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| Jordan Okrend Forges Distinct Sound with New EP Jordan Okrend is a young musician who has always wanted to inspire people with music that carries a message of hope. At the age of 19, Jordan is getting ready to release an EP that he hopes will do just that. His debut EP, "Unpredictable" contains five songs with introspective lyrics and memorable melodies that move the body and touch the soul. The 5 song EP has a contemporary feel that brings artists such as John Mayer and Jack Johnson to mind, but it also has roots and melodies that evoke The Beatles and Bob Marley. "This is no accident. I grew up in a house where music was a constant, " says Jordan. "My Dad composed jazz/new age on the piano, and the sounds of the Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis and Bob Marley were never far off. I started taking guitar lessons at the age of 7 at Harry's Guitar Shop in Raleigh and loved it. When I started writing my first songs as a young teenager, all these musical influences were already there, but I also liked Hip Hop and Funk." By the time he was finishing his senior year of high school just over a year ago, Jordan had started to create a unique blend of the music he loved coupled with lyrics prompting people to rise above doubt and limitation, and to live from hope and promise. Determined to pursue music as a career, Jordan applied to the Berklee School of Music in Boston and was accepted. Instead of going to Boston, Jordan chose to stay in his home state to attend Appalachian State University in Boone as a music industries major. After spending time in the mountains, Blue Grass became another musical influence in Jordan's young life. Jordan is really excited about introducing his music to a wider audience through his new EP. Recorded and produced at Studio 313 in Raleigh, the project features a slew of talented musicians including "Bongo"John Metcalf on drums, Derek Arnold on bass, and Jeff Creed on percussion and background vocals. In addition to writing all the music and lyrics, Jordan sings all lead vocals and plays both acoustic and electric guitar. "I am grateful for this chance to share my music, " says Jordan. " I owe a lot to the great artists such as John Lennon and Bob Marley for inspiring my musical direction as they believed that music can be a power of good that can change the world. I also believe that, and I am ready to see how far my music can go." An EP release party is scheduled for Friday, July 23rd at Shakedown Street, 2500 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC near NC State starting at 10p.m. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |