The Jam Society was founded in January 2007, when founding members Amir Edwards and Ari Teitel, both 12 at the time, decided to form a band to play at the Motown Winter Blast. Amir recruited his friend Derek Johnson on bass to makeup the latest lineup of the band.
The Jam Society plays an eclectic blend of music, ranging from their originals, which can be anything from folk to fusion, to their unique covers.
The band has appeared at the nation's premiere music festival, Rothbury, along with the Crofoot, Arts Beats & Eats, the Comerica City Fest, and the Motown Winter Blast, Callahan's Music Hall, The Small Planet and other festivals and venues. The band has won numerous awards. The band released their debut EP, titled "The Anthology". It's available on iTunes for $4.95. They plan on going into the studio again soon.
On drums, 15 year old Amir Edwards provides the backbone to the band. He energizes the band with his talent and unique rhythms. For his young age, he is a veteran drummer and an outstanding lead and backup vocalist. Amir will amaze you with his unequaled ability on stage.
On bass, 18 year old Derek Johnson completes the rhythm section. Derek has been performing professionally for over 10 years! Being a veteran, Derek really knows how to hold down the grooves, especially since he has played drums for almost 15 years in addition to the bass guitar. Derek will stun you with his talent.
On guitar, 15 year old guitarist Ari Teitel gives the band the high end of the sound spectrum. He navigates the fretboard with precision and soul. He shares songwriting and lead vocal duties with Amir and he is known to write lyrics about interesting subject matter. Ari's soulful and unique phrasing will make you wonder, "am I really listening to a 15 year old?".
All members of The Jam Society already have had the opportunity to sit in with some of the industries greatest musicians, from Earl Klugh to Robert Randolph and the Family Band. This young band is poised for great things in the future! In fact that future is now as the Jam Society played at the 2008 Rothbury Music Festival. The Jam Society have been influenced from old Miles Davis jazz to 1960's rock acts such as the Grateful Dead, Santana, Otis Redding, The Band and The Allman Brothers Band. Guitarist Ari Teitel says "we don't sound exactly like other artists, however, if an artist is making a good sound, we try to incorporate it into our music. The bands original tunes range from Bob Marley style reggae to Meters inspired funk. As individual band members, the band enjoys listening to a variety of musical styles such as old jazz, old school R & B, bluegrass, rock and reggae. Ari adds "we try to be as versatile as possible and at our live shows we explore those styles".
"For a fairly new band they play like they've been together for a long time." -Detroit Jam Bands Examiner
