Born in Cameroon, West Africa, Jay Lou Ava first emerged with a spiritual, gospel-influenced sound that was partially inspired by his upbringing. His oldest brother, a brilliant jazz guitarist, turned him onto Duke Ellington and Wes Montgomery, he understood what he wanted to do with his life for the first time. He began starting bands and traveling across the continent.
Composer-arranger, collaborating most notably with Donny Elwood in the 90's, playing with the legendary Manu Dibango he also began releasing his own material.
Starting with 1997's Prelude,since then, his independent albums have included 1998's Remember J.L. Ava Ava (African gospel album), 2002's Spellings, 2006's “Ebotan" and 2008's Unforgettable Soweto.
Jay Lou Avas style, very mixed, is a soft fusion between smooth jazz and African melodies, a music genre with no bounds that he calls himself Progressive Afro Jazz ( PAJ ), the music of contemporary Africa.
The latest Unforgettable Soweto offers a variety of explored themes that form a kaleidoscope in which Jay Lous musical roots are genuinely expressed. This album breaks away from the tradition of rythmic African music, and enrols in more lyric creations thus being in harmony with the artists description of himself : I am not an African musician, it is too reductive; I am a musicianwho happens to be from Africa.
Composer-arranger, collaborating most notably with Donny Elwood in the 90's, playing with the legendary Manu Dibango he also began releasing his own material.
Starting with 1997's Prelude,since then, his independent albums have included 1998's Remember J.L. Ava Ava (African gospel album), 2002's Spellings, 2006's “Ebotan" and 2008's Unforgettable Soweto.
Jay Lou Avas style, very mixed, is a soft fusion between smooth jazz and African melodies, a music genre with no bounds that he calls himself Progressive Afro Jazz ( PAJ ), the music of contemporary Africa.
The latest Unforgettable Soweto offers a variety of explored themes that form a kaleidoscope in which Jay Lous musical roots are genuinely expressed. This album breaks away from the tradition of rythmic African music, and enrols in more lyric creations thus being in harmony with the artists description of himself : I am not an African musician, it is too reductive; I am a musicianwho happens to be from Africa.
For more information contact All About Jazz.
