Artist description Instrumental music that is more complex than rock, more melodic than traditional jazz, and features prolonged soloing.

Music Style Crossover Jazz

Musical Influences Tom Coster, Jean-Luc Ponty, Chick Corea, Sting, Jan Hammer, Vital Information, Jeff Lorber, The Dregs

Similar Artists Tom Coster, Jeff Lorber, Jan Hammer

Artist History I was born in November 1969, in the San Francisco Bay Area – where I continue to reside. My interest in music began at a very early age, and gradually (okay, rapidly) evolved into a passion. My first records were consistent with what was popular in rock music at the time: The Stones, The Who, Boston, etc. I began formal guitar lessons at the age of eight, and decided after less than a year that I not only preferred learning on my own, but was getting fairly proficient at it. 1978 was a pivotal year in my musical appreciation. My father put Jean-Luc Ponty’s “Cosmic Messenger” on the turntable, and my musical world was turned upside-down. I began soaking-up albums by Return to Forever (and each member respectfully - Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al DiMeola, and Lenny White), The Dregs, Weather Report, Jeff Lorber Fusion, and countless others in the jazz-fusion vein. I had acquired a deep passion for instrumental music that was more complex than rock, more melodic than traditional jazz, and featured prolonged soloing - what could be better?!?!?!? Three years later, I discovered not only a musician whom I would admire for life - but a human being. Keyboardist Tom Coster had left Santana and put together one of the greatest fusion super groups that you may not have ever known (each played with Jean-Luc Ponty at one time or another): Steve Smith (in my opinion, the world’s finest drummer), Joaquin Lievano (one of the tastiest guitar soloists), and Randy Jackson (a wicked bass player). I was sitting directly in front of Tom’s keyboards one night at a gig at The Old Waldorf in San Francisco. Apparently, my enthusiasm and genuine admiration of what these incomparable musicians were doing was evident to an extremely perceptive Tom Coster. After the set, he came to my table and introduced himself. Imagine being an awestruck kid of eleven years old, and having a musician of his stature acknowledge you. I have remained in contact with Tom to this day, and can’t begin to express what his music, and friendship have meant to me. At about this time, I began teaching myself to play the piano and the drums. It was quickly becoming apparent that I was most adept at the keyboards, so I began to focus more intently in that area. After constant badgering, my parents bought me a Sequential Circuits Max for Christmas, and my love for synths was born… In the early ‘80’s I discovered two more artists that would have a continual and profound affect on me: Sting and Jan Hammer. In Sting, I discovered that rock/pop music could be more complex - and yet still have a uniquely approachable, melodic structure. His talent continues to blow my mind today, and there is just something about his voice and his melodic style that I really connect with. In Jan, I felt I had a kindred spirit - someone who was composing and performing music entirely himself (not to mention the prolific soloing!). I attended Arizona State University for one year, but was hardly motivated nor interested. I returned home thinking that I would set out on my quest for a career in music. Unfortunately, the real world necessitated that I get a job immediately. Over a decade later, I am now a seasoned executive who has been fortunate enough to ride the high flying dotcom wave, right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Music however, is still my true passion. I continue to compose and record for my own enjoyment, and the occasional friend and family member. If this site, or word of mouth, happens to generate any interest in my music that would be wonderful. If not, I will simply continue to do what I’ve been doing for 20 years - having fun making music. - J

Group Members Jonathan A. Bell - All instruments.

Location Burlingame, CA - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).