Jays musical journey began at the age of five learning classical piano, later studying classical composition, jazz history, voice, orchestral percussion and music theory at the University of New Mexico. This classical background is evident in Jays detailed musical drumming style. Drawing from a diverse collection of influences from classical, jazz, fusion, funk, progressive and rock artists Jay has fused a percussion vocabulary that never fails to energize fellow musicians and excite audiences around the globe.
With a professional career stretching over 30 years, Jay has earned his reputation as an exciting live performer, session artist, songwriter and music author. Prior to his joining up with the Hall of Fame Progressive Rock Band YES, Jay has recorded and toured with a long list of rock and roll and progressive rock greats including Badfinger, ASIA, Hurricane, Chris Squire's CONSPIRACY, Tony Kaye, Billy Sherwood CIRCA,to name a few and modern guitar heroes John 5 and Guthrie Govan. In 1997, Jay published his critically-acclaimed drum method book "Rocking Independence" which remains in print today.