"(TJay is) at the same place in (his) career that Dave Matthews was when he recorded 'Remember Two Things'." - STEVE LILLYWHITE, Producer (Dave Matthews Band, U2, Counting Crows, Jason Mraz, Matchbox 20)
BOOKING INQUIRIES:
events@tjaymusic.com
(866)224-0664
*Please email for EPK link*
Purchase my Debut EP
"PLAN B: IGNITION"
On iTunes Today!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW...
Just me and a couple guitars, with no real set list and a few foot pedals that add a great deal of depth to the show. Occasionally - Brian Lindsay-Bass, Brian Rinaldi-Drums or Rob Gueli-Drums, Mick Houser-Bass...
Influences
Everything from jazz, to blues, to oldies, to motown, to funk, to classic rock and 80's, all the way to newer acoustic sounds and jam bands. Names?...Sam Cooke, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Temptations, Bob Marley, The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, The Allman Brothers Band, Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Elton John, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Phish, Moe., Counting Crows, Matchbox 20, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Maroon 5...to name a few.
I try to gather ideas from all genres of music...dig it.
TESTIMONIALS...
"(TJay is) at the same place in (his) career that Dave Matthews was when he recorded 'Remember Two Things'." - STEVE LILLYWHITE, Producer (Dave Matthews Band, U2, Phish, Counting Crows, Jason Mraz, Matchbox 20)
"...TJay plays a be-bop-influenced style complete with heavy syncopation and all interwoven with smooth vocal melodies ala ‘70s Doobie Brothers or Steely Dan. He played selections from his latest disc entitled Take A Seat and is probably one of the only guys around that can boast of having world renowned sax man Bill Evans on their disc... TJay has enough talent to attract the interest of this killer sax man. His CD rocks and I could imagine he can do that with a band. TJay has also played with Dave Mason and Blues Traveler (Blues Traveler has asked him out again) and we hope he returns to the area soon. It’s a nice change from the norm here." - JOHN PFEIFFER, The Aquarian - Asbury Park, NJ
"One of freshest new sounds I have had the pleasure to hear in quite some time. TJay is without a doubt an artist to keep an eye on, and an ear to. His latest studio recording, State Street Blues, even in the unmixed stage demonstrates the versatility of his guitar style and vocal range. The song opens with a repetitious, melodic and tasteful groove that gets your head bouncing. Funky bass licks and snappy drum rim shots hold your interest. Following some melodic changes, catchy hooks, and Hammond pad chords, the music drops you off after a complete stop in some funky place, and then keeps the groove going. This is one of my favorite tunes and maybe yours too. Nothing beats some genuine creativity in the new music scene." - Jukebox Johnny, Musicians and Bands - Philadelphia, PA
"TJay Kowalchuk took the stage with an immense presence before even opening his mouth to sing. TJay stands well over 6 feet and looks every bit the part of the baseball scholarship athlete he was at the University of Binghamton. Before he takes his first commanding strum on the guitar, you find yourself doubting that he will be as good as you’ve heard, solely based on preconceived notions of handsome athletes and music. But, the instant TJay started to play, all negative thoughts dispersed and amazement set in. His talent easily matched his massive amounts of energy and showmanship. Besides his patent guitar mastery, TJay has an impressive vocal sensibility, singing high falsetto notes and belting powerful, dynamic phrasing. The final piece of the ready-to-be-famous-package that is TJay, is his extremely literate and insightful gift for lyrics and his jazz-influenced, yet still mainstream sound. There is no doubt that this talented young artist, who plays frequent local gigs, will break through to the big time. TJay commented on his Coffee House audience, “ It’s great to play on any stage where the audience is almost as much into it as the performer!” That is saying volumes, considering T.Jay couldn’t possible be more infatuated with performing as he is." - Meredith Rilley, Citizen News - New Fairfield, CT
"Fantastic stuff. Great ear for a hook!" - Mark Cooper "Coop" from 101.5 FM WPDH Coop & Tobin Morning Show.
CHECK OUT AND STREAM WWW.INDIELIFERADIO.COM TO HEAR THESE TUNES PLAYED LIVE ON THE AIR!!!
