Jay Howlett is a genuine storyteller with classic tales in song of American life at its best. Our ce (it’s true!).
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 2011 release, Carnival Lights, he returns with another look at America at its best. Small town celebrations, traditions, sorr
ows and sheer frivolity all find their way into Howlett’s lens. Carnival Lights reached 25 on the Folk DJ charts and his song Cornbread and Black-Eyed Peas reached #13. Lawrence Ferlinghetti calls Jay “a fine songwriter and a true insurgent artist.” and Tom Simoli of Minor 7th Webzine adds “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 acoustic Bruce Springsteen.” Jay writes for film, fans, friends and fun while maintaining his modest career in the arts. He say’s it’s a “lucky life!”
If I Had An Angel marks Jay’s fifth CD and once again pushes him to new sounds and textures while telling the story of but the common and uncommon events of American life, sometimes with humor and other time with tragedy. Jay’s other studio albums include, The Hunter, Jay Howlett, American Ghost Town and Carnival Lights. He has been featured on many samplers of fine acoustic music and true to form he is at work on his next project. Together with his musical associates he morphs into Blah Blah Woof Woof, a band of songwriters performing their own award-winning songs, drawing from folk, blues, bluegrass and Americana traditions. These distinctly different performers blend their individual talents to create a rootsy music that is both traditional and contemporary, and can only be described as Americana. Rolfe Wryer (bass, guitar and vocals) is a long-time producer and studio session musician from New York and LA, having his songs performed by artists such as Jeffrey Osborne, on TV shows like Cagney and Lacey, and in movies like... would you believe the Brady Bunch? Jay and Rolfe recently did the score for “Wish Me Away” – The Chely Wright Story. Patrick Feehan (keyboards) has played on CD's ranging from the hard-edged rock of Ronnie Montrose to the new age music of Don Harriss. He has composed music for Fortune 500 companies, television programs, commercials, and friends needing favors for a very long time now. Many times it becomes what they call the Blah Blah Woof Woof Big Band adding the talents of Marty Atkinson, Tim Seifert, Steve Kritzer and others.
