BIO
Known simply as Jara, this piano man multi-instrumentalist hailing from the East Bay/Oakland area is simply put, a highly refined and talented musician with a unique and soulful voice. With high levels of both jazz & classical training on piano, trumpet, and composition under his belt, as well as honed funk/RnB/pop & latin sensibilities acquired from years of stage experience, Jara has become a versatile and respected musical presence.
In 2004 Jara formed the New Orleans inspired jazz band Blue Bone Express, which has become an outfit known for their ability to set the musical and rhythmic tone for relaxed and relentless light-hearted celebrating. Going for the core of what jazz music is and where it is from, Jara has fused this classic, elegant aesthetic with a personal and emotive style that sounds fresh yet timeless.
With a sizable background in media production, Jara has found a way to operate on both sides of the creative glass. He is a head recording engineer at the Bay Area’s own Moondog Studios where he has worked with a wealth of world class performing artists, and also is highly skilled in photography and video production.
Having composed dozens of unique songs over the years, along with maintaining a talent for arranging and bandleading, Jara has positioned himself to venture forth as a solo artist.