I was out playing golf yesterday and the weather couldn't have been better. My golf mates, Danny Seraphine, Tommy Thayer and my new buddy Jonathan Severn, and I were commenting on what an amazing day it was. Could I have played better? You bet but I was contemplating on how finding whatever the good is really makes the difference. I was thinking to myself…”What if you can't have it all… you have to choose… great weather, not great golf… great golf, not great weather.
Yesterday? I'll take the weather… you see, I was back in Nashville the week before and guess what? The weather was incredible! And, I went from Nashville to Utah for Thanksgiving and the weather in Utah? Amazing! So I was really noticing how lucky I was.
As many of you who have followed me, read my blogs… I've been talking about this for many years mainly because it's what I've studied and subsequently had and have my focus on. Finding the gratitude… in these very interesting times, (that's a subtle way to put it, huh?), it's so easy to pay attention to negative and go down that rabbit hole. And by the way, I've been re-listening to some of my favorite Jim Rohn speeches and one I've really loved is how he talks about how we can't just take in the positive stuff… got to see the negative too… for balance. Either extreme is not only not healthy but not realistic.
So, I'm just reflecting this morning on how being able to take a pause… slow down for a minute to grasp what's going on, what's happened, etc. is such a good and healthy thing. It's too easy to get on the hamster wheel and the next thing you know 5 years have gone by, or 10, or 20 and I haven't looked up to see what's around.
This time of year is always a great opportunity for reflection. It's pretty much made for it. So I take stock of all the things around me. My wife, my kids… (seeing everybody up in Utah was amazing… saw JJ for the first time in months! And wait till you hear HIS new music! Insanely great. For those who haven't heard what he has so far click here. And the stuff he played for me on Thanksgiving that isn't out yet is mindblowingly great. I hate when parents do that but sorry, I just did!)
And as far as my music? Wow… so much going on. First of all, I've been reviewing the stuff Jay DeMarcus and I started several years ago with the intention of a solo album… And not only that, we played at a charity event in Milwaukee a couple of weekends ago and had so much fun we went into the studio with that band once we got back to Nashville to just *goof around*. Wow, we got a couple of amazing tracks. Looks like another cool project might be in the works.
Here's a video to show you about the amazing charity we performed for…
And then, getting back to LA for a bit we're talking about getting together to jam again in this amazing band I've been playing with in LA. Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, CJ Vanston, Tos Panos and myself. I don't know if I've mentioned this before but Tos recommended me to come play with these guys. Skunk has a project he's been working on for years with CJ and it's finally done. Well, other than Skunk saying we should write one and put it on the album as well. I'm not going to argue with him!
Let's see… who else is on this album? Michael McDonald, Jonny Lang, Clint Black… oh, ok Skunk… twist my arm!
Now I'm sure a lot of you know who Skunk is but for those who need a refresher? He was one of the original guitar players of “Steely Dan” (guitar solo on Rikki Don't Lose That Number and My Old School)
So that's a pretty full plate, wouldn't you say? BUT, that's not all!!!
The group I've been working with in the golf/charity world, Empire Sports, and I have been working on putting a great roster of talent together for our celebrity package. I feel so grateful to have been able to bring my buddies to the table to have an amazing corporate band. Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, Loren Gold of The Who, Tommy Thayer of KISS, Danny Seraphine of Chicago, Preston Pohl of The Voice, Chris Barron of Spin Doctors… and the roster keeps expanding!
I'm going to be appearing at some corporate events with some amazing singers you would know and maybe they'll want to come get involved in our golf events as well.
Oh, and how could I forget? It looks like I might be hosting my first golf event as well! They've been asking me if I want to host one and what do you think the answer is? Of course!
And I have to say, the greatest part of all this is it doesn't take any time away from my beautiful family. What a win, right?
So there it is… I choose to look at this beautiful day… all that's in it and say YES, I'll take it!
I hope you all are having a great day!
Great to hear from you Jason! Awesome blog too- can’t wait to hear your solo album once you have it completed
Wonderful words scheffy, now if everyone would do this WOW
Hey Jason –
Thanks for the thoughtful piece on gratitude. Family is everything.
I “reconnected” with you this last summer via the interview you did with John Oszajca. Great talk with him. I am a new MMM user now, with a new project coming out in January featuring some old LA friends Matt Bissonnette, Brian Mann, Greg “Harpo” Hilfman and others, produced by Mark Hallman in Austin.
I did one casual with you in LA back before you got the Chicago gig. I think it was a wedding reception out in the valley somewhere. I was not at all surprised when you got the gig. And it’s cool now to see your embrace of this new marketing paradigm for which John seems to be leading the way. I’m surprised how few musicians I’ve met in Austin are using this methodology yet.
