Self Avoiding Random Walk

About the Artist
Every once in a while an artist emerges of such unique musical vision that categorization is defied. The playing field is redefined in a way that generates a new musical form. In this case one that embodies a powerful combination of exotic and funky poly rhythms, steeped in ethnic infused grooves.

STEPHEN JAY's experiences as a musician have brought him to the remote corners of the world in search of his own musical identity. The result is a music that is both ancient, drenched in mystery, yet filled with dynamic, compelling hooks. His compositional and recording style combines ethnic wind, string, and percussion instruments with modern instruments and techniques to create richly textured and diverse musical images.

A most literate musician, JAY has earned his BA & MM Graduate Fellowship in composition. During his graduate work, he studied and performed with celebrated avant garde composers John Cage, Lucas Foss, Hilton Jones, Max Neuhaus and Charles Wuronien.

Upon completing his graduate studies STEPHEN traveled to West Africa, where he lived for several years studying drumming and drum making with master drummer Isah Hamani of the Djerma Peoples (Niamey, Niger). Accepted into a hereditary caste of drummers known as griots, he traveled throughout sub-Saharan West Africa, performing and making archival field recordings of traditional ceremonies, dances and solo instrumental performances.

Selections from these recordings are available worldwide on three highly acclaimed Warner/Nonesuch albums: "AFRICA: DRUM, CHANT, AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC", "GHANA: ANCIENT CEREMONIES, SONGS AND DANCE MUSIC" and "DANCES OF THE WORLD". STEPHEN JAY's field recordings have also been used in numerous, documentaries, and his recordings of Hausa songs from Ghana were recently featured on the title track of the double platinum release, "DEEP FOREST".

As a multi-instrumentalist and collector of ethnic instruments, JAY embellishes his recordings with performances on many exotic instruments including koto, talking drum, odroja, atenteben, sitar, gulu, and a variety of Asian and African woodwinds.

In addition to studying and performing with many of Africa's finest folk musicians, STEPHEN JAY has recorded and performed with an eclectic range of noted artists, including Wayne Shorter, Alex Neciosup Acuna, Hugh Masekela, Joe Higgs, Rick Derringer, Jimmie Haskell, Betty Buckley and Demola Adepoju. As an original and continuing member of "Weird Al" Yankovic's recording and touring band, his credits include 25 gold and platinum albums worldwide and 2 Grammy winners. As a composer for television and film, he is a three time recipient of the George Foster Peabody Award and has scored many critically acclaimed PBS series and specials. His contributions to feature films range from small ensembles, to ethnic combinations, to large orchestral work.

Product Description
Stephen Jay's third solo release is a new step in the blending of abstract art-funk with it's own ancient roots. The rhythm section is the raw heart of the music, from the deliciously dark Friction, a glorious atonal blowout with insidious lyrics about power and what rubs against it, to the wandering, seemingly random parallel lines and ethereal interludes of the title track, Self Avoiding Random Walk. Grooves wide open in ardor and attack throb with enough flavor and funk to give an odd majesty to this music as it seems closer to discovery than interpretation.

Self Avoiding Random Walk,Stephen Jay

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Average customer rating: Steve's music is complex, intelligent and... beautiful ! The Magic of Stephen Jay's Music Once again, a masterpiece! Yet another rare treat! Ohababa!

Self Avoiding Random Walk ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000054480 Release Date: 2000-11-10

Tracks:

1. Self Avoiding Random Walk
2. The Mistake
3. Subtle
4. Normal
5. Friction
6. What The Voodoo Became
7. Underwater
8. Don't Throw It Away
9. Innocent Plan
10. What They Say
11. Hungry Target
12. The And Of Two

Album Description

Stephen Jay's third solo release is a new step in the blending of abstract art-funk with it's own ancient roots. The rhythm section is the raw heart of the music, from the deliciously dark Friction, a glorious atonal blowout with insidious lyrics about power and what rubs against it, to the wandering, seemingly random parallel lines and ethereal interludes of the title track, Self Avoiding Random Walk. Grooves wide open in ardor and attack throb with enough flavor and funk to give an odd majesty to this music as it seems closer to discovery than interpretation.

