JPJQ - The Band

As you can see from the photo, JPJQ has raised (at current count) 56% of our initial campaign goal, and we till have slightly over a month of time left for fundraising! We're thrilled with the response so far, and are really excited to "get cracking" on our project! We still need a lot of contributors to jump in and help get the cd made, and we're hoping to be able to add a few "stretch goals" to our campaign, if we manage to reach our initial goal. Things like a photo shoot,

This week, JPJQ launched a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo to help us finish our upcoming album, now entitled "I Want Love," after one of Joyce Pinckney's songs (which we'll be recording in January). After only 3 days of fundraising, we have already reached over 35% of our initial goal! We have a great deal of (wonderful) work ahead of us, and lots of great "stretch goals" planned if we exceed our first fundraising target! You can view the campaign at http://igg.me/at/jpjq

Andrew Smith, guitarist and vocalist (also might play a little trombone on the album) is in many ways the heart of JPJQ. The band began as a series of jam sessions with Andrew at our old place in East Vancouver, and his understanding and love of "old-timey jazz" is central to the band's sound. We're thrilled and honoured to have Andrew in JPJQ - and he "knocked it out of the park" with this video!

Julia is the singer and "bandleader" for JPJQ - although with this great group of musicians, it's less a question of leading, and more one of just getting out of their way to let them do their thing! She grew up in a family full of musicians, who instilled in her a love of this (and really all) music, and JPJQ has brought her back to her musical roots in such a wonderful way!

There might not be a JPJQ without Adam. His encouragement (and willingness to do a bunch of arranging work just on the promise of cookies) got the band on its collective feet. And he continues to be the band's strongest advocate... and Julia's biggest fan. Incidentally, if Adam says he wants to cook for you, let him. You won't be disappointed.

We've had some of the best drummers play with us in JPJQ, and Max is no exception. He's an amazing player, but more than that, he's a great friend and supporter of the band and what we're about. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his laugh brightens even the darkest day. As a bonus, he (like Julia) comes to music via a detour through theatre,which helps him to seemingly "read her mind" about a feel, an intro, or ending. We're very lucky to have him on board!