Jay Syverson
Seattle, Washington, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
I must tell you all that I was stunned when I heard this CD. Having played at gigs and kanikapila with Jay, I knew he was good --- but I didn't realize he was THIS good. I had heard very little of his original material prior to this CD.
Back in the day (the '80s & '90s) when I was hosting folk-music shows on the radio, I would have been all over this album. I would have put it in what I used to call the "guitar wizards" category - creative contemporary acoustic instrumentals. The compositions are complex enough to keep them interesting, yet there's a soothing pace to them that relaxes you while you listen. His playing is clean and the recording is clear.
As he says, it's not slack key but rather slack key inspired; he started with what he has learned from ki ho`alu, but took that training to help him express his own personal sound. I strongly recommend this album to those who just enjoy wonderful guitar music. Congratulations, Jay.
-Gregg Porter/Taropatch.com/KBCS weekend DJ.
- Gregg Porter
A new Review from Peter Braidis - Indie-Music.com
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Jay Syverson is an acoustic guitarist who does instrumental music with a certain quality of knowing that what sounds simple sounds right. His technique is right on and his use of harmonics is also on the money.
The guitar playing is pleasant and is quite good-don't mistake it for being something easy. Playing music of this nature involves skill, talent and a knowledge of taste. And that is what works here. In particular the track "Saturday Song" is a very good piece. It has a certain 70's singer/songwriter feel, but thankfully there are no attempts at being James Taylor here. Very well crafted and arranged, "Saturday Song" is a beautiful song, always retreating to a central theme that is eloquent.
"Spirit Guide" and "Walkin' On The Jetty" are similarly styled and will take the listener away from the world's troubles for a few minutes at a time. It's just a dude and his guitar and there are few things better than that.
- indie-music.com
Discography
Walkin' on the Jetty
Radio airplay rotation in U.K. Germany, Belgium and U.S.
Track examples on web site www.spinningdolphin.com
Photos
Bio
I started playing rock and roll/blues in the mid 1960's. Yes, a long time ago. Life got in the way for a lot of years but in 2000 we went to Hawaii where I heard slack key music for the first time. It really resonated with me. Over the last four years I have studied and played slack key. In 2006 I started playing my own music as it evolved from traditional slack key to the style I play now which is a fusion of slack key, blues and something I can't quite put my finger on. Walkin' on the Jetty is the result of playing music I need to play. It's all from the heart.
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