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Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Label: Blah Blah Woof Woof
Management: Self - Some booking through Primetime Entertainment.
Website: www.facebook.com
Sounds Like: John Gorka, Richard Shindell, John Prine, Harry Chapin, Slaid Cleaves
Genre: Folk
Jay Howlett
Singer-Guitarist-Songwriter-Storyteller
Jay Howlett established himself as a true storyteller with his 1998 self-titled release. After his third release in 2003, American Ghost Town, shoulder surgery kept him from touring – but not from writing. The classic stories of American life continued and with Jay’s latest 2010 release, Carnival Lights, he returns with another look at America at its best. Small town celebrations, traditions, sorrows and sheer frivolity all find their way into Howlett’s lens.
Carnival Lights is Jay Howlett’s newest release. Two holiday songs are Corn Bread & Black-Eyed Peas (a southern New Years tradition) & Calistoga Tractor Parade (with Santa and John Deere).
Jay Howlett's 4th CD "Carnival Lights" goes beyond the boundaries of straight Americana folk. Jay takes you on a storytelling joyride deep into the land of Country, Bluegrass, and yes, even the eccentric curious and bizarre. As a well established singer-songwriter, Jay reflects; "I don't think that songs should be forced to fit into any one particular category...they get born and grow into whatever costume they choose".
Award winning songs on this CD include Somewhere Like That, Six Years, Carnival Lights, The Guardsmen’s Letter (a poignant story of a National Guardsman in Iraq), Long Black Dress and Legend of the Parking Lot.
In writing for dance, theater as well as being a singer songwriter, Jay can do it all. He and his bandmate Rolfe Wyer did the score for 2012's "Wish Me Away" a film about Nashville country star Chely Wright. Solo, duo, trio or full on band you will find him lively and thoughtful, poignant and absurd, you won’t know where they will musically take you next, but you are certain to enjoy the ride.
Jay’s been invited to play at folk festivals from Sisters, Oregon, to Oakland Park, Florida; from Park City, Utah, to Kerrville, Texas. In losing all of these major songwriting contests his record remains “unblemished!” However if it were true that you are a winner just getting chosen Jay is a champion songwriter.
“In the last eight years we've hosted 24 River Ridge House concerts. Four of these featured Jay Howlett - the only performer we've had back more than once. That fact alone says a mouthful about what we think of Jay's writing and performing skills.”
Terry Davis - River Ridge House Concerts
“Never preachy, Howlett spins his engaging tales, strumming his acoustic guitar behind the strong, plaintive melodies with lyrics made all the more powerful by rootsy, spare arrangements. Howlett’s collection is essential listening for fans of Bruce Cockburn, John Prine, and Bruce Springsteen.””
Tom Semioli - Minor 7th
“How Jay was able to create not one - but two - of my All Time Favorite CDs is beyond me. American Ghost Town is one of those CDs. So is the self-titled "Jay Howlett". I find Jay's music, lyrics, style and performance all top tier.”
Jim Kloss - Whole Wheat Radio
“Listen closely to "Carnival Lights." It's a painting of musical songs, rolling like wagon wheels through country, blues, folksy, gospel, Motown harmony, two-step and on the seductive title track, there is gypsy and Bayou and the Moody Blues. It is a knock on the GRAMMY's door saying, "Play me."”
Jean Bartlett - Pacifica Tribune, San Jose Mercury News Group
“Finally! I am holding in my hands my most anticipated album of 2010, Jay Howlett's ‘Carnival Lights’. The result is a beautiful, skillfully crafted audio masterpiece, that make this his best yet. Bravo!
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David Stafford - KKUP Radio, Cupertino, CA
