Brian Jarvis

Talent, determination and a big dream, are some of the attributes one needs to succeed in any type of creative career, but especially music and singer/songwriter Brian Jarvis has that in spades. Every artist has that one goal to make his mark on the music scene and Jarvis is no exception. Jarvis has put it all on the line in pursuit of his passion. After being influenced by artists like John Mayer and Vertical Horizon Jarvis has come up with a signature sound that’s catchy pop rock with a country and indie edge. His sound has drawn comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Pat McGee, The Gin Blossoms and Sister Hazel. Jarvis and his band’s music have evolved over the years due to the experiences and changes Jarvis has gone through both professionally and personally. However, this Connecticut native hasn’t let the music business change who he is but rather define who he wants to be.

These changes have included touring with artists like Sister Hazel, the Kin and Matt Nathanson and the struggles to balance his love for music with a day job. Deciding to gamble on himself, Jarvis quit his day job and pursuing music full time after a personal tragedy. After parting ways with friends and suffering the devastating loss of his father, Jarvis was at a crossroad. Jarvis has taken those losses as stepping-stones realizing the opportunity to fulfill a not only his dream but the dream his father had for him. Realizing, there is no time like the present, Jarvis is branching out on his own once again since 2008’s Honestly with his sophomore solo album Beautifully Broken due out February 2012 on Soundwave Records.

With his latest album Jarvis has managed to create an album filled with emotion that is easy to listen and relate to. The melodies are derived from country, pop, rock and jazz this album and has something for everyone, however most of the songs fall into the pop/rock genre. Some of the standout tracks on the album include “ Any Other Way”, “Hardest Break”, and “Honestly”.

“Any Other Way”, has a twang to an otherwise acoustic guitar-driven country track. An inspiring, uplifting melody and catchy hook, it has the perfect elements for commercial pop radio.



On the other end of the spectrum, is “Hardest Break” one of the songs that show Jarvis’s vulnerable side. The song is one of the calmer, more introspective and reflective songs on the album. It’s one of the songs where Jarvis just let’s himself “go”. His feelings seem to spill out into a musical stream of emotion that is displayed in its lyrical and musical arraignment. Perhaps one of the most distinctive tracks on the album that separates itself from the pack is “ Honestly”.

“ Honestly” is an up-tempo rocker whose dark chords create the illusion of dissonance, which give the song an edge. It’s that edge that makes it really standout from the rest of the tracks on the album; it wakes you up and makes you take notice. Making the whole album more complex and you can see a glimpse of what we can expect from Jarvis in the future.

Jarvis’s talent, determination and hard work have paid off and Jarvis is one step closer to achieving that “big dream” every artist wants, to make it in the music industry with ‘Beautifully Broken’ Jarvis is off to a good start. For more information on the album or tour dates fans can visit www.GotJarvis.com and find him under Brian Jarvis Band on Facebook and Twitter. - Starpulse.com

Talent, determination and a big dream, are some of the attributes one needs to succeed in any type of creative career, but especially music and singer/songwriter Brian Jarvis has that in spades. Every artist has that one goal to make his mark on the music scene and Jarvis is no exception. Jarvis has put it all on the line in pursuit of his passion. After being influenced by artists like John Mayer and Vertical Horizon Jarvis has come up with a signature sound that’s catchy pop rock with a country and indie edge. His sound has drawn comparisons to the likes of John Mayer, Pat McGee, The Gin Blossoms and Sister Hazel. Jarvis and his band’s music have evolved over the years due to the experiences and changes Jarvis has gone through both professionally and personally. However, this Connecticut native hasn’t let the music business change who he is but rather define who he wants to be.

These changes have included touring with artists like Sister Hazel, the Kin and Matt Nathanson and the struggles to balance his love for music with a day job. Deciding to gamble on himself, Jarvis quit his day job and pursuing music full time after a personal tragedy. After parting ways with friends and suffering the devastating loss of his father, Jarvis was at a crossroad. Jarvis has taken those losses as stepping-stones realizing the opportunity to fulfill a not only his dream but the dream his father had for him. Realizing, there is no time like the present, Jarvis is branching out on his own once again since 2008’s Honestly with his sophomore solo album Beautifully Broken due out February 2012 on Soundwave Records.

With his latest album Jarvis has managed to create an album filled with emotion that is easy to listen and relate to. The melodies are derived from country, pop, rock and jazz this album and has something for everyone, however most of the songs fall into the pop/rock genre. Some of the standout tracks on the album include “ Any Other Way”, “Hardest Break”, and “Honestly”.

