The blues takes a stroll down ‘Fairfax Avenue’

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Blues isn’t a music genre that we hear often on the radio. It isn’t something that we see on VH1 or MTV either.

Fortunately, that does not mean that the blues have gone anywhere. This is most apparent with the release of blues guitarist Roy Jay’s new album Fairfax Avenue.

The album is full of life experiences, ranging from mistakes and missed opportunities to getting down and dirty. In his voice, you can hear this seasoned musician expressing what he has seen and what he yet desires.

Having always been an avid music lover, Roy Jay was in many bands during his college years. As life’s demands came up, the opportunities to play and record music became less and less available. Then, one day, he finally decided to do what he always wanted: Play the blues. Thank goodness that he did.

With help from local record companies and studios, Roy Jay was able to produce his first album, Lucky Man, in 2009. During the tour that followed, Roy Jay developed a better music identity to compose this new work of art.

Roy Jay sounds like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan were able to father the same child. A tasty, southern zing comes from his guitar to feed a hungry soul. This artist is fairly new and, like many artists, he isn’t getting the publicity that he deserves.  A musician of this caliber merits a wider audience.

Luckily for us, we can go and see him live on Sept. 17 at The Stateroom in Salt Lake City. Of course, Roy Jay isn’t alone on stage. Six other people will be giving support with vocals, guitar, bass and drums.

This band from central Florida has the makings of a great jam band, but they choose to stay on track and end all of their songs in a timely manner, sometimes perhaps too timely.

The classic honkey-tonk beats and swing rhythms will make you want to get up and shake your money-maker. If you prefer not to move while listening to music, you’ll have to fight the urge to bob your head.

If two dice were rolled, this album would be a ten out of twelve. Roy Jay has all the makings of a great blues musician, but I feel that he shouldn’t be afraid to let his songs run a little longer. Fairfax Avenue is in stores now.