In 2011, I released my debut studio album titled Nothin’ But Love. When the record was deemed “New and Noteworthy” on iTunes, I was stunned. I still am. Thank you for listening.
Though I happily worked in the family retail business my entire Sherman Oaks, California childhood, my goals and dreams always involved the entertainment industry. As fate would have it, I began acting and singing in television and film & recording jingles and commercials. By age nine, the recording studio felt like “home,” and I decided that if the stars ever aligned, I wanted to record my own album.
I tucked that idea away until 2009 when, one night after a performance of Jersey Boys, I met Charles “Charlie” Calello:
“Mr. Calello, I would really like to record a solo album.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Yes I do. And I would like to work on it with you.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, kid.”
I didn’t give up, and a year later Charlie and I began work on my long-dreamt of record. It would be the biggest undertaking I had ever ventured upon. Months of preproduction involved debating the tone, the style, the sound and how to record a full-length studio album while I was touring the country singing the pop sound of Frankie Valli. The planning, precision and patience paid off, and the day those cases of Nothin’ But Love CDs arrived at my Midwest hotel is one I will never forget.
Overwhelmed and inspired, I almost immediately began thinking about what the sophomore album would be. And again, Charlie thought I was crazy. I wanted to pick up where Nothin’ But Love left off, unifying multiple decades and genres of American songwriting. So, Charlie and I went back to our “music think tank” and continued our collaboration, crafting what I am proud to call, The Good Stuff. Made with only the finest ingredients, The Good Stuff arrives in November 2015.
If Nothin’ But Love was the invitation, The Good Stuff is the party. I am thrilled to share it with you, promising it will have been worth the wait. As a bonus, I am also announcing a little something I am sure will help in making spirits bright: an EP for the Holiday season, A Little Christmas.
Thank you for being a part of making a Sherman Oaks kid’s dream a reality. It is mind-boggling to think people around the world are giving my music a place in the soundtrack of their lives. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I have enjoyed making my music!
Wishing you only The Good Stuff,
JLB