Thanks Jay

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The name Jay Daversa is not a well known name to the younger players but to the professional trumpet circle, he is very well known and respected; not only as a player but also a gifted arranger and composer.

To the working musicians in Branson, the name Jay refers to one of our own and knowing and visiting with him is always a pleasure. His playing is always at the top of professionalism but few have much background in his musical life which extends from his teen age years to the present. To give you a small taste of where he came from and what he is doing now, enjoy these videos and learn more about the great Jay Daversa.

Bobby Shew Talks About Jay Daversa:
“I’ve known Jay Daversa for more years than I can remember. I heard him on the Kenton band around mid 60`s. We played shows in Las Vegas back in those days and then we worked lots of TV shows, record dates, and jazz gigs together in Los Angeles thru the 70’s. He has always been a very focused jazz player, full of energy and constantly ready to jump in and play.

After recording with Stan Kenton, Jay was heralded as the “Most Promising New Jazz Artist” by Downbeat Magazine in 1968. His career has spanned several decades of TV, film, variety shows, motion picture soundtracks, and recordings of every variety. Jay has worked with an extensive list of artists, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Bud Shank, Oliver Nelson, Gerald Wilson, Louie Bellson, Shelly Manne, Don Menza, Bill Watrous, Roger Kellaway, and many others. He’s featured on many soundtracks, including: The Waltons, Grease, The Love Boat, Incredible Hulk, and more.

To state it simply, Jay has done it all………

Thanks Jay for sharing part of your life with us in Branson and your musical talents with the world.

To view more performances of Jay, go to this youtube page–

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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2 thoughts on “Thanks Jay”

  1. Fred Pfeffer

    Hey jay was fun seing your website I remember the times playing with you in the red hot peppers its pretty slow with the jazz theme in Sacramento September and October playing lots of October fests guitar and some banjo well have to get up driving my 19 year old girl to sac state she is in the music program flute and alto saxophone have fun what ever you do Fred phone is 916 519.6950

  2. Anthony Lisanti

    Chuck Domanico lived at my home when I was a kid. He slept in the same bedroom with me. He was like a brother to me. He played the Trumpet like you cannot imagine. AND suddenly one day, he picked up the bass, and it was like, “Love at First Sight-” I know Jay worked with Chuck, and Chuck was something very special to us. It’s hard, to this day, to accept that he’s gone now, along with Enid, too.

    Glad I had an opportunity to write you this, Jay. And good luck and God Bless you–

    Anthony

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