JON SPEAR
Award-winning songwriter, recording artist and live performer with a unique blend of traditional and modern sounds
Award-winning songwriter, recording artist and live performer with a unique blend of traditional and modern sounds
"Jon Spear is family at Brewing Tree Beer Company. He is a local legend that brings a level of professionalism and excitement every times he plays. His musical range is vast, focused deeply in the blues and wandering into rock & roll, soul, and jazz. There is never a time that Jon does not bring his 'A' game to play. We consider him to be one of the finest musicians in the area. You would be lucky to have him play live for you".
"Nothing makes a shift fly by like truly excellent music, and our days are never faster than when Jon comes to play in our Tasting Room. His musical style reminds me of classic artists I grew up loving (Don Henley, Tom Waitts), with modern nods. Beyond being easy on the ears in an instrumental sense, the lyrics on Jon's originals are compelling and leave you thinking. We feel very lucky to have Jon as a reoccurring guest musician at Albemarle Ciderworks."
"Booking Jon Spear was a great decision for The Club at Glenmore. He’s a talented artist that really knows how to connect an audience and our members loved him! If you’re looking to create an engaging, memorable vibe at your venue… get Jon Spear. Highly recommended!"
CONTACT jon@jonspearmusic.com
"Pretty mandolin and bluegrass instruments in a country style arrangement conjure up a gentle scene – springtime, easy breezes, and a simple gift of flowers. Sometimes the best songs are about the simple gestures, like this one" — Americana Highways (March 2024)
Five new songs now available worldwide for streaming and download Check them out on Spotify.
Jon's love of music started in the early 1950s singing in his church choir and sharing evenings with his family around an old tube radio listening to the sound of big bands. That was a time when rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, blues and R&B were bursting onto the national musical scene and Spear caught the bug real early. He got his
Jon's love of music started in the early 1950s singing in his church choir and sharing evenings with his family around an old tube radio listening to the sound of big bands. That was a time when rockabilly, rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, blues and R&B were bursting onto the national musical scene and Spear caught the bug real early. He got his first guitar when he was 11 and had the thrill of a young boy’s life when his precocious high school band opened for the Isley Brothers at Port Chester NY’s famed Capitol Theatre back when “Twist & Shout” was a nationwide hit.
During the social upheaval of the 1960s, Jon developed his talent for songwriting as he discovered the power of music to foment change and address important social issues.
Jon Spear has built a strong reputation as a bluesman with his namesake group, the Jon Spear Band. Prior to its breakup at the end of 2021, the band released four critically acclaimed albums of mostly original music, all of which charted in the USA, UK, France, Australia and other countries. One of their CDs was nominated by Blues Bla
Jon Spear has built a strong reputation as a bluesman with his namesake group, the Jon Spear Band. Prior to its breakup at the end of 2021, the band released four critically acclaimed albums of mostly original music, all of which charted in the USA, UK, France, Australia and other countries. One of their CDs was nominated by Blues Blast Magazine for best live recording of 2016. Much of the group's success is credited not just to its musical talents, but also to the strength of Spear's original music. But Spear’s songwriting energy isn’t confined to blues and over the years, he’s penned songs in a number of genres including country, folk, rock and Americana. Jon has also studied classical guitar which helped him perfect his gift for fingerpicking in the Piedmont blues style.
Jon Spear plays regularly at a number of Central Virginia venues including Glass House Winery, Keswick Vineyards, Southwest Mountain Winery, Prince Michel, Brewing Tree and many more. His duo was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis TN while his band opened for nationally touring acts including Debbie Da
Jon Spear plays regularly at a number of Central Virginia venues including Glass House Winery, Keswick Vineyards, Southwest Mountain Winery, Prince Michel, Brewing Tree and many more. His duo was a semi-finalist at the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis TN while his band opened for nationally touring acts including Debbie Davies, Delbert McClinton, the Iguanas, Chris Duarte Group, Anson Funderburgh, Memphis Gold, Junior Brown, and more. Jon has also played at the Jefferson Theater and 3500-seat Ting Pavilion in Charlottesville VA, the Big Buggs Island Blues Bash (Clarksville, VA), Historic Masonic Theater (Clifton Forge, VA), the Capitol Theater in Port Chester NY, The Camel and The Tin Pan (Richmond VA) and many more.
Here are some samples of Jon covering some well known favorites.
Original song by the Jon Spear Band (c) 2021. Back in the day, 45 rpm records were released with an A-Side that was supposed to be the big hit and the B-Side, which was often an afterthought. But every once in a while the experts got it wrong and the B-Side became the big hit. I like that idea because I always identify with underdog, so I wrote a song about all those B-Side singles that wouldn't stay in their place.
Original song written and performed by Jon Spear, and featuring Jennifer Dodge. Pedal steel by Jay Jessup, Drums by John Stubblefield, Bass by Andy Burdetsky and mandolin by Jon Spear. Produced by Andy Waldeck and Recorded at Ravensworth Studio in Scottsville, VA
This original song was originally written for the Nelson County VA SPCA (a no-kill shelter) to encourage folks to adopt a homeless animal. This version appeared on Jon Spear's DUSTY STREETS EP released in 2019.
If you're interested in booking Jon or want to learn more about his music, please send an email to jon@jonspearmusic.com
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