From California Sunsets to Midwest Blues:
The Story of The Jay Edward Band
Jay Edward’s musical journey began humbly in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where, as a teenager, he first cut his teeth playing in local bands. From those early days, Jay quickly became known as a harmonica prodigy, pulling inspiration from legends like Charlie Musselwhite and William Clarke. But it was at the age of 20, when he moved to Southern California, that his career truly began to take shape. Immersed in the vibrant blues scene of the West Coast, Jay’s harmonica playing gained a reputation, leading him to front bands and share stages with some of the region's top musicians.
Jay's big break came when he joined the Nightcrawlers TM, a band whose sophomore album Lessons to be Learned found traction on West Coast radio and took them on tours across the region. But it wasn’t just his harmonica prowess that made waves; Jay's voice and stage presence soon became a trademark of their live shows, turning every set into a powerhouse performance.
It wasn’t long before Jay sought out even more creative control and formed The Jay Edward Band in Los Angeles. He collaborated with some of the best players in the business, including Barry Levenson from Canned Heat and Rick Reed from Paul Butterfield's band. This era solidified Jay as a West Coast staple, but after 40 years in the Golden State, the call of home grew too loud to ignore. In 2016, he returned to Wisconsin, bringing with him a lifetime of experience and a renewed drive to reinvigorate the local blues scene.
Back in Wisconsin, The Jay Edward Band found new life, winning the Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Award for "Best Blues Artist" in 2019. Their album Chest Pain, featuring celebrated guitarist Jay Stulo, earned airplay and critical acclaim, showing that Jay and his crew could hold their own among the best in the Midwest.
Meet the Band
But Jay isn’t alone in this venture. His bandmates bring decades of experience and stories from their own musical paths:
Tony Menzer
A bassist with over 50 years in the Wisconsin music scene, Tony Menzer has a storied history working with blues luminaries like W.C. Clark and Clyde Stubblefield. Menzer's resume is a testament to his versatility, whether he's founding iconic Wisconsin bands like The Velveetatones or leading the charge at some of the region's biggest blues festivals. His deep grooves lay the foundation for The Jay Edward Band’s sound, adding a rich texture that keeps audiences swaying.
Tony Wagner
Originally from Appleton, WI, Tony Wagner studied at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music and made a name for himself with the jazz fusion group Matrix. Known as a drum educator and clinic organizer, Wagner’s history includes fronting the Bucks' house band, Streetlife, and touring across the U.S. and Europe. Now, he brings his world-class rhythm to The Jay Edward Band, anchoring each performance with precision and flair.
Jim Prideaux
Rounding out the group on guitar, Jim Prideaux brings with him a career that spans more than 50 years, starting with his days in the Chicago area and through a stint in the Minneapolis music scene. Jim has shared stages with everyone from Jerome Brailey of Parliament-Funkadelic fame to local legends, making him a versatile player capable of coaxing everything from soulful blues licks to searing solos.
Dennis Wage
Dennis Wage, the band's keyboardist, began his music career at the University of Oshkosh and later thrived in Nashville's vibrant recording scene. He toured with Delbert McClinton, even winning a Grammy for his work on Tall, Dark and Handsome. With his sophisticated touch and decades of session experience, Dennis adds a soulful layer to the band’s sound that’s both technically impressive and emotionally resonant.
Upcoming Show
Together, this group creates a potent mix of blues, roots, and rock that has captivated audiences across the Midwest. With a sound that blends Jay’s West Coast sensibilities with the rugged heart of the Wisconsin blues tradition, The Jay Edward Band is a force to be reckoned with.
For anyone seeking to understand the essence of American blues and the spirit of an artist who has journeyed coast to coast, The Jay Edward Band offers a masterclass in resilience, passion, and the transformative power of music. Don't miss your chance to see them live—it's a night that promises to resonate long after the final note fades.