“Any Other Way”, has a twang to an otherwise acoustic guitar-driven country track. An inspiring, uplifting melody and catchy hook, it has the perfect elements for commercial pop radio.



On the other end of the spectrum, is “Hardest Break” one of the songs that show Jarvis’s vulnerable side. The song is one of the calmer, more introspective and reflective songs on the album. It’s one of the songs where Jarvis just let’s himself “go”. His feelings seem to spill out into a musical stream of emotion that is displayed in its lyrical and musical arraignment. Perhaps one of the most distinctive tracks on the album that separates itself from the pack is “ Honestly”.

“ Honestly” is an up-tempo rocker whose dark chords create the illusion of dissonance, which give the song an edge. It’s that edge that makes it really standout from the rest of the tracks on the album; it wakes you up and makes you take notice. Making the whole album more complex and you can see a glimpse of what we can expect from Jarvis in the future.

Jarvis’s talent, determination and hard work have paid off and Jarvis is one step closer to achieving that “big dream” every artist wants, to make it in the music industry with ‘Beautifully Broken’ Jarvis is off to a good start. For more information on the album or tour dates fans can visit www.GotJarvis.com and find him under Brian Jarvis Band on Facebook and Twitter. - Starpulse.com

All those years Brian Jarvis has spent honing his craft on the local scene pay off on “Beautifully Broken” (Soundwave), the Manchester singer and songwriter’s first LP in four years.

This is the album on which Jarvis steps out from the shadow of his influences with a sound all his own. He wrote the 11 songs on “Beautifully Broken” amid personal turmoil over the past few years: his father died of cancer, and he quit his job to pursue music full time.

Such a leap requires requires passion and commitment, and these songs show it, along with the ache of such a deeply felt loss. The result is the most personal music he’s written so far, on wistful pop tunes seeded with catchy melodic hooks fleshed out by his self-titled band.


Jarvis book-ends the album with two of the strongest songs: he strives to hold himself together on the title-track opener, bright guitar ringing under his voice on a soaring chorus. Closer “Till I See You Again” sounds like a brokenhearted farewell to his dad, and Jarvis sings gently over a slow three-quarter time blend of acoustic guitar and piano.

His voice rises and falls over a wave of warm, growling guitar on “Any Other Way,” a chugging electric guitar pushes and pulls at the melody on “Honestly” and a punchy acoustic guitar frames lyrics that show a measure of Jarvis’ determination to carry on in the face of hardship.

It’s the same determination that has helped him grow from a vaguely pleasant singer-songwriter to a confident front man who’s figured out what he wants his songs to say, and how best to say it. - Hartford Courant

All those years Brian Jarvis has spent honing his craft on the local scene pay off on “Beautifully Broken” (Soundwave), the Manchester singer and songwriter’s first LP in four years.

This is the album on which Jarvis steps out from the shadow of his influences with a sound all his own. He wrote the 11 songs on “Beautifully Broken” amid personal turmoil over the past few years: his father died of cancer, and he quit his job to pursue music full time.

Such a leap requires requires passion and commitment, and these songs show it, along with the ache of such a deeply felt loss. The result is the most personal music he’s written so far, on wistful pop tunes seeded with catchy melodic hooks fleshed out by his self-titled band.


Jarvis book-ends the album with two of the strongest songs: he strives to hold himself together on the title-track opener, bright guitar ringing under his voice on a soaring chorus. Closer “Till I See You Again” sounds like a brokenhearted farewell to his dad, and Jarvis sings gently over a slow three-quarter time blend of acoustic guitar and piano.

His voice rises and falls over a wave of warm, growling guitar on “Any Other Way,” a chugging electric guitar pushes and pulls at the melody on “Honestly” and a punchy acoustic guitar frames lyrics that show a measure of Jarvis’ determination to carry on in the face of hardship.

It’s the same determination that has helped him grow from a vaguely pleasant singer-songwriter to a confident front man who’s figured out what he wants his songs to say, and how best to say it. - Hartford Courant

Concluding the evening, Brian Jarvis. joined by fellow band mates John on bass and Mike P on guitar and backing vocals providing a layer of harmony and rhythm. Normally a full band, they stripped for the theater although two guitars, bass and vocals seemed robust enough for this trio. Offering a performance leaning towards pop/rock, Jarvis blended upbeat hook laden songs with lighter ones. Finishing the performance, Mr Jarvis had Babini and Wax join him in a cover of Phil Collins, "In the Air Tonight".

