J. D. Westmoreland
Encyclopedia
J D Westmoreland is a jazz
composer and performer.
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 Ellis
quote "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". Playing upright bass with string band Devli Train, J. D. shows an acuostic side.
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
composer and performer.
Westmoreland is a multi-instrumentalist mostly playing improvisations and eclectic compositions. Earning a degree in Theory and Composition from the University of Memphis
University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is an American public research university located in the Normal Station neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee and is the flagship public research university of the Tennessee Board of Regents system....
, 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
North Mississippi Allstars
North Mississippi Allstars is a Southern rock/blues jam band from Hernando, Mississippi, founded in 1996. The band is composed of brothers Luther Dickinson and Cody Dickinson , and Chris Chew...
(Polaris (2003)), and Beanpole
Beanpole
Beanpole can mean*An upright structure to support plants, such as a trellis*The main character of Australian TV personality Dick McCann...
. Session work includes Willy DeVille
Willy DeVille
Willy DeVille was an American singer and songwriter. During his thirty-five year career, first with his band Mink DeVille and later on his own, Deville created original songs rooted in traditional American musical styles. He worked with collaborators from across the spectrum of contemporary...
"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 Ellis
Bill Ellis
Bill Ellis is a professor, author and researcher who contributes to the Journal of American Folklore .-Biography:William Ellis was born January 3, 1950 in Roanoke, VA and spent his childhood in Roanoke, as well as in Portsmouth, Ohio when his father was transferred to a section branch with the...
quote "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". Playing upright bass with string band Devli Train, J. D. shows an acuostic side.
See also
- Also plays with Banyan (band)Banyan (band)Banyan is an art rock/alternative rock band with heavy jazz, funk, and punk influence, based in Los Angeles, California.The leader and co-founder is Stephen Perkins, who first played drums for Jane's Addiction , and then for Porno for Pyros. He co-founded the group with David Turin...
, WWP, The Green Machine, Latest Band In Memphis, Stephen PerkinsStephen PerkinsStephen Andrew Perkins is an American musician and songwriter. A drummer and percussionist, he currently plays with Jane's Addiction and Hellflower....
, Brian Jordan, Juego Listo, Damfool String Band, Rumpke Mountain Boys, and Freeman Benefit.
External links
- http://www.Deltagrass.com
- http://www.amazon.com/Soon-Be-Crows-Garden-Westmoreland/dp/B00004TFKA
- http://pabnet.com.seanic11.net/robwave/westmore