Click on the pics to see JERA's results for the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire Though a new name on the Seacoast rock scene, the members of JERA (sounds like Sarah with a J) have been making music together for well over 10 years. Singer/Drummer Chris Anderson, Guitarist Gary Leighton and Keyboardist Jason Keazer all grew up together in the Dover, NH area and started their first band while still in high school. Bassist Frank Couture from Kennebunk, ME joined the mix in the early 90s. While their earlier musical endeavors took them in a more progressive direction, the members of JERA earned rave reviews as well as a record deal with Metal Blade Records (the label that sparked the careers of mega-artists Metallica and The Goo Goo Dolls). As JERA's members matured so did their music. With a shift from the progressive to a more modern sound the band elected to start fresh with a new name. Taken from an ancient rune, JERA literally means “persistence”, a trait that the band has come to embody over the years. After several years of writing and demoing material, the band was ready to head into the studio. JERA then made another unique decision. Rather than fund their recording efforts out of their own pockets, they decided to seek a financial backer. Little did they know they would find their backer in another band. Gazpacho, one of the seacoast area's premier cover bands stepped to the plate and donated the funds necessary to finance the CD.* JERA made use of some of the seacoast area's top talent to complete their debut CD. Producer, songwriter, session musician Duncan Watt played the biggest role. Present throughout the recording process, Watt helped the band tighten their songs as Production Consultant as well as mixed 9 of the 10 tracks. Engineer Shaun Michaud was responsible for setting up many of the sounds on the album as well as mixing one of the tracks. Lastly, seacoast rock luminary Hank Decken mastered the album at his Dizzyland Studios. JERA made use of the latest technologies to track their album. Recording to their own digital studio, JERA tracked the drums at Dizzyland, and the rest of the instruments and vocals at several home studio set-ups. JERA's efforts culminated in early September 2003 with the release of their debut CD titled GO!. Launched on the band's own label HPS Records, GO! showcases JERA's musical diversity and songwriting maturity through 10 stellar tracks. From thick, heavy, ultra-modern songs such as Silence, Push and Doubt Me to the driving rockers Climb and Go; radio friendly tracks Fallen and How Would It Be? to the intimate Angel; the moody Friday or Sunday to the psychedelic-tinged The Penny, JERA's debut CD promises to redefine the listener's view of seacoast rock. *(Those familiar with the band know that Gazpacho is also comprised of members of JERA, however, it makes for a slightly better story if “Seacoast Band JERA Uses Other Band's Money To Finance Their CD!”)