Music
Press
The JD Project has had many great friends over the years who have given them their endorsement.
Artists such as the great guitar virtuoso John Stowell, Don Ross, Alain Caron, Rik Emmett and Dave Young (Oscar Peterson) and a host of others. There are many many other world class artists who have sent words of praise such as Jennifer Batten and Greg Bissonette. We can't thank them enough. Hopefully you will feel the same after experiencing the Project at your venue.
The band has played from Ceasars in Vegas to the prestigious Fox Theatre.
Here are a few quotes from clients:
"We've hired JD for so many events over the years he is practically our house band. Our clients have nothing but good things to say about him and the group."
- JoAnne Retcher, Art Gallery of Windsor
"JD has performed at our festival a number of times and has never failed to please his audiences. He would be a great addition to any live music festival."
- Ted Boomer, founder and Bluesfest International.
"JD's show was a big hit. Our major sponsor was so pleased with his fresh sound and family friendly stage show. We look forward to his return."
- Mary Heath, talent coordinator, Tecumseh Cornfest.
"We loved JD's origional music so much we hired him to be the man behind the music for our telivision show this season. We receive many positive e-mails about the show and often about the great music. Thanks JD!"
- Walter Riggi, producer, Culinary Chat and CEO of Riggi Media International.
"We love it when JD's in the house. His shows are always classy and full of humour and awesome playing. His audiences love him. He has performed here many time and we look forward to many more."
- Claudia Dinatale's Fillmore East
"The JD Project's music and art show was a huge success. A total enganing performance and a nice change of pace for a usually folk crowd."
- Ken Laforest, concert promoter, Mackenzie Hall
"The JD Project epitomize the funky polished jazz sound defined in the 80's along with a Spanish influence not unlike Al Dimeola."
- Darrin Keene, Express Magazine
"Jd's sound is similar to John Scofield and the Yellow Jackets. People are digg'n it."
- Craig Pearson, Star entertainment writer
"Jd had a good following and his music is finding it's way into peoples homes."
- Cheryl Hardcastle, The Tribune
"The band skillfully plays all elements of jazz including funk and swing."
- Katerina Gneo, Shorline Week
"The groups uncanny ability to make jazz lovers out of just about anyone is nothing short of amazing."
- In Tune music review magazine.
"The Jd Project is a fresh, origional approach to jazz executed with style and skill."
- Bell International Freedom Festival guide
"The Jd Project, 'Better Late than Never' s produced in true audio-file fashion. An awesome disc from beginning to end."
- Zolis Audio Newz
"Jazz guitarist, drummer, percussionist, producer, writer, and arranger is back with his latest offering of smooth jazz he calls Tangled Web. Jammed with melodic tunes and catchy hooks, this is accessible jazz filled with energy and light which is esy to listen to and a joy to discover."
- Lori Newton Swainson, Windsor Life Magazine
"May I wish you all the best with your upcoming endeavors. Your group was amazing."
- Danielle Regier, Diector of operations, Transition to Betterness
"It was through your performance that helped to enrich the cultural experience of our Expo visitors. We hope you enjoyed performing as much as we enjoyed your presentation."
- Barb Bjarneson, Carrousel of Nations
"JD's latest cd Tangled Web has the spit and polish of a Jeff Lorber rcording, blending Drew's tasteful guitar licks with the brillint keyboard work of Grenier."
-
"John Drew plays with plenty of enthusiasm, and it's contagious!"
- Chuck Rees, The Times
- All sorts
The JD Project has had many great friends over the years who have given them their endorsement.
Artists such as the great guitar virtuoso John Stowell, Don Ross, Alain Caron, Rik Emmett and Dave Young (Oscar Peterson) and a host of others. There are many many other world class artists who have sent words of praise such as Jennifer Batten and Greg Bissonette. We can't thank them enough. Hopefully you will feel the same after experiencing the Project at your venue.
The band has played from Ceasars in Vegas to the prestigious Fox Theatre.
Here are a few quotes from clients:
"We've hired JD for so many events over the years he is practically our house band. Our clients have nothing but good things to say about him and the group."
- JoAnne Retcher, Art Gallery of Windsor
"JD has performed at our festival a number of times and has never failed to please his audiences. He would be a great addition to any live music festival."
- Ted Boomer, founder and Bluesfest International.
"JD's show was a big hit. Our major sponsor was so pleased with his fresh sound and family friendly stage show. We look forward to his return."
- Mary Heath, talent coordinator, Tecumseh Cornfest.
"We loved JD's origional music so much we hired him to be the man behind the music for our telivision show this season. We receive many positive e-mails about the show and often about the great music. Thanks JD!"
- Walter Riggi, producer, Culinary Chat and CEO of Riggi Media International.
