Jay Rice

Great weekend of music with Christian McBride and Ursa Major. He always makes my bass sound great!

Jay Rice – Professional Bassist & Touring Musician

Jay Rice is a versatile bassist, improviser, and recording artist whose career spans jazz, rock, indie, and nationally touring ensembles. Known for technical skill, stylistic versatility, and professional stage presence, Rice has contributed to recordings, live performances, and tours with nationally recognized and internationally connected artists.

Endorsements & Professional Recognition

Jay Rice has been a Glockenklang endorsed artist since 2007, joining a roster of elite bassists including Christian McBride. His upright bass was used by McBride in Boston-area performances, reflecting both professional recognition and the quality of Rice’s instruments.

Early Boston Career (c. 2005–2008)

The Glass Fracture (Boston, MA, c. 2005)
Jay Rice performed as the live bassist for The Glass Fracture, sharing the stage with:
• Nick Magow – Vocals/Songwriter
• Leigh McQuarrie – Guitar
• Fred Farney – Drums
• Jay Rice – Bass

The band performed at key Boston venues such as TT the Bear’s Place, Harper’s Ferry, and Johnny D’s, providing Rice with foundational live performance experience and exposure to Boston’s regional music scene. His work was exclusively live, supporting the band’s dynamic onstage presence.

Derek Schanche / Señor Happy – Major-Label Exposure (2006–2008)

Between 2006 and 2008, Rice performed as the live bassist for Derek Schanche, a CBS-recorded artist and ASCAP award winner for the Rules of Engagement theme song. He also appeared on guitar in the CBS-produced video for the theme song (unreleased).

Performances included:
• Paradise Lounge, Boston, MA
• Middle East, Cambridge, MA
• TT the Bear’s, Cambridge, MA

Rice’s work supported multi-year regional shows and national-level projects, contributing professional musicianship alongside a major-label artist. This collaboration marked his early exposure to the professional recording and touring environment.

VINX – International & Major-Label Experience (2007–2008)

Jay Rice recorded and performed live with internationally acclaimed musician VINX (Vincent De’Jon Parrette) on Hip Ole: Memoirs of a Black Man Volumes 1 & 2.
• VINX is an internationally recognized percussionist and vocalist with major-label distribution (Pangaea/I.R.S. Records, later Dreamsicle Recordings).
• The work provided exposure to top-tier musicianship, major-label recording standards, and international touring environments.
• VINX’s professional collaborators include Sting, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, and Branford Marsalis, situating Rice within a world-class musical context.
• This collaboration represented a key step in bridging Rice’s regional Boston experience with global, major-label professional networks.

Modus – Cambridge Jazz & Philanthropic Circuit (2009)

Rice performed as bassist for Modus, a chamber-jazz ensemble active in Cambridge’s jazz and philanthropic circuits.
• Members: Jay Rice – Bass, Jonathan Altman – Piano/Keys, Fabio Pirozzolo – Drums, Adam Douglass – Guitar
• Notable performances: Ryles Jazz Club, Boston, MA, GreenLight Fund Galas at MIT Media Lab and Museum of Science, Regattabar in Harvard Square
• Modus primarily performed at curated events, private innovation gatherings, and high-profile charity functions, showcasing chamber jazz in professional, intimate settings.

Leo Blais – National Touring (2009–2010)

Jay Rice was bassist for singer-songwriter Leo Blais, contributing to live performances and video recordings.
• Band Members: Jay Rice – Bass, Dave Brophy – Drums, Sean Mannion - Vibes, Greg Burgess - Guitar
• Venues & festivals: SXSW, Austin, TX; CMJ Music Marathon / Awards, NYC, NY; World Cafe Live, Philadelphia, PA; Great Scott, Boston, MA; NACAC Weekend, Hartford, CT; Wilbert’s, Cleveland, OH; Grammers, Cincinnati, OH; Off Broadway Music Venue, St. Louis, MO
• Recordings: Everyone’s Feelin Alone (2009), The Free EP (2009), Sincerity Maxi-Single (2010, Wheelkick Records, #16 CMJ Most Added)
• Commercial exposure: Dunkin’ Donuts TV commercial for Show Me Love
• Rice’s bass work supported Blais’s nationally touring shows, demonstrating versatility and professional touring experience.

