According to Webster:

Soul \'sol \ n 1: the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life. 2: a persons total self. 3: a strong positive feeling as of intense sensitivity and emotional fervor.

Sum of Soul

With the release of his new CD Sum of Soul, JD delivers exactly what he promises, soulful rock music with an organic, yet sophisticated style. Contrary to what the title implies, this sample selection of original music does not reflect the total sum of JD's soul or his music. It does however; give us the opportunity to glimpse it from different angles in the form of four unique, original, soul-inspiring tunes. These are naked and true. They stand up alone on their own merit. Straightforward and personal, these songs are filled with JD's sensitivity and passion.

JD live

JD's live performances are marked by his soulful vocals, provocative lyrics and powerful stage presence, all balanced with contemporary flair and eloquent style. His music has a uniquely pure blend of hip-grooves and unforgettable melodies that seem to pour out from him and onto the stage like water flowing from a well.

The Disk

Sum of Soul is an eclectic mix of soulful rock music presented as four snapshots of musical magic laced with insistent rhythms, catchy hooks and engaging storylines.

Funky little tunes like "Phone Call" and groovy-hip mixes like "Right On" give Sum of Soul a contemporary fire that offsets the cool acoustic poetry of "Wanna Be With You" and "Ladies Lament."

Sum of Soul has the diversity and continuity and it is the perfect backdrop for the impassioned vocalistic stylings of JD Priest.

Special Highlights

Over the last few years JD has been blessed with the opportunity to perform at special events that are of personal interest and importance to him. He has performd at numerous charity events for the Orange County Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Los Angeles Children's Hospital, where his own daughter Victoria was treated for a brain tumor in 1992.

During the Holiday Season, JD and his band donate their time to provide "walk through" performances on every floor of the hospital. Even in the Intensive Care Unit they play acoustic music for the patients and staff. "We bring a Mandolin, Acoustic Guitar, Flute, and Djembe. "The kids love it and seem to respond well to it," says JD. "It gives us the opportunity to help the children and give something of ourselfs to others who could very much use the extra love and attention!" "Music has healing power."

Yesterday

For the last ten years JD has ben a central figure in the local music scene of the Inland Empire, in Southern California. Late of the Ameicana-Rock group, "Acoustic Connection", JD started his career as an an acoustic guitarist and gained much of his experience performing on big stages, opening for ppular Folk and Country artist such as Dan Seals.

In the fall of 1997 JD was nominated for LA's "Acoustic Underground Songwriter of the Year" by the National Academy of Songwriters. JD's blazing talents were also featured on The Nashville Network where he made two televised appearances with Country Music legend Charlie Daniels. JD has also worked with many other talented artists and songwriters like Dan Bern, Heather Sullivan and The Trailer-Park Troubadours in Nashville.

Today

JD is currently touring to promote Sum of Soul. You will find him at showcases, nightclubs, and concert venues as an opening act for other artists. JD continues to develop his relationship with other industry professinals and is shopping for a recording and distribution offer from a strong record label to help further his career.

Sum Up

If you use more than one word to describe your own musical taste, then give a listen to JD Priest's Sum of Soul and you will hear all that Webster forgot to mention.

Fact Sheet

Hometown: Riverside, California

Musical Idiom: Soulful Eclectic Rock

Latest CD: Sum of Soul

Latest Singles: Right On & Wanna Be With You

Record Label: Independent Artist

Instruments Played: Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica, Djembe, and Percussion .