Jonathan Butler: Reflections on My Early Days in the Music Business

In a recent post, I reflected on my early days in the music business and credited jazz violinist Noel Pointer for giving me my big break. It was after a week-long stint with Noel and the boys at Sweetwater, a jazz club near Lincoln Center, that Jonathan Butler invited me to join his band on their first U.S. tour. We were to open for Whitney Houston on her "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" tour. Johnathan Butler, a talented singer, songwriter and guitar virtuoso from South Africa, was signed to Jive Records by Clive Davis, the same music mogul who discovered and signed Whitney. Most of the music Jonathan featured on tour was in the smooth jazz genre, infused with R & B. We rehearsed in NYC before hitting the road with Whitney as her opening act, where we played a 30-minute set every night to warm up the audience.

Despite performing in huge venues and stadiums, being the opening act had its downsides.  We had to deal with very short set lists, little or no soundcheck, poor front-of-house sound, and often terrible monitor mixes.  However, it was still an incredible opportunity and an unforgettable experience. Almost everyone asks me questions like, "How was Whitney? What was she like? Did you get to know her?" I'd like to answer these questions, and more, in a separate blog post, where I can dedicate more effort to setting the stage, and adding context and details. Stay tuned!

Around this time, I was living in a less-than-desirable neighborhood at 101st Street and Central Park West, NYC.  My music studio was in another dump, The Music Building on 8th Avenue, near the the Port Authority Bus Terminal.  However, living close to the iconic Mikell's jazz club, and enjoying long lunches near my studio at Hero Boy or Manganaro's on 9th Avenue, were small but much needed rewards.  In a year or so, I would visit a friend in Journal Square, Jersey City, where I would soon be living for many years ahead.  At the time, I had no idea what was to come. 

Thanks for reading!

From Noel Pointer to Jersey City: My Musical Journey with Famous Artists and Local Friends

 

As a young and inexperienced drummer, I got my start in the music business thanks to the great violinist, singer, and story teller Noel Pointer. He hired me for his band, which had plenty of gigs across the United States, from jazz clubs to concert halls. Noel had a devoted fan base and even wrote and staged a musical with his good friend, the actor John Amos, featuring an alien violinist and his best friend on Earth. I recall a show where John and Noel argued before the curtain rose, but as soon as they faced the audience, they performed flawlessly and magically.

Besides playing with Noel's band, I often had the pleasure of jamming with other acts on the bill, such as Bobbi Humphrey, Tom Browne, and Lonnie Liston Smith, with whom I later toured extensively. Speaking of touring, I also played with Tom Browne solo and shared the stage with many talented musicians and friends at my brownstone in Jersey City, NJ, where I had a studio and a garden for BBQ parties. Some notable guests and clients included Ben Folds, The Silos, Freedy Johnston, Tony Maimone, Graham Maby, Helen Hooke, Joy Askew, and They Might Be Giants. I enjoyed living in Bergen-Lafayette, Jersey City, and frequented some fantastic restaurants and hang-outs, such as New Park Tavern, Laico's, and Citizen Kane (now McGinley Square Pub). Moreover, I recorded many sessions at the original Water Music studio in Hoboken, NJ, and at my own Running Dog Studios on Bergen Avenue, J.C. 

Looking back, I'm honored and privileged to have played music with Noel Pointer and grateful for the memories and experiences I gained in Jersey City. Stay tuned for more posts on this topic!