Search - Jay Soto :: Long Time Coming

Multi-Talented Guitarist in the DiMeola mold!

smoothjazzandmore | Clay, NY USA | 11/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jay Soto started playing music at a very young age. He started playing the drums at the age of 5, started played classical piano at age 7 and took on his current instrument, the guitar when he was 12. With such a diverse music background, Soto started getting noticed quickly. Thus, his debut CD, "Long Time Coming", gives listeners the chance to show what years of preparation has created. Soto has an incredible flair to his guitar playing, very smooth and on target with all his music notes. His style of playing will remind you of guitarists Al DiMeola, Norman Brown and George Benson. On this CD release, he gets help from the right places CD. Saxophonist Michael Lington gives his expertise on the tracks, "Live it up" and "Remember the Night". They're both lively and have a high quality sound. The CD as a whole sounds like an established artist. It's a great recording that will give listeners a real treat for the ears. Great debut!

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Smoothjazz.com Review

Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 11/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"LONG TIME COMING is one of the hottest indie releases in Smooth Jazz in 2005. Smoldering hot! Here's a little background info for you: Last year, Mr. Soto entered the most respected guitar competition in the U.S., Guitar Center's "Guitarmageddon Competition". He won the local, district and regional competitions and was one of six finalists out of over 3,000 guitarists nation-wide to compete in the Grand Finals held at Eric Clapton's Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas playing for an audience of over 15,000. According the artist's website, the release of LONG TIME COMING is the first step toward the "ultimate dream come true," which is to be signed by a major Smooth Jazz label. The handsome Soto has delivered an in the pocket CD with killer compositions with hooky melodies, as well as stellar guitar playing. Special guest on LONG TIME COMING is Smooth Jazz sax star, Michael Lington. Lington enhances the already stunning listening experience. Songs that stand out for us are the radio friendly, "Live It Up," which you'll hear quite often on Smoothjazz.com Radio over the next couple of months... The compelling, "Caught In A Moment," and the infectious title track, "Long Time Coming." Fans of Lee Ritenour, George Benson, Peter White, and Jeff Golub will be extremely enthusiastic with LONG TIME COMING - Jay Soto's time has finally come! ~SANDY SHORE"