Artist description Bouncy R&B underpinnings, suave harmonic nuances, understated instrumental-cum-vocals and the ingratiating use of Latin colors showcase J.A.M.'s pop-jazz stylings. Featuring Bernard Wright on keyboards, J.A.M. is already drawing international attention and they are poised to make a major impact on the world of adult-contemporary music. They have been busy working on their debut CD at Charley Pride’s Cecca Recording Studio in Dallas which they look forward to releasing in Spring 2001.

Music Style Jazz, R&B, Funk, Latin-jazz, Salsa, Fusion, Rock, Gospel

Musical Influences Bernard Wright, Miles Davis, George Duke, Gerald Albright, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Gap Band, the Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Chick Corea, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Michel Camilo, Ruben Blades, El Gran Combo, Santana, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Cal Tjader, James Brown

Similar Artists Bernard Wright, Miles Davis, George Duke, Gerald Albright, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Gap Band, the Jacksons, Michael Jackson, Natalie Cole, Chick Corea, Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente

Artist History Keyboard player Bernard Wright instantly became a jazz, fusion and R&B star when he toured with Lenny White at 13, and recorded with Tom Browne and Chaka Khan in 1979. He got such strong response that he was signed to GRP in 1981. The LP ‘Nard with its single “Just Chillin’ Out” is still a favorite among R&B and fusion fans. It was followed by Funky Beat for Arista and Mr. Wright for EMI. Wright also co-wrote and sang with La La on “We’ll Keep Strivin”. He has recorded with Cameo, Miles Davis, Bobby Brown, Roberta Flack, David Sanborn, Stanley Jordan, Marcus Miller and many others. His songs have been recorded by Gladys Knight, Bob James, Fred Hammond, the Mac Band, Lenny White, Sadao Watanabe and recently the Winans Phase II recorded Bernard’s classic “Who Do You Love?” Happy to be in a band situation, Bernard Wright is ready to guide J.A.M. to new heights and to shape the music of the 21st century.**********Mike McKinney has laid basslines down for heavy-weights like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and he keeps the tight grooves kicking with J.A.M. He first gained international recognition as the bass player on Michael Murphy’s hit song “Wildfire”. Soon after he was writing, touring, and recording with the Jacksons. The Jacksons Live album secured Mike’s place in music history in 1981. He has recorded with Dave Grusin, Sergio Mendes, Yarbrough and Peoples, and Eddie Murphy among others. He also appears on the new CD by the legendary Edgar Winter and the recently Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Country Grammar’s 2000 hit single “Ride With Me”.**********John Martinez first came to the public’s attention in a 1995 article in Modern Drummer magazine. John has recorded or performed with Kim Waters, Dennis Edwards and the New Temptations, Russ Taff, the Drifters, Yarbrough & Peoples, Rodney Bowens, and Bill Tillman among many others. After graduating from the world-renowned High School of Music and Art he went on to study at the Berklee College of Music. He received further training from Lenny White, Kenwood Dennard, Jim Chapin, John Ramsay, Kim Plainfield, and David Garibaldi. After spending many years searching for his own musical identity, developing his distinctive groove and unique feel, John has finally found a group of like-minded and gifted musicians in J.A.M.

Group Members Bernard Wright (Piano/keys), Mike McKinney (Bass), & John Anthony Martinez (Drums).

Instruments See members.

Albums Hybrid

Press Reviews "There is a rich musical tradition inherent in J.A.M. As they say - history repeats itself."

Location Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - USA

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