Jay Ottaway

There are few musicians these days who combine tradition and innovation in such a skilled manner as the American singer-songwriter Jay Ottaway. In addition to presenting songs from his first two CD's, he is also introducing his brand new album "Modern Times". Once more he shows his ability to serve up well-known sounds in fresh ways, and to always keep his distance from tired cliches. Ottaway pays particular attention to his lyrics, which range from political themes -- as in his current single "Yes We Can" -- to personal insights. (Solingen Tageblatt May 20, 2009)

- Solingen Tageblatt

Blues and jazz have long been getting along well. After all, they have common African-American roots. Yet it is rare to experience the two so closely entwined as during the concert of the Jay Ottaway Band ...
Most of the songs are sung by Ottaway – who earns his living mainly in the US as a composer and producer – in a powerful, soulful manner.

..... the five had the audience in Mülheim (Germany) enthusiastic about their rough, natural, unadulterated sound. No matter whether Ottaway produces traditional slow-motion blues on his guitar, or powerful blues-rock, funk, or jazz, there’s never even one drop of pop to water down the naturally cloudy music. Famous blues colleague “Slowhand” Clapton could take a cue from this.


Peter Limbach - Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, (Main local daily newspaper from Cologne, Germany - translated from German by Katrin A. Velder)
- Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger

Blues and jazz have long been getting along well. After all, they have common African-American roots. Yet it is rare to experience the two so closely entwined as during the concert of the Jay Ottaway Band ...
Most of the songs are sung by Ottaway – who earns his living mainly in the US as a composer and producer – in a powerful, soulful manner.

..... the five had the audience in Mülheim (Germany) enthusiastic about their rough, natural, unadulterated sound. No matter whether Ottaway produces traditional slow-motion blues on his guitar, or powerful blues-rock, funk, or jazz, there’s never even one drop of pop to water down the naturally cloudy music. Famous blues colleague “Slowhand” Clapton could take a cue from this.


Peter Limbach - Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, (Main local daily newspaper from Cologne, Germany - translated from German by Katrin A. Velder)
- Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger

“New Old World” by The Jay Ottaway Band: I picked this album up Sunday to review for the radio station. I had never heard of this band and simply picked the album because of the cover art. It is a mix of blues, rock, and singer/songwriting. Jay Ottaway graduated from Berklee School of Music where he studied blues guitar and songwriting. The band splits its touring between the US and Germany. All of the songs off this album are really great. Some hard rockers and some slow bluesy numbers. The harmonica is also a really nice touch that you don’t hear too much anymore.

Track Picks:

Dead To You
Miss Sunday
Toni’s Toenails
Jazz
Big Bad Bassman - Will Loring - UMW Radio, Virgina USA

Super band and great songs! - Heinz-Bernd Hoevelmann

Fresh from the U.S. Jay Ottaway plays with a great group of Cologne musicians tonight in Aachen - Tips + Termine

Super band and great songs! - Heinz-Bernd Hoevelmann

You guys filled this place and rocked it all night. Please come back as soon as possible! - "session"

You guys filled this place and rocked it all night. Please come back as soon as possible! - "session"

I can't wait until you hit it big and I can say I knew you on the way up! - Vance Holmes - Head cameraman for Austin City Limits

I can't wait until you hit it big and I can say I knew you on the way up! - Vance Holmes - Head cameraman for Austin City Limits

Jay Ottaway has a great future in the music business - UMG Nashville

Jay Ottaway has a great future in the music business - UMG Nashville

The Jay Ottaway Band plays tonight with his favorite supporting cast from Cologne. - Bonnaparte, Bonn Germany

The Jay Ottaway Band plays tonight with his favorite supporting cast from Cologne. - Bonnaparte, Bonn Germany

"You are amongst the elite of Berklee student songwriters.." - Chair, Berklee Songwriting Department

"You are amongst the elite of Berklee student songwriters.." - Chair, Berklee Songwriting Department