Album Notes

Jason Hobbins is a songwriter, bassist and keyboardist from Columbus Ohio. Jay has played with several local acts before the creation of Ball of Clay, which highlights his true passion of jazz fusion. For this project, he has pulled from all of his musical influences including jazz, rock, heavy metal, funk, disco and blues to let things do as they may, i.e. to let the songs write themselves so to speak. Jay has been influenced by such notable bassists as Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and John Paul Jones. His other influences include artists such as Neil Peart, Dave Weckl, Ronnie Laws, Jeff Beck, Ray Manzarek, and Joe Sample. Some of the bands that influence him are Spyro Gyra, Steely Dan, The Dregs, Weather Report, The LA Express, Earth Wind and Fire, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, The Beatles and The Doors.




Mike Grund is a songwriter, guitarist and producer from Cincinnati Ohio. He worked on several projects with Jason prior to Ball Of Clay. Mike brings to the table a strong ear and years of writing and producing experience under his belt. Mike recorded and toured most of the east coast with the band Grumpy in the early 2000s. From that experience Mike gained a solid understanding of both recording and producing techniques. Mike’s guitar influences include Steve Morse, “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott, Paul Gilbert, Randy Rhodes, Wes Montgomery and George Benson. Some of the bands and musicians that influence Mike are Pantera, Machinehead, Gamelon, The Dregs, Marvin Gaye, Alice In Chains and the Beatles.