“ You have to be pretty tight to play this loose. J#Major is the sound of guys who love music and want to share that love with you. The band wears their influences like an old tattoo. Musical journeymen deliver vintage tunes with a fresh sound. This music comes from the heart, striking all the chords of a killer live music experience. I's not about grinding it out in the bars anymore, it's about letting the music flow through you and connecting with the audience in ways you didn't know were possible. So let the band plug in and make that electricity sizzle and spark, touching the musical memories held inside all of us and giving you a night out to remember. Drawing on years of experience, J#Major don't just walk the walk. They rock the rock.”
— Cory McCrindle
Formation (Trio)
(2016)
The band formed in early 2016 when three local musicians: Kristopher Marentette (guitar, keys, vocals), Paul Richard (drums, vocals) and Colton Summers Young (guitar, vocals, flute) were asked to perform for a birthday party. Kristopher and Colton had known each other for many years, but had not performed together. Paul Richard was in the band Bad Moustache and the three had never gigged together.
This debut took place at 'Good Time Charly' and the three were surprised at how quickly they got along and played together. Mixing musical styles and songs together in "mashups" delighted the audience and the trio quickly decided to try performing together again.
After several gigs, the (as of yet unnamed) trio was approached by a gentlemen who asked "what key that last song was in". Always quick with a retort, Colton answered "J Sharp" - a non existent musical key - to test the person's musical knowledge. When the fellow repeated the name, Kristopher offered the suffix of "Major", to reinforce the idiom. The name struck a chord (haha) with the three and it was decided to continue on until a better name was found.
“J#Major is a 10 piece band in a 3 piece body!”
— Nick Metivier
“I had J#Major play at a fundraiser this past Sunday. Myself and the crowd were blown away with the amazing full band sound this talented 3 piece group put out. The Pink Floyd medley sounded like 7 guys on stage and was probably the best Floyd I've heard live in Windsor. Amazingly talented musicians all!”
— Mike Osborne
The Bridge House Years
During one afternoon show, the trio were approached by Michael Harris, the owner of "The Bridge House" bar in Kingsville, Ontario. He was impressed with the performance and suggested the band for his venue. The group quickly became quite popular, playing nearly every Friday or Saturday night to a packed house. Colton's deftness on the flute combined with the ability to switch or converge songs quickly led to lots of extended jams. The band continued to be a popular feature of this bar until it closed.
“These guys are great. We always have a fun evening when they play. See them at the Bridge House in Kingsville. ”
— Meike Dufour
“Rock is Stock! These men can play ANYTHING!” - Michael Harris
“Whenever J#Sharp Major is in Kingsville we try to go! Saw them again Good Friday at Shakers. Love the variety of their music, their talent, the atmosphere they create and dancing to it!!”
— Janice