Guitarist Jay Soto set to release Stay Awhile

A grand finalist in the nation's most respected guitar competition, Guitar Center's "Guitarmageddon," Jay Soto proved his talent immediately by winning the local, district and regional rounds and then made his way to the finals held at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar festival in Dallas to an audience of 15,000 people. In the end, Jay finished as one of the top unsigned guitarists in the nation. A skilled vocalist as well, Soto had the honor of singing the "Star Spangled Banner" for a presidential rally in 2004 at Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona.

An album filled with memorable melodies and impeccable technique, his successful debut release, Long Time Coming, received outstanding reviews from critics across the nation and opened many doors for the young and rising star. Harvey Cline of Smooth Views said, "It is understandable to see why he has won so many guitar competitions...I'd suggest you find a copy soon."

This self-produced debut caught the attention of producer greats Jeff Lorber and Paul Brown. Lorber and Brown would go on to produce his sophomore release, Stay A While out May 1, 2007. Other producers on the album include Darren Rahn (Wayman Tisdale, Jonathan Butler) and Mario Mendivil (Nelson Rangell). With the likes of Jeffrey Osborne, Euge Groove and Michael Lington on his release, Soto is in star-studded company and sure to catch the attention of Smooth Jazz fans everywhere.

Jay Soto recently signed with the smooth jazz label, nuGroove (Michael Lington and Down To The Bone). With all these factors favoring Soto, it won't be long before his music and his guitar reach the ears of thousands of awaiting fans.

Jay Soto Official Website
Jay Soto on Myspace