Each of the three offered solid performances reflective of so many great singer/songwriters. Watch out for them as they rise.
- The Examiner

December 09, 2010It's been a big year for local singer and songwriter Brian Jarvis, who spent time touring with Sister Hazel and recently released a six-song EP, "The Warehouse Sessions."

It's only natural that Jarvis is upping the ante for his third annual charity holiday concert, happening this Saturday at the Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School. Once again, he's invited a solid stable of area singer-songwriters to perform, including Seth Adam, Mike Falzone, Alexis Babini and Kevin Howard. He's also recruited a guest headliner in the form of the Alternate Routes. The nationally touring Bridgeport roots-rock band self-released its third album, the well-reviewed "Lately," this fall.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $5 plus an unwrapped toy. All proceeds benefit We Are the Children. Classical Magnet School is at 85 Woodland St. in Hartford. Information and tickets: http://www.soundwavemerch.com.

Brian Lee, Special to The Courant

- Hartford Courant

Brian Jarvis
Honestly
(Knapsack Records)
Hartford

The Rane/Tides Records camp has evolved into a well-oiled pop machine with Alan Veniscofsky at the helm. Brian Jarvis has always known how to pen a good song, but Honestly's instrumentation fleshes his songs out into rollicking, piano-driven rockers. The keys are what make the songs stand out above typical guitar-bass-drums fare, but the disc's secret weapon is Anna Brewer, who provides heart-melting harmonies. Her voice is well-matched to Jarvis', and she's prominent enough in the mix to come off as a co-vocalist and not just a backup singer. The second half can be a little copacetic at times — tracks six and seven shed a lot of good momentum, and album closer "Dancing Away" gets a little keyboard-twinkly. But tunes like the title track and "Back to Earth" carry the album with a combination of Bryan Kelly's funky cymbal play and Jarvis' subtle voice.
- Hartford Advocate

Brian Jarvis
Honestly
(Knapsack Records)
Hartford

The Rane/Tides Records camp has evolved into a well-oiled pop machine with Alan Veniscofsky at the helm. Brian Jarvis has always known how to pen a good song, but Honestly's instrumentation fleshes his songs out into rollicking, piano-driven rockers. The keys are what make the songs stand out above typical guitar-bass-drums fare, but the disc's secret weapon is Anna Brewer, who provides heart-melting harmonies. Her voice is well-matched to Jarvis', and she's prominent enough in the mix to come off as a co-vocalist and not just a backup singer. The second half can be a little copacetic at times — tracks six and seven shed a lot of good momentum, and album closer "Dancing Away" gets a little keyboard-twinkly. But tunes like the title track and "Back to Earth" carry the album with a combination of Bryan Kelly's funky cymbal play and Jarvis' subtle voice.
- Hartford Advocate

Sexy Vocals-A smooth male vocal always gets me and this band has a sexy sounding singer. The guitar rhythms are the perfect amount. Drummer is tight and love the production. I would love to hear an acoustic only version of this artist. That would be cool!
- garageband.com
- garageband.com

Sexy Vocals-A smooth male vocal always gets me and this band has a sexy sounding singer. The guitar rhythms are the perfect amount. Drummer is tight and love the production. I would love to hear an acoustic only version of this artist. That would be cool!
- garageband.com
- garageband.com

Major hooks, major talent. Bet on this one!
Very pro style with vocals that are crisp and clear. What a dreamy voice!!! If this band doesn't make it big, I'll eat my hat!!! Guitar work is beautiful, and I love the break that builds into the chorus. Very hooky!!!
- garageband.com
- garageband.com

Major hooks, major talent. Bet on this one!
Very pro style with vocals that are crisp and clear. What a dreamy voice!!! If this band doesn't make it big, I'll eat my hat!!! Guitar work is beautiful, and I love the break that builds into the chorus. Very hooky!!!
- garageband.com
- garageband.com

"Great Hooks and melodies" "A sincere voice you can tell he really means it" - Former A+R for Atlantic Records

"Great Hooks and melodies" "A sincere voice you can tell he really means it" - Former A+R for Atlantic Records

"Solid arrangments and a nice hook"
"The songs come across sincere and honest"
"the musicianship is great here" - Taxi A & R

"Solid arrangments and a nice hook"
"The songs come across sincere and honest"
"the musicianship is great here" - Taxi A & R

Brian Jarvis is so cute. Like, boy band cute. He started his Friday night set at McKinnon's with "Good Love is On The Way" by Connecticut-hating native John Mayer. I asked McKinnon's Magic 8 Ball if Mayer is right to hate his homeland so. "Very doubtful," quoth the 8 Ball. Wait, what? You mean there's redeeming value here? "Very doubtful." Oh, so John Mayer is just an asshole? "Spirits predict no." Dude, screw you, 8 Ball. You're not making this any easier.

