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PRESS KIT
One of THE greatest sax players I’ve heard in a long time…
-
Rodney Perry (BET’s The Mo’Nique Show)
BIO:
…He has rocked stages across the US from the Essence Music Festival in New
Orleans to The Legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, USA. He has shared stages with
the likes of the legendary Twinkie Clarke, Soul Singer Tony Terry and Master
comedian Rodney Perry. He IS the Smooth Jazz Phenomenon. He IS the one, J. Henry
and this is his story…
J. Henry hails from the Jazz Capital of the World, New Orleans, Louisiana. This Crescent
City native has been dazzling audiences across the U.S. for the last 20 years. His gift for
music was recognized early at age 7, and at 9 years old he was given the opportunity to
learn to play any instrument of his choosing and he found his love for music in the
saxophone. His uncle, New Orleans Jazz Legend Pierre Porree, gave him his very first
and J. continued to study under his mentorship and under another New Orleans Jazz
Legend, Brian Graber.
“I would sit on the front porch for hours a day making noise. Eventually that noise
became songs”
After practicing 4 to 5 hours a day, month after month, J. felt he was ready to perform his
first solo at his church playing “When The Saints Go Marching In”. With the energy and
confidence that he performs with today, you would have never guessed that as a child he
was stage fright. By the age of 13 he began playing for different churches, and by the age
of 16 was playing professionally. At age 17, J. and his twin brother Cardell started a
singing group named Cri’stal. The group was very successful in New Orleans winning
numerous talent competitions in and around the city. Yet the greatest accomplishment for
J. was fulfilling his childhood dream of performing on “Showtime at the Apollo”, where
he and the group won unanimously.
“…You never go through anything for yourself in life…”
In 2005, tragedy struck New Orleans in the form of Hurricane Katrina. Upon returning to
his hometown J. was faced with 6ft of water in his home and total loss. J. moved to
Atlanta, GA with nothing but 1 shirt, 2 pairs of pants, two pairs of socks and his
saxophones. Like so many others from the Crescent City, he had to start all over. While
in Atlanta trials and tribulations struck again and again as he became homeless and lost
everything three times. He even recalls working as a maintenance man in an apartment
community, sleeping at his job in the clubhouse and having to sneak in late at night and
get up before anyone came to work. The only person who knew the severity of his living
conditions was his soon to be wife, who stayed by his side. Through every challenge, J.
never lost his faith or his focus. He struggled through 2006, yet still worked hard at
pursuing his dreams, continuing to make a name for himself. He would continue to
expand and perfect his signature sound by playing with different bands and for different
organizations in and around Atlanta. His faith and perseverance kept him going and
eventually helped him become stable.
In the summer of 2008 while rehearsing for a show he met Daron Steward (cousin of Sly
Stone) who gave him the name “J. Henry“, and whom he had great chemistry with. A
month later he began working on his debut album. During the process of recording the
album he faced many challenges, but worked through them. After almost 2 years of
writing and production, J. Henry released his appropriately entitled debut album, “Long
Time Coming” in August of 2010.
J. Henry is determined to be a driving force to bringing Smooth Jazz back to prominence.
In 21 year, he has rocked stages with Bishop Paul S. Morton, P.J. Morton, Angie Stone,
Tony Terry, Rodney Perry, Destiny’s Child, Don D.C. Curry, Twinkie Clark, Eric Benet,
Marvin Sapp, Jai Reed, Kevon Edmonds, Craig Adams and Ron Laster. His live
performances are superb and mesmerizingly interactive. The high levels of energy and
emotion that J. packs into every performance, draws audiences into his incredible story of
love, trial and triumph. The J. Henry Experience has been quoted as being “the return to
the original live music experience.” With the release of LONG TIME COMING, there
has been a resurgence of the live music experience and a major shot in the arm for
Smooth Jazz worldwide. The album has been incredibly well received especially in
Europe and Africa. When it comes to his music and the effect that J. Henry is having on
Smooth Jazz overall, Rod Lucas of Lucas Media in the UK summed it up in one word,
"Fantastic".
Photo Credits: Dee Lee Photography
SMOOTHJAZZ TIMES.COM
THE J. HENRY EXPERIENCE IS ONE YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS; A JAMMIN' JAZZ CD, KATRINA
SURVIVOR, AND GOING STRONG
September 23, 2010 - Kim Betton, SmoothJazzTimes.com
SJT: Thank your taking time out to talk to SmoothJazzTimes.com about your
new CD, "Long Time Coming?" What inspired you to do this project?
JH: I always wanted to do an album to share my ability with the world. I also felt
the time was right to do it. I also wanted to keep a promise to my
grandfather Oliver Johnson that I would complete it.
SJT: “Long Time Coming” is such a powerful name. It says so much. Can you
tell us more about how you came up with the name?
JH: The concept of ”Long Time Coming” was used for the title to tell my story,
which if I could sum it up in a few words, would be from tragedy to triumph. It
tells the story of how I’ve overcome many trials in my life one being through
Hurricane Katrina and losing everything.