Skyfoot – The Eternal Bend Tour (2012)

For Boston-based indie/jam rock band Skyfoot, Rice performed bass during the The Eternal Bend tour:
• Band Members: Eric McEwen – Piano/Organ/Rhodes/Lead Vocals, Matt Drummey – Guitar/Backing Vocals, Aaron Morey – Drums/Cymbals, Jay Rice – Bass
• Venues: Port City Music Hall, Portland, ME
• Rice’s playing provided rhythmic foundation for piano-driven compositions, supporting dynamic live arrangements that expanded beyond studio versions.

Spencer Day – Major-Label Touring & National Recognition (2012)

Jay Rice performed as a touring bassist with Billboard-charting artist Spencer Day, a nationally recognized singer, songwriter, and pianist.
• Labels: Concord Records / Concord Jazz, Club 44 Records (distributed via Sony channels)
• Role: Touring bassist for national and international performances
• This collaboration placed Rice in a polished, high-profile professional environment, reinforcing his credibility in major-label and touring contexts.

Nick Lancaster Trio – NYC Jazz Scene (2014-2016)

• Members: Nick Lancaster – Guitar, Drums – Various, Jay Rice – Upright Bass
• Venues: The Bar Next Door, La Lanterna di Vittorio, NYC
• Rice contributed to NYC’s small-ensemble jazz scene in Greenwich Village emphasizing improvisation and interactive trio dynamics.

The Highway – NYC Rock Ensemble (2014–2016)

• Members: Daniel “Dan” Tortoledo – Vocals/Bass, Adam Douglass – Guitar/Backing Vocals, Ted MacInnes – Drums/Backing Vocals, Griffin McMahon – Keys/Backing Vocals, Jay Rice – Bass (live performances)
• Venues: Brooklyn and Manhattan clubs
• Rice’s live performances supported a five-piece ensemble blending classic rock, psychedelic, and experimental elements.

Professional Profile & Significance

Jay Rice demonstrates exceptional versatility and professional credibility across:
• Live Performance: Jazz, rock, indie, singer-songwriter, and chamber-jazz ensembles
• Studio Recording: Major-label and internationally distributed projects with VINX, Derek Schanche, and others
• Touring: Regional, national, and international performances
• Endorsements & Recognition: Glockenklang, upright bass used by Christian McBride
• Commercial Work: National TV commercial exposure
• High-Profile Professional Context: Exposure to top-tier international musicians and major-label recording and touring environments

Rice’s career, marked by collaborations with Derek Schanche, VINX, and Spencer Day, along with his Glockenklang endorsement, establishes him as a highly respected professional bassist capable of performing at the highest levels of live, recorded, and touring music.

“I got lucky and played with great musician’s that dragged me along…”

Joe McMahon
Christian McBride
Derek Schanche
VINX
Spencer Day
Mark Carlson
and many more…

Jay Rice – Live Bassist with The Highway (NYC, mid‑2010s)

Band / Artist: The Highway
Location: New York City, NY
Years of Collaboration: Mid‑2010s (c. 2014–2016)
Jay Rice’s Role: Live bassist

Band Members:
• Daniel “Dan” Tortoledo – Vocals and bass (leader)
• Adam Douglass – Guitar and backing vocals
• Ted MacInnes – Drums and backing vocals
• Griffin McMahon – Keys and backing vocals
• Jay Rice – Bass (performing live, supporting the ensemble)

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Overview

Jay Rice performed as the live bassist for The Highway, a Brooklyn-based rock ensemble led by Daniel Tortoledo, during the mid‑2010s. The band combined classic rock influences with psychedelic and experimental elements, producing original compositions and dynamic live performances.

Jay Rice’s role focused on live shows, providing a professional bass foundation and stage presence for the band, supporting their sound in intimate club settings and mid-sized venues across New York City.

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Performance Context
• Venues: The Highway performed in NYC’s vibrant indie and rock circuit, including Brooklyn clubs and other stages known for showcasing emerging and professional original acts.
• Trio/Ensemble Format: The ensemble, led by Tortoledo, typically performed as a five-piece, with Jay Rice stepping in on bass to enhance live performances and complement the group’s energy.
• Live Jazz & Rock Environment: NYC’s live music scene offered an active and competitive environment, with weekly shows fostering improvisation, interaction, and professional development for all musicians involved.

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Professional Significance
• Performing with The Highway placed Jay Rice at the center of NYC’s original rock and indie music scene, demonstrating his versatility across genres beyond jazz and pop.
• This collaboration reflects Jay Rice’s range as a professional musician, capable of adapting to multiple musical styles and live environments.
• Working alongside Daniel Tortoledo and the band’s ensemble highlights Jay Rice’s ability to integrate into established acts, reinforcing his professional credibility and stage experience.

