The Kings of Strings was formed in 2000 by Gerry Beaudoin and Jay Geils as an acoustic quintet that harkens back to another era. A disciple of mandolin virtuoso David Grisman, who has appeared as the guest artist of the Gerry Beaudoin Trio on two award winning recordings, (Minor Swing and Just Among Friends) Gerry formed the Kings Of Strings to return to his acoustic jazz roots. Gerry has appeared on over forty recordings and performed or recorded with many jazz and blues luminaries including Howard Alden, Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Eddie Cleanhead Vinson, Jay McShann, Carol Sloan, Dick Johnson, leader of the Artie Shaw Band, Fred Lipsius from the seminal jazz-rock group Blood Sweat and Tears, Alan Dawson and Randy Bachman from the Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive. Since 1994 Gerry and his longtime collaborator, two time Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame nominee Jay Geils, leader and founder of the J.Geils Band, have toured the USA and Canada, thrilling audiences with their brand of mainstream, roots oriented American jazz.
Rock superstar turned jazz guitarist, Jay Geils from the legendary J.Geils Band, plays interesting solos and lays down tight, four to the floor rhythm guitar for Gerry and the rest of the band. A member along with Gerry and blues legend Duke Robillard of the concert attraction New Guitar Summit, Jay shows his affinity and skill in soloing in the tradition of the great American jazz guitar masters. The legion of music fans that made the J.Geils Band one of the top attractions in rock and roll history and bought over sixteen million recordings, have not been disappointed in this career switch of Jay’s. Now that he finds himself at home more than the road, Jay has become an avid and enthusiastic educator. He has lectured at colleges including Harvard, Holy Cross and Berklee College of Music.
Longtime Gerry Beaudoin trio bassist Bob Nieske, holds the bottom down, and also contributes creative, interesting solos. A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music with a Masters degree in composition, Bob is also the Jazz Artist In Residence at the prestigious Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Bob has performed or recorded with a such notable jazz legends as guitarists Larry Coryell and Charlie Byrd, legendary jazz violinist Stephane Grappelli, chamber jazz reed man, composer Jimmy Guiffre and blues guitarists Ronnie Earl and Duke Robillard. A composer of note Bob has even recorded his own compositions with the world famous Lydian String Quartet.
Another renowned educator, Les Harris, lays down the groove on drums. Along with his busy teaching schedule, Les is one of New England's first call drummers performing with many of the areas top jazz artists including: Herb Pomeroy, Donna Byrne, Gray Sargent, Dick Johnson, Ray Santisi, Rebecca Parris and Marshall Wood. He is also a regular member of the Paul Broadnax Quintet, the Jim Howe Trio and the Mark Kleinhaut Trio.
Aaron Weinstein, a 22 year old, jazz violin sensation has become the latest member of the Kings Of Strings. His talent exhibits maturity far beyond his age. With technique and tone reminiscent of jazz violin legend Stephane Grappelli, he has performed with jazz guitar legend Bucky Pizzarelli and John Pizzarelli as well as Skitch Henderson, Frank Vignola, Claude Fiddler Williams, Johnny Frigo and the legendary Les Paul. Aaron recently completed his second CD for Arbors jazz in a duo performance with John Pizzarelli.
Jay Geils’ Kings Of Strings's Friend Space (Top 4)
"J" and Gerry; JUKE WILL NOW BE ON HOTMIX 106 BEGINNING MONDAY JUNE 23RD !! Effective immediately this date I have tendered my resignation as a DJ for Krush Radio. I would like to thank those of you who were listeners, supporters and friends. THANK YOU ALL.......I have been afforded the opportunity to DJ at several other Radio Stations and the decision has been made !!!! Juke Joint Jimmy's House Party will now air on HotMix106. com starting Monday June 23. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse !!! So, please tune in Monday's from 7:00 til 9:00 PM EST live to rock in the blues, classic rock and J. Geils at it's best. It will be a pleasure to work with the high calibre professionals here at my new home Hotmix 106. In closing, once again, thank you all, I sincerely appreciate all you have done but most of all your "true friendship and much valued support, and hope we can all continue on this new journey together." So, "LET'S GET READY TO ROCK BABY"......
I spent some time practicing and playing along in my own way to a tape I got from the library. It had Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrel, Charlie Byrd and Barney Kessel on it. I am jealous of you and your trip. Thanks for keeping the tradition alive. Looking forward to following your projects.
Hi Jay, Thank you so much for your friendship add. I've loved your music for a long time, and was thrilled to see you were on MySpace! I look forward to hearing more of your music. Happy Belated Birthday! I hope it was a great one!
"J" "HAPPY B-DAY" and wishing you many more to come !!! Gerry e-mailed me last week, I will give him a call, would love play your songs on my Show on Tuesday nights !! Hope to see you and speak with you and Gerry soon and don't forget to tune in tonight at 8:00 p.m. !!! Have a "great" B-Day tomorrow my good buddy.... Kindest Personal Regards Always, Juke ;-}~~
I enjoyed a "Very Excellent Show" at the Cheney Theater in Manchester, CT. on Saturday night! New Guitar Summit: J. Geils, Howard Alden, & Gerry Beaudoin, and an outstanding rhythm section.
"Jaybird"; Congrats my brother on the 40 yr. mark to the world's most innovative guitar player !!! Sorry I was unable to attend, but I'm sure I will catch up with you in the near future...All my very best to you and your continued career success as always !!! Kindest Personal Regards, Juke ;-}~~
