Album Notes

Jay Howlett is a singer/songwriter with a powerful baritone voice that you can feel. Independent Songwriter Magazine says "Jay's voice carries a profound wisdom and depth that flows out of every breath, every syllable." An accomplished performer, Jay writes simple, honest songs about life in and around America and the experiences that bring us together and tear us apart. Troubadours still exist on the "new folk" scene and this award winning songwriter is one of them. Now living on the coast of Northern California, Jay's reason for picking up a guitar was to write songs. Growing up in Up State New York he joined a band in the 6th grade because he was the kid with a tape recorder. "My first guitar was an electric guitar that my brother built for me. My second guitar was my sister's nylon strung classical that I ruined with steel strings." Since the release of his 1998 self-titled CD Jay has hit the roads of America touring and performing. From Hawaii to Maine with stops in Nevada, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Oregon, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Utah, and through out California, Jay has played Festivals, Clubs, Coffee Houses, Bars and two different clothing optional resorts. February 2003 brings the release of Jay's newest CD "American Ghost Town" and another tour of the US and beyond. "Now I could talk about Jay Howlett's easy way with the guitar. The way his fingers just plunk out a rhythm like a tugboat winding 'round that old Mississippi. Or the way he maneuvers the breadth of a chord by the use of multiple, whole-punched capos. But it's that voice of his that stands out most, and those words he writes and sings so well. With the clear phrasing of Johnny Cash and a voice reminiscent of Gordon Lightfoot, Howlett's song serenade is a poet's journey on a ride you wish would know no end; nor has it since I BOUGHT his CD." Jean Bartlett--The Pacifica Tribune 3/24/01 "Great songs and wonderful players make this one of the Bay Area's best Independent releases of the year, acoustic or otherwise." The Half Moon Bay Review "Jay's powerful voice comes through loud and proud with the great root sound of Americana Music!" Independent Songwriter Magazine 1998 Sisters Folk Festival Finalist (Oregon) 1999 Kerrville New Folk Finalist (Texas) 1999 Founders Folk & Bluegrass Finalist (Utah) 1999 Song of the Year from Northern California Songwriters Association 2000 Independent Songwriter Web-Magazine's "Best Songwriter on The Web" award 2001 Finalist at the South Florida Folk Festival Songwriter Competition. 2001 Sisters Folk Festival Finalist (Oregon). 2003 Tumbleweed Folk Festival Finalist (Washington)