With the release of his self-titled debut in 2003, newcomer Javier proved himself a welcome addition to the canon of intriguing R&B singers. Indeed, not since Babyface has there been an artist who could write and sing beautifully crafted songs as well as throw down with an acoustic guitar and do it all with such pureness. "I like to be versatile with the styles of music I do but I try to keep it true to the genre while stretching it at the same time. A lot of record companies don't allow an artist to have that kind of creative freedom, so I consider myself one of the lucky ones."
"The title Left of Center is just my way of saying to the listeners, 'This album has a slightly different feel than what you might find on some other traditional R&B albums."
On Javier's latest opus, the stunning Left of Center, the Connecticut native brings even more talent to the table. Embracing diverse musical palettes that include splashes of R&B, hip-hop, rock, pop balladry and straight-up soul, Left of Center is an engaging project that should even have naysayers praising Javier's name. "Besides me being left handed," he laughs, "the title Left of Center is just my way of saying to the listeners, 'This album has a slightly different feel than what you might find on some other traditional R&B albums.'"
From the funky first track "You're the One" to the gospel soar of "Answer is Yes," Javier's love for music is engrained in the grooves. "I wrote "You're the One" with producers Ivan & Carvin" (who also collaborated on three other songs on Left of Center), Javier says. "I really wanted to open the new album with something that catches your ear." Utilizing a funky Meters sample that will cause immediate head nodding and booty shaking, Javier sounds like a ladies man with a conscious.
The alluring track "Dance for Me," with its melodic Spanish guitar (which Javier plays himself) is an enchanting song about a slow dancing earth angel and her admirer. Javier's lyrics bring to mind vivid images from a romantic movie, as he focuses his affection on this exotic beauty. There is also a reggaeton remix of "Dance for Me" produced by Rudy "Mayru" Maya hidden somewhere on the new album.
"For me, artists like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Brian McKnight and Babyface are the standard. But, more recently, Anthony Hamilton, Alicia Keys and John Legend are also bringing a realness back to R&B/Soul music."
Another stand-out is the Ivan & Carvin constructed "Poetry." With a dark guitar-line reminiscent of classic Ernie Isley, the lush "Poetry" is a tribute to a beautiful woman - as Javier swoons, "Your body stimulates my mind." "I think R&B had kind of lost its way for a minute," Javier says. "For me, artists like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Brian McKnight and Babyface are the standard. But, more recently, Anthony Hamilton, Alicia Keys and John Legend are also bringing a realness back to R&B/Soul music."
"Count on Me," which Javier wrote with his friend Anthony Hamilton, proves just how dependable our man Javier can be. Through thick, thin and winter winds, nothing can keep him from his woman. "Anthony is such an amazing artist and just a great person. I got to do some touring with him last year and watching him on stage was always inspiring."
On the first single, "Indecent Proposal," you can't help but fall in love with the art of seduction that Javier displays. Like a forbidden dance under a crimson light, the soulful candor of the lyrics are irresistible. Unlike other soul singers, Javier doesn't come across as a just another brother chasing tail, but as this song proves, he ain't no slouch either.
"Being in that band really helped me grow vocally. I had never actually fronted a band or done anything like that before. I found another gear that I could kick into that I didn't know I had."
A musical prodigy in his formative years, Javier's musical gifts took him to the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music, where he founded an R&B based acappella quintet that performed at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater. Javier graduated from Hartt with a degree in Music Education, and soon afterwards he started on his path as a world-class performer as the lead singer for a neo-funk group (called EmCQ) dedicated to the legacy of Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Maceo Parker and Tower of Power among others. "Being in that band really helped me grow vocally. I had never actually fronted a band or done anything like that before. I found another gear that I could kick into that I didn't know I had," he says.
When that band opened for neo-funk luminaries Soulive, Javier's performance drew the attention of Soulive guitarist Eric Krasno, who recommended Javier to be the lead singer for jam-band heroes the Derek Trucks Band, led by Allman Brothers guitarist Derek Trucks. Javier spent almost 2 years touring with Trucks, exploring onstage everything from rock and soul to blues, jazz and beyond.
But while he found the experience illuminating, ultimately Javier had to go it alone. A subsequent three-song solo demo started a bidding war, landing him with Capitol Records.
"When I started working on Left of Center, I was just really excited to get back in the studio and put some of the ideas I had in my head down," Javier recalls. "As time went by, I would go from studio to studio recording song after song. By the time we were done, I had about 38 songs to choose from. If I had my way, there would have been 20 songs on this album but you can't always get what you want I guess" he laughs.
After one listen to Javier's pureness on Left of Center, you too will feel the love.
Hello, my friend. Another Tankism to brighten your week. Hope it helps :)
Look at life from the perspective of what you have NOW, what you are grateful for NOW. If you continue to look into the PAST as to what you have lost, when you open your PRESENT, you will not like what you get. However, by focusing firmly on where you are directing your FUTURE by thinking on those things which are good and pure and what you do want to happen, as you unfold your PRESENT, you will find the gift that you know you really want. And, it really is that simple. As a wise person once said: If you believe you can't, you're rightif yet if you believe you CAN, you're right. What do you believe? :)
Jav...you should be on Top of music Billboards around the world...it's disappointing to see great artist's such as yrself get the "Blk Ball"!...This commercialized music on the radio has to go!
Thanks my dude! How everything going? Just dropping by to say hey!, Thank u for accepting my friend request,and i hope u enjoy my music! Keep in touch homie, sign the guest book and stay safe........ - R.Parker
Dang you were SO GOOOOOD tonight at BB Kings! I am SO, SO, SO happy I went! I had an awesome time and you all were outstanding! You are seriously going to make me have "Dynamic Duo" withdrawals! LOL and dude, Billy Porter is hysterical. Imagine the three of you at The Space!? It'd be a night to remember! lololol
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Javier!!! I am a huge fan! Your voice is so beautiful. Are you ever going to come to Oregon??? Portland would LOVE to see you!! Please please please! =)
Hi Papi Chulo! **SMILE** How Are YOU Doin' Today? Just Felt Like Comin' Through N Showin' LOVE Where It Is Most Deserved! Its Been Awhile! **SMILE** Just Always Know That I Do Hit Ya Page Often To Look N Listen! YOU Are Forever N Ma Thoughts N Prayers! **SMILE** NEwayz...I Am Here Sendin' ALL This SWEET N SEXY...Cali...LOVINS N SUNSHINE Your Way! Always! **BESOS SIEMPRE**
IF EVER YOU ARE FEELIN' DOWN N OUT...JUST READ THIS N I AM QUITE SURE YOU WILL BE LIFTED RIGHT BACK UP AGAIN! **SMILE**
Life Is Filled With Happiness, Sadness, Tears, Smiles, Laughter And Other Emotions But When Life Gets YOU Down, Just Be Strong About It And Keep Your Head Up High And Have Faith In All Things In Life. Always Remember: GOD Is At Your Side, Always. :)
Love From Me~~~1 KEEP N TOUCH N STAY CLOSE! AIIGHT? LOVE YA MUCH! XOXOXO
Hey i'm really excited to hear about the new album been waiting for awhile now. u need to do another show at the space in Hamden though that was amazing last time.
Hey man, it's Laz... The last time we saw each other we were visiting Bunnell... I'm still living in VA. and I'll be at your show in Norfolk, VA.... My boy can get me backstage... After the show, if you can, lets go have a drink and catch up...
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