All you need is love at Jammin’ Java

All four singer-songwriters are members of Jammin’ Java’s Songwriters Circle, intimate occasions for singing, storytelling and sharing their original numbers with the audience. All enjoy active careers as lead singers of rock bands, but they are equally devoted to composing and are favorites locally, with fervent backing from area radio and nods from the Washington Area Music Association.

Wright, former lead singer of Getaway Car, has toured with such popular groups as the Pat McGee Band, Fighting Gravity and Better Than Ezra. Now he has settled down locally to write and produce. Brindley is riding high in the wake of a 2009 WAMMY nomination for Songwriter of the Year and a new CD recorded entirely through fan financing. Although Hines recently relocated to Nashville, Tenn., he eagerly returned for this special occasion.

“Like his pals, Fiacco bows to the Beatles as his greatest influence. All play acoustic guitar, sing, and write tunes and lyrics that capture attention and draw fans. As friends and admirers of each others’ work, they started the Songwriters Circle two years ago to showcase their new material in an intimate setting. The concept took off so well that they return periodically to Jammin’ Java with the format that simulates a cozy, living room setting. Fiacco inherited his love of music from his grandmother, who played honky-tonk piano in hotels and bars. As a youngster, he played the trumpet, but when his grandmother pointed out that he might run out of wind when he got older and not be so attractive to girls, he switched to guitar and voice. At George Washington University, he majored in religion and minored in music. When the time came to choose a career, he went with his passion, music, even though he was abandoning the prospect of a consistent paycheck. Being creative, he found ways of supporting himself while pursuing his dream.

Now a member of the D.C.-based Blackjacks, he welcomes steady gigs performing up and down the East Coast with stops in New York, Philly and Baltimore. Opening for Billy Idol was a major step forward. A serious rock ‘n’ roll artist, he invariably tips his hat to the British bands that set the pace, adding a dollop of funk and a smidgen of spice from his honky-tonk-loving grandmother.

“When we got together to plan this show, ‘All You Need Is Love’ was a natural,” he said. “As we went through the material, I tried to pick a couple of songs that have special meaning for me. One thing I like about [John] Lennon is his knack for showcasing deep aspects of love, especially jealousy, whereas [Paul] McCartney focuses on sentimentality.

“I’ll not give away our program, but I want the audience to come away feeling that this is one of the most memorable and intimate evenings they’ve spent. During the show, we’ll talk with them about what went into each song and hope they appreciate the dimension of sincerity we add.”