Fidelity

What is Fidelity the Recording? Rhythm and Blues + Imporvosational Jazz + Funk + Issues We Face Today + Fidelity Stepping into the gendre of Neo-Soul and Jazz Funk Fusion is Fidelilty the latetst recording by St. Louis' own Jon Thomas and Friends Who Are the Performers Compositions: John H. Thomas, Jr. Lead Vocal and Percussion: Jay Dover Guitar: John Farrar Backing Vocals: Linda D. Thomas Alto and Tenor Saxophones & Percussion: Joel Williams Electric and Upright Acoustic Bass: Jon Thomas What about the Songs? In true Jon Thomas and Friends tradition all the compositions are original. This recording ventures into the influence of Motown and Neo-Soul while embrassing the improvosational funky/jazz feel of the first two JTNF recordings 'Off The Block' and Green With Passion'. All the songs were written arranged and recorded by John H. Thomas, Jr. John was musically influenced by two of the greatest R&B composers of our time William 'Smokey' Robinson and Rod Temperton. Smokey is the composer of most of the best known Motown classic hits as song by the likes of The Temptations, The Miracles, The Supremes and the The Jackson Five just to name a few. Rod Temperton is none other than the song writter for many of Micheal Jacksons greatests hits and bass player composer for Heat Wave. With these compositional influences John developed the concept for the tunes that comprise Fidelity. Fidelity is not talking about the typical baby you did me wrong song or I feel good. No the message is deeper than that. Makes you think about where you are and what you are doing. Thought provoking to say the least. More About the Recording Artists on Fidelity? Three first timers to the JTNF project team are featured on this recording. Joel Williams Alto and Tenor Saxophones and Percussion literally sounds like Grover Washington on Charlie Parker with John Coltraine. This is no over statement and any age Joel is the real deal but at only 18 years of age at the time of this recording Joel is amazing. Jon state.. It's just hard to beleive. And over the years I have played with some great players. I am not sure any of them compare with what Joel is doing and can do. ' Don't believe us check him out for yourself. Listen to Water and Waves and the solo on Fidelity. Appreciate how well he fits into the grooves on Treacherous Heart and One In Three. It is amazing stuff. Jay Dover Lead Vocal and Percussion I asked Jon why Jay? Jon said...'First of all Jay is a great musicain and song stylist and he is easy to work with. I have worked with Jay over the years and have always appreciated that he makes tunes uniquely his own. JTNF is an original band strongly influenced by the masters in the genere we are playing. Jay fit the bill perfectly for Fidelity. I could not agree more. Jay did an exceptional job. Reminds me of Bill Whithers with a uniqueness of an Al Green and a lustrous jazzy voice of Jon Lucien. Jon continues listen to the way Jay embraces these tunes. All of his work is great. I was probably most impressed with the scat solo on Anthem of the Greats. I said Jay take a scat solo and there you have. Water and Waves has some range to it espcially on the low end. Jay did great. One In Three deep subject requiring real sensativty. Linda D. Thomas Backing Vocals Imagine having Sarah Vaughn and Gladys Knight combined into one voice and harmonizing with you. That's what Linda's performance brings to mind on Fidelity. Jon said ' Linda was another real gamer. She worked hard to make sure the content and the execution was just so. Do you really like it? Should we do it again? I can do it better let's do one more take. Those were the comments Linda made as we developed the tracts. She has always been so supportive of me and of Jon Thomas and Friends. A better wife is not possible for me states Jon. Just as a note don't let the family connection fool you she can sing and you will here it on Fidelity. John Farrar Guitar sounding like Grant Green who listens to a lot of Wes Montgomery. John returns for this third recording. What about Farrar I asked. 'Rock solid an