Stopped Dreaming Of Your Face, Now I Don't Dream At All

Somedays - jacksoul

Heard some news from the Canadian music scene today and it made me very sad. And unfortunately it happened on my birthday.

Haydain Neale, frontman for Juno-award winning R&B/soul group jacksoul, passed away at the age of 39 after a seven month long battle with lung cancer. Like many Canadian musicians, jacksoul kind of got lost in the shuffle, trying to compete with their counterparts from our neighbours to the south. How could they compete with acts such as K-Ci & Jojo and all of their financial backing?

Luckily, because of CanCon, jacksoul got a decent amount of airplay within Canada and some of us were privileged to know their music. When thinking about the type of male voice I find attractive, Neale's was always amongst the ones I'd pick out. What a strong, masculine baritone he had. But unfortunately, Neale has passed just a few short days away from the release of a brand new album.

jacksoul's song "Somedays", from the 2000 album Sleepless, was the particular song I had on repeat when dealing with a certain heartbreak back in the day. It's still one of my favourites. For your listening pleasure:



If you don't know jacksoul or had forgotten about them during their recent hiatus, I urge you to take a journey into their world. They just might touch your soul.

Rest in peace, Haydain Neale
09.03.1970 - 11.22.2009

But It Seems I Was Never On Time, And I Want To Get Through To You On Time

Turn Your Lights Down Low - Bob Marley & Lauryn Hill

I think I was in shock yesterday.
But now that the news has had time to sink in . . .
I can't stop these damn tears.
Even as I realise . . .
The last thing he would want is for any of us to stop laughing.



Jody, I am so lucky to have had someone like you to look up to [and not just because you're a whole foot taller than I am] . . . I love you long time . . . and I will forever be inspired by you, your spirit, and everything you stood for.

In Memoriam: Joseph Daniel Brooks, March 14, 1974 - October 11, 2008

I'll Never Forget You, I'll Never Let You Out Of My Heart
You Will Always Be Here With Me, I'll Hold Onto the Memories

Never Forget You - Mariah Carey

I weep not for the memories we have . . . only for the memories that were yet to be made.

The weird thing is that I had thought of Jody this weekend. I can't even recall why it was . . . little did I know.

Today began the way any other Monday does. I was at work when I got the message from Elena . . . telling us that Jody had passed. Then this ordinary Monday turned into anything but. There are no words to describe the sadness I'm feeling over the loss of this incredible person. His infectious laughter, super-sized personality, and unmatchable sense of humour. I doubt I will ever meet anyone who takes it upon themselves to promote humanitarianism the way Jody did - through his work with the Peace Corps, JET, and finally at the CDC. In his life, Jody has touched every person he's encountered . . . the outpouring of emotion on his FB wall is a true testament to the man Jody was. How can life be so unfair as to take away this superstar of a human being at such a young age? The world has lost a champion.

I met Jody in August 2003 when he moved to Chiba, Japan to join our little gaijin family. He was the guy who lived upstairs. I remember the time I was getting ready to go home for the holidays and was worried my luggage would be over the airline's weight limit. Jody came downstairs right away, arm-curled my suitcase and announced that it was good to go. Or the time I ran into him on the way home and I was on the phone with my boyfriend. Jody took the phone from me and said, "Your name is Daniel? My middle name is Daniel, so that makes you a good guy. You be good to our girl now, got it?" Or that time early in the morning when I met Jody on the stairs. I was on my way out and he was on his way back up to his place, flowers in hand to surprise his lady. Then there were the multiple trips to Nagano . . . Champax . . . and the Jamaican gunshot sounds he always made and none of us could replicate. *bloop bloop* Dammit Jody, I'm never going to hear you do that again.

Maybe this post is self-indulgent . . . but these are my best memories of Jody. I don't know how else to do this. I'm sorry I was so crap at keeping in touch. I miss you, Jody . . .

You were all heart.

Evie, Jody & Ange at Thanksgiving dinner.
Joint Bar, 28 November 2003.

Jody & Rich on the bus ride up to Saitama, 9 January 2004.

The "Pineapple Head" stands out in the crowd.
Chimu Chiba at Saitama Stadium, 11 January 2004.

A birthday kiss from me and Sazz.
Jody's birthday party in Shibuya, 13 March 2004.

Guarding the Chimu Chiba mascot, Champax.
In Nagano, 13 June 2004.

Rough-housing with Rich, 13 June 2004.

I thought you were so strong
You'd make it through whatever
It's so hard to accept the fact
You're gone forever . . .

[Bye Bye - Mariah Carey]