Love Letter to the World

Music is music and can always be enjoyed, but some songs rise above all others and touch us in a place that is more human and primal than we could ever imagine had existed. The energy of the moment reaches into us and massages that small invisible string that connects us all and for a moment, we are gripped by something more powerful and knowing than us or the artist. My friends, you've experienced the warm embrace of God.

The funny part is that we're taught that we're individuals and that we are each unique (which is quite true) but just as equally are we all connected and equal. Aren't we all distant cousins in the end? From either the church or the scientists view, we were all created by something whether it be a primordial "man" or a one cell organism in the ocean. At one point our ancestors were directed and that which is earthly (physical and mental) evolved. To say were are animals is a truth but it's equally an understatement to the human potential.

What I've learned is that what separates us from most other living organisms is our power and our desire to improve ourselves mentally and physically. More people are running marathons (26.2 miles) than ever because we (humans) generally love pushing ourselves beyond our "limits".

As an artist, I push myself consistently and look up toward the masters for admiration and guidance. I've been learning on piano the song by Claude Debussy "Claire De LA Lune" which isn't easy by any means. But the beauty of this masterpiece drives me to it. It has pushed me further because when Debussy's brilliance and emotion drip from my hand to the keyboard, the composer and I are connected (as all humans are) but in a special and imitate way.

Great and popular songs will be massed produced as frequently as mcdonalds hamburgers but in the end nothing can compare to a piece of music that grips you inside and with one simple vibration, changes your mood, your outlook, and anything else that needs a positive twirl. That's the beauty of music!

And so how does one achieve this? Well, through practice, talent, and understanding that every true artist must suffer and feel that when he writes that song, or paints that picture, he is painting the reflection of God. The God of christianity, islam, hindu, judaism, and governing science of tao. Music has achieved something no church in history has... a direct and tangible image of existence... one with hierarchy... the power of music just IS.

The words are limited but the love is infinite and our lives are a roller coaster, any way you spin it.

1: Find the Truth
2: Adhere
3. Live


Love,

James

Happy Jack Frequency Biography

Happy Jack Frequency is the solo project of New Orleans musician James Martin. Still in his early 20’s, James has earned his stripes by performing on three different continents and forty-two of the fifty Unites States of America. In addition to his experience, James also has had the advantage of working alongside greats such as Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and Lenny Kravitz for example. His hast gig included tours and studio work as a founding member of the New Orleans favorite, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave.

It was during this time that James honed himself as a performer and a songwriter. He made it his challenge to captivate the crowd when he took stage but to also captivate them with the words and music of his songs. “When I was a little kid, I would put on shows for my family. My grandmother would announce me and I would run down the hall into the living room to sing and dance to a record” Nothing much has changed in the past 20 years or so and James always knew that he would be on stage one day singing his own songs to large crowds. This is something James considers a true blessing.

A studious performer, James has evolved into a charismatic front man; a skill that rivals only his crafty songwriting. “On the current release which I made at Music Shed Studios with Grammy Award winning Chris Finney, many of the songs were written between the years of 2005 up till the beginning of 2009. And so much of what I was going through during those times, Hurricane Katrina, love, pain, heartbreak, fighting back through marathon running and marathon music making… all these concepts find their ways into the lyrics and context.”

Interestingly enough, James always asks for outside opinions but records full demos of the songs he’s currently writing as part of his creative process. So by the end of 2008, James had amassed about 3 albums worth of material which he decided to cut down to 1 album to record professionally in a top notch studio. Having already been through the recording process for the self made demos, James went into the studio and recorded all the various parts and instruments himself minus most of the percussion which was done by in the demand studio drummer Joey Peebles.

The result exceeded James’ expectations and so suddenly what was to be a songwriting demo became a full blown album. As James began shopping around his album looking for shows and opportunities the question would always arise “The band sounds good, what’s the name, and who else is playing?” “Well, aside from some of the drum parts, it’s just me” James would say uncomfortably”. But all this was about to change. James hired his long time bassist friend Matthew Sexton to fill the bottom, guitarist Matt Clark to make the songs shine, and Drummer Eric Heigle to help put that tap in your foot.

Know a full four piece band playing all of James’ original music plus several great covers, Happy Jack Frequency has been tearing up local New Orleans Venues such as Tipitinas, One Eyed Jacks, Howlin’ Wolf, and the Blue Nile.

Happy Jack Frequency offers an intoxicating hit of energy both prevalent in their music and live shows. With a genuine and honest combination of pop rock and electronic, Happy Jack Frequency delivers a can't miss sound.