Jonny And The Jazzuits is a four-piece band that is heavily rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, the band aims at giving hope to the downhearted and strength to the weak, and light to the lost.
The band is greatly inspired by the word of God and that serves as the main inspiration for the band, yet the quartet has another source of inspiration which is Jazz, the love they have for these two necessitated them to blend them together, and that was where “Jazzuits” was born.
In a recent interview with Mister Styx of Musicarenagh, the band shared the origin of the band name, they said
Yes! It’s a sort of play on words with the word ‘Jesuits’. We aren’t actually jesuits, but we do love Jesus and jazz – hence the name Jazzuits!
Jonny and the Jazzuits has released their latest single titled I Can See Clearly Now which is a prelude to the forthcoming 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 album coming in the Autumn.
I Can See Clearly Now was taken from the Holy Bible – Hebrews 12:2a NKJV which says -Let us continue to “𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩-
How the band is able to touch the heart of many through their soulful jazz tune makes it whole song enticing and captivating, the lyrics are heavenly and divine, transcending deep into the hearts of their listener.
The song is the safest way to assure the broken that there is light at the end of the tunnel in Christ.
The band shared more about some of the challenges they’ve faced on their musical journey amongst other things.
Get the full interview below while you enjoy I Can See Clearly Now
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What is your stage name:
Jonny & the Jazzuits
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Yes! It’s a sort of play on words with the word ‘Jesuits’. We aren’t actually jesuits, but we do love Jesus and jazz – hence the name Jazzuits!
Where do you find inspiration?
Our primary inspiration is God’s Word – the Bible. It is a book that has stood the test of time and offers inspiration for both this life and the next.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Jonny (bandleader) started playing piano aged 8, but the changed to woodwind instruments when he attended Christ’s Hospital school in Horsham, England. There was also a military band there and the school would march into lunch each day. Also there was a school big band that Jonny played in that got him hooked on that genre of music.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
My grandfather (who lived to be 102) played the piano. He was more into classical music. Not really anyone else in my family.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
It probably started with the legendary Ben Webster (tenor saxophonist), but also Louis Armstrong and other jazz artists.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Had music lessons from an ex marines bandmaster on clarinet and saxophone, and sang in the school choir as head chorister.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
Wow! That’s a difficult one to remember. I do remember going to see the British All Stars – a jazz band that were touring the Middle East when my father was based in Bahrain. The clarinet player had a few too many to drink, and so in the break I had to step in to play (aged 15).
How could you describe your music?
We play ‘heavenly jazz gospel’. It’s got it’s roots in jazz music but it’s all about Jesus!
Describe your creative process:
Lyrics or melodies can come to me at different times. I always record ideas. Later I finish the song and then go to Gert-Jan, the pianist to get the arrangement finished. This is followed by 2 full band rehearsals. Then the song can get played in on gigs.
What is your main inspiration?
Jesus Christ
What musician do you admire most and why?
Gosh! This is again a difficult one to answer. I think I admire any musician that has struggled to get heard and stays committed to making something beautiful.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes. I started as a professional aged 18 played in traditional jazz bands. This developed into more contemporary jazz and songwriting myself.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
We don’t really have many doing what we’re doing – jazz for Jesus – but in The Netherlands where we’re based Maria Markesini is now going for more jazz gospel. She has a new album coming out soon called ‘Nearer’. Well worth checking out!
What are your interests outside of music?
Reading, running, snooker.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Probably something with computers – IT or something like that. I’d probably be a lot more well off financially! Haha!
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
In this line of work it is often quite underpaid, and that can be a challenge, but I always say … it beats working in a mine!
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
Better paid streams on Spotify!
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
Well, this single I Can See Clearly Now 🌈 is actually a forerunner for the album Songs of Deliverance 🌊 which we are recording mid April 2023. That title is based on a classic bible verse:
“You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance.” – Psalm 32:7 NKJV 🙏🏻🙌🏻📖
What are your plans for the coming months?
Recording 13 tracks 13-15 April
Trip to Israel in June
Playing a Davos Klosters Sounds Good jazz festival in Switzerland in July!
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Yes, on the album we’ll be teaming up with Elisa Krijgsman (gtr), Maria Markesini (vocal), and Amy Perry from Selah in the US. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Stay close to Jesus, and know that He will surround you with Songs of Deliverance. For those who’d like to support our present crowdfunding campaign click the link: bit.ly/jazzuits-crowdfunding3