All the best to you –
Scott
Yes Jason! It is certainly a beautiful day here in Northeast Louisiana. We experience different things in life that has us questioning our lives, and where we are at this point in time. God is always gracious enough to fulfill our answers. I enjoy your blogs, and your music. Thanks for so many years of great memories.
Your friend, Terry
I always enjoy the positive nature of your posts. Keep rocking your music and good luck to JJ as he continues the family tradition
Beautiful song… greatg cause….just had to share it on my facebook wall.
Def a great read,,, it shed some light on me.
it seems like leaving Chicago was the best thing for you, although they are not the same without you… being in a band I understand what it’s like, allot of ego’s personalities etc.. the move for you was for the better.
I think we should put our life on pause and just take a minute and take a look around us and be thankful for what we have. I am no exception, I certainly need to do it.
Thanks for the update, Jason. Dg the music video – Yep, it’s all there. What a ;lucky guy you are to not only play with “Skunk”, but also with Too Panos. Can hardly wait for more music. Happy Holidays to you and your family,
Good for you, Jason. It’s all about maintaining the proper perspective and balance. Sounds like you’re doing that quite well.
Loved reading this buddy!
Happy your life is going great, your a positive light on thousands of people.
Today is a great day…. thanks for sharing
Gratitude, not attitude. I’d be darn happy too playing with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. Have a great holiday season!
Thanks Jason for the inspiration. Einstein said ‘if you raise your vibration level to the level of reality that you want it will happen. Its not philosophy. Its physics.”. Thats what you are doing and have done. I am doing it also but still have work to do. But today i have a “Attitude of Gratitude”. What you do with your talent affects people very deeply and is important that it be heard. Thanks for all the years of great music. Any time you need Vibes on a track Im there (no charge! I will book down to LA from Marin in a minute). Hurry up with a solo CD so I can play it at full volume in my car. Just say yes to life. (get Bill out on the links).
Beautifully said…
Just thought I’d let you know how you made me feel. Along with Bob Morris at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, NY, I,as his assistant director of performing arts, booked Chicago with The Utica Symphony Orchestra. It was a dream come true after seeing Chicago 17+times. My day started at 5am in the beautiful historic Stanley Theatre. I was in charge of every aspect of your contract. By the time dinner was served, you graciously sat with me and you LISTENED.
To read your blog, it’s obvious that you are not only a great talent, but you are truly genuine
Thank you for the amazing experience and allowing me on your new journey.
Always classy Jason! Happy Holidays to you and your family. Binky Rankin
Jason,
that was awesome! Hope your doing well buddy… miss ya
Woody…;PL)
Hi Jason,
Your blog is very inspirational. I always find it amazing what God can do when I get out of the way and live my passion. Very grateful for you. Touching the lives and spirits which reside in all of us. Very cool.
Brian
‘Wonderful…at your age and you now have the time to “feel” that. I thought it was us older people that is taking the time to enjoy and appreciate things/people/life. Loved hearing from you.
Praise the Lord. It was great reading your blog, Jason. Yes! Gratitude! Thank God for all that is.
Thank you Jason. I really like the part about balance. Makes sense!
Glad to hear of your positive vibes! That’s what this world needs more of!!
Looking forward to your projects as they come out. Have a great holiday season with your loved ones. All our best, Brian and Laura
Skunk is Funk in his own way… Skunky Funky, he can play…
Finish the lyrics for me Jason.
Peace,
IncrediBill
Awesome blog! I think a song titled “gratitude” or at least the concept of a song about it would be cool. I think your on to something. You can’t really have balance in life without some gratitude.
Jason, I am grateful to have been fortunate to spend some time with you and Conner at Victor’s camp. Songwriting is a new joy in my life because of those experiences. In fact, if it hadn’t been for Conner taking the time to listen to and help me flesh out my idea’s as well as over come my nervousness in presenting them in a group setting, the songwriting may have never gotten off the ground. Also, Your class on the drone is amazing. I highly recommend it to those who haven’t taken the opportunity to work with you. You are an amazing and generous person and deserve the success you have had and are continuing to have. Thanks for the blog.
Always good stuff coming from you, Jason. Keep inspiring us!
Much Love!
Vic
Sounds like a fun day in the sun. Now get some Sleep lol. Keep having fun o and some funk with some slap.
Happy and healthy. Thats all that matters. Blessings to you and your family.
