Jester
began when the music world had seen a dramatic change in its identity.
Alternative became popular, pop became an alternative to what the industry
seemed to be pushing on the public, and rock seemed to fall by the wayside.
From performing their own brand of music which went unjaded by the bandwagon
trends, Jester realized that rock was as strong as ever. Unfortunately,
the fans were stripped of their choices. As stated by the managing editor
of Metal Edge Magazine in the January 1998 issue, “Simply put, rock music
does not get much better than Jester. Period.”
Jester
was formed in 1995 when vocalist Joe Kori and guitarist, Doug Arms joined
forces with drummer, Fred Antonelli. While the three honed their sound,
bassist, Rob Ellis moved to New Jersey from across the river in Pennsylvania
to complete the current lineup. Although they hail from different areas,
they call the Jersey shore home. The rock-rooted quartet stress some common
elements in their philosophy. Great songs with the ever present rock and
roll edge, played with conviction and energy. This is evident through their
recordings and high energy stage show.
As
for dues, Jester has certainly paid them. They have funded every aspect
of their music through the highly competitive world of the New Jersey band
scene, staying true to a style and not chasing the ever changing “flavor
of the week” bands. Playing the premier venues in the region, Jester has
performed over 250 live shows since their formation, become the top drawing
original rock act in the state. They have provided tour support for an
impressive assortment of touring national recording artists such as Warrant,
Ratt, Skid Row, Quiet Riot, Great White, Deep Purple, Trixter, Lita Ford,
Tyketto, Dokken and others, in addition to headlining their own shows.
Jester has also been named to the endorsement list of several top music
equipment manufacturers.
Jester’s
debut CD “Tales from the Boogieman,” was self produced and released in
1997 under their own label, “GBI Records” and was quickly recognized in
glowing reviews from national and international music publications while
selling thousands of copies worldwide. Both Jester and the Boogieman album
were quickly picked up by “Pulse Records” to not only further the debut
albums distribution, but fund and release Jester’s second full length CD
entitled “Digitalia.”
Variety,
hook and a ton of good time rock and roll edge give the listeners and industry
a much needed break from the garage vibe of the 90’s and make Jester’s
sound and attitude that much more unique. In a musical world that can’t
make up its mind, Jester just may be the Last American Rock Band.
