Imagine an intimate music store in the front of an actual house in a quiet residential neighborhood only a block from the ocean in a small town on the Jersey Shore. Then, imagine it being run by two longtime local music teachers who literally treat their customers like family. Finally, imagine it carrying top brands being sold for the best prices anywhere in the world. For customers of Mr. J's Music Shop in Cape May, New Jersey, this fantasy has been a reality for over 15 years.
Opened in 1987 by Mr. J and his wife to fill in the area's complete lack of music stores, Mr. J's has stood the test of time in the face of increasing corporate competition. Located exactly one block from the Delaware Bay, Mr. J's has been a "can't miss" destination for musicians from all the over the world visiting the Jersey Shore.
Mr. J credits the store's popularity and longevity with two things, "good people and good prices. We care about our customers. It takes some effort to get to the very bottom of New Jersey to visit us. That means a lot. We make sure that absolutely everyone feels welcome. Beyond that, we just have great deals.", says Mr. J.
Deals may be an understatement. In Mrs. J's eye's the store's popularity has more to do with Mr. J's well meaning, but, often excessive, philanthropy than anything else..
"He's nuts and every year it gets worse," laughs Mrs. J who's been happily married to her "nuts" husband for over 25 years. "Not a day goes by when I don't see him give him something away. He's got far too big a heart to own a business, but his customers love him for it and, despite my better judgment, I do too."
In Cape May, NJ., everyone seems to know Mr. J and his shop, and they all have a Mr. J - related story. Whether it's the every so often concert he promotes at the local high school, (bringing in the late jazz great, Dizzy Gillespie to folk singing 60's Woodstock vet, Arlo Guthrie), to rumors of big time visiting musicians that show up late at night in tour buses, only to be gone in the morning, or, more importantly stories about financially - strapped families who wake to find the guitar their kid wanted, but, they couldn't afford, sitting on the doorstep on Christmas morning, Mr. J's customers have one thing in common- loyalty.
In a testament to Mr. J's local reputation, in 2001, after a miraculous recovery from a near-fatal brain condition that left Mr. J briefly in a coma, upon getting out of the hospital, a bus load of friends showed up at the store to wish him a speedy recovery, all decked in "Mr. J For President" t shirts.
Mr. J gets uncomfortable with personal compliments and responds with his favorite saying, "I'm just happy to be alive". Truth be told, he's much happier talking about the store's new items or the latest Tom Waits album.
Back to the store though, Mr. J's is an authorized dealer of several top brands, and the shop itself is crammed full of guitars, amps, drums, keyboards and all the accessories that go along with them. Everyday, new items arrive and they're happy to make specialized orders. When it comes to prices, let's just say some completely legendary deals have gone down in the small store by the bay. Feel free to find out for yourself, and before spending your hard-earned money and being treated like cattle at the local "Music Store Megaplex", try calling or e-mailing Mr. J's and see what kind of deal they can cut for you. Don't live in South Jersey? No worries, Mr. J's ships all over the world.
Beyond the store, Mr. J's has a full studio where for over 25 years Mrs. J has taught piano and vocal lessons to all ages. A classically trained concert pianist, Mrs. J is often heard tickling the ivories while customers browse. Ask nice enough and don't be surprised if Mrs. J invites you into the living room to view her vast array of miniature pianos (one of the largest collections on the east coast).
Need even more reasons to come by in person? At Mr. J's you'll get to view his massive autograph collection of countless artists that adorn the store's walls. There's a story behind each one, and the always talkative Mr. J is more than happy to tell them. Listening in on Mr. J's tales of 30 plus years in all aspects of the music business is worth the visit alone. He's jammed with everyone from Yes (while studying in the United Kingdom) to Zydeco legends, Beausoleil.
In a time of soul-less corporate giants it's nice to see a real "mom and pop" music store like Mr. J's still thriving on their own terms. Mr. J's is a special place run by special people, and you're invited to stop by and part of South Jersey's best-kept secret.