Jay Soto, Is a Publicity Client of Kari-On Productions Services

Jay Soto
www.jsotomusic.com

Accolade Highlights

Sherrill Fulghum, Rambles.NET artist's website ]
The debut CD Long Time Coming by Glendale, Arizona's Jay Soto may have been a long time in coming for the musician, but it is long overdue for smooth jazz fans. Soto, who was named one of the top unsigned artists at the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival, plays with the style and skill of such jazz guitar greats as George Benson, Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton. Long Time Coming is a CD that fans of Lee Ritenour, Larry Carton and Four Play will find is a must-have addition to their musical collections.

Jay Soto Featured on "The Weather Channel," in March, April, May, June, July, Aug., Sept and October!

David Wilson, Wilson and Alroy Record Reviews
Jay Soto is trying to establish himself as a Smooth Jazz guitarist, and his chops are extraordinary, whether he's playing nimble flamenco-flavored runs on "Black Orpheus," or snappy light R&B on "Live It Up." Apart from technical facility, his touch is deft ("Reflections")... it's easy to hear why he was a finalist in 2004's Guitarmageddon Competition.

Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide (AMG)
The debut solo album from guitarist Jay Soto takes aspects of a relatively wide array of training and puts them together for a somewhat varied fare. A turn in a Christian band or two gives Soto some basic hymnal-type melodies, a turn in a Latin band gives him some simple flairs, and a round as a finalist in the Guitarmageddon competition has given some practice in straightforward virtuosic speed passages. Nearly the whole of the album is filled with Soto-penned originals, though the classic Black Orpheus closes out the set. The performance is nice, with hints of the nylon-stringed masters.

Sheldon T. Nunn, Jazzreview
Right off the top, “Long Time Coming” can be seen as a reflection of everything Jay Soto has been about during his career as a musician. The CD is filled with Latin-tinged rhythms on such tracks as “Black Orpheus,” “Miss My Cabana” and “Song For Mary-Cruz,” as he reflects upon his earlier days gigging with Zum Zum Zum. Other aspects of Jay’s recording are augmented by melodic grooves, dynamic riffs and a multitude of mid tempo tracks where the sheer essence of Soto’s talent is brought to bear. As an artist, he shines as the consummate guitarist with intertwining approaches that can be viewed as strategic. He even takes his artistic task another further with some superb keyboard work that is simply dazzling. Listen for “Remember the Night,” a tune Jay collaborated on with Michael Lington. That cut is filled with rhythmic examples of smooth jazz influences that bode well with Jay’s and Lington’s stylistic manner. Together they convey a light-hearted upbeat demeanor that moves and grooves through a series of guitar and saxophone illuminations. In practically every arena, Jay Soto’s passionate embrace of smooth jazz fundamentals has led him down a path towards this debut effort. If this release is the end result of doing everything correct to get from A To Z, Jay’s star is sure to rise in the coming years ahead. In the mean time, little to be desired has been left with the release of “Long Time Coming.”

Deb Kennedy, WNNS
SIZZLING!!!!!!!! J A Y S O T O Spotlight on guitarist Jay Soto. He's new, he's hot, he's on the rise! His debut cd is titled "Long Time Coming". I'm currently programming the track "Caught In A Moment" from his debut cd on the Sunday Jazz Brunch. I fell in love with the track the first time I heard it. I said, "that's the lick!!"

Denis Poole, Smoothjazztherapy
‘Long Time Coming’ just oozes commercial appeal. ‘Never Let You Go’ has a strong driving beat, great Soto production and an overall sound that is just begging for radio play. ‘Caught In A Moment’ has a slower groove and an infectious guitar riff that is intertwined with subtle keys while on ‘Long Time Coming’ Jay Soto is joined by saxman Bryne Donaldson for a mid tempo tune that is melodic and catchy. More excellent production is in evidence on the turned down, atmospheric ‘Reflections’ where Jesse McGuire offers up a hint of trumpet before Jay Soto cuts loose with a jazzy finale. Michael Lington plays with his usual passion and sensitivity on the pretty and romantic ‘Remember The Night’ but my pick for ‘best track’ on the album is a hard call to make. Certainly ‘Live It Up’, a terrific piece of up tempo smooth jazz that finds Jay Soto weaving in and out with cool guitar and Michael Lington lighting up the night sky with impassioned sax, would be the likely hit. However, for the smooth jazz aficionado, ‘Closer To You’ might just shade it. This sensuous and romantic number, with more awesome production and a killer piece of opening trumpet from Jesse McGuire, is top class. With his debut release ‘Long Time Coming’ Jay Soto is seeking to make his ultimate dream of being signed to a major Smooth Jazz label come true. On this evidence he will not have too long to wait.

