Abby Jaye Interview

the
ABBY JAYE
interview

with Joe Matera
for

This interview © 2000 by Joe Matera DiBliss Music

One of New York's best kept secrets is Abby Jaye. But not for much longer, as Abby is forging ahead and etching herself a name in the industry. As main front person for "The Abby Jaye Band," with a style that's reminiscent of Clapton and Hendrix, Abby, armed with her guitar and supported by fellow band members on bass and drums, is taking the power trio concept to new and exciting heights. Guitarist/writer Joe Matera recently conducted this interview with Abby Jaye.

the ABBY JAYE interview

JOE MATERA: Tell us about your background. Who inspired you to pick up the guitar?

ABBY JAYE: Growing up I was a big Beatles fan (like every other person on the planet), but the first lead guitar sound I can remember hearing that grabbed me was Clapton's SWLABR. Somehow we had a single (it must have been the flip side to Sunshine of Your Love), but we only played this song. Over and over and over. My sisters and I would always hang out and listen to music--I would just be hypnotized by the bands. My mom tried to send me for piano lessons, but it held no interest. To keep me and my best friend off the streets, our moms got together and signed us up for some group guitar lessons. I loved guitar instantly. The classes went too slow for me, and the teacher assumed it's because I had played in the past, which I did not. He tried to pull me and a few of the better students out for a smaller group lesson, but his choice of music lost me and I left. I'm pretty much self-taught.

When I started playing guitar, it was Peter Frampton, then the metal heroes (Angus Young, Wolf Hoffman, Michael Schenker, etc.). [One of the highlights of my life was seeing one of the guys from AC/DC in an audience, and later he stopped ME to tell me he thought I was a really good guitarist. I LEARNED to play from Highway to Hell . . . I used to LOVE that band!!!!!!]

From hard rock/metal, I went back to blues. Now it's Clapton & Hendrix!!!!

JM: What were your first bands like?

AJ: They always wanted me to sing, never to play. I sang in a few cover bands. The first band to give me a chance (to play) was an all-girl band. They were original (no covers), on a totally different level--got turned onto better clubs, the top studios, etc. I was QUITE underage . . . I used to sneak out of my house to go to rehearsals, clubbing, etc. In a lot of ways I wasn't ready, but I learned fast!

JM: You also modeled in the past?

AJ: Yes . . . hey . . . equipment isn't free, you know!!!! Bands are very expensive!!!

JM: You've played Aria guitars for well on ten years. What is your guitar collection like?

AJ: I have some FABULOUS Arias . . . a Knight Warrior, a Magna Series . . . my fave is a 24 fret snakeprint, which gets an INCREDIBLE tone. This guitar just sings!!!! This one is on the back of the current catalog. I also have 2 Gibson Flying Vs, an SG, a Les Paul, a Fender Strat, etc. I use the Arias for all recording, and have always used the Arias live. Recently I brought out one of the Gibson Vs for two shows as a spare . . . played it for a few songs. We have a bunch of live shots up at our website www.abbyjayeband.com.

JM: You front your own band, Abby Jaye Band. Tell us about it?

AJ: We're a rock trio--I do all vocals & guitars. I love playing in a trio--nothing gets lost when you play in a trio format. And clubs love them--such a simple setup!

JM: You also have a 2 track CD out. What was the writing and recording process like?

AJ: Songs usually come to me in completion. On this particular disk, the producer (Steve Luongo) wanted to take stuff in a new direction--i.e., the breathy vocals on COLD, backwards guitars, slide. Not usually stuff I'd do. But it was fun. . . .

JM: How's the touring schedule going?

AJ: We do a lot of shows in NYC area, as well as the Bethel festivals (original Woodstock site). I also play the NAMM shows for various companies I work with.

JM: Apart from the Aria guitars, what else is part of your gear setup?

AJ: Marshall amps (900s), Dunlop wah pedal, Sabine tuners, LaBella strings, Audix microphones.

JM: What advice would you like to share to other guitarists in helping them improve their playing?

AJ: LISTEN to your favorite players, and try to figure out what they do. There's lots of tab around to to help you, but develop your ear as well.

JM: Being a female guitarist, do you still encounter males that don't take your playing seriously, and tend to think guitar playing is a male dominated field?

AJ: Sure, but who cares what they think! I let my playing speak for me. Although it still amazes me . . . certain people doubt my ability to get such a great tone . . . they act surprised, like I could not have figured it out. My concern is playing for the widest audience possible--it's about enjoying the music.

JM: Who are some of your current favorite guitarists?

AJ: I'm a huge Cream & Hendrix fan; can't say I'm impressed by too many of the guitarists currently on the scene. Maybe some of the older blues guys. . . .

JM: What does the future hold for Abby Jaye?

AJ: More recording & touring . . . rock 'til you drop!!!! Hopefully there will soon be someone in the industry who will take an interest in the band and understand what I'm trying to get at, and appreciate what we do.

JM: Thanks for your time.

AJ: Thank you!

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