Last Updated on November 7, 2004 by Paulette Brown-Hinds
San Bernardino
Quickly becoming one of today’s premier bassists, J-Love successfully balances amazing displays of harmonious rhythm and melody with pure flair. J-Love possesses an advanced level of technique, talent, and a vision for his music that most bassists only dream about. He has made it perfectly evident that he is not only a proficient bassists, but he is also skillful at songwriting.
You may already be familiar with some of J-Loves work. If not, it won’t be long before you will be. As a bassist, composer, J-Loves list of credits and performances are a testament to his ability.
So, as John J-Love Lewis explains it, the bass player has a very intricate part to play in the band and should never be looked at as just a support. He is supporting, but he is very vital in the band.
Pomona resident Lewis is a singer, songwriter, producer and bass player, who fronts his group, the J-Love Band. He has played with the Brothers Johnson and has released two CDs with Louis Johnson. Lewis owns the publishing company, All Gifts From Above Music, and is currently promoting his latest solo album. Off the Hook.
For instance, like the first two songs. I purposely wrote those for people that like to dance. If you put the first two songs in while you are driving, you might break some speed limits because, to me, its got a driving groove, a nice bass line, said Lewis.
The album has musical influences ranging from jazz, rock and R & B to Latin and Caribbean. Lewis even got permission from the Stylistics to cover Stop, Look and Listen to Your Heart.
Lewis was surrounded by music growing up in Chicago. He developed his style by studying the best groups in the business. Louis Johnson of Brothers Johnson, Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire and Bootsy Collins heavily influenced him.
My family would always sing. My mother and my aunt, whenever their favorite songs would come on the radio, they would get together and harmonize and sing, said Lewis. My mom especially. My mom has an excellent ear and I think I get most of my musical talent from her.
His mother also played piano. Lewis was firmly hooked on music by age 11.
When he puts down his bass, he enjoys roller-skating, reading, fixing things and collecting paper currency from around the world.
J-Loves talent goes beyond mastering the bass; he has also been gifted with, Platinum Vocal Cords. From the smooth falsetto of Phillip Bailey to the low melodic baritone of Barry White, J-Love can deliver any vocal demand.
Lewis wants to become successful enough to help other aspiring artists, but along the way hes willing to offer some advice.
Know your craft. When you know your craft that brings confidence. Education, experience and a relationship with the Father. Nobody can take that away, said Lewis. I think you should do something every day toward your goal, whether its a phone call, whether its playing, whether its rehearsing. I would also say surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do or have already done what you want to do. Eliminate the negatives quick; dont drag anybody with you.
The J-Love Band has also been playing a variety of venues, including B.B. Kings in Universal City.
Id like to say to all of the local musicians, singers, songwriters, those that are endeavoring to make it in the business, to keep on keeping on, hang in there. Keep your goal in front of you and dont let any negative comments deter you from what you want to pursue. Because Im not, said Lewis.
You can check out J-Love and The J-Love Band Saturday, November 6th and the National Orange Show Event Center in San Bernardino as J-Love opens for GQ and Friends at a Back to Old School Concert presented by QFX Entertainment, Inc. The gates open at 4:30 pm and the show starts at 6:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now! For more information visit www.qfxent.com or call 866.514.3391.