SJT: Are you a native of New Orleans, a place of jazz. What exactly did you go through during Katrina and did it have
any impact in the making of “A Long Time Coming?”
JH: Yes I am a native of New Orleans a place very rich for music especially one of my favorite types - which you will
hear in future projects “Second Line." Before Katrina I was supposed to record an album, but of course it happened and
changed everything. I lost everything. I mean everything. I still think about it sometimes how that "one" day changed so
many of our lives. It had a lot to do with the making of the project because it shows that no matter what one can still
come out on top. Honestly it was a blessing in disguise. Even though I was supposed to record an album it may not have
been this good and I would’ve never met my producer Daron Steward.
SJT: I know you are so thankful to be alive and well today to share your story.
JH: Yes, I am. Thank you.
SJT: Who worked with you on the new CD?
JH: I was blessed to have a great group of people work with me on this project such as Daron Steward who I just
mentioned. He produced and mixed the entire album. My twin brother Cardell “Creole King” Henry who co-wrote LB,
Thinking Of You, U-Turn, and Keep On Moving, as well as sang and rapped on them, Michael “Mike Mo” Moore who
rapped on U-Turn, and Harold “Harry O” Olinger who played Guitar on Shrewsbury Strut and LB, Thinking Of You.
SJT: You play the Alto and Soprano saxophone. When did you first get into music?
JH: I started playing the Sax when I was 9 years old. I was given my very first Sax by my Uncle Pierre Porree. Who
would’ve known 20 years later I would have an album out. Thanks Uncle Pierre and thanks to my parents who made me
practice when I didn’t want to.
SJT: How long did it take to do this album and how does it make you feel that the project is received so well?
JH: It took approximately 20 month’s to do the album which is funny since I’ve been playing 20 years. I wanted to take
my time to make sure the album was just right. It makes me feel very blessed that things are progressing with this
project. Every day I am getting one step closer to being a household name.
SJT: Your live shows are called the “J. Henry Experience.” Where can SmoothJazzTimes.com fans see you in action?
JH: Yes it’s called The J. Henry Experience because it is just that - an experience. I believe in being very interactive
with the audience. When someone spends their hard earned money to come see J. Henry, they deserve to get more than
what they paid for. I am at many different spots in the Atlanta area, such as The Loews Hotel, Sambuca, Café 290 just
to name a few
SJT: What do you want fans to get from this CD?
JH: I want fans to feel my soul through this project. I also want to make people feel encouraged, to know that they can
accomplish anything. I would love to hear my songs played by others in shows, and talent shows. Most of all I want to
heal people through my music.
SJT: You are spiritual and it shows in your music. What impact does your spirituality have on your life and career?
JH: Yes I am spiritual. It has impacted me because I follow Biblical principles to help me progress in life, such as
Tithing, Sewing, Serving, and being Faithful in my ministry. I believe that if you follow God’s principles and put him
first you can be successful in all other endeavors.
SJT: Jazz is the heart of most all music from past to present. Where do you think Smooth Jazz has its place in today’s
society?
JH: I believe it has a significant place in society. I just feel our Genre does not get the
attention it deserves now from mainstream media and radio. I believe with the right
attention Smooth Jazz can be a dominant force again. People love jazz, and if it were
accessible for everyone they would listen. I would love to be one of the driving forces
to make this genre prominent again. I want to carry it on my back.
SJT: Music education is leaving so many school programs due to unfortunate budget
cuts. We here at SmoothJazzTimes.com believe in promoting the importance of music
education. Can you share with us your feelings about the importance of music
education and where do you stand on the issue?
JH: I think its sad how funding for music education is so limited. There are many kids
that really need music as an outlet. You have a lot of kids who depend on school to be
able to get instruments. This is the only way for a lot of low income kids to have
access to music. Music was my outlet and was therapeutic for me and is the same for a
lot of these kids. Investing in Music Education will be a mission of mine
for under privileged kids.
SJT: What’s next for J. Henry?
JH: What’s next for J. Henry is to bring the J. Henry Experience to the world. I also plan to begin working on my next
project. I plan on doing my part in making Smooth Jazz a very dominant mainstream force again.
SJT: Thank you for taking the time out to talk to SmoothJazzTime.com. We wish you continued success.