Sounds like you’ve got a lot going on Jason, so that is exciting. Always appreciate the positivity that you always seem to have. Reminds me to do more of that. Looking forward to hearing some new music from you that we, as fans, can actually purchase!!!!, like “The Memory Survives” which was incredible. Thanks for keeping in touch with your fans…..we really do appreciate that.
Gratitude is a verb. Actions speak so loudly it mutes the words. Great job.
Hey Jason
We don’t do thanksgiving here in UK. However it’s a good opportunity for me to give thanks for the last year. I’ve been able to do some interesting things, not least was Vic’s summer camps where I met you and Connor (say hi to him from me) and also Bob Franceshini and Steve Weingart. Along with the Wootens etc. You’re all great guys!
I’m playing and singing a variety of music. I’ve got my health. What’s not to like. Oh and just eaten a very nice curry, spinachand coconut
Hugs mate
Paul
Good to know you are keeping busy and with such great company. You always have something for my spirit thank you for that hope all your projects continue to grow. Be well young man
Thank you for sharing your great outlook! I do so miss seeing you with Chicago, but am so very happy that you have found a new outlet with so many wonderful projects while still spending precious time with your family. Like you, I have sent my babies off to college and once that happens, things are never quite the same. So any time spent together is so precious and valuable.
Continue to make music and enjoy life……..whether it’s the great weather or a great golf game!
Merry Christmas!
With gratitude, Lynn Commodari
Hi Jason thanks for taking the time to write this post. I know where your coming from don’t take anything or anyone for granted, as so many do. And be grateful for what you have. Words to live by. Can’t wait for the new music. Hoping to see you in the U.K. soon.
Well, hey howdoyado Buckaroo? Loving all this positivity. I’m so happy that you are able to do all the things you enjoy without having to leave the fam behind Jason. Your posts/blogs are always refreshing and there’s always a nice “takeaway” for everyone. That’s why you’re the “Bigbro” — whether you intend to or not, you ALWAYS pass on the wisdom gained through your personal/professional experiences and help us regain vision and meaning. Stay active my friend and please don’t stray too far… by that I mean, “Keep us posted” ’cause it’s a joy to read the good and the not so great from ya.
MERRY XMAS to the whole Scheff Yarro Gang!!
Thank you for the wonderful post, Jason. So great to hear from you! So exciting what’s coming next 🙂 Can’t wait!
Hugs from Germany
Jenni
So glad you and your family are doing well. Looking forward to hearing more from you both musically and blog wise.
Thanks for giving us the update in what you have been doing. It’s always nice to focus on the positive things in your life and be thankful, just for the little things we have. Negative things tend to bring you down but let’s face it, it’s all part of life. Those are the things that make you stronger and the positive makes you appreciate what you have. You never know what can be around the corner. Enjoy the good times and the upcoming holidays!
Hi Jason, With what is going on here and around the world, it is so easy to be negative about the future. Being a huge animal advocate and lover I am disheartened with the cruelty and lack of concern for the status of animals. You are right; we must look for the positive in each day to maintain our sanity. Glad to see you are happy and doing what you love and balancing that with your loved ones!! When it comes down to it , that’s where our happiness lies. Look forward to one day seeing you in concert again. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a new year of personal and professional happiness.
,, you have a stunning voice buddy boy ,, but the way you trumpeted this track to the universe
every hair on my arms rose like a surprised porcupine ..keep rockin,,
thanks for sharing ,,
SALUTE
Wow…….
Thank you for the inspriation.
I think I will give a little more for Christmas. We are instruments in the orchestra of life and it is up to us to keep it playing.
After reading your blog and listening to you amazing voice, I am literally picking my mind up off the floor of the overwhelming gratitude my heart is full of.
Jason, I can’t wait for more.
Shedding light on the happy, looking forward to tomorrow!
Truly, You are such the shiney, perfected and gifted one in the orchestra.
Hello to the family!
Love always,
Teri Scheff
I’ve always considered you a wise old soul in a young man’s body. As we get older, nuttin’s changed! Well said and a beautiful song! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Jason!
