Jen Durkin’s Equinox

In life’s constant renewal comes the Equinox, comprised of Matthew Detroy (Piano), Rich Zurkowski (Bass), Hans Broeking (drums), Johnny Durkin (percussion), Rob Somerville (sax), and Jen Durkin (Vocals). This new group formed around the music of co-writers Durkin and Detroy. The songs on the new CD have melodies and harmonies floating thru jazz, soul and latin rhythms. Jen Durkin- Lead Vocalist for Mickey Hart Band, Rhythm Devils, Bernie Worrell, The Bomb Squad and Deep Banana Blackout has a 15 year career entertaining Festival audiences around the country. As American Music Award winner in 2003 she became involved in Music education and developed courses in lyric writing for Middle- High school aged students. Passionate about writing music she found a great writing partner and versatile band to bring about the new direction and sound of Equinox.
As a young student of music, Jen attended Berklee Music College and sang in their renowned Gospel Choir. After struggling to juggle classes in music composition and a full time job she moved to NYC to audition and connect with other musicians to create a career in music. As receptionist at world music club S.O.B.’s she was able to attend the shows of the legendary artists of her time.

The years of study and practice brought Jen together with a group of like- minded musicians called Deep Banana Blackout. This high energy Funk rock band hit it off with the emerging jam band scene of the 90’s and toured Nationally opening for Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, P-Funk, Gov’t Mule, John Scofield and James Brown. They co wrote and produced 2 CDs before she left in 2000 to join Bernie Worrell and the Woo Warriors. It was during this time that writing partnership with Ian Mc Hugh and the Bomb Squad became a creative outlet for Jen. During the next 5 years they co wrote and produced 2 CDs winning the American Music Award for best unsigned band and played before Metallica on the show.

Deciding to remain unsigned Jen has continued to write and record herself and with friends projects. Most recently Jen had toured with Grateful Dead Drummers Bill Kreutzman and Mickey Hart, Bassists Mike Gorden (Phish) and George Porter (The Meters) and reunited with Deep Banana Blackout.

The Equinox band CD has been two years in the making. As a single Mother of two and a music/dance educator Jen relied on the tremendous support of Matt Detroy and her family who helped bring this project forward. Slowly but surely the message and the music of a new beginning is getting out to the world full of hope and peace.

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