://4-am.net/now-with-more-music/feed0http://4-am.net/now-with-more-musicWelcome to the Home of 4-AMhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/4-am/~3/jx-T95gg4zQ/welcome-to-the-home-of-4-amNews4-AMnew mediavideowelcomeJimThu, 24 Jul 2008 16:34:10 PDThttp://stage.4-am.net/?p=28Hi there and welcome to the official launch of the 4-AM website! You’re going to be able to find a information about us here and if you want to, you can help us with the sight too. with your pictures and e-mail, we love to post the stuff that happens when we’re out singing. you never know what might appear on our sights and sounds page, it just might be one of your pictures of us or even with us. So come up and say hi after a performance, we love to talk.


Welcome to 4-AM from Jim Goodrich on Vimeo.

]]>Hi there and welcome to the official launch of the 4-AM website! You’re going to be able to find a information about us here and if you want to, you can help us with the sight too. with your pictures and e-mail, we love to post the stuff that happens when we’re out singing. you [...]http://4-am.net/welcome-to-the-home-of-4-am/feed0http://4-am.net/welcome-to-the-home-of-4-am