J. D. Simo

J D Simo (born c. 1985)[1] is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, solo artist and former member of the rock band SIMO.

J D Simo
J D Simo performing with SIMO in 2014
Background information
BornChicago, Illinois, United States
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, songwriter, producer
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, keyboards
Years active2000–present
LabelsMascot Label Group, Crowesfeet Music Group
Associated actsSIMO, Phil Lesh and Friends, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson
Websitewww.jdsimo.net

Biography

Simo grew up in Chicago.[2] He began playing guitar at the age of five. By age 15, Simo had already formed a band and released a live EP recorded in Phoenix, Arizona that sold 5,000 copies.[2] Simo spent most of his teenage years touring, either in his own solo endeavors or in various other bands.

In 2006 Simo moved to Nashville, Tennessee, becoming the lead guitarist in the Don Kelley Band. This led to Simo's employment as a session musician until 2011.

In the beginning of 2010, he joined bassist Frank Howard Swart and drummer Adam Abrashoff to form the rock band SIMO. In June 2015 SIMO signed with Mascot Label Group. They finished their second record entitled "Let Love Show the Way" in Macon, Georgia which was released January 29, 2016, on CD, Vinyl and digital download. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard Blues chart in January 2016.

In August 2015, Simo participated in the 100th Birthday celebration for Les Paul in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

SIMO started its first full national tour in January 2016. While in Europe, SIMO sustained a dislocated knee in Paris. The show was postponed but the tour resumed the following day with Simo having to sit for the rest of the performances. Simo finally healed by late May and was able to perform standing again.

In the beginning of 2018, Simo embarked on his first solo tour opening for Tommy Emmanuel. He also appeared on Emmanuel's [Accomplice One] album. Simo continued to tour throughout the spring and summer with a revolving cast of friends resulting in the recording of his first solo album in August. In June Tommy Emmanuel played his first show as a member of Phil Lesh and Friends at Lesh's Terrapin Crossroads. Billed as Phil Lesh and Friends "Dead Blues", Simo joined Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, John Medeski, Tash Neal and Grahame Lesh. In July Simo headlined the 50th anniversary of the Burg Herzberg Festival in Germany. The German television show Rockpalast recorded Simo's set.

In August 2018, Simo accompanied Joanne Shaw Taylor in Northeastern United States, Southeastern United States and Florida.

In January 2019, it was announced that Simo's first solo album, Off at 11 would be released on March 1. The album was to be composed of old school blues and more psychedelic free form rock. Simo produced the album and recorded it in his new studio "The Friendly Confines" in Nashville, Tennessee. A new tour to support the album was also announced with US and European dates stretching into the summer including more support shows with Tommy Emmanuel and The Allman Betts Band.

Discography
  • Burning Live EP (2000)
  • One Night Stand (2002)
  • The Other Side of Me (2004)
  • J.D. Simo Live! (2005)
  • Off at 11 (2019)
  • JD Simo (2020)

with SIMO:

  • SIMO (2011) (album)
  • Shake It/Aoh (single, 2011)
  • Love Vol. 1 (2015) (four song EP recorded live at Mercy Lounge, Nashville)
  • Let Love Show The Way (2016) (album)
  • Rise & Shine (2017)

References
  1. Lengel, Kerry (2000) "AZ SPINS: Burnin' Live!", Arizona Republic, August 3, 2000, p. 20
  2. Dominic, Serene (2003) "I'm Eighteen!", Phoenix New Times, September 11, 2003, retrieved June 24, 2011
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