• Artist/Teacher in Jazz Guitar
• Email: jay_azzolina@uri.edu

Biography

Grammy nominated guitarist/composer Jay Azzolina has been part of the New York Jazz scene for the past three decades. After leaving the Berklee College of Music, where Jay studied with Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick and Charlie Banacos, the guitarist began working and recording in New York with a variety of artists.

Beginning in a more electric setting and later transitioning to acoustic jazz, Jay’s associations include Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, The Westchester Jazz Orchestra and John Patitucci. Jay has also been a recurring accompanist for singers Michael Franks, Donna Summer, Rickie Lee Jones, Manhattan Transfer and Sheila Jordan.

As a leader, Jay has recorded four CDs of original compositions with some of the most influential players in Jazz, including Chris Potter, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Goldings, Gary Versace, John Patitucci, Tim Ries and Greg Hutchinson. Jay continues to write and perform vigorously while maintaining a strong commitment to teaching and lecturing at Manhattanville College and the University of Rhode Island.