Fearless J. White

• 1 Valley of the Sun 04:16
• 2 Soiree 04:26
• 3 Fearless 04:33
• 4 Mr. Nugroove 04:06
• 5 Morning Rain 04:45
• 6 90's Kinda Love 04:55
• 7 Just Ride 04:52
• 8 Driven 03:49
• Total Runtime 35:42

Info for Fearless

Every artist ever to hit the Billboard chart has stories of struggle, heartbreak, challenges, frustration, doubt and thoughts of giving up on a career as a recording artist. Soul-jazz saxophonist JWhite, a newcomer to the Billboard Top 20 with the summer single, “Driven,” is no different. After some reflection, he decided to pursue his dreams fearlessly, inspiring the title to his third collection, “Fearless,”.

“I have overcome so many obstacles and setbacks. I’ve thought about giving up many times. I’ve come across many other artists who have the same challenges and discouraging moments. However, I decided that I was going to ignore it all and choose to be fearless in my pursuit. No excuses. No public complaining. Just play hard, play with passion every single time and let God do the rest,” said JWhite, a Detroit native who resides in Phoenix.

JWhite had a hand in writing and producing all eight songs that comprise the “Fearless” EP. He previewed the forthcoming set with “Driven,” a midtempo urban contemporary groove that he wrote and produced with drummer Jeff Canady on which the hornman plays his alto sax fervently.

“I named it ‘Driven’ because I felt the groove had a pulse to it. The way I approached the melody is how I approach my goals as an artist. I approach them with purpose, soul and determination.”

A seasoned core of hitmakers teamed with JWhite to create the EP. Drummer Eric Valentine and bassist Nathaniel Kearney form a deep-pocketed rhythm section on the opening cut, “Valley of the Sun,” which bodes to be the second single. Keyboardist Gail Jhonson pours the soul of her Philly roots into the three tunes she cowrote and coproduced for the set – “Mr. NuGroove,” “Morning Rain” and “90’s Kinda Love” – the last of which features supple basslines from chart-topper Darryl Williams. Guitarist Matt Godina was JWhite’s cowriter and coproducer on “Soiree.” “Just Ride” is the only solo trek on the disc.

“I wrote ‘Just Ride’ on my own. It’s a chord progression I came up with a couple of years ago that I finally put a melody to. I was fortunate enough to have Nick Colionne play guitar on the song. Also, Nathan Mitchell pitched in on production to really bring the tune home.”

On the self-assured title track, JWhite combined forces with David P. Stevens. “I met David in San Diego at the Mediterranean Jazz & Supper Club on a joint show I did with Gail Jhonson. David is an awesome musician and has a new style of producing that is groundbreaking in the world of jazz. It was an honor to collaborate with him on this project,” said JWhite, who returns to the club Sunday (August 25) to headline a concert.

JWhite debuted as a solo artist with the 2012 album “New Jazz Swagger: Reloaded.” His saxplay is a swirl of modern jazz with straight-ahead jazz references, emoting rich melodies and lush harmonic passes atop sensual R&B tracks. Competing at the Warren Hill Sax Summit in 2013 helped him win slots to perform at the San Diego Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Arizona Jazz Festival and Jazz at the Creek. He’s also played club dates from coast to coast. In 2015, JWhite dropped the “Grit and Glamour” EP, an outing that strayed from his jazz base. “Fearless” is a purposeful return to his muse.

J. White, saxophones
Nathaniel Kearney, bass
Eric Valentine, drums
Gail Jhonson, keyboards
Matt Godina, guitar
Darryl Williams, bass
Nick Colionne, guitar

J. White
is an internationally recognized Billboard artist, songwriter and producer who commands your attention with captivating performances and amazing, soulful sounds. He is a passionate, determined, and gifted artist.

A native of Detroit Michigan, J. White is a vibrant, versatile performer whose influences range from Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderly, and Kirk Whalum to Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Grover Washington Jr. His own style and presentation borrow from the Pastelle and Rosewood movement, the contemporary urban scene, and youthful expressions from around the globe. J. White’s music is without a doubt soulfully driven and technically motivated, intertwining the sounds of Smooth Jazz with a hint of Straight-Ahead to deliver a sensual, harmonic, and melodic sound and he is creating his own destiny with his unique, all-around talent.

J. White has already performed alongside many industry greats such as Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Peter White, Euge Groove, Eric Darius, Eric Roberson, P.J. Morton, Najee, Smokie Norful and Dave Hollister. J. White took runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit, competing with saxophonist from around the world. As a result of his success, he was invited to perform at several major jazz festivals to include the Arizona Jazz Festival, Las Vegas Jazz Festival, Jazz at the Creek, and the San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival for two consecutive years. J. White’s music and stellar performances began a movement reaching jazz venues and festivals around the country.

For White, it all began when he was forced by his mother to join the elementary school band. Having to decide on a single instrument grew difficult but when asked which he would like to play, he chose the saxophone stating, “I guess that one…I like the way it’s shaped”. Unknowingly his answer would unlock his incredible talent and amazing musical future.

White began to develop quickly in music, studying privately under the late Emil Acitelli. His efforts eventually lead to a music scholarship attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music and performed with the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and toured with the Jazz Ensemble under the direction of the late Odie Burrus. While in College he began to tour all over the State of Arkansas and Memphis performing with a local show band. It was at the tender age of 20 when he learned about showmanship, connectivity, and musical excellence.

“I want my music to have identity and purpose and be felt by people from all walks of life. The freedom and life I feel when I’m on stage or in a night club playing with my eyes closed, is the same feeling I want listeners to experience when they turn my records on.”

White’s releases have cracked the Billboard Top 20 Charts with heavy rotation on Sirius XM Watercolors, as well as many stations all over the country.

This album contains no booklet.