Bernstein moved to New Orleans from West Virginia in 1996 seeking inspiration and never left. He began performing as a spoken-word poet and has since become a prolific writer and performer — a solo artist and serial collaborator who can be heard in several combos, notably the Zen Cowboys, a duo with steel guitarist Dave Easley, and the Yakameiniacs, with Easley and Adrian Eggleston. He has recorded as J. the Savage and under his own name, and co-fronts the genre-bending Future Cowboys.
He is also an actor in film and television, with appearances in 'Preacher,' HBO's 'Treme,' 'American Horror Story,' 'Scream Queens,' and 'Roots.'
His latest release, the album 'Zeus,' is unlike anything else in his catalog: in June 2024 he joined legendary producer/engineer Mark Howard aboard the sailboat Zeus in the Bahamas, spending a week sailing the Sea of Abaco and recording each night at anchor — wind, waves, and rain part of the soundscape. Released April 11, 2025, 'Zeus' features originals like 'Not a City, A Star' and 'My Hillbilly Ways.'
Flavors his native bluegrass and self-described hillbilly musical tendencies with a full shaker of Crescent City spice.
WWOZ
