Does BRJ take on a lot projects for one guy? Well, he just can’t help it. Here’s a list of his bands, from solo to 7-piece and most configurations in between:

BRJ & the Jump City Diplomats in France

This fabulous 7-piece band, including Jake and his sax player, Alison Young, plus 5 talented musicians from France: Gilles Berthenet, Jean-Baptiste Gaudray, Franck Enouf, Bertrand Couloume and Loic Seron. The Diplomats were a smash during their 2011 tour of France, and again in France and Switzerland in 2012. More to come!

To book Jake in Europe, contact: info@bigrudejake.ca 06 85 58 70 14

BRJ & the Jump City Crusaders in Canada

The Crusaders are the Canadian counterpart to the French band. Jake missed having the trombone sound up on stage with the gang. That’s why there’s now a 7 piece Big Rude Jake band on each side of the Atlantic. The regular lineup is: Kevin Barrett, James Stager, Alison Young, Howard Moore, Glenn Anderson and Wes Neal.

The BR2

The BR2 is the Big Rude Duet and features Jake with another talented player sitting in, playing smoking renditions of all-original songs in intimate settings.

With BR2, Jake partners with such talented side-players as saxophonists Alison Young and Paul Metcalf, multi-instrumentalist Chris Plock, guitarists Margaret Stowe and Kevin Barrett, trumpet players Howard Moore and and former Gentleman Player, Michael Louis Johnson (pictured above).
You can find some great BR2 footage: BRJ on YouTube

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Solo

Solo acoustic guitar in the tradition of ragtime finger picking heroes like Leon Redbone and Jake’s teacher and mentor, Mose Scarlett.

He presents his original songs in this bare bones context at lots of House Concerts, folk clubs, opening for his other bands, and making special appearances at private parties and social events.

And of course, BRJ plays classics regularly for seniors in long term care facilities. He’s done it for a long time now, and knows that it’s important, satisfying work. Check out Aquavitae for more about that.

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BR4

The BR4, or the Big Rude Quartet, features Jake on acoustic guitar, plus a sax, bass and drums. This band is on the road a lot as it’s a great way to dig the Big Rude sound with a smoky, more intimate feel. Featuring Alison Young on Sax, Wes Neal on Bass and Cleave Anderson, formerly of Blue Rodeo, on drums.

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