One magical day in 2002, Jonathan sat down at his Casio keyboard and started playing. Somehow, someway, he was able to pick out the entire melody (and some of the harmony) to Beethoven’s “Fur Elise”. It was then…at 31 years old…that he discovered he could play by ear. The floodgates had opened. In the next few weeks, he came up with melodies to 5 poems he had written and laid down the songs. 21 years later, he is still doing it. Melodies come first, then words, the harmony.
A massive fan and disciplined student of Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys, Jonathan has studied every major work from Brian, picking apart his chord patterns, understanding them and applying the same creative approach to his own material.
A lucky and fortuitous meeting with Pat Pickslay of Pacific Records in San Diego sealed the deal. A supremely gifted composer, arranger and producer, Pat brings Jonathan’s song ideas to life. Since 2018, they have collaborated on over 50 pop compositions. And even one symphonic piece….the wedding march that Jon wrote for his beautiful bride, Tiffany, in 2021. (At her request)
Jonathan’s Magnum Opus, The Nightbird, a double album, 15 years in the making, was released on his 53rd birthday, May 18, 2024.