T.O. Greg
hELLO Jason wouil you happan to have a copy the Chicago Symphony Hall CD. Please let me know Thank Yiu
So funny to get this blog today. Rick and I were listening to your music today and thinking of you and how much we miss you. You have always had an amazing outlook and are so humble and down to earth. I have always loved your voice and can’t wait to hear everything you put out. Please continue to keep us all posted on your happenings. Thank you for the reminder to stop and breathe it all in. Love and Light Jason! Keep on being you. –Vicki
I always loved your blogs Jason! You are a natural teacher. Funny you would mention Jim Rohn… I was just leafing through one of his books over the Thanksgiving weekend. Steve &I have been moving things around getting ready to put up our Christmas Tree, and I had some books on an end table that were positive thinking books. So I started looking through them all again, including Jim Rohn’s book! Of course I thought of you and all of the great positive talk and thinking training sessions you held!! I am really glad to hear that you are having such a good time playing music with some great musicians and with your charity events. Every Thanksgiving, I always think about the year that you had just gotten a laptop, and you shared your family Thanksgiving in Utah with all of your Scheffy fans/friends. You wheeled your laptop outside and showed us the beautiful property and animals that your in-laws had. Then took us all inside and showed all of the food…and later on that evening, you shared the family BINGO game with us!! That was so much fun, and so very thoughtful of you to include everyone in your family Thanksgiving Celebration. You have always been such a kind, giving and sharing person. Things have been so hectic and busy, that I am going to try and slow down and reflect on the good things I am thankful for after reading this. I am thankful that you wrote this wonderful blog today! Take Care my friend, and we sure hope to see you sometime soon. We miss you! Steve & Missy
Hi Jason, I am so glad to hear from you. I love the song “This time tomorrow “ and listen to it every single day. Much love from Japan.
Good to hear from you, Jason! So glad you are doing well & enjoying life! That’s what it’s all about! Take care!
Thank you for the update! Merry Christmas!
I am so happy that you are doing well Jason. I have always been so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you and experience your music. You have always been so positive and kind. Thanks for sharing your positivity with us. We sure need it in this crazy world.
This was such a wonderful read. I hear so much positive energy in your words and truly you can’t hide your excitement. It is my deepest wish that you continue to enjoy life, your family and friends, your music… God bless you!
Ah! There’s that wonderful voice of yours! I think of you often knowing your amazing talent and incredible ambition.
This sounds wonderful and the company that surrounds you is amazing!
Keep me in the loop! I’ve been hanging in since your first days with that band from Chicago.
Peace and blessings.
Trish
Hi Jason! Great to hear from you and happy to hear you are happy, healthy and busy! Thanks for mentioning Jim Rohn. I could use a boost these days and you reminded me of what a great source his work continues to be. Wishing you, Tracy and the family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
First of all, it is so nice to hear from you!
What an inspirational writing and song. I have always been a fan of yours not only for your voice but the beautiful soul you have. You are always thinking of others, but this one takes the cake!
Let me know when the album comes out, without a second thought I will buy it.
I love your songs they all have a meaning.
Have a Very Merry Christmas And A Very Healthy And Happy New Year next to you family! . (With a lot of surprises to come).
God Bless
Beautiful!! Having gone through a traumatic recent event this absolutely brought chills. To never take life for granted.
What a wonderful song this time tomorrow is!
Also I’m glad to see Jason again!
Hey Scheffy! So glad to hear the golfing is taking a priority. LOL We still need to get together and play around. The Cleveland area has some beautiful courses for sure. Keep blogging and keeping everyone in the loop. Your voice and playing is DEFINITELY missed on the Chicago stage. It’s not the same without you.
Take care,
Sperry
Finally got around to looking at this, Jason. Having had a tough holiday period, (my Dad passed away January 4th and was in the hospital most of December) I can still look back and be grateful for so many things. He was a tough guy, my dad, but fair and we always knew we were loved. He had a good long life, raising four kids and a host of grands and great-grands. He made through we four kids and 86 years, so I’d say he did well.
Love your music and always have. Saw Chicago the first time in Savannah, GA when you were probably in your 2nd year with the group. I grew up with Cetera’s voice, but thought you were just as distinctive and talented as he was. I’m glad things are moving along with you and you’re staying busy. Sorry it took so long, but I loved the reflections on gratitude
Hey Jason. I was with you a week ago at the Kenny Singleton event for Cool Kids. I’m the keyboard guy. Enjoyed playing some tunes with you. Just read this; I was going to ask you whether you ever see Danny Seraphine but never got around to asking. You answered my question. There was so much else I had hoped to ask you. Hope to see you next year.
This blog just hit the spot I’ve been trying to do the same the last couple of years also,slow down and enjoy each day. Thanks for the read, and keep up the great work!!
I hope you’re still having beautiful days bro! Last time I talked to you at that show in Denver, we were both just starting families. My how the kids have grown. Like your hair! You are doing well my friend. Keep up the good work. Now if you ever get up here in my neck of the woods, South Dakota, anywhere between Omaha and Minneapolis, where the winter blows a bitter cold steel wind, perhaps we’ll meet again. What a beautiful day that would be!