junior jazz

Junior Jazz was born Wendel Ferraro in Montego Bay, Jamaica. He was nicknamed Junior and later added Jazz in appreciation of the genre which to him symbolizes freedom. This juxtaposition of a name is also analogous to the artist. Like Jazz there is nothing Junior about the music this man creates. Like many talented artists he was reared in church and it was there he was inspired to play the guitar. During his formative teenage years his talents were further sculpted by the hands of the late Lenny Hibbert, one of Jamaica's foremost musicians. His skills were further molded while playing in the hotel scene in Jamaica for over five years. In a quest to broaden his musical horizons he migrated to the United States. While in New York he was noticed and hired as a guitarist and background vocalist on national and international shows for artists such as Diana King, Sister Carol, Israel Vibrations, Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, Judy Mowatt, Monty Alexander, Buju Banton, Supercat, Freddie McGreggor, Barrington Levy, Big Mountain, and Mary J. Blige.

After years of touring as supporting musician and as musical director to the stars, Junior Jazz himself began to emerge as a solo artist. In 1991 he recorded his first single, a cover of the George Benson classic The Greatest Love of All which appeared on a compilation CD released in Japan. His vocal style so impressed the Japanese that he recorded on three more compilations at the request of the record company. By the end of 1993, Junior was well on his way writing and producing his own material. 1997, however, shed new light on Junior Jazz' career with the international release of his debut album My Turn on VP records. The album earned Junior Jazz nominations under four categories in the Tamika reggae awards (the most widely respected awards show for reggae in the U.S.) including Male Vocalist of the Year. Other recognized accomplishments include an award for Best Producer from the Boston Caribbean Music Awards (2000) for his production of the debut CD by Boston based band Hot Like Fire.

Junior Jazz delivered distinctive, memorable performances in an array of festivals and concerts such as Bob Marley Festival in Wilmington, Delaware, the Moja Arts Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, the Vermont Reggae Festival and the New England Festival. His showmanship has also landed him in lineups with top reggae acts such as Sister Carol, Jimmy Cliff, Burning Spear, The Wailers, Wayne Wonder, Freddie McGreggor, Richie Stevens, Beenie Man, Third World, Shabba Ranks, Aswad, Bunny Wailer and Sanchez.

Not only recognized for his skill and talent as a performer, musician, vocalist and solo artist, Junior Jazz is also well respected amongst Reggae's elite for his musical ear and ability to train. As Musical Director to Diana King and Judy Mowatt for instance he was integral in guiding artists and their bands. But what really pleases Junior Jazz is helping to train youth and fresh musicians with both vocals and musical instruments. As he explains, "I'm just doing my part to preserve my Jamaican culture & the integrity of music as a whole for future generations".