These week we feature jazz guitarist Jay Azzolina.

Online Bio

Jay grew up in Meriden Connecticut in a family whose musical diet primarily consisted of Frank Sinatra , Jack Jones, The Beatles and every other British rock group. At age seven, Jay began taking trumpet lessons from his dad (along with a few years of piano). At around eleven, he got his hands on a harmony guitar from his dad's music store and gradually made the Jay's Guitar switch from brass to strings. After high school, Jay spent a year at the Hartt School Of Music studying classical guitar with Alan Spriestersbach and Dick Provost before moving to Boston and attending the Berklee College Of Music. While in Boston, Jay had the good fortune of studying with Mick Goodrick, Charlie Banacos and Pat Metheny.

After leaving Boston in 1981, Jay moved to New York and entered a multitude of musical settings. His first gig in New York was with violinist Michael Urbaniak, ushering in the next several years of playing fusion music. During this time Jay worked and recorded with Harvie Swartz, and later Spyro Gyra, which earned him a Grammy nomination. In 1989, Jay recorded his first C.D. as a leader entitled Never Too Late, produced by Teo Macero on Antilles New Directions. During this time, the versatile guitarist was also working and recording with artists such as Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Fred Hersch, Jeff Beal, David Mann, Ron McClure, Herbie Mann, Chuck Mangione, Jerry Bergonzi, Marc Copeland and singers Michael Franks, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, Carly Simon and Rickie Lee Jones.

In 1995 Jay received a Masters of fine arts degree from the Conservatory Of Music At Purchase NY. During this time he studied composition with Edgar Grana and began teaching at the Conservatory as well as at Manhattanville College.

In 1997, Jay became a member of the John Patitucci band. This group afforded Jay the opportunity to play more expansive music in the acoustic jazz setting. The groups that John put together for tours were always great, especially the one in Mexico City which included Chris Potter and Adam Nussbaum. Sofia on a bumper car In January of 2000, Jay recorded his second C.D. entitled Past Tense on Doubletime Records, which included performances by Patitucci, Potter, and Nussbaum, along with pianist Charles Blenzig and singers Jill Azzolina and Julie Eigenberg. This recording of seven original songs was produced by both Azzolina and Patitucci, marking a new period of playing and writing for Jay.

This past year has been a busy year of performing, writing and teaching closer to home. Jay's new compositions have been captured on a live gig at One Station Plaza, in Peekskill, New York. Adam Nussbaum is back on drums along with B-3 organist Gary Versace. This recording entitled, Jay Azzolina Live at One Station Plaza, revisits the classic organ trio with a twist of the unpredictable. Best of all it's live.

Jay Azzolina's website: http://www.jayazzolina.com/biography_1.html

Doc Dosco is a jazz guitarist, composer and audio consultant living in Los Angeles, CA. His website is located at http://www.docdosco.com, where you can find more information on the 'What's Hot with Jazz Guitar' columns, audio clips of Doc's playing, and many additional features. Doc endorses Heritage Guitars and is a featured artist on their website. He also endorses the new Pignose Valve Tube Amps -- great for jazz (and anything else!)