Written interview with Blues guitarist Jay Willie about his new album and more featuring Bobby T Torello – Still Raisin’ Cane․
Jazz Blues European Union: – Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with Jazz Blues EU. Tell us about your music. When did you start performing? I started performing around 1980 at open mics. And then joined a cover band.
Jay Willie: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
My hometown is Newtown, CT. I was fortunate to grow up in the New England area between Boston and New York. There were a lot of great musicians and bands that resided and performed in this area.
What performers have been your inspiration?
The most influential for me was Johnny Winter. I also was influenced by Edgar Winter, BB King, Roy Buchanan, J Geils Band, Humble Pie and many others.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
The biggest challenge is being able to book venues that will compensate the musicians performance equitably.
What do you base your success on?
Playing with skilled and experienced musicians and working with a record label that supports the releases.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
Collaborating with others is always a great learning experience. Each player brings their own creativity to a performance or project and broadens your horizons.
What was your latest musical release?
Our latest release is Still Raisin’ Cane. Prior to that was our 2020 release Cadillac Walk featuring James Montgomery.
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Jay Willie featuring Bobby T Torello – Still Raisin’ Cane and what inspired its creation?
Still Raisin’ Cane is a heartfelt tribute to my musical hero, Johnny Winter, and the incredible musicians who contributed to his legendary sound. Johnny’s 1980 album Raisin’ Cain on Blue Sky Records, featuring Jon Paris on bass and harmonica and Bobby T Torello on drums, was a pivotal record for me. I was fortunate enough to jam with both Jon and Bobby at BB Kings in NYC during Jon’s Monday night open mic sessions, experiences that remain vivid memories.
Bobby T’s distinctive drumming style, so integral to Johnny’s music, has graced all seven of our ZOHO releases. This album, in many ways, is a continuation of that powerful rhythmic legacy. We’ve always admired Johnny’s ability to take classic Texas and New Orleans R&B from the pre-rock and roll era and make it his own. Bobby and I wanted to honor that spirit and the energy of albums like Raisin’ Cain and White Hot and Blue, which Bobby so powerfully defined with his drumming.
Rather than simply re-recording tracks from those iconic albums, we chose a different path. We sought out songs that resonated with the style and form of Johnny’s repertoire, songs that we felt he, and his fans, would recognize and appreciate in our interpretations. Just as Johnny produced Muddy Waters’ Grammy-winning Hard Again in 1977, a title with such clever double meaning, we wanted a title that spoke to Bobby’s enduring talent and energy.
The album tracks, carefully selected, include gems from Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Freddy Fender, and other early R&B artists whose music paved the way for rock and roll.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
It is a continuation re-emerging early rock and blues tracks with our own interpretation.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
I feel if there are not specific themes or emotions, lacking of either will transpire to the finished product. That is part of the reason I like to revisit early unfamiliar blues and rock covers and credit those creators.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I rarely consider commercial appeal. To quote the Brothers Johnson band “You don’t like my music you don’t have to use it”. It would be wonderful if everyone liked it but I try to appeal to those with similar taste.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
It’s a great platform to reach a much larger audience than you could without it.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
I participate in an annual fundraising event for an organization that services my son and others with special needs. The audience is clients, staff and associated families and it is the most rewarding musical experience for me.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
I think it reduces physical sales but has a huge impact on exposure that would be much more limited without it.
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
I like to communicate and follow up with people that show an interest in our music and I support their endeavors as well.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Most of my communication is through my personal Facebook page and my cell is 203-733-9864. Final words are thank you to all of you that support our music.
By Olivia Peevas
