Colon with Derek and Susan in 2010

Hartt School of Music student Javier Colon was playing percussion and singing with the Connecticut-based soul/funk band EmcQ with Ian McHugh (of the Bomb Squad) when he caught the attention of Eric Krasno. After EmcQ opened for Soulive, Krasno recommended the singer to Derek Trucks. Colon performed with Derek Trucks Band from 2000-2002 and appears on the group’s studio album Joyful Noise (he is credited with co-writing a few of the album’s songs, including its title track). He later scored a solo deal with Capitol Records and released two major label albums under his name. Colon also sang on records by the likes of Joss Stone, Darius Rucker and the Indigo Girls. More recently, he played some shows with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi’s new band.

Colon is now poised to reach a far wider audience as a contestant on NBC’s The Voice. Colon is competing on the talent show in front of a panel of judges that includes Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera. Levin—a pop star who has roots in the jamband scene as well—will serve as his coach/mentor. The Voice will air on NBC at 9/8c.