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Supporting Evidence
• Interviews / Press: The Highway and Daniel Tortoledo were profiled in outlets such as https://elmoremagazine.com/2015/03/music-news/watch-the-highways-mind-bending-new-video-lose-control which describe the band’s sound, lineup, and creative approach. (voicemagazine.org)
• Personal / Archival Materials: Photos, flyers, and recordings from live shows confirm Jay Rice’s participation.
• Venue Context: Brooklyn and NYC clubs are historically documented as hubs for original rock bands and ensembles during the 2010s.

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Summary

Jay Rice’s work with The Highway represents a key chapter in his live performance career, showcasing his professional bass skills within the NYC indie and rock scene. It adds to his portfolio alongside collaborations with major-label artists, jazz ensembles, and regional rock bands, emphasizing his adaptability, range, and long-standing contributions as a professional musician.

https://on.soundcloud.com/ygh43ftaGcvovAQHy4

https://on.soundcloud.com/7NGFVnrfRxLyShpPUO

https://on.soundcloud.com/H3DZv7qFiCQuYT7AJK

🎶 Jay Rice – Bassist with the Nick Lancaster Trio (NYC, 2014)

In 2014, Jay Rice played bass in the Nick Lancaster Trio, performing in the heart of New York City’s jazz scene at venues like The Bar Next Door and La Lanterna di Vittorio in Greenwich Village.

Alongside Nick Lancaster on guitar and a dynamic drummer, Jay brought his signature groove and improvisational skill to the trio’s live performances, contributing to NYC’s vibrant small-ensemble jazz community.

📍 Venues: The Bar Next Door & La Lanterna di Vittorio
🎸 Trio Members: Nick Lancaster (guitar), Jay Rice (bass), Drums (various)

Jay Rice – Live Bassist with The Glass Fracture (c. 2005)

🎸 Band Name: The Glass Fracture
📍 Location: Boston, MA
📅 Approximate Year: 2005
🎵 Jay Rice’s Role: Live bassist

Band Members:
• Nick Magow – Singer and songwriter
• Leigh McQuarrie – Guitar
• Fred Farney – Drums
• Jay Rice – Bass

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Overview

Jay Rice performed as bassist for The Glass Fracture during the mid-2000s, playing live shows at Boston venues including TT The Bear’s, Harper’s Ferry, and Johnny D’s. While the band also recorded studio material (including tracks like Move Along and Spanish Doll), Jay Rice’s contributions were exclusively for live performances, not the recordings.

These live shows provided Jay Rice essential stage experience and helped him build a reputation in the Boston live music scene, laying the groundwork for future collaborations with major-label and internationally recognized artists.

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Performance Context
• Live Venues: TT The Bear’s, Harper’s Ferry, and Johnny D’s were central hubs for Boston’s local and regional rock bands in the mid-2000s. Performing at these venues offered exposure to diverse audiences and professional experience on reputable stages.
• Musical Development: Performing live with The Glass Fracture highlights Jay Rice’s early skill as a bassist capable of dynamic, professional live performances, a foundation for later work with Derek Schanche, VINX, and Spencer Day.

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Supporting Evidence
• Video & Personal Evidence: Live recordings, photos, flyers, or tickets from performances with The Glass Fracture
• Venue Context: TT The Bear’s, Harper’s Ferry, and Johnny D’s were key venues supporting local Boston acts in the mid-2000s (wbur.org)
• Recorded Material: Studio tracks (Move Along, Spanish Doll) exist on YouTube but do not feature Jay Rice

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Significance

This entry documents Jay Rice’s early live performance career in Boston, performing alongside Nick Magow (singer/songwriter), Leigh McQuarrie (guitar), and Fred Farney (drums). These live experiences were a crucial stepping stone in his musical development, preceding his collaborations with major-label and internationally recognized artists.

https://youtu.be/qM4598rImaw

Jay Rice – Bassist with VINX (2007–2008)

🎵 Artist / Band: VINX (Vincent De’Jon Parrette)
📍 Locations: Georgia, Boston, international recordings
📅 Years of Collaboration: 2007–2008
🎸 Jay Rice’s Role: Bassist on recordings (Hip Ole Memoirs of a Black Man Volumes 1 & 2) and live performances

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Overview

Jay Rice performed as bassist for internationally acclaimed musician VINX, contributing to both studio recordings and live performances. He is verifiably featured on VINX’s Hip Ole Memoirs of a Black Man Volumes 1 & 2.

