Jon McLaughlin
It just so happens that this group shares the initials JM, but you won't find John Mayer here. If the reports are true, he broke up with Jennifer Aniston in a text message saying "That’s it - the end". John, are you crazy? Anyway, I digress. This group of guys are all singer/songwriters and may help you extend the waning days of summer if you live in the northern hemisphere. If you live in the southern hemisphere, you're just entering into spring, so you can get a head start.
The first time I heard Jon McLaughlin I thought - kid, you're gonna' be a star. I also thought - we know Erin, she knows you, so hook us up when you get to the Big Apple ;). Classically trained in Indiana, his songs represent piano-led rock balladry at its best. My favs are Industry (piano!), For You From Me, Perfect and Beating My Heart. His current album is Indiana with OK Now scheduled for release in early October (just in time for my birthday). Thanks to Annie for the 411 on Jon.
Jason Mraz
I've enjoyed Jason's music on the radio for a while with Remedy and Wordplay, but when I heard the song I'm Yours this summer I was smitten. He's a wonderful songwriter from Virgina and most famous for his poetic, lyrical twists, which float across rock, hip-hop and jazz arrangements. Beautiful duets with Colbie Caillat (Lucky about being in love with your best friend) and James Morrison (Details in the Fabric about taking a deep breath) appear on his current album We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.
There's a lot to say about Jason and he was "thisclose" to having a post all to himself because he loves POLAROID and has a book coming out. You can read more about it on his website where he will talk to you. Not sure I like that part as I'm usually listening to music! (He'll be at Radio City Music Hall the day before my birthday - are these guys in cahoots? Don't answer that.)
James Morrison
His first big hit in the US was You Give Me Something from his debut album Undiscovered, which has yielded more than five singles. Born in England, James has a lovely raspy voice reminiscent of Stevie Wonder and offers a gentle take on the sound of soul through simply beautiful songs. His new album Songs For You, Truths For Me drops at the end of September.
Other than Joni Mitchell, did I miss any JMs on your playlist?
xo, Cindy
Photo Credit : Last.fm
what a great list!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on James and Jason, but haven't heard Jon yet. I'm always looking for talent outside the mainstream so will definitely give him a listen!
ReplyDeleteI was just going to say Joni Mitchell! She's amazing.
ReplyDeleteI listened to Jon McLaughlin, that was fun.Another new person to listen to.
ReplyDeleteOk what day is you birthday Cindy? You said that it is early October. Mine is the 4th....how about you?
Oooh Jason Mraz...he really is amazing! It makes me so upset when people refuse to respect and appreciate his music because he is mainstream "( It's sad! Any who...my new muse is Bon Ivre, check him out!! I think you will enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteOoohh! Some new yummies :) I'm so glad you put Jason Mraz in there. I've been fascinated with his sound for a while.
ReplyDeleteGreat round-up. I love the I'm Yours song. Always makes me happy and want to do a little love dance.
ReplyDeleteit's so funny with music as you can hear things for a while and then all of a sudden it's like a light bulb goes off. i think jason is so interesting. glad you agree. but, they're all great. don't want to play favorites ;)!
ReplyDeletei'll check out bon ivre today, thanks sarah!
oooh--good list! thanks!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I LOVE ALL OF THESE, CINDY! :)
ReplyDeleteJoni Mitchell all the way! {J+M = my husband and my initials..teehee} I love your banner.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to check some of these out! I wanted to post yesterday, but the day got away with me :)
ReplyDeleteI'm off to iTunes, right now!
Have a wonderful weekend you two :)
Thank you. Other than Joni Mitchell I don't know any of these musicians by name, so I can't wait to check them out this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHave a grand one!
My husband's a JM he singer in a band no one has heard of here in Nor Cal.
ReplyDeleteI love your banner! So so perty.
i really hope you find at least one new person to add to your playlist. it sure makes it easy when they're al together like this; minimizes ipod scrolling dramatically ;).
ReplyDeleteclaire - what is the name of the band? do tell us! i'm going to email you.
ack...i've been gone for so long and missed so much but have most enjoyed catching up!
ReplyDeletehave a lovely weekend...oh, and that corvette is just gorgeous. wow. lucky bro.
Cindy, Seriously? How funny.
ReplyDeleteNo one has ever heard of, "Vinnie Salinas & the C-list". Vinnie, who works with my husband, is the harp, conga, cowbell player, Dustin is on guitar he's 16, his brother Dillon is the drummer he's 17, Chris (a HS English teacher) is the bass player (he drums too). Chris taught the two brothers how to play.
Here is youtube of them playing "Soul Sacrifice" last summer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdJ7lpUvvQw&feature=related
They really rock, don't they! Awesome song.
My husband JM plays and sings only sometimes because we live on the beach here in Santa Cruz and they all live, play & practice an hour away in San Jose.
The band plays a lot of instrumentals, like Soul Sacrifice, but sometimes the father of the two boys sings, his name is Dan. Dan is an awesome guy but he's not too good singing, he really tries though so I love him for that.
Dan is the person who posts these vids up on youtube.
We've had them play at our house parties. My neighbors son even took up drumming and guitar after one of our parties. I love spreading the love.
This post of yours spreads it!
My poor ipod is so sad when I play the same stuff over and over.
I love you and thank you for asking!
Okay, he's not on my list or anything but I just thought of another JM - John Mellencamp.
ReplyDeleteoh claire that is so fantastic! i would love to be able to jam like that and i'm sure i would take guitar and drum lessons, too! thanks for sharing, which makes this whole blogging thing fun.
ReplyDeleteyep, stacy he's another one!
jon mclaughlin grew up very near my home town in indiana. small world. love all these artists!!
ReplyDeleteyes it is.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection - these guys are amazing.
ReplyDeleteyay jamie - i'm off to see you now!
ReplyDeletei found you through decor8 and talk of music....thanks so much for recommending Jon Mclaughlin he's great,going to get the cd,and i already love james morrison being in the Uk,so glad to see you do too ( :
ReplyDeletehave a nice day,love kat
www.secretsofabutterfly.typepad.com
hi kat - glad you like jon. i'm off to visit you now!
ReplyDeletehow about jack's mannequin?
ReplyDeletesure, they're great anonymous!
ReplyDelete