New York City singer, horn-player, and songwriter, Jay Collins learned his craft on the job. A professional since the age of 18, Jay is known for his saxophone and flute work
with many artists in the rock, jazz, and afro-cuban fields including
Gregg Allman & Allman Brothers Band (rock icons), Levon Helm (of The Band),
James Hunter (soul/blues), Jacky Terrasson (jazz pianist), Bobby Sanabria (latin jazz), and Andrew Hill (jazz legend). As a singer-songwriter, Jay’s varied experiences in American music have forged him into a blues-shouting writer of rock and jazz songs and
a formidable band-leader and performer of his own music. He is what musicians like to call, a“triple threat”.
The Jay Collins Band is a 6-member combo that uses New Orleans-style funk,
classic rock, modern jazz, and blues to create a powerful brew of original music.
Jay sings in his gravel-edged voice and then blows sax and flute while the band cooks right along. This group, which features piano, guitar, plus 2 drummers, a bassist, and backing vocals, has performed at many NYC venues including the Museum of Modern Art, Smalls, Blue Note, Living Room, Jazz Gallery, 55 Bar, and played the prestigious Monterey Jazz Festival. Mr. Collins also has traveled the world as a U.S. A. Jazz Ambassador and performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“With a surprisingly gruff voice, he delivers his rollicking original tunes that blend the down-and-out sensibility of Tom Waits with the barrelhouse American roots sound of The Band.” -San Francisco Chronicle/Contra Costa Times (SF)
“He has killer tone! Anybody who’s into a good smokin’ tenor sax—ya’ll in for a treat!”
-Gregg Allman (Allman Brothers Band)
“His soulful croak deserves to be heard”
-Time Out NY
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