One of the most beloved drummers on the touring circuit is back.  Jeep (former drummer for The Samples) has long been hungry to break new ground for those who share his eclectic musical tastes. Now, he's come out from behind his kit to serve up generous portions of his sound which has an edgy danceable groove.  Jeep has never been the type to let audiences sit back and simply take it all in, and it shows on his debut solo CD, Jeep.

With simple aspirations of exploring the uncharted side of his musical talent, Jeep has metamorphosized from drummer for a national band to a solo headliner. "For me, it's all about artistic expression," explains the quiet-spoken, constantly-in-motion artist. "Musically, I have a lot more I want to express aside from just playing the drums. As a singer and a songwriter, I am able to bridge the gap between the artist and the audience. By bringing them closer to my mental music state, the audience can be more than spectators. They can really be in the music."  Ironically, Jeeps drummer Kenny James was the drummer who replaced him when he left the Samples in 1997.  "It was a natural jump to have Kenny play drums with me, he has the same 'emphasis on the groove' drumming style as I do."

As a child growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Jeep spent countless hours listening to his mother's vast album collection. He soon became enamored with Reggae and R&B, listening to Black Uhuru, Cameo and Zap. He still has his first album, Stevie Wonder, Talking Book that he received for his 6th birthday.  Jeep began to hone his singing and performing skills, often playing guitar for his family and friends. But it was while in high school that his musical palate really began to expand and evolve. "We play Jazz, Bluz, and Raygay," said the hastily scrawled notice seeking bandmates on the message board in the Colorado University Student Union in 1987. Poor spelling notwithstanding, Jeep saw it as an opportunity to hook up with other musicians. A few weeks later, The Samples played their first gig in front of about 10 friends at Tulagi, a college bar in Boulder.  With The Samples, Jeep criss crossed the country countless times, recorded six records on three record labels, and is approaching the sale of his millionth album. Adoring fans heralded him as one of the best drummers on the touring circut and he has played in front of hundreds of thousands of fans. Jeep acknowledges that "The Samples were important to my musical evolution but, I needed more to keep growing."

Jeep is again feeling the hunger to perform. This is his first national solo tour. Listen closely to Jeep or catch his live show and you'll be impressed with an ever-changing style one moment reminding the listener of Ladysmith Black Mambazzo and the next of the early Police.

All in all, this CD is simply Jeep being Jeep. Now, his immense talent is accessible for all to enjoy. This is one Jeep worth taking for a test spin.

Jeep plays with:
Kenny James - Drums
Sid Greenbud - Bass