J.D. Martin is an award winning songwriter of 5 Number One and 10 Top Ten hit singles. Recently, his song "When You Lie Next To Me" reached the Top 10 with new country artist, Kellie Coffey. In 2001 J.D. released his first solo CD, "One Heart," a collection of original songs that he describes as "music from the heart and for the spirit." And in 2003, he released a new CD with his wife, Jan Garrett. "I Dreamed of Rain" is a powerful collaboration about taking a stand for a sane, balanced and compassionate world. A native of Harrisonburg, VA, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, J.D. encountered his first musical influence singing unaccompanied hymns in the church where his father was the minister. Piano lessons began at age eight and continued on through his college years. Along the way, he developed a love of everything from classical music to black gospel to singer/songwriters like James Taylor. While earning his B.A. in Music, J.D. was assigned to write a song. He took such pleasure in the effort that he was hooked for life. Following graduation, he joined a band called Tanglefoot, based in Aspen, CO. They toured for seven years, opening for artists such as Kenny Rogers. With this band, J.D. honed his songwriting skills, and moved to Nashville in 1980, determined to break into the music business. By 1994, J.D. had established himself as one of Nashville's top songwriters. As a staff writer with MCA Music and later with Warner/Chappell Music, he co-wrote such hits as "Love Will Find It's Way To You" by Reba McEntire; "Nobody But You" and "Just As Long As I Have You," both performed by Don Williams; "Everyday" by the Oak Ridge Boys; "I'll Never Stop Loving You" and "Between Two Fires" by Gary Morris; and "You and Only You" by John Berry. However, like the seekers he often portrays in his songs, J.D. wanted to experience new worlds. So, in 1994, he moved to Los Angeles, where he found a home in the world of pop music as well. Kathy Tracolli and Clay Cross recorded his duet, "One Heart," and Peter Cetera released "One Clear Voice," a Top Ten Adult Contemporary single. J.D. continued writing for country artists as well, and in July of 1998 Terri Clark's version of "Now That I Found You" reached #1. Whatever style of music J.D. chooses, his songs have one unifying trait. "I'm attracted to writing about themes of the heart," he says. "Not only about love, but also of following dreams, and going through the dark times." He and his wife, singer/songwriter and teacher Jan Garrett, now live and create their music in the mountains of Colorado. |
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With a voice that magically falls somewhere between Michael McDonald and Marc Cohn, it's hard to believe that this is the first recording made by J.D. Martin. Treasure this music. Play One Heart Play A World of Peace Play Samples of the entire album Songs on this album are: 1. Invisible Hands 2. Everywhere 3. One Heart 4. It May Not Be Today 5. The Miracle of Love 6. I Shall Not Be Moved 7. Love Is Waiting 8. Only Heaven Knows 9. A World of Peace 10. Keep On Walking  | | A duet album by Jan Garrett and J.D. Martin. This divine combination of voices and souls makes for some pretty beautiful and inspiring music. Whether it's Jan's "Christine McVie-like" vocal or JD's mesh of Michael McDonald and Marc Cohn sound, either voice will win you over. And then there are the lyrics! Just listen. Play I Dreamed of Rain Play The World is on Fire Play Samples of the entire album Songs on this album are: 1. The World Is On Fire 2. God Bless Us All 3. I Came Here For Love 4. There's Another Way 5. And Together 6. Starting With Me 7. All That I Am 8. Stand Up 9. In the Beginning 10. I Dreamed of Rain 11. This Is What I Know 12. I Dreamed of Rain (Instrumental) 13. Starting With Me (Instrumental) Not currently available for download Purchase this CD from the artist's web site. |
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Visit JD Martin's website You may also want to visit Jan Garrett's page A letter to J.D. from Dean Sciarra in 2002 Yesterday my wife and I took a little trip. On the way home I put your CD in the player. I had listened to it before - but I had been working and doing things in my office at the time. I knew I liked it but the first listen hadn't prepared me for what was about to happen. From song to song I found myself moving through altered states. Emotions welled up in me and I had to hold back tears on many more than one song. The lyrics took me to a place that I rarely go these days - questioning aspects of my life -identifying with so many ideas and feelings expressed in your music. Traditionally speaking, I am not particularly religious although I'm well aware of the "big picture" and that we are not all here by accident - and the things we do and people we interact with are no accidents either. But listening to your music "up close" and undisturbed profoundly affected me. "Invisible Hands" reassured me that all of the "chances" I take in my life to continue on a path that will enable people to share the music I care about and believe in are supported by a higher power. Perhaps,"Everywhere" is one of the best examples of how your music walks the line between relating to people on a "religious" level and a "personal interpretation" that everyone can feel. Of course, "One Heart" is a poignant anthem offering the thread of connection between us all - the beauty of which is so undeniable that the tears of joy started to flow. "It May Not Be Today" supported my feeling that no matter how long it takes to get where I'm going (wherever that may be) I know that the path is clearly ahead and any leap of faith demanded of me is no longer such a huge leap. The stories contained in "The Miracle of Love" and "I Shall Not Be Moved" are both deeply touching and life affirming - both moved me and further convinced me what a treasure I was listening to. And it was not all tears of joy. I mean, when "Love is Waiting" came on I said to Susan, my wife, "Hey, this sounds like a great tune for Wynonna (I'm a big fan and have seen her many times). And Susan was reading the lyric sheet and at the same time said, "You're not gonna believe this but this song was written for Wynonna." Of course, I wasn't "really" surprised at the synchrony of it all, but the moment was a strong one, nonetheless. We laughed and looked at each other with that little lightshine that we often share. "Only Heaven Knows" - "A World Of Peace" - "Keep On Walking" - all three kept the emotions going (as if I expected it to change?) not the least of which was "A World of Peace" which made me want to get out of the car and "preach" on the street corner that we are all in this together. But I realized that all I can do is tell people about artists like you and let you take it from there. I kept thinking throughout listening, "what song would I use on the next free CD sampler that I'm preparing to do." I kept thinking that almost every tune was the one. That happens rarely for me. But the emotion in every song is so wonderful that I couldn't make up my mind. (And I still don't know which I would pick.) And once "Keep On Walking" was finished I looked at my wife and she said, "let's listen again." I said, "To the whole CD?" and she said, "Of course." So off we went to experience it all over again. The remarkable thing is that every song did exactly what it had done the first time. All the tears came again, the emotions returned even though I knew what was coming. I wouldn't exactly call listening to this album - "fun" - but I don't imagine it was written for that. If however, it was written so that people would find God in your music, then congratulations. That, you have done. Thank you so much, Dean Sciarra Music Marketing Manager www.ItsAboutMusic.com |