JMD III music

I have vivid memories of being 5 years old cruising in my dad's Saab convertible. The soundtrack to these rides was a rotation of Shaggy, Blues Traveler, Dean Martin, and Cake. When we got home mom and dad would continue the vibe over a glass of wine listening to Norah Jones and Alison Krauss. I don't remember a moment when a song came on that I didn't sing along. When I was 12, I saw my uncles perform one of their original songs and I knew immediately that I wanted to be a musician.

Now at the age of 24, with a Degree in Music from Elon University, I have had the pleasure of performing solo, duo, and with a variety of bands across North Carolina, Atlanta, and most recently Nantucket Island. I am deeply humbled to have won a songwriters open mic at the legendary Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, and to have graced the stage a handful of times at the soon to be legendary Gaslight on Nantucket.

Duke Ellington used to say that he hated the word "jazz". He felt it was insufficient to use one word to describe the breadth of the music and movement. He had a "music is music" attitude. I try and bring this approach to both my originals and my covers. I have enjoyed writing songs across the spectrum of genres of folk, rock, Americana, indie, bedroom pop, jazz, and my favorite: funk. 

When I perform, I play to a room. I have hunches about the people sitting near the back.  This next song is for you.