Having traveled over many musical territories as a songwriter, singer, guitarist and producer, JJ Appleton has always used one compass - the blues. After seeing a double bill with Sonny Terry& Brownie McGhee and John Hammond, Jr. at age 10, he was hooked.
JJ was born into the paternal influence of a political radical & musical genius who played his son massive amounts of the Folkways catalog on vinyl. Rebelling as teens do, JJ left the sweet smells and deep snows of Vermont for New York City - moving on to paying the rent singing on Diet Coke commercials, co-writing with pop-tarts & charlatans, and all the while playing looong guitar solos in smoke filled halls of ill repute.
In 2015, a what-the-hell series of phone calls to hire led to a joining of forces between JJ Appleton and Muli-Blues Award winning Jason Ricci, a world heavyweight champion harmonica player, bluesman, songwriter and personality. Their new recordings are a rebirth and deep breath of fresh air for both parties. Recording 100% unplugged (nary a guitar pick up or harp mic in sight), the album Dirty Memory mixes gutbucket-noir Blues, Roots with dirt still on them, and a sprinkle of cajun Americana. Original compositions, updated traditionals and devotion to musicianship all blend to make a musical collection of real fire, fury, fortitude, & fun.
Appleton and Ricci’s next release “Beautiful Slop” was aptly described in Making A Scene: “It is impossible to describe how well Appleton and Ricci fit together musically. Some combinations are just meant to happen, like Jagger and Richards or Page and Plant. This is one of those. “Beautiful Slop” indeed. Turn it on, turn the volume up, and get ready to be blown away!”
JJ has expanded his touring and recording reach teaming up with Italian harmonica master Manlio Milazzi in 2022 for their release “North of the Sea”. 2023 brought Appleton a Blues Blast Magazine nomination for Acoustic Guitarist of the Year.
With over 20+ years of history making music across multiple genres,Appleton’s musical experiences & influences have been informed by a history of working directly with artists, songwriters & producers like David Bowie,Kesha,Darius Rucker, Grace Gaustad,Oak Felder,Stephen Lironi,Pebe Sebert,Ashford & Simpson, and Mike Thorne.
In 2007, After 3 independent releases as solo singer/songwriter,JJ was then signed by AATW/Universal UK releasing a full length album “Someone Else’s Problem” with subsequent tours of the UK,Ireland and Europe.
Live appearances have also included tours and television appearances with David Bowie’s Lazarus, Joe Walsh, Jewel,Keb Mo,Don Henley,Jimmy Fallon,Sophia Ann Caruso, Michael C Hall, Gail Ann Dorsey, Donny McCaslin, Hootie and The Blowfish, Taj Mahal, Donny Osmond, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, & Carson Daly.
