Jay Soto

Jay Soto is an American smooth jazz guitarist.

Soto is best known for his proficiency in guitar, however he is also an accomplished pianist and vocalist.

Biography

At age 5, Soto began studying drums, followed by classical piano at age 7, then guitar at age 12.

In 2004, Soto won the local, district and regional rounds in Guitar Center's Guitarmageddon competition. This lead him to the finals at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar festival in Dallas, Texas where he finished as one of the top guitarists in the nation. Also in 2004, Soto sang The Star-Spangled Banner for President George W. Bush [1]at the Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona.[2]

In 2005, Soto released his first album, Long Time Coming, and two years later signed with the smooth jazz label, Nu Groove. His self-produced debut led to his meeting producers Jeff Lorber and Paul Brown, who helped produce Soto's second album, Stay Awhile.

Soto's 2007 single, "Slammin", was listed in the top 5 on Radio and Records's Smooth Jazz Chart.[3]

He has had song placements in HBO's Sex and the City, is a favorite on The Weather Channel, and has been featured in publications such as JazzTimes and 20th Century Guitar. He has played with Michael Lington, Jeff Lorber, Paul Brown, Marion Meadows, Euge Groove, Jeffrey Osborne, Craig Chaquico, Acoustic Alchemy, and Peter White.

Discography

Studio Albums

  • 2005 Long Time Coming
  • 2007 Stay Awhile
  • 2009 Mesmerized
  • 2013 Morning Glory (Piano Moods by Jay Soto)
  • 2015 Veritas
  • 2018 On the Verge

Compilation Albums

  • 2013 The Best of Jay Soto

References

  1. ↑ http://bandstandshows.com/talent.shtml
  2. ↑ Soto Soto page
  3. ↑ "Smooth Jazz National Airplay". R&R Radio & Records. August 18, 2007. Archived from the original on August 18, 2007. Retrieved August 12, 2007.
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