Jon Hart is a multi-talented musician; writing, arranging and performing songs utilising virtuoso fingerstyle guitar with vocal harmony and beat-boxing. He is also the lead singer/guitarist for experiment electronic rock band Opinaut.
Originally from the Isle of Wight and now living in Sutton, Surrey (after briefly touring LA & Belgium and (with) airplay on ABC radio) he lives by day as a wedding musician/guitar tutor and gigs by night. He is currently writing/recording his 5th release 'The Multi-coloured Acre’. As his previous material has been much more standard singer/songwriter material (strumming chords with vocal melodies over the top), this new release has pushed Jon to the limits of pure musical satisfaction. Influenced by Andy McKee, Newton Faulkner and many other amazing artists, this LP features a more artistic element by adding percussion and blistering melodies to create a set with depth and incredible energy. After 2 years in the making, this exciting LP will be released in mid-2012. Check out Jon's promo video for a sample of what’s to come. So, going back… With very little else to do as a young driven guy on the Isle of Wight, Jon focussed his passion for music and began making waves on the local music scene touring with a variety of bands as lead guitar and front man. Determined to develop his musical expertise Jon crossed the waters to study Music at the University of Southampton and continued his tour of the South. Jon graduated in 2006 with a solid BA honours degree during which he played with an array of upcoming bands and recorded his first EP ‘The Josh Art Project’. This album is a mix of acoustic rock, jazz and pop created a buzz within the music scene, both local and online.
Shortly after appearing at The Southampton Access Festival in June 2007 Jon went on to record the single ‘Evolve’, which prompted comments about the striking jazz chords, percussive trills and catchy vocal melodies making it a ‘must play’ at every gig. Jon then moved to London in 2008 to take his career to the next level. There he gigged continuously around the city, building on his ever growing fan base. “Making the journey from the Island to the big smoke was like trekking from the Shire to Mordor! As a one man band/rabbit in the headlights, you really have to grab this city by the balls and never let go. It’s a beautiful place!” After a number of successful gigs in and around London and working alongside producer Albert Penheiro (Turin Brakes ‘The Optimist’) Jon was offered the front man position in rock band Zhain. Whilst touring with the band around the UK and Los Angeles Jon met and later worked with Luther Grosvenor (Ariel Bender; Mott the Hoople). Luther’s first comment on hearing Jon sing with Zhain was: "F***ing amazing voice man, great guy!" Following this provocative work with Zhain, Jon again began focussing on his solo material. After an inspiring charity trip to Lourdes (France), he wrote, recorded and produced his debut solo album ‘Mahogany Love’ from his home studio in South London. The title represents the true nature of the album, a natural acoustic sound! It’s a collaboration of pure acoustic pieces combining folk, pop and rock with distinctive vocals and metaphoric/humorous lyrics. The title track (co-written by Chifundo Mbewe) received critical acclaim from Fame Games, ABC Radio and fans, reviewers and new listeners pushed for the album to be released. Following a successful year gigging the album material, 2010 saw Jon take a step back from the industry. He received huge praise for a quirky version of the classic ‘Wonderwall’ performed at a local event: Croydon Clock Tower’s ‘Testing 1, 2 3’. Over the past year Jon has also worked closely with a local choir S.I.N.G; arranging and conducting his own works, and alongside producer Steve Green (Sound Addiction Ltd). 2011 saw Jon record his fourth release ‘Round Top’ which showcases Jon’s music; in this more mature piece of work, his recent life events are reflected. This mixture of alternative indie-rock, pop and triphop is professionally produced (thanks to Steve Green and Sound Addiction Ltd), and Jon reveals it is “my best pop/rock work to date”. He is currently rehearsing ‘Round-Top’ with Opinaut (formally known as the Jon Hart Band) and pushing to jump on festivals in 2012. He is also working on reforming his solo material by combining vocal & fingerstyle guitar works such as: ‘Defuse’ and ‘Reborn’. Although, these pieces take a long time to compose ('Reborn' took 6 months), it will give Jon the platform to showcase his new material in a brand new exciting light. The 5th release 'The Multicoloured acre' will be due out in 2012. Jon’s drive and focus is his love for music. He has become a committed DIY artist, working professionally with both the artistic and business side of the industry. Everything you have read, heard or seen about Jon Hart is genuine and that’s what comes across in his music and performances. |
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