What's missing from the airwaves these days? Quite simply, it's a return to straight ahead rock and roll; the kind that should not be relegated to tribute shows commemorating some Golden Musical Past.
A solution - Meet The Shamey Jays . Rather than the whiny, self-indulgent glop some rock bands are throwing up on the wall these days, The Shamey Jays offer up " songs that don't make you think or cry™."
The Shamey Jays play what they call " indie garage-rock goodness ." It's a sort of rock and roll lasagna, layered with gritty guitar riffs and leads, filled with musical and lyrical hooks and smothered in a sauce of top-notch song craft.
The songs sound both instantly familiar and fresh. You're thinking "Haven't I heard these guys before?" Even the name sounds vaguely nostalgic, but in a contemporary way.
So what exactly is a "Shamey Jay?" You'll have to watch a movie called " Pootie Tang " to find out. Short answer: a scoundrel, a rogue, a vagabond, a ruffian, a ne'er-do-well. But the cool doesn't stop at having a band name taken from an obscure dialogue reference from Chris Rock and Louis C.K.'s movie about a belt-whipping martial arts master, soul singer and ladies man with his own made up language.
All four guys in the band have extensive musical résumés and their dues are paid in full. Founder and front man, Billy Gruff , got his start in 1978, fronting a short-lived New York punk band called The Walls . He dabbled quite busily in the addictions and excesses of the 80s and 90s and survived. Barely. Gruff eventually made his way out to Chicago and then California. Anxious to reconnect with his musical roots he recruited guitarist Matt Silvia (Sweet Tooth) , bass man Jerry Rig (Butterface) and drum monster Spud Davenport (Messy Necessities) to form The Shamey Jays.
Their debut long-player is " Your Pretty Packages " (Blindspot 117) a collection of twelve songs from the band's live repertoire. Ten of the tunes were penned by San Diego songsmith Dave Howard , who has written and placed songs with artists like A.J. Croce , Gregory Page , Berkley Hart , Carolann Ames and the Coyote Problem . Spud Davenport contributes the remaining two songs to round out the album.
As dynamic as "Your Pretty Packages" is, the twelve songs on offer were honed on the road and that remains the best way to take in the Shamey Jays experience. Those who didn't come in as fans leave as loyal converts.
Management: Hidden Agenda Music
Contact: Terri Leigh or Dave Howard
866-716-3283
