Straight from the heart, Judge Jackson delivers 10 catchy tracks in all with their new soon to-be released album titled DRIVE. The new album is radio worthy and will have you playing it over and over again. It doesn’t amaze me that the group Judge Jackson have been around nearly a decade, the fact is their songs are well written and their music more than just pleasant listening, it Rocks!
Their music flows and the lyrics posses a certain memorizing effect. As in the song “Me Then You” first written for a fan, a friend that wanted a special song written for their soul mate. Singer-songwriter Todd McTavish nails it, and goose bumps is all you’ll end up feeling!
Movin’ up with “Letting Go”, Judge Jackson is bustin’ out, and are at the top of their game. With a new team of behind-the-scene players, there’s no stopping the Judge!
All Access got a chance to chat with Todd McTavish, and while reminiscing discovered that nearly a decade later, the LA based group known as Judge Jackson are still going strong. Their fifth album titled DRIVE on Curtis Joe Records will soon be released, and the group is gearing up to hit the road once again. So where will the road be taking the group known as Judge Jackson?
Todd McTavish: Eventually everywhere and anywhere, North America through Canada. As for now we have a preview CD release party scheduled at The Cat Club, Hollywood, CA November 13th .
Judge Jackson is a NO frills, NO thrills type of band. What you see is what you get. Great music with catchy heart filled lyrics. Music from the heart, as I like to say. So what keeps a band like Judge Jackson rollin along? What drives them?
Todd: The love of Rock n Roll, songwriting picks us up and we truly love what we do, what we’ve been doing. We’re not chasing the dream any more, we’re livin it!
For more than a decade, and countless shows, Judge Jackson has traveled the US and parts of Canada performing with artists like Gov’t Mule, Doobie Bros., Cheap Trick, Buckcherry, Army of Anyone, UFO and Joe Bonamassa, among others. If you could pick one artist to tour your new album with, who and where would your tour take you?
Todd: Buckcherry, and everywhere! Buckcherry is straight up rock n’ roll, like us. Maybe a little dirtier, but their attitude rocks!
Judge Jackson’s hard rockin music has been heard on a variety of TV shows, including the Super Bowl, NHL and NBA playoffs, as well as NASCAR. And now nearly a decade later with their fifth album DRIVE, any surprises you care to share with our readers?
Todd: We have some exciting things in the works as we build up to the official release of “Drive”, I can’t say too much now, but our fans won’t be disappointed.
There are 10 songs in all on the new album titled Drive. Hard rockin sure-to-be hit songs like the title track, “Just Because,” “Radio” and “Letting Go”. And you’ll even find a little country side to the boys in the song titled “Meant to Be”. Produced, engineered and mixed by frequent collaborator John Hiler (Stephen Stills, Willie Dixon, Smashing Pumpkins). How has the feedback been from your fans on the new album? And the lil’ country song?
Todd: We have never been more proud of a CD, and seriously people do like the new album. We opened up for John Waite and it was a fundable response. Our lil’ country tune titled ‘Meant To Be’ was co-written with Julia Henry, and Judge Jackson fans are diggin it.
Judge Jackson remains true to their Rock n Roll beliefs, and the roots of JUDGE JACKSON can be traced back to 1995, when vocalist/lyricist McTavish, came to LA from Canada, where he once played in a band that featured Shania Twain as back-up vocalist. Then joining up with guitarist/songwriter Lee Jackson they performed in and around the Hollywood club circuit, and built up a devoted local following. By 1998, the band released its debut album, followed shortly thereafter by a second CD, 8068, (both albums are now limited editions). How can or can fans still buy these cds?
Todd: The first two albums are special rarities, but we have done reissues due to popular demand. We are definitely due for another round; at this moment though, all energy is focused on our new release DRIVE.
One Diamond, the bands' third album, marked the band’s multimedia breakthrough, with the song “Amazing” receiving airplay on more than 30 stations across the U.S., while “Times Been Changing” was featured on NBC’s popular comedy My Name Is Earl, and another track, titled “King,” (my all time favorite) became the theme to the Speed Channel NASCAR program, Victory Lane, viewed by more than a million fans every Sunday. This album along with the bands 4th and now 5th album can be found at Best Buy stores correct. Anywhere else?
Todd: Yes, We are finalizing a distribution deal that will help fans find us easily online in places like iTunes and CD Baby, as well as physical outlets including Best Buy and others.
From the band’s self-titled fourth album, released in March, 2007, “Lift the Bottle” and “Rock N’ Roll” have been featured on several Fox Sports Network promos and programs. In addition, the group wrote and recorded a brand-new song, “Get Busy,” for Fox Sports’ college football telecasts. Judge Jackson maybe the best-kept secret on the L.A. rock scene, But the JUDGE is still going strong!
One would say Judge Jackson has had a good run, so why keep going?
Todd: For the love of the music, we love what we do. We love to write and share the experiences we have had along the way too. Searching for the right words to paint the right song, I love it!
Any last words for our readers?
Todd: We can’t thank our fans enough for their encouragement, support and locality. Hope to see you all on the road!
“Drive” offers conclusive proof, JUDGE JACKSON has what it takes. Their music makes you feel good and wanna get down and rock. Its Rock n’ Roll, the way it was meant to be! AAM wishes to congratulate the group Judge Jackson on their new cd and wish them another decade of continuous success.
DRIVE is produced, engineered and mixed by John Hiler
Singer/songwriter Todd McTavish puts all his cards on the table, no frills, no thrills. Just “rock” the way rock was meant to be heard. Alongside are guitarist Lee Jackson/Guitars, Brian "Chewy" James - Bass/Vocals, and drummer JJ Garcia/Drums , making up the group known as Judge Jackson. Still going strong with their new release DRIVE, in stores Jan 2010 you’ll be “Head Over Heels”
Upcoming Shows for Judge Jackson
10/15 6:00 PM
Palm Desert Civic Center Park Amphitheater with John Waite
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California
10/24 8:00 PM
The Rockyard
Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy
Indio, California
10/25
Love Ride 26
Harley Davidson of Glendale
*****CANCELLED*****
10/31 9:15 PM
The Firehouse
Judge Jackson/Drive CD Release Party!
1476 W Sunset Blvd
St. George, Utah
11/7 9:00 PM
Gustos
Judge Jackson/Drive CD Release Party!
25597 W. Main St
Barstow, California
11/13 10:45 PM
The Cat Club
Judge Jackson/Drive CD Release Party!
8911 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, California
More TBA check out the bands website judgejackson.net for UTD info
www.JudgeJackson.net
www.myspace.com/judgejackson
