Years of supporting a variety of artists in a grab-bag of different styles has equipped bassist Jordan Scannella with the necessary skills for all sorts of musical situations. But can he support himself? Jorscan is a new project led by bassist/em'cee Scannella which combines the interaction, story-telling and wit of hip hop, with potent grooves and musical sophistication that is as refined as it is raw! Keyboardist Romain Collin provides a mad array of colors, textures, and flavor while Josh Giunta brings unyielding support and nuance on the drums. The songs are mixture of humor and drama, foibles and fiasco; in other words, real life.

It started as a stupid hobby; Jordan would freestyle with friends late into the evening, mostly focusing on the act of talking trash about the other's maternal units. This led to rocking the mic at after-hours jam sessions, spitting verses about whatever and whoever happened to be in the mix. Sometimes new words were invented for the sake of the rhyme, other times stream of conscience got the best of ol' Jorscan. Regardless, there was joy in this act of creation and the realization of something there. In 2006, Jorscan was finishing up a five month gig as bassist for the Sam Hooper band at the House of Blues and Jazz in China. Known for banging out an impromptu verse at the end of the night or rapping at the weekly Sunday jam session, he wanted to so something different for the band's farewell party at the club. The idea for a song from the perspective of the ignorant foreigner living in urban China was conceived, and eventually "Shanghai, Shanghai" was born. The performance was a hit (probably because half the audience couldn't speak English), regardless, the seed was sewn. Still reeling from events magnificent, triumphantly radiant, the need for repetition most adamant, Jorscan departed for the island of Okinawa, Japan for some rest and relaxation after the long gig. To make a long story short, our beloved hero failed to take into consideration (or rather, completely neglected) the Japanese government's stance on illegal narcotics imported into the country. "Naha, we have a problem." Although the situation was bad, it was only temporary. With this new found "time" on his hands, Jorscan continued to ponder and create more songs, with a new found wealth of experience and material to pull from. It turned out to be the most consistent and prolific period of his artistic life (although kids, this is not a endorsement for prison!) Upon his deportation and return to the U.S., Jorscan set about realizing these musical statements that described, or were influenced, by this pivotal life experience. He began combining his lyrics and music into arrangements, which had been written in detention. Combing from a vast resource of friends who also happen to be some bad ass musicians, he began the recording process for his debut, self titled release.

Jorscan live is a downsized version of the record, but only in size. Not in scope and musical odyssey. The challenge and excitement of the live show promises to bring this music and this band in front of an ever greater number of music enthusiasts who have a penchant for hooky songs, banging beats, and high level musicianship.