REVIEW (ARGENTINA)

Spanish-Language Review

From a radio DJ in Santa Fe, Argentina
"Heart & Soul & Mind" and "Vertical" by Erik Jay
Reviewed by Guillermo Pez

Debo comenzar esta reseña diciendo que gracias a un programa de radio pude conocer a un talentoso músico norteamericano llamado Erik Jay.

Fue una grata sorpresa descubrir su música ya que, desafortunadamente, en mi país ARGENTINA su obra es prácticamente desconocida.

En la línea de Larry Carlton, Ry Cooder y Weather Report (entre otros), Erik pone de manifiesto sus grandes dotes musicales y la amplitud estilística que envuelve a su obra. Jazz, Pop, Bossa Nova, Ritmos Latinos y Baladas confirman esta apreciación.

Músico con una vasta y prolífica carrera (más de 30 años en la ruta musical), Erik plasmó todo su bagaje y experiencia musical en su primer trabajo discográfico solista llamado Heart & Soul & Mind (Corazón, Alma y Mente, editado en el 2001). Desde el título mismo de la placa certifica que se trata de un trabajo realizado con todo el "corazón, alma y mente"; un trabajo en donde puso todo su ser a disposición de la música, de SU música. Puede parecer una frase trillada pero este es un trabajo "100 % Erik Jay".

Seguramente el 2004 será el año de Vertical, el nuevo hijo muiscal de Erik Jay. Ojalá el 2004 no sólo sea EL AÑO de Erik, sino también EL AÑO en que su obra pueda ser conocida y disfrutada por el público argentino.

Como escribió Steven Schrader (de Musicians Homepage) "Erik es un buen escritor y constructor de canciones, un gran músico y un tipo que tiene un genuino amor por la música".

SALUD ERIK JAY DESDE ARGENTINA!!! UN MÚSICO CON MAYÚSCULAS!!!

- - - English translation below - - -

I should begin this review by saying thanks to the radio program that introduced me to the very talented American musician, Erik Jay. It was a pleasant surprise to discover his music since, unfortunately, in my country, Argentina, his work has been practically unknown until now.

In the styles of Larry Carlton, Ry Cooder and Weather Report (among others), Erik showcases his great musical gifts and the stylistic strengths that hold his complex work together. Jazz, pop, bossanova, Latin American rhythms and ballad styles are all present to confirm this.

A musician with a vast and prolific career (more than 30 years in music), Erik expressed all his life experience and musical knowledge in his first solo album called Heart & Soul & Mind (2001). Like the title of the CD, one can truly hear that Erik did this music with his whole "heart, soul and mind"; it is a production where you can tell that Erik put all of himself into the music.

The phrase can sometimes seem trite, but this music really is "100% Erik Jay" and like no other music; it is very original. But surely the year 2004 will be the year for Vertical, which is both Erik’s new CD and its title song. In fact, I hope that 2004 is not only the year of Erik’s BIG BREAK, but also the year in which his work can be introduced to and enjoyed by the public in Argentina and everywhere.

As Steven Schrader of the internet music-review site, Musicians Homepage, wrote, "Erik is a good writer, a great musician and a guy who seems to have a genuine love for it all."

Health, good luck and blessings from Argentina to Erik Jay – a MUSICIAN in CAPITAL LETTERS!