jazz guitarist | composer
Meet Jay...
Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer Jay Azzolina has been a vital force on the New York jazz scene for more than three decades, earning a reputation for lyrical artistry, versatility, and deep musical integrity.
After studying at Berklee College of Music, where he trained with legendary mentors Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, and Charlie Banacos, Jay quickly established himself as a sought-after guitarist in New York. Beginning in electric jazz settings and later evolving into a distinctive acoustic voice, he has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Westchester Jazz Orchestra, and John Patitucci.
Jay has also been a trusted accompanist for celebrated vocalists, including Michael Franks, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, and Sheila Jordan, bringing sensitivity, nuance, and dynamic support to every stage and studio performance.
As a bandleader, Jay has released five critically acclaimed recordings of original compositions, collaborating with some of the most influential voices in modern jazz, including Chris Potter, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Goldings, Gary Versace, Tim Ries, and Greg Hutchinson.
Continuing to write and perform with passion and purpose, Jay released his fifth album, Present Tense, in Summer 2025 on TRR Records—a project that captures the depth, clarity, and evolving voice of an artist firmly rooted in tradition yet always reaching forward.
After studying at Berklee College of Music, where he trained with legendary mentors Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, and Charlie Banacos, Jay quickly established himself as a sought-after guitarist in New York. Beginning in electric jazz settings and later evolving into a distinctive acoustic voice, he has performed and recorded with an extraordinary range of artists, including Michael Urbaniak, Herbie Mann, Jaco Pastorius, Harvie S, Spyro Gyra, Dave Samuels, Kenny Werner, Chuck Mangione, Ron McClure, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Jerry Bergonzi, Westchester Jazz Orchestra, and John Patitucci.
Jay has also been a trusted accompanist for celebrated vocalists, including Michael Franks, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, and Sheila Jordan, bringing sensitivity, nuance, and dynamic support to every stage and studio performance.
As a bandleader, Jay has released five critically acclaimed recordings of original compositions, collaborating with some of the most influential voices in modern jazz, including Chris Potter, Adam Nussbaum, Larry Goldings, Gary Versace, Tim Ries, and Greg Hutchinson.
Continuing to write and perform with passion and purpose, Jay released his fifth album, Present Tense, in Summer 2025 on TRR Records—a project that captures the depth, clarity, and evolving voice of an artist firmly rooted in tradition yet always reaching forward.
