Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, arranger, and producer, JAYAR is a gifted singer as well. With an amazing four and a half octave range, his natural vocal talents are shared ranging from classic soul to hard-hitting blues. This extremely versatile artist has given many outstanding performances throughout the country and overseas.As a multi-instrumentalist, drums, bass, rhythm guitars, all keyboards and synthesizers are just a few of the more than 10 musical instruments JAYAR has mastered. JAYAR's knowledge of musical arranging and orchestrating has enabled him to become a successful producer as well. Over the years he has earned considerable recognition for the songs he has produced, not only for himself, but for solo artists and groups also. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, JAYAR's longtime love of music began at the tender age of three when he sang for the first time at an anniversary party. By age five, JAYAR composed his first song, a jazz/fusion tune entitled, "Psychedelic Vision" using multiple tape recorders and homemade instruments. Unfortunately no one took him seriously because of his age. "When people tell me I can't do something they don't realize they're actually telling me I can" JAYAR says. It was at that point that JAYAR vowed he would master every instrument he could. As a songwriter, JAYAR has penned over 500 songs in the JACODA MUSIC PUBLISHING Catalog (ASCAP). Some of these songs have garnered radio airplay as well as performances on television shows. One of JAYAR's compositions, IN MY HEART (originally written for songstress ANITA BAKER), was recorded by the Latin Jazz Ensemble CINTRON for their album HIT MEN (Latin Cool). The group's leaders, EDGARDO CINTRON and ROCCO DePERSIA were so taken by JAYAR's vocals and keyboard playing/songwriting abilities, that they decided to ask JAYAR to become a full fledged member of CINTRON. JAYAR graciously accepted and not long after they released the first CINTRON album "CINTRON ABSOLUTELY!" (CAM-JAM), the second album "HIT MEN" (LATIN COOL) was released and this particular album's success was bolstered by a LATIN GRAMMY NOMINATION for BEST LATIN JAZZ ALBUM which ultimately led to the group (with JAYAR) signing with ARK 21/UNIVERSAL MUSIC & VIDEO DISTRIBUTION, the group and JAYAR'S first major label deal. The first album from this joint venture is entitled "BACK IN THE DAY" which was released in June of 2005 and once again IN MY HEART was chosen to appear on this latest CD, exposing the song and its composer to an even larger audience! JAYAR also appears along with the rest of the band in its full-length music video for CINTRON's international hit remake of "SUAVECITO", originally made famous by the group MALO. The full length music video for "SUAVECITO" was ably directed by 6 time EMMY AWARD-winning director ALAN LEVY, who has also directed music videos for Julio Iglesias, Gregory Hines, Liza Minnelli and JAYAR'S favorite group of all time, The BEE GEES! And in 2007, JAYAR and CINTRON scored yet another hit with the "OLD SCHOOL PHILLY MEDLEY" from CINTRON's latest CD "LATIN SOUL" which went to number 1 on the famous MUSIC CHOICE Cable Music Channel Salsa Y Merenge charts and stayed there for an incredible 2 weeks!As a multi-instrumentalist, JAYAR has enjoyed working with and/or sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in r&b/soul music such as The Manhattans, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Enchantment, The Delfonics, Russell Thompkins Jr., The Stylistics, Peaches & Herb, The Intruders, Heatwave, Eddie Holman, The Chi-Lites (who are also from Chicago), Barbara Mason, The Temprees, Bloodstone, Lenny Williams, and the Ebonys (who JAYAR toured with as Keyboardist/Musical Director). In smooth jazz, JAYAR has worked with and/or shared the stage with major acts such as Bobby Lyle, Kim Fields (AKA Blondilocks), A. Ray Fuller, The Smooth Jazz All-Stars including Michael Paulo, Rick Braun, Peter White, "Ready" Freddie Washington, as well as Sunnie Paxson (former keyboardist for Stanley Clarke Band), Marcus Johnson, Michael Lington, Nick Colionne, Rayford Griffin, CINTRON (as keyboardist/co-lead singer), Grammy Award Winners Jon Secada, George Benson and the incomparable Stanley Clarke.After touring and playing with such a stellar array of artists and top-notch musicians of different types of musical expression and Grammy Award-winning caliber, 10 years and 4 albums recorded with an internationally well known latin jazz/soul band called CINTRON on a major label, most artists would be content with just these accomplishments alone. But not JAYAR. Never satisfied with being confined to just one style or genre, JAYAR is challenging himself yet again, this time going back to his hometown Chicago blues roots! As a recording artist in his own right, JAYAR is presently in the studio recording the long-awaited debut solo album, "I CHOSE TO SING THE BLUES" on JACODA RECORDS! The album is set tentatively for a 2009 release. Citing such musical luminaries as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and the late, great musical "genius" Ray Charles as major influences on his music and business, JAYAR explains, "My professional aspirations are to become a successful singer, songwriter, arranger and producer -- a consummate musician who can hopefully give to others what has been given to me...the Gift of Music."Cintron - Suavecito
