Jason Atheney, also known as Jay Aye, immersed himself in the art of playing the saxophone during his entire grade school journey. However, when he entered college, the demands of "life" took precedence, and he temporarily set aside his musical passion. It wasn't until 15 years later when the urge to play resurfaced within him. In 2008, he found a Craigslist advertisement seeking a saxophonist for a ska punk band. Without hesitation, he responded, leading to an incredible journey with
Victims of Circumstance. Together, they have produced numerous albums, embarked on three successful European tours, and graced the stages of multiple festivals both in the United States and abroad.
Unlike many of his peers, Jay did not attend music school and instead "learned jazz on the streets." He greatly credits his mentor, the renowned
Butch Thomas
from Sting and Lenny Kravitz, for his ongoing musical achievements. Jay has always had a deep interest in jazz music, and in 2017, he became a member of his first jazz ensemble, Crisis: the Jazz Project, which brings together talented musicians from various genres across Tampa Bay. Jay continues to actively perform with Crisis: the Jazz Project.
"Being a musician is a lifelong journey, in which there is always room for growth and learning. I consider myself a student of jazz, just like anyone else, and I am excited to see what the future holds."
What message(s) do you hope resonate with your audience when they hear your music?
Jazz doesn’t have to be “stuffy” it can be fun.
How do you approach fun in your music?
People have told me multiple times “I’ve never seen you smile more than when you’re on stage playing music” and I guess what I try to bring to a performance. Music can be serious, fun, joyful, sad, all at the same time. When thinking about “fun” I like to get the audience involved in what’s happening on stage, doing stupid little dances - because those are the only ones I can do - and just taking in everything that’s going on around me.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I personally want to be Dexter Gordon tonally and musically.
What do you love best about Dexter’s style and how do you find ways to incorporate his tone into your playing?
The thing about Dexter… he swings without playing swinging 8th notes. His 8ths are pretty straight, but he’s just behind the beat enough that it swings. He plays so melodically, he’s a master of motifs, he plays the full range of the horn - even though he doesn’t get into altissimo range too often. He can play fast but usually doesn’t. And the tone, for me, it is THE quintessential tenor saxophone tone. When I was relearning how to play saxophone 15 years ago, I would just do long tones in my room for hours with his tone in my head. It was my target and still is. I don’t think I’ll get there - ever - but if I can get anywhere in the ballpark I’ll be happy.
What’s the greatest musical moment you’ve experienced?
Playing in front of a sold out crowd in the U.K. This particular show was a ska punk show at Rebellion Festival, 2012. We were on tour in the E.U. and got to play on one of the bigger stages that day. It was great because the vast majority of people there had no idea who we were, but they were just there because they love punk music in general and were very willing to take chances to see bands they’d never heard of. I think being from the U.S. also made us a bit of a curiosity. No particular moments stood out, other than just sheer enthusiasm they had for what we were doing.
What’s your earliest musical memory?
Listening to someone demo the saxophone and deciding that this was the instrument for me.
Boring answer, but it was in the 4th grade at orientation where they demo’d all the instruments that were available for us to choose. I just remember thinking “wow that thing’s really cool.”
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a live show?
The mental preparation takes place in the days leading up to the performance, just practicing material and getting stuff straight. The day-of and right-beforehand is just trying to keep focused on what I’m going to be doing. At this point I don’t really get nervous before playing in front of people anymore, unless it’s something gigantic I’m playing with new people or a new group for the first time.
Do you have a favorite piece of equipment you can talk about?
I currently play a Selmer Mark VI tenor and 10MFAN mouthpieces (I have 3 of those that I rotate). Also a custom KB Sax copper neck. It’s kind of embarrassing, but I know people who have a lot more gear than I do. Currently been on this setup for about a year. I hesitate to recommend gear to people, because it’s so subjective and personal. I’ve tried things that some rave about and it’s just not for me, and the opposite as well.
Unfortunately the days of the local music store having a lot of stuff for wind players is gone, so I’m pretty much forced to use Amazon for reeds or other online stores for things like that. I buy horns and mouthpieces off of Facebook marketplace or this saxophone forum that I frequent. In October I’m going to the UK and will be visiting the world’s largest saxophone shop, and I CANNOT WAIT!
What’s your top tip for musicians just starting to perform live at venues?
Get there early, be prepared, stay cool, and have fun.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
