TJR is an independent singer songwriter musician whose music is Influenced by the Rhythms and Ironic Lyrics of Chuck Berry, The Pop Colors of the Beatles, and guitar heroes like Eddie Van Halen and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
TJR mixes his passion for roots and rock music to create his own blend of music that is best described as: Neo Classic Rock
At his live gigs, TJR has become as well know for his radical re-workings of popular cover songs, as he has for his own irresistibly catchy original songs.
His recordings have received Grammy consideration, making the opening ballots in the categories of Best Rock Album, Best Song, Best Male Vocals Country, and Best Short Form Video.
As a performer TJR has shown that he can easily move between big shows rocking out with a full band - To intimate acoustic performances. In either format, TJR mixes passion for roots music with a modern instinct and a Rockin’ attitude.
Receiving notices for satirical songs like "Peace Love And Don't Trust MTV" and his mournful remake of the Outkast song "Hey Ya", TJR has found his own musical niche that has crossed over to fans Americana, Blues, Country, and Classic Rock.
He is also the David that took on Goliath:. When the media giant Fremantle International was enraged by his controversial song “American Idol” (A song that speaks critically of the popular TV show). They ordered Youtube to take down his music video for the song. TJR fought them and won.
He has been the recipient of the ASCAP + Music Award for song writing 4 years in a row. And was nominated Best Roots Artist in the OC Music Awards.
TJR is also an accomplished session player.
He has lent his talents to the recordings of his fellow independent artists and even to Major Label Artists (Most notably appearing on Neil Young’s “Living With War” album.
The Vegas Weekly said "TJR Cooks like a Texas barbecue in the middle of July"! Live magazine called TJR. "The new Reverend of Rock’n’Roll"!
In his private life TJR has worked in association with Project Rytmo helping helping at risk and adjudicated youth find careers through music and music technology.
From school age kids to Baby Boomers TJR bridges the generation gap with
ease, by appealing to fans of all styles of music with creative remakes and dynamic original songs.
TJR: Bringing Rock'n'Roll back to the people
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Accolades and other acheivments
OC Music Awards: Best Roots Artist Nominee
Sponsorship with Taylor Guitars
ASCAP + Award Winner
Songs placed in two indie features
Live Performance on the Daybreak OC TV show
Live performance on the Gary Garver Show
Opened or worked with: Neil Young, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Walter Trout, Michael Ubaldini, Dan Hicks and the Hotlicks, Big Sandy and his Fly Rite Boys, Wild Child, The Nelson Brothers
Opening Grammy Ballot slots for Best Album, Best Rock Album and Song of the year for the 2009 Grammy Awards.
Opening Grammy Ballot slots for Best Song, Best Male Vocal Country, Best Short Form Video for the 2010 Grammy Awards
Completed first European tour in Fall of 2007.
TJR was chosen as one of the artists to perform at the Southern CA. leg of Tourbaby: The first all indie artist music tour.
Released an additional digital album of all piano instrumentals.
Discography (As TJR)
Lone Dog
Rip Roarin’ Rock and Roll
Mixed Emotions
Another Roll Of The Dice
The TJR Christmas Card
Other recordings TJR has appeared on:
Neil Young: Living With War
Project Tru: A 12 Piece Band
Project Tru: In Case They Still Believe
In My Life: A Piano Tribute to the Beatles
Regal Comics: Aliya
Live Bands in the House Vol 1