This track features former student and long-time friend, Jay Gentry, a virtuoso electric bassist. I recall laughing a couple times at his first improvisation lesson as his playing was new, fresh, and challenging. He had already internalized the playing of bass greats Oteil Burbridge, Jaco Pastorius, Marcus Miller, and others. His lessons were always fun for me!

His playing in Blue Jay was so fresh and fun that I decided to leave him space to play for most of the recording. It's sort of a mini-concerto or etude for bass! You can hear Jay playing on other albums of mine, Count Floyd Medley (from A Tribute to Jerry Coker), Gift of Wind Suite, More Love More Power, and To Him Who Sits Upon the Throne (from Gift of Wind), and Majesty (from Jazz Tracks).

Personnel: Tom (trumpets); Jay fretted and fretless electric basses. Recorded by Wai Kay Carenbauer, 2022.