After years in the scene, JEMO continues to be a project of creation, fueled by the artistic talents and passions of Toronto musicians Jeff Dantowitz, James Bastable, and Micheal Beauclerc.
Multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Jeff Dantowitz incorporated his poems and experiments into the seven songs on the first JEMO album, released in 2001. It is currently in rotation on several radio stations in North America, and reached "heavy rotation" on two US college radio stations: WRSU in New Jersey, and WUEV in Indiana. After interviews and frequent play on CIUT and CJAM, JEMO's first release earned respect as a consummate piece of indie experimentation.
Over the course of four years, playing intense and awesome live shows at legendary Toronto venues like Sneaky Dee's, Lee's Palace, and the Free Times Cafe, or on the streets of Ottawa's WestFest, the JEMO reputation for passionate live shows became evermore exceeding. LABEL RECORDS recognized the talent and potential, and stepped into the picture in 2005. JEMO is now proud to work with the Canadian label to produce as much beautiful sound and meaningful music as possible.
After releasing "The Six-Fingered Salmagundi" in 2005, a live album recorded at Toronto's Renaissance Cafe, Jeff Dantowitz went into the studio with bassist James Bastable (formerly The Daybreak/October) and Yamaha/Sabian-sponsored drummer Michael Beauclerc to record "Oaks With Rushes"... The feedback has been overwhelming. The consensus: this is one great CD.
In July 2006, JEMO toured Eastern Canada to support this new blend of exotic sounds and infectious rhythms. The band played ten shows in eleven days in a whirlwind maritime tour. The album is already receiving comparisons to the pitch of Radiohead, Ben Harper, The Dave Matthews Band, David Gray, Jeff Buckley. In 2008, fans should get ready to hear new JEMO from winter recording sessions.
What is JEMO? JEMO is a mesmerizing blend of musical poetry, an aggressive acoustic alternative... Idolizing the glorious careers of bands like U2 and Pink Floyd, JEMO approaches the alternative rock genre with healthy abandon: pushing and pulling the boundaries of expression. Sincere, meaningful, groovy music: one true song after another.
Quotes about JEMO:
"I was absorbed by the band and, in particular Jeff who has a magnetic stage presence which would be just as impressive on a much larger stage. The music is intelligent, emotional, dark, passionate and poetic like an acoustic frisson of grunge with a melodic twist. Jeff writes lyrics with meaning that resonate with anyone who's ever loved and lost, who's ever shed a tear, who's ever seen a friend leave without saying good bye, who's ever been misunderstood, who's ever known the heartache of unrequited love, in other words, everyone. The acoustic Sweet Suicide would melt the heart of a tyrant and, I confess, having listened to it for about the fifteenth time tonight while I write this, brought a tear to this Devil's eye!"
The Devil Has The Best Tuna (FEBRUARY 2007)
besttuna.blogspot.com (UK)
"Captivating, soul-infusing, emotionally-charged, intoxicating and deep. Jeff, the main singer has a sexy voice and the entire band are born musicians. Jemo's music seeps through your bones and blood and literarily gets you high...! Mainstream is only steps away! First saw them at the BENEFIT FOR EAST AFRICA concert at Lula Lounge, Toronto, on August 6th 2006 and I am hooked! Jemo is a must-listen to!"
Jane Musoke-Nteyafas
www.ugpulse.com (CANADA)
"Jemo is able to maintain the listener's attention through sheer emotion and lyrics that are simultaneously personal and universal... Whether soft finger-picking as in 'Hamsterboy' or rendering ballads through a sleepy legato haze, as in 'Antiseptic,' Jemo's distinct melodies are reflected in both his dexterous guitar playing and his animated singing, a rare feat unless you're the late great Jeff Buckley or David Gray... A commercial breakthrough is only a major chord away. Stay tuned to Jemo."
Tom Semioli
Minor 7th Magazine (USA)
"Jemo is full of very deep truths and emotions which can be delved into only after you get past the power of the music... The first time I saw jemo perform I cried, astonished by the intense emotion of his music."
Sara Jane
Drown Soda Magazine (Canada)
www.jemo.net
