03/26 - Friday :: Jay Collins and the Kings County Band

Web Site: Jay Collins and the Kings County Band

New York City horn-player, singer, and songwriter, Jay Collins learned his craft on the job. A professional since the age of 18, Jay is known for his saxophone and flute work with many artists including Gregg Allman & Allman Brothers Band (rock icons), Jacky Terrasson (jazz pianist), Bobby Sanabria (latin jazz), James Hunter (soul/blues), Andrew Hill (jazz legend), Levon Helm (of The Band), and the late LeRoy Vinnegar (jazz bassist).

Jay's rough and gritty voice serves him well when performing his own blues influenced songs, and he has developed thru years of work into a formidable band-leader and performer of his own music. "His soulful 'croak' deserves to be heard." says Timeout NY.

Jay Collins and the Kings County Band Band is a 6-member combo that uses New Orleans-style funk, classic jazz, rock, and blues to create a powerful brew of original music.

Web Site: Todd Mihan

Downside Joyride was born sometime in 2007 when guitarist Todd Mihan found himself between projects. Todd began writing songs and recording them at his studio in Hyde Park, NY. Before long the number of tunes reached over 30 and after the smoke cleared he found himself with some great material. The music is a fuse of rock, country, pop, and blues. Todd say's "I love the style of country guitar, and admire the musicianship in that genre". Todd picked the best 14 songs of the lot and really started fine tuning them. He called his longtime friend Chris Trainor to play drums on some more demos at 3 Bays Studios in Redhook, NY. Chris’ solid performances in the studio sold Todd on makng him a permenant fixture. After about a year and a half of writing and recording, it was time to form a complete band.

With the talented Chris Trainor now onboard, Todd set out to find some more great players. Mike Hamel’s name came to mind instantly for the position of bass guitar. Todd and Mike had played together in preivous bands. Mike is not only known to be a great bass player, but a talented singer and overall musician as well. The last space to fill was the role of rhythm guitar. Mike Morrison stepped up to fill that very important role. His strong musical sense and attention to detail made him a pefect match.

Since Downside Joyride began performing in the summer of 2009 the reponse has been great. The band continues to grow and the future looks very bright.