THE STORY
J.A.M was birthed as a despondent all-originals project for frontman, Andrew Saltz in 2022. In 2022, Andrew recorded off and on in a homespun bedroom recording setup to create what would become the first few pieces of the band's freshman record. This is not Andrew's first project however, with him writing what has now been vaulted music dating back to 2017. But by 2023, Andrew was seeking to introduce a collectively working project into the circuit unlike anything anyone had ever seen before. After a year of development and deliberation, Andrew founded J.A.M with Jeremy Hambrick (drums) and Mark Bumgarner (bass). With time they created the foundation for what has become the East Coast's first ever Indigenous rock experience. A premiere act, now based out of Cherokee, NC. As more songs were written and previewed for more and more receptive crowds, reviews began popping up, and things seemed to be looking up for the group. It was at this point in time Mark Bumgarner (bass) and Jeremy Hambrick (drums), due to many personal conflicts, required new musicians be auditioned and made readily available for work they feared they would miss. During this time, Austin Blakley (guitars) was temporarily hired. However, shortly after this Mark Bumgarner (bass) had to step away all together, Austin along with him.
During this transitional period, Evan Hamlin (bass) was hired on as the group's new official bassist, presenting J.A.M with a renewed hope. Shortly after, Whitaker Dry (guitars) was temporarily hired. Arda Bagcioglu was then welcomed as the group's official lead guitarist, utilizing Whitaker as his permanent fill-in. It was then Jeremy Hambrick (drums) decided it was in the group's best interest to share his position with Gavin Glover, utilizing Jeremy as Gavin's permanent fill-in. Tommy Tessneer was then also hired on as the group's official rhythm guitarist, with Jade Saltz as his fill-in. It was then a newly solidified band, insured for any situation and adaptable for any entertainment setting, began to rightfully really take off.
With renewed vigor, Saltz and the all-new group went to work recording the first tracks of J.A.M's self-titled freshman record. Putting together material for not only their first record, but a new stage show as well, the band began booking and touring in 2023. As the stage show has become more elaborate, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee) tribal members and friends, Kerry Reed and Charles Medsteth, have also been added to the talented ensemble, as well as other elaborate audio and visual elements. With a clear vision, J.A.M has now become a multi-award winning residential entertainment attraction in Cherokee, NC, at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Resort with Caesars Entertainment.
During this transitional period, Evan Hamlin (bass) was hired on as the group's new official bassist, presenting J.A.M with a renewed hope. Shortly after, Whitaker Dry (guitars) was temporarily hired. Arda Bagcioglu was then welcomed as the group's official lead guitarist, utilizing Whitaker as his permanent fill-in. It was then Jeremy Hambrick (drums) decided it was in the group's best interest to share his position with Gavin Glover, utilizing Jeremy as Gavin's permanent fill-in. Tommy Tessneer was then also hired on as the group's official rhythm guitarist, with Jade Saltz as his fill-in. It was then a newly solidified band, insured for any situation and adaptable for any entertainment setting, began to rightfully really take off.
With renewed vigor, Saltz and the all-new group went to work recording the first tracks of J.A.M's self-titled freshman record. Putting together material for not only their first record, but a new stage show as well, the band began booking and touring in 2023. As the stage show has become more elaborate, EBCI (Eastern Band of Cherokee) tribal members and friends, Kerry Reed and Charles Medsteth, have also been added to the talented ensemble, as well as other elaborate audio and visual elements. With a clear vision, J.A.M has now become a multi-award winning residential entertainment attraction in Cherokee, NC, at Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Resort with Caesars Entertainment.
