J.J. Vicars

J.J. Vicars is a hard-driving blues and rock ’n’ roll guitarist known for his snarling riffs, gruff vocals, and irreverent humor. Born into a musical family, he grew up on a steady diet of jazz and early rock, picking up drums in grade school before discovering blues guitar in his teens.

After years as a sideman in blues, rock, and country bands, he released his debut solo album Sci-Fi Diner in 2001. His career took him to Japan, where he recorded several albums including Hi-Tech Hillbilly, Heartland, and Live From Japan. Returning to Ohio in 2013, he released Irreverent Dissident to critical acclaim and strong radio play.

During the pandemic, Vicars began releasing a series of singles and is currently working on his all-instrumental album Pickin’ & Grinnin’, featuring Lisa Nielson on bass and Erik Diaz on drums. The album is set to drop in Summer 2025.

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