Hey Everybody. 

Hey Ya'll!!!
Just wanted to share this review with you. It was written by Russell Starks who came to my recent show in Philly.
Hope you like it.
New music coming soon,

Jav

First, let me be clear about something – I am by no means an expert on contemporary R&B. It's not that I don't like it, just that when it comes to R&B and Soul, I tend to gravitate toward the classics. I guess that's why I've always perked up when music by Javier has entered the shuffle around our house (we have a copy of both of his full-lengths), because while it is unmistakably contemporary ("neo-soul", I've seen him labeled), there is a definite nod to those classics through some of his more organic tone choices and a valiant striving toward timeless song craft in what can be a very fast moving musical lane.

When we heard that Javier would be at the Tin Angel in Philadelphia, a small and intimate acoustic venue in Old City, I was curious as to how his recordings would translate – and what the approach would be. Drum machines? Backing tracks?

When Javier walked on stage with a MacBook in hand – I thought I had him figured out. Not by a long shot. I expected a fun night of good music – I didn't expect to be completely won over the way I ended up being, literally imploring him at the end of the show to release a stripped down album akin to what we had seen that night because I was sure it would knock people to their knees in the same way that they must have been the first time they heard Keb Mo's "Every Morning". His albums are fantastic, don't get me wrong – but seeing this guy live is essential to understanding the true depth of his talent, which is perhaps still just a tad under the radar.

First of all, it goes without saying that he is a phenomenal vocalist – his albums clearly capture that. He's definitely a showman (albeit a low-key and grounded one), but for all of those American Idols who attempt to drench every note with by-the-numbers arpeggios and trills – Javier is an example of what soulful embellishment can sound like when done tastefully and appropriately. He is, after all, following in the tradition of the great soul singers – all of whom knew how to reinterpret a song in this way and drag the emotion out of it, kicking and screaming.

However, I was in no way prepared for the phenomenal guitar playing – not only was it technically impressive; it was completely second nature. He effortlessly went from soulful ballads, to re-workings of his better known tunes, to classically inspired guitar instrumentals, and treated us to a few covers as well – including an absolutely incredible cover of Collin Raye's "Love, Me" that surprisingly left me with a lump in my throat (that was the first of two times – the second was on Javier's own "OK, Here's The Truth" – a surprisingly catchy tune for how completely devastating it is…brilliant).

He also revealed his love of James Taylor with two somewhat obscure covers by "JT". In response, someone from the audience said "what, Justin Timberlake?" And this is where things really got interesting…Javier sort of smiled and zoned out for a few short moments, strumming a few chords…and then broke into a note-for-note perfect (actually, better than the original) take on "Cry Me A River". In case you don't know, there aren't a lot of people who can do that in the "popular music" world. I know many artists who can't even remember how to play their own songs if they haven't practiced them for the upcoming show – but Javier is a throwback to the musicians of the early part of the 20th century – those guys for whom music was a language that they could just inhabit and command at the drop of a hat. This was in further evidence when fans were shouting out songs that he hadn't played any time recently (in a few cases, ever), and with three or four strums, he'd be off – sounding 100% rehearsed.

But there's one other aspect to this artist – he's a really down to earth guy with a great sense of humor. After that "JT" cover, he was joking with the audience about the music in commercials, and as audience members shouted out jingles, he deftly started playing them – who would have ever thought the Juicy Fruit theme could sound so cool?

Oh, and that laptop? He used it to show us some videos he had shot of his baby girl laughing as he played peek-a-boo with her – the whole audience infected by the giggling. Boy, was I wrong.

An intimate evening with a true class act – I rarely have as much fun as when I'm watching someone I consider a "virtuoso". Anyone can sing, but not like this. Anyone can strum three chords, but his fluid playing and jazzy arrangements are something else entirely…the kind of thing that I hope inspires a new generation to continue the endangered tradition of true musicianship. I have little doubt that all it will take is Javier being in the right place at the right time, and being able to see him at the Tin Angel will be a thing of the past. Keep an eye out, and do not miss him when he is in town.

Wassup guys and girls!!!!!

Hope this message finds you all well. I know a lot of you have been waiting for new music so I figured I'd throw you a new one. I just put it up on the page so check it out when you get a chance. We actually recorded it a while ago and I wasn't supposed to post this one yet but I felt ya'll deserve a lil love.

