After a few semesters, the live music scene in Portland, Maine became JJ's new school. Beginning with the blues/rock band Blue Steel Express, JJ started playing professionally, and growing into his new role as a gigging musician. It was not long before other blues, R&B and funk bands would come calling, including The 3-D Horns, Nick Curran, Jason Ricci, Petting Zoo, and Chronic Funk to name a few.
Acquiring a taste for this "real world" education, JJ hit the road for Los Angeles to play with Wenty Morris and Brindle Creme. This lead to a string of opportunities to play and to learn about the music industry. Recording in studios, appearing on television shows, and touring the U.S. and Europe provided opportunities to work with some of music's most respected performers. JJ had the pleasure of performing with blues legend Taj Mahal, and funk/acid jazz greats The Brand New Heavies, while rubbing elbows with some of drumming's most influential messengers, such as Peter Erskine, and Vinnie Colaiuta.
Once again returning to the NH Seacoast area, JJ joined Lolita's Bliss, where he met and married the love of his life, the lovely and talented Cathy Sanborn Street. Also appearing with local groups such as The Todd Royce Band and The Radio Junkies, JJ maintained a busy schedule until they packed up and moved south to Music City, USA. Now residing in Nashville, JJ has started studying with Chester Thompson (of Weather Report, Genesis, Phil Collins fame) and is juggling a busy schedule running Street Theatre Company with Cathy, teaching lessons, and performing with artists including James Brown sax man Waldo Weathers, big-band sensation Music City Swing, and many more.