Still, the more I dwelled on Jarvis' song selection — it seemed an unusually good match — the more I began to wonder if there was a hidden, secret relationship for me to unravel between him and Mayer. After being told to concentrate and ask again, the 8 Ball divulged that this was "most likely." I suspect that their predilection for boyish candy-rock is in line with their clean-cut good looks. But after a few more songs, I also noticed that underneath the hooky pop, Jarvis is actually an excellent musician. In between verses, he wanders away from the mic to concentrate on his guitar. He pulls down the brim of his baseball cap to block out distractions, and plays like hell. He focuses on entertaining rather than grandstanding.

Perhaps that's why Jarvis seemed to go unnoticed by the bar crowd, which was admittedly a bit thin for a Friday night. Most of his first set went unapplauded, and his friendly entreaties for requests were only met by the typical blonde chick requesting Dave Matthews. ("Good ol' Hartford, Connecticut," Jarvis chirped.) He's right: Hartford seems to prefer the grandstanding but mediocre rocker to the humble talent. Impressively, Jarvis never once skimped, even on what he could have easily written off as a quiet night. He played aggressive, almost flamenco triplets on "All Along the Watchtower"; he turned "In the Air Tonight" into a slow taffy pull; and he rounded Mike Doughty's harsh angles off of "Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well," making it a smooth pebble. Jarvis' handle on covers makes you wonder which one he's going to pull out next — and what he's going to do with it.

- Hartford Advocate

Brian Jarvis is so cute. Like, boy band cute. He started his Friday night set at McKinnon's with "Good Love is On The Way" by Connecticut-hating native John Mayer. I asked McKinnon's Magic 8 Ball if Mayer is right to hate his homeland so. "Very doubtful," quoth the 8 Ball. Wait, what? You mean there's redeeming value here? "Very doubtful." Oh, so John Mayer is just an asshole? "Spirits predict no." Dude, screw you, 8 Ball. You're not making this any easier.

Still, the more I dwelled on Jarvis' song selection — it seemed an unusually good match — the more I began to wonder if there was a hidden, secret relationship for me to unravel between him and Mayer. After being told to concentrate and ask again, the 8 Ball divulged that this was "most likely." I suspect that their predilection for boyish candy-rock is in line with their clean-cut good looks. But after a few more songs, I also noticed that underneath the hooky pop, Jarvis is actually an excellent musician. In between verses, he wanders away from the mic to concentrate on his guitar. He pulls down the brim of his baseball cap to block out distractions, and plays like hell. He focuses on entertaining rather than grandstanding.

Perhaps that's why Jarvis seemed to go unnoticed by the bar crowd, which was admittedly a bit thin for a Friday night. Most of his first set went unapplauded, and his friendly entreaties for requests were only met by the typical blonde chick requesting Dave Matthews. ("Good ol' Hartford, Connecticut," Jarvis chirped.) He's right: Hartford seems to prefer the grandstanding but mediocre rocker to the humble talent. Impressively, Jarvis never once skimped, even on what he could have easily written off as a quiet night. He played aggressive, almost flamenco triplets on "All Along the Watchtower"; he turned "In the Air Tonight" into a slow taffy pull; and he rounded Mike Doughty's harsh angles off of "Looking at the World from the Bottom of a Well," making it a smooth pebble. Jarvis' handle on covers makes you wonder which one he's going to pull out next — and what he's going to do with it.

- Hartford Advocate

I started throwing in an original here and there, and people would start coming up to me going 'What was that last song?'" For Jarvis, throwing originals in among the covers has been the formula for success in Hartford. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he has a knack for writing songs as catchy as the hits he surrounds them with. When Jarvis isn't playing solo, he can be found rocking with a full band and recording new tracks with the guys from Rane. - Hartford Advocate

I started throwing in an original here and there, and people would start coming up to me going 'What was that last song?'" For Jarvis, throwing originals in among the covers has been the formula for success in Hartford. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he has a knack for writing songs as catchy as the hits he surrounds them with. When Jarvis isn't playing solo, he can be found rocking with a full band and recording new tracks with the guys from Rane. - Hartford Advocate