Born: 16th October, 1977 (Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA)
Profile: He is an American musician and songwriter. His career pursuits have extended to stand-up comedy, design and writing; he has written pieces for magazines, most notably for Esquire. He is also involved in philanthropic activities through his 'Back to You' fund.
History: His love in music started when he was young, he started playing clarinet for a while in middle school, with minor success. After watching Michael J. Fox's guitar performance as Marty McFly in the movie Back to the Future, Mayer became fascinated with the instrument, and when he turned 13, his father rented one for him.
Soon after, a neighbor gave him a Stevie Ray Vaughan cassette, which began Mayer’s intense love of the blues. Mayer started taking lessons from a local guitar-shop owner, and soon became consumed with playing the instrument. After two years of practice, he started playing at blues bars and other venues in the area, while he was still in high school. In addition to performing solo, he was a member of a band called "Villanova Junction" (named for a Jimi Hendrix song). After graduation, he worked for 15 months at a gas station until he saved enough money to buy a 1996 Stevie Ray Vaughan signature Stratocaster.
In 1997, at age 19, he attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he refined his skills and gained a following. After two semesters, he left school and moved to Atlanta with a friend Clay Cook . In Atlanta they formed a two-man band called "LoFi Masters" and began performing in local coffee houses and club venues such as Eddie's Attic. According to Cook, they began to experience musical differences due to Mayer’s desire to move more towards pop music. As a result the two parted ways, and Mayer embarked on a solo career.
With the help of local producer and engineer Glenn Matullo, Mayer recorded the independent EP 'Inside Wants Out'. The EP includes eight songs with Mayer on lead vocals and guitars. Mayer’s reputation began to build, and in 2000, his appearance at South by Southwest brought him to the attention of Aware Records.
In 2001, Aware released Mayer’s internet-only album entitled, 'Room for Squares'. During that time, Aware inked a deal with Columbia Records that gave Columbia first pick in signing Aware artists, and so in September of the same year, Columbia remixed and re-released 'Room for Squares'. By the end of 2002, the album had spawned several radio hits, and Mayer won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for 'Your Body Is a Wonderland'.
In 2004, Mayer began to collaborate extensively, often working with artists outside of his own genre. He appeared on Kanye West's song 'Bittersweet Poetry', and Mayer received praise from rap heavyweights Jay-Z and Nelly. It was around this time that Mayer began hinting a change in his musical interests. In 2005, he began a string of collaborations with various blues artists, including Buddy Guy, BB King, Eric Clapton, as well as jazz artist John Scofield. He also went on tour with legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock.
In mid 2005, Mayer formed the "John Mayer Trio" with bassist Pino Palladino and drummer Steve Jordan, both of whom he had met through previous studio sessions. The trio played a combination of blues and rock music. In October, the Trio opened for "The Rolling Stones" during a sold-out club tour of their own, and that November, released a live album called 'Try!'.
In 2009, Mayer's 4th studio album, 'Battle Studies', was released and debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200 album chart. The album consists of 11 tracks. Despite the album's commercial success, critics were mixed with their praise; while some reviews were glowing, calling it his 'most adventurous', others called the album 'safe'.
Influences: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Cray and Freddie King
Axology: Fender Stratocaster
Signature song(s): Your Body Is a Wonderland - John Mayer (Room for Squares, 2001)
Link(s):
http://www.johnmayer.com/ (Official website)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etBZBbx_qjM
No comments:
Post a Comment