While other bassists were spotlighted after 2008, Jay Rice is clearly performing on these recordings, verified through audio, photos, and VINX’s personal recognition. This collaboration gave him the opportunity to work with an artist whose career includes collaborations with Sting, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Sheryl Crow, and Branford Marsalis, as well as high-profile tours, commercial projects, and educational work.

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Major Performances & Studio Work
• Studio: Bass recordings on Hip Ole Memoirs of a Black Man Volumes 1 & 2
• Live: Studio sessions and select live performances with VINX
• Professional Context: VINX’s international projects exposed Jay Rice to major-level production standards and high-profile professional collaborations

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Why This Matters
• VINX is a globally respected, multi-genre musician, educator, and mentor, whose work spans recordings, tours, film, commercials, and international workshops.
• Jay Rice’s involvement demonstrates his ability to perform and record at the highest professional level, complementing his collaborations with Derek Schanche, Spencer Day, and other major-level artists.
• This partnership forms a career-defining chapter for Jay Rice, bridging Boston’s regional scene with international, major-label professional music networks.

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Supporting Evidence
• Recordings: Hip Ole Memoirs of a Black Man Volumes 1 & 2
• Photos & Videos: Studio sessions and live performances (personal archives)
• VINX Credentials: Collaborations with top artists, Berklee professor, international workshops
• Press & References: VINX’s official website, social media, album credits, festival listings

https://vinx.com/album/1786972/50-memoirs-of-a-hip-ole-black-man-vol-2?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQXGmpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEej3E6xH-1u92aHTrrv7kQTF37DWAfbSJGp9nveDQVWRvhhSohXWEbzvWIMnE_aem_tvnQycifaMMCL5QIXvFvzA

Modus Live at Ryles Jazz Club Boston MA March 16, 2009 Jay Rice, Jon Altman, Adam Douglass, Chris Komecki https://on.soundcloud.com/vCmwBzcMkTcKFFrLJP

Derek Schanche / Señor Happy – Jay Rice Collaboration (2006-2008)

Artist / Band: Derek Schanche (sometimes performing as Señor Happy)
Location: Boston, Massachusetts; national projects
Years of Collaboration: 2006–2008
Jay Rice’s Role: Live bassist; guitar in CBS-produced Rules of Engagement theme video (unreleased)

Overview

Derek Schanche is a major-label recording artist signed to CBS Records and an ASCAP award winner for the Rules of Engagement theme song. His work has also been featured on the commercially released 90210 CD with Señor Happy. These accomplishments position Schanche as a nationally recognized professional in the music industry.

Between 2006 and 2008, Jay Rice performed as the live bassist for Derek Schanche, participating in multi-year shows and regional performances. He contributed to a mix of original compositions and covers, providing consistent professional musicianship that complemented Schanche’s nationally recognized repertoire.

Venues and Performances
• Paradise Lounge, Boston: recurring multi-year shows
• Middle East, Cambridge, MA: Boston music landmark venue
• TT the Bear’s, Cambridge, MA: key Boston-area performances
• Additional regional Boston-area venues as part of Schanche’s ongoing performance schedule

Major-Level Collaborations and Career Impact
• Jay Rice appeared on guitar in the CBS-produced Rules of Engagement theme video (unreleased), showcasing experience in major-label production and national-level media projects.
• Jay Rice has also performed live with Spencer Day, a Billboard-charting, nationally touring artist, and recorded internationally with VINX (Hip Ole Memoirs of a Black Man, Volumes 1 & 2).
• These collaborations collectively demonstrate that Jay Rice operates at a high professional tier, capable of performing alongside nationally and internationally recognized artists.

Professional Context
• Derek Schanche’s major-label signing, ASCAP recognition, and soundtrack credits make him a prominent figure in the national music industry.
• Jay Rice’s involvement with Schanche reflects his ability to perform, adapt, and contribute at the top level of professional music, from live regional performances to major-label productions.
• This collaboration is a clear example of Jay Rice’s portfolio of top-tier work, connecting Boston’s live music scene to nationally and internationally recognized projects.

