Will Jay is the first EP from 19-year-old Will Jay. After leaving the boyband IM5 back in 2014, this is his first solo release and it really is something to be proud of. This EP carries strong jazz influences, which is a really refreshing twist within today’s music. When asked about the EP, Will said, “It kind of has a really classic feel to it. All the songs are inspired by the 50s music of that time,” and I would completely agree.
Gentleman - Will Jay
“Gentleman”
The message behind this song is beautiful. He talks of how he would care for a girl and, according to the song, he really would go all out! He says he will always “put [his] lady first” and “convince you chivalry ain’t dead.” This song talks about love in a brilliantly upbeat way and is super catchy. I had “Gentleman” stuck in my head after the first time I heard it!
“Talking in Your Sleep”
This song takes a slightly darker road than the others. It steers away from the previous tones of love and devotion and talks of betrayal and distrust. He asks, “Do you think I’m deaf, dumb and blind?” He also states, “The only truth your ever speak is when you’re talking in your sleep.” This song carries a lot of hurt, but is a brilliant song to sing along to. The brass tones in the chorus really add a wonderful jazzy touch.
“Settled in My Ways”
I am in love with the intro on this track. This is an ultimate modern jazz tune which I absolutely adore! The backing vocals in the bridge and the second chorus really add to the classic feel. It’s a total feel-good song which is helped along by how upbeat it is. The lyrics fit in together really well and the bridge and chorus are fantastically catchy.
“Hit List”
This is probably the most pop-like song on the EP, yet still manages to keep those 50s influences that he nails so well. This track follows a different theme to the others, focusing less on true love and more on admiration. It is definitely different to the others, yet still fits in perfectly. It’s a brilliant tune to get you moving.
“One Of Many”
This slow song is a lovely end to this EP, despite it being quite sad. Will said that “One of Many” is his favourite track as it’s “very personal, very close to [his] heart.” He is right when he says he thinks “a lot of people are going to connect with it for the story and its heart.” This tune is very smooth and relaxing, and deals with sadness in the most beautiful way.
I would highly recommend Will Jay, especially to you 50s jazz lovers. Every track is different, yet all 5 work together brilliantly as an EP. I admire his willingness to produce this type of classic music, and I think he has carried it out wonderfully.
Will Jay is currently on tour with The Grow Wild Tour. The dates are listed below:
Thursday, June 9 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
Saturday, June 11 - West Hollywood, CA @ The Roxy Theatre
Sunday, June 12 - Anaheim, CA @ Chain Reaction
Wednesday, June 15 - Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
Saturday, June 18 - Lauderdale, FL @ Culture Room
Sunday, June 19 - Orlando, FL @ Backbooth
Monday, June 20 - Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
Tuesday, June 21 - Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java
Wednesday, June 22 - Whitehall, PA @ Planet Trog
Thursday, June 23 - Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
Friday, June 24 - Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
Saturday, June 25 - Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge
Sunday, June 26 - New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
Monday, June 27 - Hamden, CT @ The Space
Tuesday, June 28 - Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East
Wednesday, June 29 - Amityville, NY @ Revolution Bar & Music Hall
For more information about The Grow Wild Tour and links to buy tickets, visit http://growwildtour.com/
The quotes from Will included in this article are from an interview with him conducted by one of our team members, Cami Liberty.
None of the photos included in this article belong to Lucid Magazine.