Let me know what you think...

Jav

Wassup Ya'll,
Just wanted to let you know that I posted a new live performance video of "Come Through" on my profile. It was recorded in NYC at The Bitter End in June when I co-billed with my friends Josh Hoge and Ernie Halter

There are some other videos that other people took that night that you can watch if you search "Javier at Bitter End" or "Javier and Ernie Halter"

Let me know what you think....

take care,

Javier

Well.... I decided that Since I was going to be in Anaheim for a few days at the NAMM Show (a huge music convention), I would see if I could find a last minute show somewhere in LA cuz it has been way too long. Somehow, my agent was able to find me a slot at the Temple Bar on the 19th. This will be my first show at the Temple Bar and my first appearance in LA in almost 2 years so you don't want to miss it. If you're around, come out and say wassup. I'm sharing the evening with Gina Loring who is incredible. Check out her myspace.
www.myspace.com/ginaloring

I think doors open at 8:30 and I go on at 9:15 SHARP!!! So don't be late......

Tell your family and ALL your friends!!!
Hope to see you all there...

Javier

Wassup Everybody,

I'm back from Europe with Joss. It was amazing. The people seemed to really appreciate music out there which was really nice. Trip was a little too short but I'll hopefully be back in March.
Anyway, Just wanted to let you know that I put some new vids and music from the tour on my page. Two videos, "Song For Your Tears" and "If I Never Get To Heaven/By Your Side" and a live version of "Ok..Here's The Truth" from my show in Cologne, Germany on 10/24/07. Please let all your peeps know and dont forget to comment on my youtube page too. My username is JaviersUTube

Thanks and I'll be seeing you all real soon,

Javier

Well... I know Its long overdue but I am very happy to tell you all that I will be opening for Joss Stone on part of her upcoming European tour starting on Oct 15th in Copenhagen, Denmark. Other stops include Hamburg, Rotterdam, Koln, and Antwerp, Belgium. There is a good possibility that I'll be adding my own solo shows in London, Paris, and Amsterdam so check my tour schedule next week for updates.

I've been wanting to tour Europe since my first album came out and now thanks to Joss, Its happening. I look forward to finally seeing so many of you who have supported me over seas. I appreciate the love and I'm comin to see ya.

Cant wait,

Javier

 

Hey my people!!!

Well I'm back from my tour with Joss Stone and I have to say it was awesome. I had a great time and met a lot of wonderful and loyal fans. I made some new ones along the way too which is always good. Thank you all so much for coming out and showing me so much love.

A lot of you  have been asking about a new song I was performing out on the road about a woman and her husband. Well... I just finished a rough acoustic version of it and its up on my page so check it out. Its called "Ok... Heres The Truth". I wrote it with a friend of mine, Tommy Sims. I know I say this all the time but it may only be up for a little while before my producers make me pull it and make you wait for the finished version.  

I would really love your feedback on this one. It is another example of the new direction I'm heading. Acoustic and vocal with some soul mixed in.  The lyrics are important in this song so pay attention or you might miss something...: )         I hope it moves you like it moves me.

Thanks again for your love and support.

Hope to see you all soon,

Javier

Wassup everybody,

I just wanted to let you know that I put up a few new pics and a new song that I just recorded with the band. It is definitely one of the most personal songs I've ever written. It might not be your typical "Javier" sounding song, but times are changin. Its called "Come Through". It will only be up for a few days so check it out while you can and let me know what you think.

Jav  

Hey everybody,

How are you all doing? Hope everyone is doing ok.

Well,..in between getting ready for my tour with Joss and taking my Boxer Aundre out to pee,  I put up a new song for ya'll to check out. It may sound a little different than what some of you are used to hearing from me but I think that sound is going to be a part of what I do from now on. Anyway, the song is called "Case of You" by Joni Mitchell. If you have never heard this song before or... even worse.. never heard of Joni Mitchell, ya'll need to do some homework. She's one of the best songwritters of our time. Please let me know what you think. I'll probably only have this song up for a short time. Well, unless, you all overwhelmingly tell me otherwise. I'll have more songs for you soon.

See you all on the road,

Javier