It’s been a truly incredible year.
2024 began for me in isolation, barely able to leave my house with debilitating post-covid symptoms, worried if I would ever be better enough to do the things I loved or if it would stretch on for months or years. Over the next 12 months, not only did my health return in short order, but I had what I believe has truly been one of the most special and transformative years of my life.
This year, I accomplished a lot. I joined a band, playing constantly around town with the great folks in
@cowboyprincessbrigade . I returned to the stage as a bandleader in February. I toured from Chicago to New York City playing adventurous original jazz with two good friends. I recorded on four projects, three of which - for CPB,
@earlyworm.band , and
@graceblackfordmusic - have yet to be released (stay tuned!). I met and worked with so many incredible players throughout Northeast Ohio that keep our scene a vibrant, friendly, and wonderful place to be a musician. I healed a nasty and long-term tendon injury which threatened the longevity of my drumming career. I signed a lease in Ohio City. I recommitted to myself and to my city. I am closer than ever to being the person I have always wanted to be, not just as an artist, but as a human being. Most importantly, I met so many amazing people this year who I am privileged to know and even more privileged to call friends. I wish I could tag you all. It’s hard to believe that I could be this lucky to still be forging friendships of this caliber as an adult. It’s the kind of thing you don’t really think is possible. But I guess if this year taught me anything, it’s that fate can have a way of dumping great things on you when you least expect them. This year was the first year I’ve felt at home in my city for a very long time. And this is thanks to all of you.
I’m finishing out 2024 feeling content, grateful, and excited to push ever closer towards the future I want to see, and the person I want to be. I have a lot of love in my heart and I just want to say thank you to everyone who has been a part of my year, big or small. You all made a difference. ✌🏽, ❤️, & 🎉. JM.