Jay Azzolina

Jay Azzolina [born Dec. 23, 1952] is a jazz-fusion style guitarist primarily known for his work with the Grammy-winning group Spyro Gyra. He has also performed and recorded with artists including Carly Simon, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, Herbie Mann, Rickie Lee Jones and Chuck Mangione. Azzolina began his musical life playing trumpet and piano. At the age of eleven, he chose a guitar from his father’s music store and switched his attenti... more

Jay Azzolina [born Dec. 23, 1952] is a jazz-fusion style guitarist primarily known for his work with the Grammy-winning group Spyro Gyra. He has also performed and recorded with artists including Carly Simon, Donna Summer, The Manhattan Transfer, Herbie Mann, Rickie Lee Jones and Chuck Mangione. Azzolina began his musical life playing trumpet and piano. At the age of eleven, he chose a guitar from his father’s music store and switched his attentions to that instrument. After high school, he spent a year studying classical guitar before attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying under noted players including Pat Metheny. He released his first CD, Never Too Late, in 1989. In 1995, Azzolina received his M.F.A. degree from the Conservatory of Music at Purchase, NY; he soon began teaching there as well. In 1997, Jay became a member of the John Patitucci Band where he was able to explore acoustic jazz music. He appeared on the group’s 2000 release, Past Tense (Doubletime... less