jumplittlechildren.page

Jump, Little Children

Q & A

Picture here soon

Review

Jonathon of Jump, Little Children was interviewed over the phone on 3/27/02.

Q: Who writes most of the music?
   A: Mostly Jay, some Evan, a little Matt

Q: After forming in NC, what brought the band to Charleston?
    A: Everyone but Jon grew up in Winston-Salem. Matt and Evan's father was doing some restoration after Hurricane Hugo, and they came to Charleston to work with him. They met Jon while playing some gigs in the area.

Q: Describe your shows--what can I expect to see?
     A: They're "fun," because they "really enjoy doing it."

Q: Vertigo is described as "truly personal"--what makes it so personal?
      A: There was a "strange time" and a period with a lot of personal loss, which is reflected directly in the music and lyrics, which make it a bit more somber.

Q: What is your style of music?
     A: Multi-instrumental rock n' roll.

Q: Who is your favorite historical figure?
     A: Mohammed Ali; Ben Franklin (partier, ladies' man, renaissance man--writer, inventor, etc.)

Q: What are your musical influences?
     A: Beatles, 70's singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Sting with and without the Police

Q: What is your favorite food?
    A: Chicken, prepared all ways

Q: What is your favorite venue to play?
     A: Athens, GA; Charleston, SC; out West

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
     A: "I like to read while taking a shit."

Q: What is your favorite CD/Record?
     A: Tom Waits; David Nead

Q: What is your favorite beverage?
    A: Bourbon/Gentleman Jack

Q: What are your favorite things about the Charleston area?
   A: Just walking around--it's a pedestrian city

Q: What is your favorite song to perform?
   A: It changes--usually the newer music

Q: What is the origin of the band's name?
    A: It is the name of a song that we used to play by Brownie McGee, and we liked the message. In retrospect, it might not be the best name--doesn't sound like a rock n' roll group, but we still like it.

Jump, Little Children is:

Matt Bivins--Harmonica, mandolin, tin whistle,accordion, vocals
Evan Bivins--Percussion Jonathon Gray--Upright bass
Jay Clifford--Lead vocals, rhythm guitar Ward Williams--Cello, lead guitar

Website: www.jumplittlechildren.com

CDs: "Magazine," and their new release, "Vertigo"

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	Being non-native Charlestonians, Julie and I hadn't prepared ourselves for the long line that twirled around the Music Farm in anticipation of the Jump, Little Children show. It's been said that the best things in life come to those who wait, and in some cases, this is true for music as well. J,LC took to the stage and the crowd lit up in a pure adrenaline rush--and it just kept getting better. What line? I don't remember a line... Having just traveled in from California, J,LC were standing in front of a pumped-up hometown crowd, which the band enthusiastically described as "the best audience in the world." I don't think that it mattered that they were being recorded for a DVD--these guys could've been playing at the city dump and the crowd wouldn't have been any less excited. And for good reason--J,LC puts on an amazing show and these seasoned vets know how to draw the crowd in. Their music is undeniably familiar, yet mysterious. Depending on who takes lead vocals, J,LC's music is spooky, harmonious, secretive, and thrilling. I have never before seen a combination that sounds like it was so very much meant to be together--guitars, vocals, accordion, upright bass, keyboard, drums, cello...Stylish and unique, provoking and soothing, J,LC takes its audience on a trip to a musical island of their own creation. J,LC are truly some of the most creative musicians I have ever heard. They don't play here often, as they're working hard on making and spreading their music, but they are a local treat that shouldn't be missed if you ever have the chance.