What I especially like about #8 is the distinct symbol/logo. One look, and anyone could recognize it -- that lends itself to terrific brand recognition. With that said, however, the symbol is a bit too abstract -- a casual viewer would not be able to recognize that it actually says "JC". Beautiful colors, but I'd like light blue to get incorporated into the color scheme.
Side note: No need to put in the company tagline, "Artistry That Rocks", on future submissions. OK to leave out.
Use of an emblem/symbol is definitely the direction I want to go in.
i assume that per your rankings you prefer designs that are using curly fonts like Scriptina for "jc" letters rather than a custom shaped logo. Would you like to see that aproach from me as well?