Album Notes

James E. Thompson Biography

James E. (Jay) Thompson has been a singer, songwriter and acoustic performer for more than four decades. With an early appreciation for a variety of musical styles including jazz, folk and rock, Jay began his musical career in the folk movement of the 1960's. He became a member of the Tikis, a four-member folk group that put good use to Jay's melodic voice, acoustic guitar and creative songwriting abilities. The Tikis signed with Phillips and released an album in 1963, featuring six of Jay's original songs.

As the 1970's ushered in the age of rock 'n roll, Jay's musical repertoire also expanded. With his brother and a close friend, he formed Hawkes Road, an experimental rock-pop band that wrote and performed all original music at a time when cover bands were in vogue and "original music" acts were less popular. Nevertheless, Hawkes Road was well-received in performances at area colleges and clubs.

Just as many aspiring musicians do, Jay held a "day job" in order to pay the bills and help support a young family. Working as a Producer/Director at a television station in Springfield, Massachusetts gave him a great opportunity to learn audio techniques while directing a variety of music programs.

In 2001, he retired from broadcasting and started his second - genuine - career as a singer/songwriter. Finally, with the opportunity to devote all of his time and energy to his true passion, Jay adopted the philosophy of "better late than never" and energetically dove into the music field again. He also began to build a recording studio and spent a great deal of time learning and experimenting with various systems and recording techniques.

Jay has spent the past two years writing and recording his new album, "Later than Never." Much of the material on the album was tested (and approved!) in performances at local coffeehouses and other venues. The cd is fully produced but Jay does all the songs on stage with just his guitars and a few effects. The album includes selections in, pop, folk and light jazz. Jay continues to create new songs and he is currently working on material for his second album.