Jon Spear Band

FRIDAYS AFTER FIVE - BUD LIGHT CONCERT SERIES

Nothing But the Blues - Free Show

The Jon Spear Band (JSB) has been impressing Charlottesville-area audiences ever since they first started out as a Central Virginia Blues Society jam band back in 2012.  With the release of their new CD “Old Soul,” these talented local musicians have taken their music to a whole new level earning critical acclaim, radio airplay and new fans from all around the U.S. and from as far away as Africa, Asia and Australia.  In recent months their CD has appeared regularly on the U.S. Roots Music Report weekly “Top 50” Contemporary Blues Album Charts as well as the U.K. Independent Blues Broadcasters Association Top 50 list.   In all, JSB’s music has been heard on over five dozen broadcast stations on every continent except Antarctica.

The band’s repertoire includes not just blues favorites but also original songs reflecting a wide range of genres including blues, funk, rock, R&B, swing, and even a little salsa.  JSB’s members are singer-guitarist-harmonica player Dara James, bassist Andy Burdetsky, drummer John Stubblefield, and award-winning songwriter and guitarist Jon Spear. 

While JSB’s recorded music has been winning lots of critical acclaim, the band has never forgotten its roots as a jam band and loves to entertain its live audiences with lots of extemporaneous soloing and musical dynamics that surprise and entertain. 

Here’s what some of the critics have to say about JSB:

"Not many groups can boast two virtuoso guitarists as The Jon Spear Band does and few can match the writing skill of Jon Spear and Dara James." – Peter Merrett of PBS 106.7 FM, Melbourne Australia

"Old Soul is a highly enjoyable set of blues and soul that features some impressive original tunes. The veteran Spear, the rock-solid rhythm section, and the gifted young James proves to be a winning combination on this release."  – Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes Magazine.

"This central Virginia band has a definite old soul when it comes to their heartfelt nod to blues and soul, running a gamut of delectable styles. Some very intelligent songwriting, excellent musicianship and lyrics that delve into deep recesses one second and speak plainly the next flavor this debut with vibrant life and listenability"  – Mark E. Waterbury, Music Morsels Reviews.   

"[The Devil's Highway] is one of those kind of songs that lyrically and musically could fit nicely into several music genres. It's blues, it's rock and give it to Toby Keith and it's a number one country hit. Well written, well sung and well performed." – Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro. Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com  

"The Jon Spear Band bring excellent musicianship, strong lyrics, and a rising star in young Dara James.  'Old Soul' is a fine debut from some of Virginia’s finest!"  – Sheryl and Don Crow donandsherylsbluesblog.

“Spear and company put into words and music what all of us know and have experienced but might not have the ability to express. Running as smoothly as a well-oiled machine, this band operates as a single unit...each member doing their part. The result is a work of absolute beauty.” – Bill Wilson, “Reflections in Blue”