Quick Facts
Biography
Jay Aymar is a Canadian singer-songwriter born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He performs (often performing with his band ) over 120 shows per year at clubs, theatres and festivals primarily throughout Canada (occasionally throughout the United States and many European countries.)
As an acoustic guitar player and singer, he is known for his story telling through music. His songs cover themes central to everyday life, love, spirituality and the human condition. An English literature graduate from Carleton University in Ottawa, his songs are influenced by classic literary themes. A 2010 Canadian Folk Music Award Emerging Artist nominee,
In 2008, Canadian musician Ian Tyson recorded Aymar's composition “My Cherry Coloured Rose”— for his album ‘From Yellowhead to Yellowstone and other Love Stories'. The album received high critical praise. (Tyson was nominated for a 2009 Canadian Folk Music Awards for Solo Artist of the Year).
Life and career
Aymar grew up as the youngest of a family of eight children in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He attended Sir James Dunn Secondary School before majoring in English literature at Carleton University in Ottawa, where he "became drunk on language and storytellers like Mark Twain and Stephen Leacock. .”
After graduating, he began a series of jobs which included freelance writing and various sales positions.
Once discovered, the CBC produced his very first demos in 1993.
He released his first major studio album in 2000 and has since release three more albums and one live album.
Aymar is currently producing his sixth studio album with producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda (Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea, Buffy Sainte-Marie) slated for release in 2017.
Music Reviews
“Talk about your extensive liner notes! Aymar’s latest, a live one (The Chicken Came First) , doesn’t have a booklet, it has a book. Yes, a real, full-length, full-sized book. Actually, it’s more of a case of the book also including a CD, but whatever. It’s the best way to take in everything Aymar does. He’s a storyteller, writing, singing, or in person." Veteran CBC broadcaster, author, music critic Bob Mersereau.
“Not just another singer-songwriter, Jay Aymar has both the storytelling gift and a natural musicality. His muse takes him to unusual places and unexpected perspectives. His music is brains and heart in equal measure. He sounds something like an amalgamation of Tom Rush, Jesse Winchester and Guy Clark.” - Jerome Clark, author, songwriter, music critic, Rambles Magazine
"Judging by the maturity, sophistication and clever bent to his lyrics and delivery, he has not been resting on his laurels, such as they maybe....there is no quibble about raising him to the higher rungs on the steep ladder of Canadian singer/songwriters, not just his contemporaries but of all time." - Doug Swanson, 2013, Penguin Eggs Magazine
"This should elevate Jay Aymar to front and center stage where the likes of John Prine, Randy Newman and all the others I tiresomely mentioned stand. He’s that good.” - John Apice, 2013, No Depression Magazine
"Aymar is a classic, and Overtime is a knockdown priced master-work." - David Farrell, 2013, New Canadian Music
Discography
| Album Title | Release Date | Details | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cashing in on Peace | 2000 | Concept album. Featuring members of the original Cameron House Family singers. Produced and recorded live by Chris Hess and Jevon Rudder. | Halfway Home | 2008 | Garnered Aymar a 2010 Emerging Artist nomination from the Canadian Folk Music Awards. Producer: Chris Hess. |
| Passing Through | 2011 | Blues and folk hybrid album. Recorded in Parry Sound Ontario. Producer: Chris Hess. | |||
| Overtime | 2013 | Produced by Toronto roots music guitar player, songwriter, producer David Gavin Baxter. | |||
| The Chicken Came First | 2015 | Work includes an album and accompanying book. Songs for live disc selected by fans. | |||
| Your Perfect Matador | 2017 | Scheduled for Fall release in 2017. Producer: Michael Phillip Wojewoda. |