Sandy Shore, Smoothjazz.com
LONG TIME COMING is one of the hottest indie releases in Smooth Jazz in 2005. Smoldering hot! Consider this an Instant Message from Smoothjazz.com notifying you of an extraordinary talent worthy of your consideration. The handsome Soto has delivered an in the pocket CD with killer compositions with hooky melodies, as well as stellar guitar playing. Special guest on LONG TIME COMING is Smooth Jazz sax star, Michael Lington. Lington enhances the already stunning listening experience. Songs that stand out for us are the radio friendly, 'Live It Up," which you'll hear quite often on Smoothjazz.com Radio over the next couple of months.' The compelling, 'Caught In A Moment," and the infectious title track, 'Long Time Coming." Fans of Lee Ritenour, George Benson, Peter White, and Jeff Golub will be extremely enthusiastic with LONG TIME COMING! Jay Soto's time has finally come!

Peter Boehi, Smoothjazzvibes
Great debut album by guitar player Jay Soto boasting lots of groovy and memorable tracks featuring Michael Lington on sax.

Michael James, Smooth Jazz and More
4 out of 4 stars
Soto has an incredible flair to his guitar playing, very smooth and on target with all his music notes. His style of playing will remind you of guitarists Al DiMeola, Norman Brown and George Benson. On this CD release, he gets help from the right places CD. Saxophonist Michael Lington gives his expertise on the tracks, “Live it up” and “Remember the Night”. They're both lively and have a high quality sound. The CD as a whole sounds like an established artist. It's a great recording that will give listeners a real treat for the ears. Great debut!

Smooth and Soul, Starportrait
Jay Soto's debut album "Long Time Coming" is an excellent visiting-card showcasing the multifarious styles of this high-talented guitarist. Jay Soto's compositional power shines in the first tune Live It Up. He runs the scales of his guitar up and down like a young god. Jay postulates a nearness to Peter White, George Benson and Lee Ritenour and indeed one remarks his prowess soon. Jay Soto's debut album "Long Time Coming is his pavestone of virtuosity for a hopefully not so long way to musical celebrity.

Geannine Reid, Ejazznews
Seamless guitar mastery with intelligent infectious grooves, are the core ingredient to Jay Soto’s debut release “Long Time Coming.” It is easy to see that the time spent in the trenches of musical training bear the fruit of shear guitar technique and masterful compositions. With clear execution and feeling like the masters before him. Soto gives a strong nod towards George Benson and Al Dimeola with flawless execution and delivery. Soto may be a newcomer, but one with class, taste and true seasoning as a musician.

Ted Hasiuk, Jazz Lynx, Canada
Jay has just issued Long Time Coming, his debut. Now I don't mind mentioning, this one's a goodie!! Check out any of the tracks and it becomes fairly obvious, why Soto fared as well as he did in that competition. The selections are upbeat and melodic, and encompass a variety of styles & moods. And as for Soto, well this man possesses all the tools. His tone is incredible and his technique is impeccable as at times, his fingers literally fly over the strings!!

Nicholas Sheffo, Fulvue Drive-In
"Done sincerely and professionally with some obvious skill. Except for the final track, all the songs are all-new to this set. "

Liz Rivard, Smoothjazznow
There is Smooth Jazz treasure in the Phoenix heat. Sharing the Arizona stage with George Benson and Marion Meadows is a new guy on the block, Jay Soto. He has just released his debut album, "Long Time Coming", you can find audio samples on his website at www.jsotomusic.com. After checking out the samples, you might agree, hopefully the next CD will not be a long time in coming.