Jay Soto
- Long Time Coming
What
is a better proof for good music than great acclaims by many websites.
It's easy to find his music and it's easier to like it. Jay Soto's
debut album "Long Time Coming" is an excellent visiting-card
showcasing the multifarious styles of this high-talented guitarist.
Recorded at SotoPop Studios "St. Helen's in Glendale, produced by
Jay himself, he has written all songs except the last tune. He also
arranged all tunes, played guitars, keyboards and drum programming.
Normally I would expect that such a record would be suffering from a
lack of inputs of other artists. Far off the mark! Jay's music sounds
fresh and creative.
Jay Soto's compositional power
shines in the first tune Live It Up.
He run the scales of his guitar up and down like a young god. Michael
Lington adds some sax flavor. Jay postulates a nearness to Peter
White, George Benson and Lee Ritenour and indeed one remarks his
prowess soon.
Caught In A
Moment has romantic moments but Jay's guitar play is so
brilliant that one forgets the melody and pays attention to his
interpretation.
Long Time
Coming is the third intriguing tune in a row. Bryne
Donaldson is accompanying Jay on saxophone. That his creative impulse
needed so long to embody in an album is obviously reason for this
title.
Jay was also the lead guitarist for
Zum Zum Zum, a highly acclaimed Latin group based out of Phoenix,
Arizona. Soto's involvement with the group taught him the finer points
about Latin rhythms, which he now incorporates into his playing and
technique. A wonderful example is Song For
Mary-Cruz. Near to classical flamenco music Jay involves
his personal attitude.
Jesse McGuire's muted trumpet, Rea
Herrera's background vocals and Jay Soto on keys are a nice treatment
on Reflections but Jay's guitar
moves this tune definitely to a higher ground. Celestial.
The clear guitar sound on Never Let You Go
reminds me at music of Craig Chaquico
but we have to visualize that Jay also plays all other instruments
like drum programming and keyboards. That makes this musician
so admirable.
Romantic moods are to find on Remember
The Night. Michael
Lington's sax creates a warm and sensitive atmosphere.
Miss My
Cabana has some Latin and Caribbean
influences. A positive and life-affirming attitude full of energy and
joy.
Closer To
You (previous title Let's Get Closer) is featuring Jesse
McGuire on muted trumpet. Jesse
McGuire joined Tower of Power as lead trumpet in February of 1998 and
performed with the band for a 2-year stint. He recorded with the band
on its Live CD, "Soul Vaccination," in 1999. An awesome tune
with great emotions.
The only cover on this tune is the
final Black Orpheus. A classical
tune. Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá cultivated a delicate,
precise classical guitar style with the typical Samba flavor. Bonfá
composed this tune for the movie "Black Orpheus" (1959). The
title of the original tune is "Manha de Carnaval". Jobim
provided part of the score of the film music. Jay Soto interprets the
original in his own way adorned with many flourishes.
Jay Soto's debut album "Long
Time Coming is his pavestone of virtuosity for a hopefully not so long
way to musical celebrity.
