4 Jax

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Member Since: 04-16-2008

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Talent Overview

Talent Category:: 1980s Era Entertainment
Related Categories:: Classic Rock Band

Cover Band

Dance Band

Funk Band

Party Band

Pop Music Group

R&B Group

Soul Band

Top 40 Band

Wedding Band

1990s Era Entertainment
Based In:: Springfield, Missouri
Travel Range:: over 3000 miles
Performance Fee:: $3,500 and up

Direct Contact:: Request a Quote Now »; Tell 4 Jax you found them on Gig Salad!

About 4 Jax

This 80's rock band features two-time Star Search winner Jake Simpson and is available for photo ops and live performances.

Biography:

The 4 Jax began to take form in the fall of 1998. While performing in the funk band Clockwork, bassist Donnie Inman and guitarist Justin Ward were asked to find a replacement keyboardist. Inman had recommended keyboardist Jake Simpson, with whom he had jammed in an acid-jazz band. Jake arrived at the gig that weekend with “about 4 keyboards and a B-3”, recalls Ward. The vocalists in Clockwork were having a rough gig, and requested the rhythm section play an instrumental. Simpson announced he could “sing a little bit” and called out a Stevie Wonder tune. A little turned out to be a lot as Simpson blew the roof off the club with his unique style and incredible range. The addition of Simpson instantly made the group a huge draw in the Midwest.

In October of ’98, management at Springfield Brewing Company approached Inman. They were looking for a Band to fill Wednesday nights. Donnie approached Ward, Simpson, and their original drummer if they were interested. “We had always talked about the concept of an ‘80’s band. So now we had an excuse to check it out.” After 2 weeks of intense rehearsal, 4 Jacks and a Jill made their debut performance. “Our original name was in homage to Spinal Tap. The role of Jill was played by an inflatable sex doll mounted on a mic stand,” recalls Ward. “I figured we would make some extra money for Christmas and get fired”. Lines around the block started forming a few weeks later, and the group shortened its name to 4 Jax. “The sex doll had a hole punched in it, and I didn’t want to by another one”, said Inman. For the next two years, the group completely dominated Springfield, MO and most of Southwest Missouri with catchy tunes and stellar musicianship. The ensemble was made stronger with the addition of drummer Bart Kelley in 2000.

The band decided to call it quits in 2001, playing their farewell show in June. The breakup did not last long. The 4 Jax began playing shows again in November. Even though Simpson lived in New York City and Inman lived in St. Louis, the group played a full schedule through the beginning of 2003.

Singer Jake Simpson was chosen to be a part of the revived talent show ‘Star Search” in February of 2003, and won the Best Adult Male Vocal category. A self-titled solo album released on Sony records followed his victory. Several high-profile gigs for Simpson and the rest of the Jax followed. A highlight was returning to Springfield and performing at SMSU (now Missouri State University), the group’s alma mater. They were also Grand Marshals of the Homecoming Parade. Simpson went on to another Star Search win at the end of 2004.

The 4 Jax took another extended hiatus at the end of 2005 to persue other personal and professional avenues. Jake toured with Jim Brickman and performed solo gigs in the LA area. Bart joined the Mark Chapman Band, who released a live CD in 2007. Donnie became a “gun for hire”, playing with some of the top acts in the St. Louis area. Justin joined Lost Highway, one of Southwest Missouri’s most popular acts.

In the spring of 2008, the Jax were back again! A reunion show at the Springfield Brewing Co. (where it all had begun) was a huge success. “We still have it”, said guitarist Ward. “The crowds were amazing and the band never sounded better”. The excitement and success of the show prompted the 4 Jax to reform again. Bart Kelley put it best, “We are back and better than ever!”

4 Jax are currently putting together an itinerary and will begin their 2008 schedule in July. Come out and see one of the best four piece bands in the land!