Upon moving out of the barn and back to Portland, Jesse began recruiting members for The Mushtones to perform his songs live. The Mushtones, with a rotating lineup, played several shows around Portland and even a coffeeshop gig in Chehalis, Washington. Friends came out and danced and cheered. A great time was had by all. Over the course time, Jesse started jamming with The Count in October 2003. The Count proved to be not only a great drummer but also a great motivator with a genius for instigating band practice and musical madness. The Count introduced Jesse to Steve, with whom he had been playing and recording music and shows since 1998. Jesse introduced Steve and The Count to Andy Hoke, the inventive keyboard player from The Burners, a band which Jesse had been a member of for most of 2003. A jam session ensued, and it was good, and we think it's a really cool thing, and we think you will like it too. Thus what had been originally The Mushtones evolved into something else: We call it Operation J and it's got funk, soul, and more musical madness than you've ever imagined!

Now The Mushtones are once again Jesse's home studio brainchild. This has not meant the end, though. Not only does Barnlife remain a very relevant and deeply personal melodious musical exploration extravaganza, but now there is also another Mushtones album in the works, delving into new dimensions of musical eclecticity. Stay tuned to Basementia for breaking news!

To watch the Barnlife movie presentation, click here.

The former Mushtones lineup at International Club Mummy in 2004

Brian Elle, tenor saxophone; Eric, bass and vocals; Tom "The Count", drums;

Swami, keybards; Jesse, guitar and vocals