JH: My pleasure. Thank you for having me
PREMIER MULTIMEDIA GROUP
http://www.smoothjazztimes.com/
MAJOR PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS:
Live @ Loews Series, Loews Atlanta Hotel Atlanta, GA
2011 31 Days of Jazz / Atlanta Jazz Festival @ John White Park Atlanta, GA
Winner of Showtime at the Apollo with Cri’stal @ The Apollo Theater, NYC
Runner Up for Atlanta’s Next Best 2.0 @ Sambuca Atlanta, GA
Performed w/ Rodney Perry for “All The Way Live” @ Mingles, Atlanta, GA
Performed @ The Black National Music Convention in New Orleans, LA
Opened for Russell Batiste (former drummer from The Funky Meters) @
Tipitina’s, New Orleans, LA
Performed @ The Gospel Music Workshop of America w/ Craig Adams and
High Dimensions of Praise
Opened for BET’s Comic View New Orleans, LA
Opened at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival w/ Craig Adams and Higher
Dimensions of Praise New Orleans, LA
Presented The J. Henry Experience @ Café 290, Atlanta, GA
Performed @ The Coca Cola Leadership Conference @ Loews Atlanta Hotel
J. HENRY HAS SHARED THE STAGE WITH:
Gospel Recording Artist Marvin Sapp
Gospel Legend Twinkie Clarke
Minister Benjamin Cone III of the Mississippi Mass Choir
Mona Scott’s (CEO of Violator Records) wedding
Comedian Don “DC” Curry
R&B Soul Singer Tony Terry
Gospel Recording Artist P.J. Morton
Ronald Laster (MD to James Brown for 28 years)
Soul Singer Casme’
Master Comedian Rodney Perry
Bishop Paul S. Morton
Jazz Trumpeter Brian Graber
“J. Henry's new CD, "Long Time Coming," is at times,
smooth, other times seductive, but on the whole...
scintillating. J. Henry does not disappoint with this fine
collection of music as he successfully brings together all
the things that make a great album... imagination,
thoughtfulness, and a talent that is on the cusp of taking
the smooth jazz world by storm. Watch J. Henry's ascent
into the stratosphere as his music is sure to please even
the most hard-to-please fan of Contemporary Jazz and
R&B.”
-
Michael A. Fernandez - Owner/Content Manager
Rhythm & Jazz Radio - San Antonio
www.rhythmandjazz.com
Above: J. Henry being interviewed live with
Double M at Philadelphia’s Only Jazz
Station, www.FMHDMSRADIO.net
Below: J. Henry after being interviewed by
Jamal Ahmed at Atlanta’s Home for Jazz,
91.9FM WCLK
“Breath Of Fresh Air”
“This album is a breath of fresh air. I haven't heard an
album this well rounded and versatile in years. The way
J. Henry has been able to blend Jazz, Pop, R&B, Hip
Hop, and Gospel is pure Genius. His tone is great,
sound is innovative and if this album could be rated
higher I would rate it that way. J. Henry has a long and
bright future ahead of him. Stay true to your brand of
Smooth Jazz and you will soar to untapped heights”
-
J. and Will Downing
iTunes Customer Review
J. and Atlanta
Mayor Kasim Reed
J. and Frank Ski of
V103 Atlanta
J. and Councilwoman
Keisha Lance Bottoms
ALBUM: LONG TIME COMING:
TRACK LISTING
1.
Going For It
2.
I’ll Be There feat. D. Steward
3.
Shrewsbury Strut feat, D. Steward & H. Olinger
4.
Loves Simple Rules
5.
Long Time Coming
6.
LB, Thinking Of You feat Creole King & H. Olinger
7.
I Won’t Complain
8.
U-Turn feat. Creole King & Mike Mo
9.
Endia
10. Awesome God feat. Creole King
11. Keep On Moving feat. Creole King
J. HENRY - LONG TIME COMING
Produced by
Daron Steward @ Drawets Studios
Executive Produced by
Marion Henry, Lynette Henry, Dolapo Erinkitola, Daron Steward and Journell Henry
Mastered by Sounds Atlanta Studios
Photo Credits: Dee Lee Photography
J. Henry plays on Saxophone.Com Alto and Soprano Saxophones
SINGLE: AT THE LAKE FEATURING CREOLE KING
Talk about when an Unstoppable Force meets an Immovable
Object... J. Henry and his twin brother, Creole King have
come together to create what is being hailed as "A Return To
Real Music" with the latest single, 'At The Lake'. Creole
King's elegant blend of sweet lyrics and spicy delivery blend
seamlessly with the raw emotion that effortlessly pours forth
with each note deployed onto the track by J. Henry. 'At The
Lake' promises to be a radio classic and the return to real
music that has truly been, a long time coming.
Released 14 December 2010
Soprano Saxophone - J. Henry
Vocals - Creole King
Produced by Daron Steward
“I would sit on the front porch for
hours a day making noise. Eventually
that noise became songs…”
– J. Henry
The debut album LONG TIME COMING
is available now and can purchased and
downloaded on iTunes and
www.facebook.com/jhenrymusic
This Limited Edition Album is available for
purchase for listeners experiencing any of J.
Henry’s live performances.
Please visit J. Henry online for details on
this debut project, media updates and
upcoming show dates
FOR BOOKING & INFORMATION:
Sheldon F. Joseph
The Joseph Consortium, LLC
+1 678 664 4074
[email protected]
Top Left – J. Henry Performing Live w/ Brian Graber
Middle Left – J. Henry and Rodney Perry (Co-host of
BET’s The Mo’Nique Show
Bottom Left – J. Henry Performing Live w/ ***** at
Kat’s Kafe Atlanta