Born into a military family …well, you could say we traveled a lot!  Even though Dad never had any formal musical training, he had such a good “ear” for music he would show me how to strum little phrases and patterns on a little plastic guitar when I was about 5 years old.  He would also scat sing to me and then make me repeat what he would sing. Yeah, I had a fun childhood musically! I grew up listening to the sounds of Stevie Wonder, The Four Tops, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Beethoven, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Stitt, Thelonious Monk, BB King, Otis Redding, James Brown, Tom Jones, Duke Ellington and The Beatles. I began formal guitar lessons at seven years old. As I got older, I gained positive influences from the various jazz, gospel, classical, rock, pop and fusion groups of the day. I had great teachers (Toby Butler, John Tosco, John Collins, Phil Butts, William Fielder, Fred Irby III, Frank Bahus, George Winfield...and so many many others) Attended Rutgers University in New Jersey and eventually earned two degrees from Howard University  [Bachelor of Music-Jazz Studies] and  [Master of Music- Guitar]. I had the honor of being voted [Best Blues/Rock/Pop Guitar] by DOWNBEAT magazine in the 1988 Collegiate Awards category. I also traveled the world and played with some amazing musicians and singers: Regina Belle, Skip Jackson, Illinois Jaquette, Wynton Marsalis, Terrance Blanchard, Joe Burden, Frank Lacy, Ethel Ennis... I watched, listened and learned... I discovered that  it’s all about intensity and projection…projecting your soul and your spirit through your instrument or voice.

I desire that everyone who comes into contact with my sound feel the presence and love of GOD…to touch and feel His Spirit. I want you to feel my heart- the love that I have for you. I give you my all and all…

Jay