Reggie Silva, founder of The Blu J’z, envisioned building upon the music legacy that began in his home in early childhood.  The legacy his father Miguel Silva built was established not only as a means of bringing home a supplemental income but became his passion in life that many of his 11 children, including Reggie Silva, would grow in his legacy to play an instrument or sing.  Influences from home and radio in the 1970’s began to imprint on this young soul, artists like:  Santana, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Tower Power, Andre Crouch and many others, began to be the sounds that became permanent staples in his thirst for one day having his own sound.  In 1998 that vision of music legacy would originate from a dream and the sound of The Blu J’z was created from hooky melodies, and the birth of their first CD in 2001 titled “Feeling the Moment”.  According to Reggie Silva, the album title was drawn from his passion and legacy for music that “it came from the heart”.   Originally starting out as a five piece band, his son Richard Silva began to gain inspiration for the family legacy and joined the band while still in high school.  From their inception in Fresno, located in the Central Valley, this family band has become popular in the jazz music scene. 

        The Blu J’z have performed cover tunes and original pieces that contained that smooth jazz vibe.  Their unique sound has attracted listeners from various genres to include Funk, Rock, Jazz, Pop, Latin and R&B.  In 2000, local newspaper reporter from the Fresno Bee stumbled upon a performance at a local gaming casino, and was compelled to print an article to showcase local talent.  The compelled reporter wrote an article titled “Family Band” highlighting how the family legacy evolved and The Blu J’z were given front page status of the Life Section in April 20, 2000.  In addition to performing at Fresno hot spots, they were given an opportunity to perform at the Sacramento Jazz Festival 2 years in a row.   Local community recognition in the smooth jazz community lead to opening for Fresno’s own Smooth Jazz Festival at Coombs Riverbend Ranch in 2004.

        After a short sabbatical and surviving cancer, founder Reggie Silva was once again ready to relive the legacy he began years prior.  As time passed, musicians changed or moved on but the one constant at his side, his one and only son, would soon become his most trusted partner in this musical legacy.  In 2011, saxophonist and promoter Richard Silva began to continue the family legacy that was built on generational musical talents.  Richard began networking and promoting The Blu J’z first album “Feeling the Moment” via internet.  After several years of lettering writing and pounding at the keyboards, the group began to gain momentum in the national radio scene by way of internet, magazine publications, and other media outlets.  Highlights include airplay, interviews, and being recognized in jazz magazines both in California (Coffee Talk Jazz Network, Smooth Jazz News, Sunday in the Redwoods 2015 Edition) and Texas (Jazz In M.E.E.).  The Blu J’z were also nominated for BestIndie Smooth Jazz Group (GHP Radio Station -2014) and Favorite Northern California Jazz Band (Eventmaster Entertainment-2016).  By the watchful eye of promoters and diligent hard work they had been asked to be an opening act for smooth jazz artist Boney James in concert at the Woodward Park Amphitheatre in Fresno California (2012). It was this performance that has helped opened the door to many other opportunities including opening for other well-known smooth jazz artists that included Fred Yonnett, David Sanborn with Bob James, and Brian Culbertson, Patrick Lamb (2013), Paul Taylor, Marion Meadows (2014), Gerald Alright, Maysa (2015), Julian Vaughn (2016), Stanley Clarke, Regina Belle, and Alex Bugnon (2017).  To this day Richard is very much determined in spreading the word about The Blu J’z.  From the Jazz In M.E.E April Magazine (2014) they referenced our Cd and wrote this, “Buyer beware, the melodies will grab your attention and provide an intense form of musical expression. Watch out! This band is creating a buzz.

"Our goal is to express what we feel, while giving the audience an entertaining experience.” Reggie Silva

 

Booking Info

Email: theblujz@yahoo.com

Website: theblujz.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/theblujz

Twitter: twitter.com/theblujz