Jonathan Crist

Photo of Jonathan Crist
"Where Are My Heroes?" is a tribute to every individual who puts their lives on the line to protect our families, to protect our communities and to protect our freedoms that we have come to know as Americans.
 
This song recognizes the courageous efforts of the American Soldier, Firefighter and Member of Law Enforcement who put their lives at risk every day to safeguard our lives.  And they do so too often with little or no recognition... recognition they truly deserve.
 
"Where Are My Heroes?" seeks to keep the names and stories of our Heroes alive and asks why we don't hear their personal stories more often.  We must never forget our courageous "Brothers and Friends" who are drivin’ to do more, to give back to their Communities and Country, and put their lives at risk in doing so.
 
"Where Are My Heroes?" is dedicated to our Heroes - every American Veteran, Firefighter and Member of Law Enforcement who is willing to risk it all to protect others.        
       
-Jonathan Crist
 
 
The Musicians  (in alphabetical order)
 
Ed Ambrosino – Piano, Organ
Mark Ambrosino – Drums, Percussion
John Ciotti – Drums, Percussion
Rory Creegan – Electric Rhythm Guitars
Claudia Crist - Harmony Vocals
Jonathan Crist – Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Mike Martino – Electric Rhythm & Lead Guitars
Fran Morr – Harmony Vocals
Vinny Muscarella – Rhythm Guitars
Pat Owens – Bass Guitar
 
Recorded April 2011- June 2011 at Madhouse Studios in Queens, New York.  Mixed at Madhouse Studios.  Mastered by Mark Santangelo at Masterdisk in NYC.  Engineered and Produced by Mark Ambrosino.
 
 

 Jonathan Crist has been writing songs since the 1980’s and his musical influences are extremely diverse – ranging from James Taylor, Neil Young and Jimmy Webb to Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffet, The Beatles and Led Zepplin.  Jonathan taught himself to play harmonica at age thirteen and picked up the guitar when he was fourteen. By age fifteen he was honing his skills at both, simultaneously.  Two years later with guitar in hand and harmonica around his neck, Crist took 1st  Place in the Student Talent Show at Southside High School (Rockville Centre, NY) with his version of Neil Young’s Heart Of Gold.

Crist had written the music and melody for “Where Are My Heroes?” some ten years earlier, however was never satisfied with previous attemps at lyrics and storyline.  In the Fall of 2010 he attended a charity fundraiser where the father of a fallen Army Ranger addressed the audience.  Crist was so moved by the father’s strength and his determination to help the families of other soldiers killed in action that Jonathan went home and penned the new lyrics that night and straight into the next morning.  In “Where Are My Heroes?” Crist touches on the dangers & sacrifices of today’s heroes and expresses a connection or common bond between members of the Military, Firefighters and Law Enforcement.  He recognizes that our heroes grew up just like every kid we hung out with in our own hometown, yet as they become adults, they rise to a greater calling which continually shape our communities and our country.   The song describes how each individual who selects these careers makes a personal choice that will put their lives at risk every day.  He also reminds us that these individuals are not only personal brothers and friends… they are the brothers and friends of everyone in our nation and their stories should never be forgotten.

Jonathan Crist also sings and plays guitar & harmonica in a new “Not For Profit” band called the Dogs Of War (derived from a famous quote in the Shakespearean play, “Julius Ceasar”).  The Dogs Of War perform 2 or 3 shows annually to raise money for various veterans groups on Long Island.  On January 19, 2011 they sold out Governor’s in Levittown, NY and on June 21, 2011 they packed the Sands in Lido, NY with more than 300 fans.  All proceeds going to Veterans.  Every member of the Dogs Of War participated in the recording sessions for “Where Are My Heroes?” and appear on the final recording.  In addition to his bandmates, Jonathan invited four other outstanding singer/musicians to perform on this recording, including his daughter Claudia.

In a music review from October 1995 following a performance at Solomon Grundy’s, The Island Ear wrote “Jonathan Crist is one of those rare muscicians…  armed with an acoustic Guitar and the occasional harmonica, Crist put on a show that could please anyone, no matter what your musical preference.  Crist’s voice was as rich and powerful as his guitar playing…  If you’ve got a chance to see Jonathan Crist…  make sure you get there.”

Crist, who resides on Long Island, has written dozens of songs, often about highly recognizable people.  Songs like “Baby Blue (becomes a man)” which tells the story of a young JFK, Jr. saluting his father’s funeral procession; or “City Of David” – a rock ballad retelling the story of the Birth of Christ (both songs co-written with Joe Zammit).
Stay tuned…