Evidence / Supporting Material
• Photos: Live performances, including Paradise Lounge shows
• Video: CBS-produced Rules of Engagement music video (unreleased)
• Press Mentions: Boston Herald listings, ASCAP award references, local and national coverage
• Professional References: Personal archives, artist pages

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwZnRzaAQoJuRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEebPTX7Y97odaN3EcJpqIFQwp8y40ueq-psPj8DkWBCHkkrB5aLXQw3L9365Q_aem_YOR80deXGgtw66gwZ6dNYQ&si=0xIF82RHWSWoaFkr&v=ZFmocuhu1dM

Skyfoot live with Jay Rice – The Eternal Bend tour era (2012)

Port City Music Hall, Maine

Skyfoot is a Boston-based indie/jam rock band with an established catalog, touring history, and documented distribution across major music platforms. By the time of their 2012 release The Eternal Bend, the band had built a reputation for piano-driven songwriting, layered arrangements, and a live sound that expanded well beyond their studio recordings.

Following the album’s release, Skyfoot toured the Northeast, presenting material from The Eternal Bend in venues known for hosting national and regional touring acts. Their performance at Port City Music Hall in Maine captures the band during this active touring cycle, supported by a full rhythm section and expanded live arrangements.

Skyfoot lineup – The Eternal Bend era (2012 live performances)
• Eric McEwen – piano, organ, Rhodes, lead vocals
• Matt Drummey – electric guitars, backing vocals
• Aaron Morey – drums and cymbals
• Jay Rice – bass (major-label recording artist; touring musician)

For these shows, Jay Rice, a major-label recording artist through his recorded work with VINX on releases distributed via Sony/Columbia-associated channels, performed on bass. His playing provided a dedicated low-end foundation that allowed the band’s live arrangements to open up dynamically. Locking in tightly with Aaron Morey’s drumming, Rice added groove, stability, and forward momentum while supporting McEwen’s keyboard-led harmonic structures and Drummey’s guitar textures.

The live recordings from Port City Music Hall document Skyfoot in stride during the The Eternal Bend era:
• Piano-driven compositions expanding organically onstage
• Bass and drums forming a cohesive rhythmic core
• Guitar textures and backing vocals adding depth and contrast
• Songs stretching beyond studio versions without losing structure

The accompanying photos reflect the atmosphere of the night—warm stage lighting, focused musicianship, and the presence of a touring band deeply familiar with its material.

Skyfoot’s catalog from this period remains available and documented across Bandcamp, Spotify, and major retailers such as FYE, with additional regional press coverage including CentralMaine.com, reinforcing the band’s visibility and reach during this era.

🎶 Live recordings – Port City Music Hall, Maine (2012):

• https://youtu.be/yiBE_NpoYeg
• https://youtu.be/RaBUqTR74t8
• https://youtu.be/GaynyuN_DyQ
• https://youtu.be/mSSYkdhvlW4
• https://youtu.be/qLWFMmzvHD4

📸 Photos: Skyfoot live at Port City Music Hall — The Eternal Bend tour era

Billboard-charting artist Spencer Day is a singer, songwriter, and pianist known for blending classic pop, jazz, and theatrical storytelling. His releases have appeared on Billboard’s Jazz and Traditional Jazz charts, placing him among nationally recognized artists in the modern traditional-pop and jazz space.

After emerging in the late 2000s, Day reached a major touring stride in the early–mid 2010s, performing nationally and internationally at theaters, performing arts centers, jazz festivals, and curated concert series. His live shows are known for polished musicianship, strong narrative flow, and tight, professional band arrangements.

During this Billboard-charting touring era, Jay Rice performed live with Spencer Day as part of Day’s touring band, contributing bass in concert settings. Rice is not only a touring musician but also a recorded artist with major-label–connected credits, including performances on recordings by VINX, the Grammy-nominated vocalist and percussionist whose career includes releases on Sony/Columbia and long-standing major-label distribution. Jay Rice appears on VINX’s commercially released Hip Ole Memoirs volumes, which are widely available on major streaming platforms.

Performing with a Billboard-recognized artist like Spencer Day while also appearing on commercially released recordings tied to a Grammy-nominated, major-label artist reflects a high level of professional credibility across both live performance and recorded music.

https://youtu.be/iXzgeRFQB8c?si=HofwggxpF_KudgVi

https://youtu.be/R2OStEs_REs?si=Gb2DGIqwuB3fA2Po

Photos from live performances also show them together onstage, reflecting a working touring collaboration rather than a one-off appearance.

I keep forgetting I have this page but thanks to everyone that has followed it. I hope you enjoy the tunes. I had some time while in NYC and spent a few months putting together songs I had done from indie rock to electronic music. I play all the instruments and a lot was recorded in a tiny no window bedroom in Bushwick Brooklyn NY.