You have to be very careful when you spin that radio dial nowadays. That unnamed catchy hook you find yourself humming to yourself hours later may in fact turn out to be (gasp) WORSHIP MUSIC! (Sounds of screaming, moaning, wailing and gnashing of teeth...)

All kidding aside, I'm pleased with the way those blessed with musical talent have chosen to use those gifts to give praise right back to the one they got it from. Using music to further the message of your Supreme Being of Choice dates back to the beginning of time, but only recently has non-secular music collectively gotten it's act together to go "mainstream". Erik Jay is one of the many artists helping to make this happen...

[T]he hooks are very clean and dynamic, and the tracks from his CD Heart & Soul & Mind showcase talent from several different influences (rock, jazz, R&B, and samba just in particular). I'm especially impressed with the guitar work on a track called Monica, an obvious Santana-inspired tune and a nod to his adult daughter.

But the best from Erik seems yet to come, judging from a sample track from his soon-to-be released Vertical CD. The track is called Sambamartino and if it's any indication of the level of talent to be found on the rest of the CD, he's gathered a group that would easily stand up to ANY fusion-jazz group out there today.

I should probably preface this review by admitting that I am not a fan of smooth jazz. I spent four years working for a company that pumped a local smooth jazz station over the PA system all day long. I suppose the intent was for the music to relax us as we went about our daily work, but it ended up having the opposite effect on me. It probably didn't help that the local station only had a playlist of twenty songs.

Well, as you may have guessed, Erik Jay is a musician who writes and plays smooth jazz. Great way to start a review, isn't it? I settled down to what I thought was going to be a very difficult review to write - how do you fairly review a style of music you don't actually like? I found my answer when I spun up Heart & Soul & Mind.

Erik is no spring chicken - he was busy refining his skills with Vivian Grant (a pianist who had formerly worked with jazz singer Anita O'Day) when Reagan was in the White House. Currently residing near Los Angeles, which seems a good place to be if you are a solo musician, he has harnessed the talents of quite a few locals to help him bring his album to light (including the likes of Graham Dorsey, Jack Kelly, & Pee Wee Hill). Erik performs all of the guitar, keyboard, and lead vocal work and some of the synth drum and bass (real and MIDI) tracks.

The CD I received for review is Erik Jay's debut effort Heart & Soul & Mind. This is a very polished production and the sonic quality is very crisp and defined, which seems to be a defining characteristic of smooth jazz. The artistry on this disc is outstanding and easy to appreciate even if you don't care for the genre itself. Erik has some terrific guitar chops!

The songwriting is also solid. Erik attributes much of that to his producer, Richard Zeier, whom he credits with helping to develop a signature sound. The music has threads of various genres running through it including pop and Latin. Some of the arrangements are a bit simplistic, but they are the exception as most of the songs contain interesting chord changes or solo work. Erik's lyrics work well with the music, and often have a Christian theme.

My overall impression of Erik Jay's debut effort is one of appreciation. If you dismiss this genre as "elevator music" or dislike Christian-themed music this album probably won't change your mind. However, if you're a fan of smooth jazz with a Christian bent then I'd highly suggest checking it out. Good writing, great musicianship, and a guy who seems to have a genuine love for it all (he's already a hop, skip, & a jump into his sophomore release!). How can you miss? :)

Selected Songs:

Darling Tiana - Good choice for an opening song. The vocal/music mixes on this album are interesting, and give the songs a unique sound from what I'm used to hearing. The lead vocals almost sound like they've been processed a bit to sound mechanical? Or maybe it's a side effect of working on the Paris? Or maybe I'm hallucinating again - regardless, it's interesting sound. :) Great use of backing vocals.

Bendecido - This song reminds me of one of the tunes in the computer game "The Sims". :) This is a classy little instrumental tune with some nice bass and guitar work in it.

Straight Up - Great guitar work on this upbeat jazz tune. I was surprised to see that the bass on this track was done by a synth, it's very well done.

Falling Into Love - I really liked the chord progression for the chorus – it's a musical hook that makes the song more interesting. The vocals seemed almost a bit too staccato in parts but not so much so that it's distracting. Nice use of organ.

Monica - This is a bit like how I'd imagine the Vince Guaraldi Trio sounding if they did a holiday stint playing on a cruise ship in the Bahamas. I give this one the nod as being my favorite song on the disc.

Morning - After the great use of backing vocals on track one, it's surprising Erik doesn't make more use of them elsewhere. This song in particular seemed like it would work well with some moderate background vocals to help punctuate Erik's lyrics.

I'm Not Superman - I like the use of synth on this track which lends it a unique sound. Nice choice for a closing song.

Put together exceptional guitar work, sweet, smooth jazz rhythms and lyrics, excellent background musicians set to very tasteful and original tunes and you have a winner. This is what California musician extraordinaire Erik Jay has done for us. In his debut release, Heart & Soul & Mind, Jay has fashioned a creation that is a delight to listen to because of the high level of musical tastefulness, excellent production and professional musicianship.

Although the CD is complete with fitting vocals, keyboards and even some first-class bass playing by Erik Jay, he is first and foremost a remarkable jazz guitarist. With sweet, melodic runs, he spices the well-written tunes perfectly. Additionally, his song writing (all words and music by Jay) is right on and he has chosen an excellent supporting cast, including Jack Kelly on drums, Graham Dorsey on bass and sax, and a host of others adding to the professional polish of this fine CD.

Every song on this CD is a winner, however, the instrumental numbers – Bendecido, Best Buddies, Straight Up and Monica – were my personal favorites. This is not to say the songs with vocals are not excellent, but as in many smooth jazz works, the instrumentals give the artists a chance to showcase their musical ability and creativity. In the case of Erik Jay he does so extremely well with fresh, tasteful riffs that tell a story of their own.

With social conscience, Erik Jay gives political commentary in Fighting From My Knees, a poignant observation on the atrocities of war in Kosovo and the Sudan. Most songs, especially Never Ever and Everything have eloquent messages of love, commitment and hope. Everything has everything: it is very well written, pleasant, great vocals with a beautiful instrumental interlude.

Heart & Soul & Mind would be a welcome addition to fans of smooth jazz and excellent guitar work.

This sweet blend of R&B, rock, smooth jazz and other flavorings from California's Erik Jay has a hooky, feel-good quality to it with solid musicianship to add to the enjoyment, from the boogie groove of Vertical to the sultry female-voiced croon of My Last Tear. Sambarmartino kicks in an undercurrent of Latino flourishes to its jazzy feel, and For The Asking has a kind of laid-back folk vibe – like drinking a smooth, luscious wine that has the right kick at the right time.