About J.J.
J.J. is a native Chicagoan, who came up playing in blues and reggae clubs as a teenager in his home town, before eventually moving to Los Angeles to begin his recording career. Known for taste, musicality and proficiency in a broad range of musical styles, J.J. has also amassed a great collection of vintage mics, outboard gear and instruments, which he draws on to make outstanding recordings and productions. He produced and mixed the Grammy winning record "Press On," by June Carter Cash, engineered on the Grammy winning and #1 Billboard Hot 100 record "Great American Song Book vol. 3," by Rod Stewart, as engineered on P. Diddy's #1 hit "All About the Benjamins," and engineered and mixed Joanna Connor's #1 Billboard Blues album "4801 S Indiana A
J.J. has been a producer and engineer since 1994. His clients, credits and list of musicians he's recorded includes Rusty Anderson, Jeff Beck, George Benson, Chuck Berghofer, Stephen Bishop, The Black Eyed Peas, Body Count, Joe Bonamassa, Bonnie Bramlett, Jon Brion, Carlene Carter, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Culture Club, David Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, Vinnie Colauita, Rodney Crowell, John Densmore,
P. Diddy, Double Trouble, Nathan East, Eleven, Peter Erskine, Melissa Etheridge, Jason Falkner, Mike Finnigan, Josh Freese, James Gadson, Eric Gales, David Garfield, Mike Garson, Beth Hart, Paul Jones, Josh Kelley, Jim Keltner, Abe Laboriel Jr., Abe Laob0riel Sr., Mike Landau, Jonny Lang, Roger Manning, Keb Mo, Zigaboo Modeliste, Ray Parker Jr., Dean Parks, Greg Phillinganes, Bernard Purdie, Smokey Robinson, Jeff Russo, Joe Sample, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, The Pointer Sisters, Rod Stewart, Tommy Stinson, Marty Stuart, Benmont Tench, Unwritten Law, Vintage Trouble, Keith Urban, Weezer, Whiskeytown, Nancy Wilson, Edgar Winter, Bird York and many more.
J.J. works mainly from his personal recording studio, Fox Force Five Recorders.
Testimonials
"I’ve worked in the studio with many talented engineer/producers in my many decades of recording rock songs. For me working with JJ has been truly a peak experience. The analogue ethic and attention to classic sound crafting is exactly what I believe making quality music should be all about." - Nancy Wilson: Heart
"I always love working with JJ. Not only fantastic as an engineer, but as a musician as well, and just so knowledgeable about pretty much everything! A true Polymath. And, never a dull moment conversationally. Ever."
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck, Herbie Hancock, Sting, Joni Mitchell
"J.J. is one of the most easy going, musical and technically proficient Producer/ Engineers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.” - Tom Polce: producer / composer CBS Television
"JJ Blair is a musician and a songwriter and producer. So he gets it. He knows the vintage and the modern gear. He’s got the necessary shorthand when I can’t explain what I’m reaching for and he pulls some engineering voodoo out of my whackiest, clumsiest attempt at a description. " - Dorian Holley: Michael Jackson, James Taylor
“I’ve had the pleasure to work with many great and legendary engineers in the past, and J.J. is right up there with the best. I loved working with him and at his studio, which is about as complete as you’ll find anywhere in terms of just the right audio and musical gear that anyone would ever need to get the job done, all in superb working order. Don’t pass up the chance to work with J.J. in any capacity as you won’t regret it."
- Bobby Owsinski: producer, author of The Recording Engineer's Handbook
Productions
"Far Side Banks of Jordan"
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
A track from June's Grammy winning record.
"Cut You Loose"
Joanna Connor
Engineered and mixed this Billboard Blues Chart #1 record.
"Golden Ticket"
Yori Swart
A track produced for this incredible Dutch artist.
"Survivor"
Eric Gales
Engineered and mixed this Billboard Blues chart #1, GRAMMY nominated record.
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Jason Thompson
"Storm"
A heartfelt country song, produced for the popular daytime actor and musician.
Media
Produce Like a Pro
Warren Huart interviews J.J. for his Produce Like a Pro web series.
J.J. demos the BAE 1084
A video of J.J. demonstrating how he uses the 1084 on drums.