Album Notes

Jay Hoad's debut CD features Hoad’s creative multi-genre compositions which blend funk, rock, reggae, latin, pop and jazz with traditional Australian influences punctuated by dynamic horn infused arrangements and unique blends of instrumentation.

The majority of the CD's songs were written while on tour in Australia and then recorded in the US in 2008. Hoad’s composition "Rat Race" was a recent runner up in the 2008 Australian Songwriter’s Association competition. Song lyrics, although delivered in a fun and exciting manner, focus on the very real issues concerning the well being of our beautiful planet along with additional controversial subjects including political contradiction and other random observations culled from world travels.

On the CD Jay plays electric and acoustic bass, didgeridoo, acoustic and electric guitar, lap steel guitar, drums and percussion, as well as providing all the lead vocals.

In addition to Jay, featured musicians on the CD comprise members of both the American and Australian touring bands including but not limited to:

Jim Miller - trumpet
Mat Long - guitar
Tim "Bos" O'brien - sax and flute
Pete Bozick - guitar
E. Shawn Qaissaunee - guitar
Mike Shockley - percussion
Zach Scudlark - sax
Dean Haemel - drums
Ria Loof - backing vocals
Shaun Doddy - percussion

The physical CD includes a 12-page booklet featuring original artwork as well as lyrics for all the songs!

Recent published reviews:

"...Every so often, the discerning music listener is lucky enough to come across an album that stands a cut above the rest and shines as something truly brilliant...From rock to reggae, blues to funk and everything in between, this is raw talent at its best!"
- Rip It Up magazine, Australia

"...This funky first offering has a very unique flavour, moulding jazz funk and reggae elements with roots into an accomplished collection of tracks. The combination of genres...allows the band to incorporate a brilliant array of sounds and musicians with each bringing an extraordinary energy to the often complacent roots genre."
- dB magazine, Australia