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A Boston-Area native, Jonathan (Jon) Menard has been developing his skills as a singer / songwriter for the last decade. Originally inspired by David Lanz, a New Age solo pianist, Jon found his true passion in life, and fell in love with the instrument’s ability to harnass an entire orchestra at once. In later years, he began experimenting with the guitar, discovering a unique joy in the percussive nature of the instrument.
As Menard ventured into writing his own music, he began finding inspiration in the songs he so often listened to. From classic examples like The Beatles, The Eagles, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Billy Joel and Bruce Hornsby, to more modern artists like Dave Matthews, Justin King, Ben Folds, the GooGoo Dolls, Coldplay, and Toad the Wet Sprocket, Jon has been influenced across a variety of genres and generations.
Writing piano solos, full orchestrations, 4-piece acoustic rock arrangements, and comedic originals and parodies, as well as developing a unique percussive piano and guitar sound characteristic of his music, Menard has produced 4 full length albums of various genres. Striving to produce catchy melodic lines and honest lyrics that echo within his listeners long after the music has ended, Jon aims to write songs that connect personally with others in the same way he felt listening to those who first inspired him to pick up an instrument.
He began doing his music solo, progressed to forming a 4-piece band (Edgewood Box), and is now back on his own. Having graduated from WPI with a degree in chemistry and keeping a steady “day job” while hitting the Boston scene whenever possible, Jon hopes his passion for music will one day lead to greater things. He has a determination to show the area what he has to offer; and energetic sound and a straightforward playstyle that represents the young man’s character.
Recently, Jon has finished a long overdue professional recording of his piano solo instrumental music, titled “The Water’s Edge,” which includes one fully orchestrated piece (The Souvenir), and an arrangement of the theme from the motion picture “Braveheart.” Re-discovering his roots on the piano once again, Menard has produced a collection of songs that demonstrate his passion for the instrument.
Jon can be reached via his main page at www.jonmenard.com
or at JonathanWMenard@gmail.com
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