J. D. Westmoreland

= JD WESTMORELAND =

J D Westmoreland is a jazz composer and performer, b. September 13, 1973 in Fairfield, California.

Westmoreland is a multi-instrumentalist mostly playing improvisations and eclectic compositions. Earning a degree in Theory and Composition from the University of Memphis, Westmoreland showcased his talent as a composer being awarded the Smit Composition Award. Composition credits include string arrangements for christian rock band Clear, North Mississippi Allstars (Polaris (2003)), and Beanpole. Session work includes Willy DeVille "Horse of a Different Color" where Westmoreland plays Tiples. 1992-93 Westmoreland was a member of touring percussion ensemble "Patoombah" performing on the 1993 HORDE TOUR. Forming an improvisation ensemble in 1994 "Delta Grass" w/ musician Beau Crouch, Westmoreland started a musical movement of constant change. Westmoreland worked as a member of Memphis rock/anti-pop band "BEAM" (1997-99). In 2000, Westmoreland released a solo CD consisting of many composition styles "SOON BE CROWS IN THE GARDEN". The recording got 4 star reviews from Commercial Appeal writer Bill Ellisquote "Westmoreland covers more ground in 30 mins than most composers bother to do in a lifetime". Westmoreland began to play bass in early 2000. In 2003, custom bass maker "Robwave" began to sponsor Westmoreland, later to design the "WESTMORELAND BASS". JD Westmoreland began to play shows with jazz legend Herman Green, and touring with Willie Waldman. Westmoreland continued to do other styles of music, with Memphis favorite "MINIVAN BLUES BAND". Minivan released debut recording "LIFELONG TURBULATION" which features two Westmoreland compositions, title track "Lifelong Turbulation", and gypsy styled "Albino Trout". Always known for free form music, liberty, and sonic levitation.Westmoreland quote" life is surfing".

JD has been a fixture in the Memphis music scene for well over a decade. His abilities as a session player, composer, arranger, and live musician have reached near legendary status in a city teeming with legend and musical mystique. JD has the unique ability to play with musicians of all generations, genre, and notoriety. He has been the consummate "musician's musician" yet remains forever humble and grounded. The world has yet to truly discover this young talent, yet so many have been influenced and touched by his spirit and raw talent. Simply put, if you are from Memphis, there is no way that you could not have seen or heard about this gentle giant. His best years are yet to come, and many will be touched by his light. This man has been blessed with talent only a rare few can claim or achieve. - Andrew Gross.

See also

* Also plays with Banyan, WWP, The Green Machine, Latest Band In Memphis, Stephen Perkins, Brian Jordan, and Juego Listo.

References

reflisthttp://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A2331http://www.amazon.com/Soon-Be-Crows-Garden-Westmoreland/dp/B00004TFKA

http://pabnet.com.seanic11.net/robwave/westmore

REVIEW from AMAZON: J. D. westmoreland breaks new ground with this cd, June 21, 2001 By A Customer

this music is an unusual mix of classical, jazz, and otherworldly music influenced by interesting world music and synthesizing it in ways previously never thought of. Usually discs mixed in content such as this one get lost in the bottom of my disc listening stack, because they don't flow very well in casual listening, but this one stays in my disc changer. It fits very well to moods and textures in the room with its variations on style and content.

External links

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