From Motown soul to bluegrass, rock, and jazz, J. B. enjoys playing a multitude of styles and writing originals in the various groups with which he regularly gigs. Whether he’s swinging with a big band or contemporary jazz trio, “slapping the doghouse” in an old time string band, laying down the funk with a hard rocking group, or teaching students the subtle art of the groove, his passion and commitment to music shines through in every performance!

Growing up in a musical family, J.B. Faires began absorbing an abundance of styles and influences at an early age. Beginning with the church choir at age five, piano lessons at eight, the continuous years of grade school and high school band on a variety of brass instruments, and strict diet of classical and jazz studies on the string bass, he has run the musical gamut and continues to find new genres to sink his teeth into. “Fluid and effortless as a Swiss timepiece…he crackles with enthusiasm.” --Dave Leonati -- The State Journal Register, Springfield, IL Currently doing Doctoral work at the University of Illinois, J. B. has a Master’s degree in Instrumental Performance and a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Eastern Illinois University. His love of music of all kinds has found him entertaining some of the most diverse audiences around. J. B. has played bass with the Shirelles, Snooky Young, Chris Potter, Norman Simmons, and the late Joe Williams. Over the years, bands that he has played with have opened for artists such as Jim Dandy and Black Oak Arkansas, Steppenwolf, and Lee Greenwood. He has also spent four years working for the Danville Symphony Orchestra.

Other bands/artists with whom J. B. Faires has performed and/or recorded: Joker X-Press (classic rock) Shredmellow (hard rock) Bigalow (pop/rock) Kevin Hart (smooth jazz) Dorothy Perkins Trio (progressive rock) Travis Wesley Trio (contemporary jazz) Bjorn Spoon (country rock) Jeremy Taylor and the Sax Offender (blues/country rock) Funkallero (hip hop, funk/reggae) Dr. Wu (R & B, soul) Butchers Legs (bluegrass/rock) Tim Green (jazz) Eastwood and the Road Home (blues) Steve Allen’s Jubilee Band (gospel, patriotic) The Miscellaneous Three Man Band (pop standards of the ‘40s and ‘50s) Medicated Goo (classic/prog. rock) Chambana (jazz) Panache (smooth jazz)   Click the poster thumbnail to see a full-sized version of Airtight's J.B. Faires as the "poster boy" for a major annual event at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

J.B. in his most natural condition -- totally absorbed and in love with whatever piece he is playing. The Gentleman and his Lady Instrument become one and make beautiful music together.