Customer Reviews:

Steve's music is complex, intelligent and... beautiful !.......2001-10-21

This was my first chance (finally!) to hear Stephen Jay's solo CD, and I was absolutely captivated. Usually, I have to listen to music few times to form an opinion, but this grabbed me right from the start. The songs are lyrical, rhythmic and sophisticated, drawing from Steve's eclectic world travels, and they always keep the listener interested. Right now I'm listening to "Friction", and all I can say is...WOW!

If you are looking for music that is different and earthy, this is it. If you are looking for music that will lift your spirit, this is it. If you are looking for music that will draw you into a new vision of the world, here it is.

I can't recommend this CD highly enough. It is the reflection of a very skilled, mature, diverse and fascinating artist.

The Magic of Stephen Jay's Music.......2001-02-26

Stephen Jay's new album 'Self Avoiding Random Walk' is full of surprises, special effects, new risks, faithful consistencies and...beauty. For me, the magic begins with the tone color of Steve's voice- a sound that always leaves me wanting more. On 'SARW', his voice is strong and confident. As usual, I enjoy the challenge to search for meanings in the lyrics, partly in hope of making sense of my own world. The depth of the poetry leads to new discoveries each time I listen. I also relish the harmonies, and while some of them come from the actual recording, I can hear others that do not. This openly invites me, the listener, into the creative process! The music draws me in and I become part of it. Wow! The genius of Steve's compositional technique is evident at every turn; in the weaving of the verse within itself (The Mistake), in the beauty of a chord progression (Normal) or in the surprise of its delay (SARW) and in the WHISTLING (SARW). Most recently, I've been intrigued by the discovery of certain relationships between Steve's previous album 'Tangled Strings' and 'Self Avoiding Random Walk'. Specifically, the references to "normal" and "voodoo" in Whatever It Is ('TS') have become songs in themselves on 'SARW'. Also, lyrics from Why Oh ('TS') are now part of Innocent Plan on 'SARW'. Obviously, Stephen Jay has the musical talent to do it all, extremely well, again and again. I just appreciate being a small part of "the magic".

Once again, a masterpiece!.......2001-01-10

This CD is so unique: each song has it's own special way of drawing you in. No song sounds like any other song on the CD or like any of the songs from his previous CDs! Steve pushes his musical layering technique to its edgiest best. The lyrics are complex and thought-provoking -- they will make sense to each listener in his or her own personal way. Can't really name a favorite song because they are all so good.

Yet another rare treat!.......2000-12-22

Simply a brilliant musician. Stephen reaches new heights with every composition on this CD. The blending of all instruments on "Self Avoiding Random Walk" is complemented by the whistling. My favorite on the CD has quickly become "Friction". Try this CD, you will like it. One you've heard Stephen's music, it never leaves your mind. Way to go Steve! I'm eagerly awaiting the next CD.

Ohababa!.......2000-12-05

In a diverse world that can often be sadly mediocre, Stephen Jay's music stands out like a beacon offering to light the way, just don't expect the path to be clearly mapped. Nothing is obvious here, the deeper one listens, the more layers are revealed. Complex simplicities tease while being elusively clear. Music that "transcends connection," "Self Avoiding Random Walk" leads one through a maze of mysterious delight, darting in and out of sight in a playful leap of outrageous musical intensity. The title track will dance in your head in the middle of the night; the whistling adding an unassuming dimension to an already engaging essence, you will smile. "The Mistake" is a clandestine meeting with a dark figure. "Subtle" is as delicate and refined as the title suggests, while "Friction" is 'tnemezama erup.' Tracks 6, 8 and 9 ring unsuspectingly true in Advaita realization of universal recognition, and 4, 7 and 10 speak 'Stephen Jay' in unpredictable pleasure giving musical captivation. "Hungry Target" has personal bias with a history of penetrating confidence, and "The And of Two" simply transports. "Random Walk" is an exercise in 'F distribution.'

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