JJ first picked up the sticks at the age of 10, and never looked back. Practicing every day and playing in every band he could find eventually led to the University of Southern Maine, where JJ studied jazz with Les Harris Jr. After a few semesters, the live music scene in Portland, Maine became his new school. JJ started playing professionally, and growing into his new role as a gigging musician. It was not long before blues, R&B and funk bands would come calling, including The 3-D Horns, Nick Curran, Jason Ricci, Petting Zoo, and Chronic Funk to name a few.
In the mid 90's JJ hit the road for Los Angeles to play with funk/rock artist Wenty Morris and Brindle Creme. This lead to a string of opportunities to play and to learn about the music industry. Recording in studios, appearing on television shows, and touring the U.S. and Europe provided opportunities to work with some of music's most respected performers. JJ had the pleasure of performing with blues legend Taj Mahal, and funk/acid jazz greats The Brand New Heavies, while rubbing elbows with some of drumming's most influential messengers, such as Peter Erskine, and Vinnie Colaiuta.
Once again returning to the NH Seacoast area, JJ joined Lolita's Bliss, while also appearing with local groups such as The Todd Royce Band and The Radio Junkies. JJ maintained a busy schedule until he packed up and moved south to Music City, USA. Now residing in Nashville, JJ has studied with Chester Thompson (of Weather Report, Genesis, Phil Collins fame) and is juggling a busy schedule running Street Theatre Company with his wife Cathy, teaching lessons, and has performed with various artists including James Brown sax man Waldo Weathers, swing groups like Stardust and Music City Swing, and many more.
Yo JJ, fancy runnin' into youse-all here in cyberland. And as a matter of fact, I just ran into Lee yesterday night at a gig I was doing at the 5-Spot. Anyway, you really sound great. And you've got a particularly slammin' nasty backbeat shuffle going on too. Yay, as in freakin' yay! See you down on the alley one of these monday nights. Happy New Year to ya!
Hey I will appear on the Ernest Tubb Midnight Jamboree Sat Oct 18 with Razzy Bailey. The Midnight Jamboree is the 2nd longest running radio show in the country and reaches 44 states and parts of Canada. It comes on right after The airing of the Grand Ole Opry on WSM 650 AM. In addition to performing some of my own material, I will be singing harmony with Razzy too. AND IT'S A FREE SHOW
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Becca wants you to join their band in Rockstars, a game where you can form bands with your friends and play gigs, battle rival bands, and become famous on MySpace!
Yes J my friend, I did find you! How are you? Right now I am still buried in snow in Maine, but I just bought a duplex in New York and will be moving in June. I miss you!
Are those not the most brilliant, hilarious things you've ever seen??? I go around singing "I'm f*cking Matt Damon" all damn day. Not a good thing when you spend as much time around elementary kids as I do!
