“JJ Roots are known for Jocelyn Parlee’s soulful voice, Jeff Gray’s expertise on the guitar, and their dynamic performances.”
BENEATH THE ROOTS
JJ ROOTS
Jocelyn Parlee & Jeff Scott Gray
It has been said that performers, using simply their voices and instruments, are artists who relate collective stories through their songs. The roots of this are in traditional music, but it is by no means all traditional. This epitomizes JJ ROOTS.
Regardless if they are wired for full sound or completely unplugged, JJ ROOTS continues to captivate live audiences.
Jocelyn & Jeff formed the duo in 2018 as a collective genre of diverse music mavens meeting in perfectly timed harmonic alignment, and the industry responded south of the border by awarding JJ ROOTS with 2 international JMA awards for Overall Folk/Americana Duo of the Year in both 2018 & 2019.
Their evolution continues with the release of their latest album "EUPHORIA" as these genre diverse music mavens showcase a unique and impactful Contemporary Americana/Roots/Folk vibe with powerful soul-lifting vocals and melodic riffs.
JJ ROOTS sound has become recognized by fans as a magical musical cocktail of their own mixed style of unique east coast americana/folk that has been spiced with a twist of Fleetwood Mac's vintage edge.
With a fresh approach to writing this latest studio album, it is evident that JJ ROOTS continues to transform their leading edge contemporary sound.
"EUPHORIA" is much fuller experience of sound, complimenting the wonderful arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals under the direction of Juno award winning producer/engineer Paul Milner.
With a sprinkle of Magic Brew in the mix, ( JJ ROOTS, hometown recording studio located in Stewiacke, ns) it seems the EUPHORIA continues with the news of their 2023 Music Nova Scotia Nomination for Americana Recording of the Year!
Since forming the duo, Jeff & Jocelyn have experienced sold out concerts on tour, featured in The Sound Cafe industry magazine, received airplay across Canada, USA, and UK, as well as various TV and Radio appearances on CTV, Global, CBC & Eastlink TV.
Jocelyn Parlee
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, Jocelyn spent much of her youth in orchestra pits! She battled it out for 1st string positions and enjoyed playing and connecting with the beautiful violin pieces of her favorite classical composers.
At home is where her artistically gifted mother weaved a colorful and soulful tapestry of musical storytelling legends, as well as a long list of powerful vocalists that exceeded all musical genres and boundaries.
THIS was the fertile ground where Jocelyn's musical ROOTS took hold!
She continued throughout life to develop a skill set that included multiple instruments, songwriting, and poetry.
“ To be as one, simultaneously with the song and the audience, is to be whole as an artist...Singing & Songwriting has always been a passion for me that began as a child. I believe my life's musical journey has led me to this pivotal moment in joining forces with Jeff. We are proudly creating songs in a uniquely blended sound of textures and emotion, weaving together a tapestry of genres..." Jocelyn Parlee
Jeff Scott Gray
Known for his diverse and powerful guitar showmanship, Jeff was born in San Diego and spent his formative musical years in Alabama and Massachusetts listening and learning from the music of Motown and Sly and the Family Stone. These early roots were shaken when Jeff discovered rock through The Edgar Winter Group and Bachman Turner Overdrive.
Jeff's passion really took off after discovering the infectious riff rock and theatrical performances of KISS inspiring him to play guitar! Over the years he continuously returned to these influences following the likes of Alice Cooper, Metallica, Rush, Slipknot and even Marilyn Manson!
Jeff's musical journey is unusual in that he spent his professional career as a bank executive while maintaining his official garage band superstar status! After years of honing his skills, and now inspired by the amazing talents of Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff has recently taken on the monumental task of becoming a world-class finger picker.
It is in this environment, that Jeff is thrilled to have teamed up with the super talented Jocelyn Parlee to form the performance duo JJ ROOTS!
"It is clear to me that my life's musical journey has been preparing me for this shining moment partnering with Jocelyn. Every sliver of my Rock, Metal and Acoustic roots are coming into their own with our music..." Jeff Scott Gray
2019 International JMA Awards
2019 Overall Folk/Americana Duo of the year
2018 International JMA Awards
2018 Overall Folk/Americana Duo of the year
