Album Notes

Jaye Q. -- multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and producer -- grew up in a middle-sized city named Kalamazoo, Michigan. It all begin at age 3 when Jaye Q. would pull out his mom’s pots and pans, take them to his bedroom and beat on them as if they were drums. By the age of seven he was playing with a Chicago-based jazz band and being snuck in to the clubs by his father. People always wondered who was sitting behind the drums when all they could see were sticks flying in the air. At 8-years-old, inspired by his father, he began playing the piano and discovered the beauty of melodies and chords. He wrote his first composition and started on the path of becoming a composer. Jaye Q. never had much patience for lessons because he felt confined and uncreative. He is self taught and plays by ear but does have an appreciation and understanding for music theory. During this period he started impersonating Michael Jackson at local fashion shows and talent shows where he placed first. He ventured into modeling for a while doing print work for Kellogg’s pop tarts and TV commercials for Texas instruments. By age 14, he started learning the guitar and had already performed professionally as a percussionist on Aretha Franklin’s album titled, “Aretha.” After playing drums for several different theater shows and touring in Michigan, he started to focus on writing and singing his own compositions. He spent his last two years of high school at The Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts where he studied music and developed into a skillful arranger, composer, musician, and vocalist. After graduating, his passion and love for music led him to California.
In 1996 he started his own label and put out his debut album entitled, “Sensual Thoughts,” which was produced, arranged, composed, and performed by him. The album was a small success and a huge personal one. In 2001 he joined an R&B group called “Shakespear Jones” which later became “Forbidden.” While with the group he toured Japan as a drummer and back-up singer leading to a signed deal with Priority records. Like most groups in the business the album never got released. In 2004 he teamed up with Michael Kreple, Joe Drock, and Patrick L. LaTouche, forming the “JQ Band.” They released their debut album "Funky World Order," performing at the following venues: Viper Room, Key Club, House of Blues, and BB Kings. The JQ Band opened up for Shanice Wilson and Jon B. at the Rumba Room where they were asked to perform on a regular basis. Since then Jaye Q. has grown into an entrepreneur, opening Q-ball Studios where he offers a multitude of music services: composing/producing for up-and-coming artists, and writing TV tracks for Tone Deluxe Co. In conjunction with his business, he's releasing his long overdue Soul/Funk/Jazz double CD, which will be internationally distributed in December of 2009.