After receiving a scholarship to play Division I college baseball, TJay had been pursuing a career as a professional baseball player; playing gigs on the side to raise a little extra money. It wasn't long before crowds grew and word started to spread. From there, the choice was easy. Now, TJay is a singer/songwriter/guitarist, but don't let the singer/songwriter brand fool you. TJay's style of writing incorporates Rock/Pop with Jazz and Funk to create an independent sound with huge potential for crossover. Drawing on influences such as Blues Traveler, Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Steve Miller Band, Dave Matthews, Maroon 5, and John Mayer, TJay's music is uniquely timeless and speaks to any musical taste. His newest studio album entitled “Take a Seat” is due for international release in late September. The album features his trio along with saxophone great Bill Evans (www.billevanssax.com) and Hammond Organ aficionado Jim Roberts. The 11 tracks on this record are sure to impress, keeping the listener occupied from start to finish. TJay has been working his way quickly up the ranks, sharing the stage with well established artists such as Dave Mason (of Traffic), Blues Traveler, Leon Russell, Chris Baron (of the Spin Doctors), Southside Johnny, Fastball, Joan Osborne, Graham Parker, and Back Door Slam. His exposure has grown exponentially, performing an astounding 200+ concerts a year and his rapidly expanding fan base now spans a large portion of New England, from Boston, to New York, to Pennsylvania, reaching as far west as San Diego, and beyond.
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"Ever since I could remember, music was a huge part of my life. There's a song to express the way any single person feels at any given point in their day or their lives, and that is nothing short of amazing to me.
I first started to pick up the guitar after playing trumpet for years. (Never went to band camp, but I hear its a good time). I was about twleve years old when I started messing around with both guitar and piano and haven't stopped since. My family has influenced me with a range of all different types of instruments including piano, guitar, bass, banjo, harmonica, melodica, drums, trumpet and the list goes on. Some of my earliest musical memories inlcude jammin in the living room with my father (who plays keys), or my cousins promising me they'd teach me a new riff but not before making me suck on a freakin lemon for ten minutes.
From the huge crowds singing along, to the small intimate venues; I just love to play. I guess all I can really say about music is, 'It just makes me smile.'"
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BRAND NEW SONG!!! - TAKE A SEAT performed live at the Town Crier in Pawling, NY!!!
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NEW SONG!!!! - STATE STREET BLUES performed live at The Bitter End - NYC!!!
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"Pretend You're Driving" - LIVE with FULL BAND at The Chance Theater - Poughkeepsie, NY...
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"Hey Fool" performed LIVE acoustic on the 101.5 Coop & Tobin Morning Show
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"Hey Fool" performed LIVE with the FULL BAND at The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY - December 7th, 2007... Featuring Brian Lindsay (Bass) and Brian Rinaldi (Drums).
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"Grady on the Run" acoustic LIVE performance and interview on the Coop and Tobin Morning Show on 101.5 FM and 106.3 FM - December 7th, 2007.
Absolutely love the new album. Bill Evans' sax playin is just so damn perfect with these tunes....... Hope everything is well back there. Stay warm this winter!
:D Yeah you're pretty great incase me and that hippie didn't tell you enough. Aww I'm major, major jealous of your tickets. He's almost as cool as you lol If I could get a ride, I would love too! Goodluck in Tarrytown!
Hey T JAAAAAAY! I miss you! I have been so busy.... I won't say it too loud but I think things are starting to slow down. I hope to catch a show soon. I NEED to purchase a copy of Take a Seat. Is it on I Tunes yet? Let me know. I can't wait to see you! Say Hi to Karina for me.
Hi T! I hope you are super excited for your upcoming Rockwood Music Hall show! I bet its going to be fantastic (as always)! I've been recruiting so it should be totally packed. You can send the check in the mail whenever you are ready lol.
Hey, bro. I watched the videos you posted of your recent gigs. The band sounds great! Give my regards to the new bass player...he has my parts down pretty well. Hope the CD's doing well. Keep in touch.