Artist description Jwonder blends modern rock with old school jazz/funk/folk. Most of Jwonder's repertoir consists of political epics, social commentaries, geographical observations, love songs by the sea and instrumentals. Jwonder hails from Tidewater, Virginia and that is where they do a majority of their performing. Most times you can catch them in either norFOLK, VA or Virginia Beach, VA. The Tidewater area is many times the subject and/or the setting of Jwonder stories. There are many types of characters in Jwonder's songs and they range from the drugged out norFOLKIANS just trying to survive in "Wrong Side" to the racist good ole boys following the lead of the 'Plantation Man' in "Osmosis". Jwonder deals with a variety of topics including drug abuse, racism, over indulgence and so on. Its not all peachy but it is also not all doom and gloom. Its life and to live it you got to jump into the fray and thats what Jwonder does. THE ALBUM - "Righteous" is filled with new and old Jwonder songs, some of them straight ahead versions of the live takes and some include horns and other instruments. The album features the red hot rhythm section of Dave Samson (Drums) and Jonathan Steele (bass) as well as the original interplay between Jonathan B's vocals and guitar. The album also features the innovative horn playing of of Blake Wallace on Trumpet and Earl Rayfield on Tenor Saxophone. Currently Jwonder is regrouping and putting together a new lineup to rehearse and record a new album as well as play shows. Micah Kaplan, who has returned to fill Jonathan Steele's Spot, adds a new twist to the funky Jwonder sound by bringing in a 50's Jazz/70's funk/80's indie bass style. Jwonder plans to take its act on the road in the Fall of 2003.

Music Style FUNK/JAZZ/ROCK/REGGAE/PUNK

Musical Influences Wes Montgomery, Mike Watt, 311, Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, Ani DiFranco, The Police, Aimee Mann, Miles Davis, John Melloncamp, RATM, John Coltrane, Talking Heads, U2, Bruce Hornsby, Steely Dan, Living Color, McCoy Tyner, Neil Young, Fishbone,The Minutemen...

Similar Artists TOUGH QUESTION

Artist History Jonathan Buckingham formed Jwonder in the fall of 2001 after playing a few semi-successful solo shows. Assisting Jonathan w/ this project was Dave Samson on Drums and Micah Kaplan on Bass. After helping get the band off and running, Micah went on sabatical to pursue professional touring opportunities and was replaced by Jonathan Steele. Through the spring and summer of 2002, Jwonder performed various gigs around Hampton Roads and also began recording their first full length album @ Indigo Studios. With the help of Blake Wallace, Jwonder put out rightEOUS in December 2002. Several of rightEOUS interesting tracks are feature on this site. "rightEOUS" features Jwonder as both a trio and as a quartet and quintet. The album showcases the blazing and soulful saxophone of Earl Rayfield and the intricate yet simple playing of trumpeter/procucer Blake Wallace. Politics, funk, life, jazz, love, folk, drugs & rock n roll...that is what Jwonder is about and you can hear it on "rightEOUS" 2003 UPDATE - Micah has rejoined Jwonder. Jwonder is planning a 2003 Fall tour and will continue to play in Hampton Roads during the Summer of 2003.

Group Members Jonathan Buckingham - guitar & vox Dave Samson - Drums Micah Kaplan - Bass Earl Rayfield - Tenor Saxophone HONORARY Guest MEMBERs: Jonathan Steele - Bass & Diseridoo & trumpet Blake Wallace - Trumpet, Producer Jason Bower - Trumpet

Instruments Guitar, Vox, Bass, Drums, Saxophone & the occasional trumpet.

Albums rightEOUS - Released on norFUNK RECORDS in December 2002

Press Reviews Go to our site: www.jwondermusic.com for press clips or check out www.splasmag.org and click on the April 2003 link. Thanks.

Location Norfolk, VA - USA

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