"We love it when JD's in the house. His shows are always classy and full of humour and awesome playing. His audiences love him. He has performed here many time and we look forward to many more."
- Claudia Dinatale's Fillmore East
"The JD Project's music and art show was a huge success. A total enganing performance and a nice change of pace for a usually folk crowd."
- Ken Laforest, concert promoter, Mackenzie Hall
"The JD Project epitomize the funky polished jazz sound defined in the 80's along with a Spanish influence not unlike Al Dimeola."
- Darrin Keene, Express Magazine
"Jd's sound is similar to John Scofield and the Yellow Jackets. People are digg'n it."
- Craig Pearson, Star entertainment writer
"Jd had a good following and his music is finding it's way into peoples homes."
- Cheryl Hardcastle, The Tribune
"The band skillfully plays all elements of jazz including funk and swing."
- Katerina Gneo, Shorline Week
"The groups uncanny ability to make jazz lovers out of just about anyone is nothing short of amazing."
- In Tune music review magazine.
"The Jd Project is a fresh, origional approach to jazz executed with style and skill."
- Bell International Freedom Festival guide
"The Jd Project, 'Better Late than Never' s produced in true audio-file fashion. An awesome disc from beginning to end."
- Zolis Audio Newz
"Jazz guitarist, drummer, percussionist, producer, writer, and arranger is back with his latest offering of smooth jazz he calls Tangled Web. Jammed with melodic tunes and catchy hooks, this is accessible jazz filled with energy and light which is esy to listen to and a joy to discover."
- Lori Newton Swainson, Windsor Life Magazine
"May I wish you all the best with your upcoming endeavors. Your group was amazing."
- Danielle Regier, Diector of operations, Transition to Betterness
"It was through your performance that helped to enrich the cultural experience of our Expo visitors. We hope you enjoyed performing as much as we enjoyed your presentation."
- Barb Bjarneson, Carrousel of Nations
"JD's latest cd Tangled Web has the spit and polish of a Jeff Lorber rcording, blending Drew's tasteful guitar licks with the brillint keyboard work of Grenier."
-
"John Drew plays with plenty of enthusiasm, and it's contagious!"
- Chuck Rees, The Times
- All sorts
Discography
Debut CD: "Better Late Than Never"
Follow up CD: "Tangled Web"
Both CDs receive airplay. "San Rafael" off of "Better Late Than Never" was the radio fav and "Where Do We Go" off of "Tangled Web" is the hot tune among others.
Photos
Bio
Ever heard the call in radio show mantra "long time first time"? Well, that's John Drew's story. John has been in the music business literally all his life spending many years riding the musical roller coaster throughout North America.
All this time was spent honing his craft while being the guitar backbone of many acts. It wasn't until the late 90's that his song writing collided with public demand and the JDProject's first CD, apply named "Better late Than Never" was born. This self financed indie CD was fortunate enough to receive critical acclaim helping to form sales, airplay and new fans. After touring "Better Late Than Never" it was time to record the dreaded sophomore CD. Still without a label but riding on the success of the first CD "Tangled Web" was created. This is where John really felt validated as a recording artist due to the fact some of the world's best musician's agreed to play on Tangled Web after hearing Better Late. Some of these players include Rik Emmett (Canadian guitar legend), Alain Caron (bass players bass player) and Dave Young
(Oscar Peterson fame) as well as some of Detroit Michigan's elite. By the way, Tangled Web is the name of a piece of art JD owns and felt the name was so fitting considering the music today is such a melting pot of styles.
A portion of the work can be seen on the rear of the CD case. Thanks again to the critical acclaim of the CD, the JDProject has sold units all around the world and has had the pleasure to perform live from Ceasar's in Vegas to the prestigious Fox Theatre in Detroit as well as thousands of other venues. JD's influences are many and varied. From his upbringing where practically all family members sang or played something to his later love for jazz, blues, funk, latin and rock. All of these can be heard in his compositions. John and his troop of world class musicians have a stellar track record when it comes to pleasing their listening audience. Without fail JD engages the audience with his wit and his passion for what he does. JD says the number one post show comment is "We can really tell you guys totally enjoy what you are doing up there". The Project look forward to expanding their performances around the world in the coming years. They are working on their third CD as we speak. Considering this indie act has no machine so to speak behind it they are proud of there accolades. Please allow us to list a few:
- Featured entertainers for media party at the Fox theatre in Detroit Michigan for Superbowl XL.
- Featured artist on Smoothjazz.com
- Top artists for 05 on Jazzlynx.com
- Signed with Guitar9 records
- Semi finalist in BET's jazz discovery program
- Honorable mention in
CBC's Great Canadian Music Dream
- CBC new artist to watch
- Featured performer at Organization of American States Conference featuring artists such as Angela Bofill, Luis Resto and Doc Gibbs
- Favorite artist with Skyjazz internet radio
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