Jay Merrill

Jason began his musical addiction at the age of 12 joining his school music program and serving as percussionist for his school's concert and jazz bands. In high school he began a relationship with Stella Terhart - renowned Canadian composer. It was then he realized the possibilities of writing and performing. She "forced" him into some very nerve ending situations; often accompanying her when she would play local theater shows. Sometimes complicated parts; and some where he would play just a block and a stick with her on piano. Jay spent his breaks and lunch with her in the music room learning modes and scales on the piano and translating them to his new love - The Guitar. After graduating Jay attended Mcgill University in Montreal studying for an Arts degree with a Music major and a Philosophy minor. Studying counterpoint and harmony during the day and learning the ropes at night from local jazz musicians he gained a love for free form jazz and world concepts. Coupled with taking private lessons from guitar master Leroi Fisk, Jay had a unique opportunity to perform with a band called Test Pilot at the Montreal Jazz and Blues festival.
It was at that time that he experienced what musicians call an out of body experience - a religious style understanding of music and harmony with people and events happening in front and all around you. After not sleeping all night out of pure excitement he decided he wanted to play music for the rest of his life.
Since then Jay has played in various groups in and around the Maritimes - most notable being "Gordon Gets Lost" - a quartet who found much success in the jam scene.
Today Jay lives in St. Andrews New Brunswick where he works with local band TIGL as their drummer and in presently composing with Ryan Leblanc (also of St. Andrews) a theater style music, art, and poetry project named "A Sound Mind".