
is one of America's foremost and favorite recording
acts that
excites and thrills audiences internationally.
Led by their original frontman --vocalist Jay Proctor,
they are best known for the megahit
"Apples Peaches Pumpkin Pie"
In 1966, Philadelphia Songwriter and Producer JERRY ROSS signed a
production deal with the Mercury family of labels. The deal was basic:
find new talent and groom them for stardom. Among his discoveries were
Keith (" 98.6 "), Spanky & Our Gang (" Sunday Will
Never Be The Same ") and Bobby Hebb, whose " Sunny " was
one of the biggest hits of the year.Seeking a surefire follow up for
Bobby, Ross came across a demo of a song by Maurice Irby called "Apple,
Peaches, Pumpkin Pie". When Hebb passed, Ross matched the song
with another new discovery: Jay & the Techniques.
Jay & the Techniques hailed from Allentown, Pennsylvania, The
group was born when lead vocalist Jay Proctor and second vocalist George "Lucky" Lloyd
teamed with an all-white band, one of the first integrated groups in
pop music. The Techniques included Chuck Crowl (bass), Karl Landis
(drums), Ronnie Goosley (sax), Jon Walsh (trumpet) and Dante Dancho
(lead guitar). Paul Coles, Jr. and Danny Altieri soon replaced Landis
and Walsh respectively, while Jack Truett was added on organ. As Jerry
Ross often did on his sessions, Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson and Melba
Moore were used as back up singers.
With "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin, Pie" the group found the
right mix of rhythm & blues and bubble gum appeal and vaulted into
the Top Ten. Denny Randell and Sandy Lizner, out of producer Bob Crewe's
stable of writers, supplied "Keep the Ball Rollin' ", the
groups successful follow-up. Singles like "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Baby
Make Your Own Sweet Music" continued the groups pop fortune. while
there albums showed versatility with a more pronounced " northern
soul sound, " a combination of Motown beat with Philly production.
When the Seventies rolled around and disco became fashionable, Jay & the
Techniques were ready with their already danceable sound. Barry White's "I
Feel Love Coming On" kicked off this resurgence on the Silver
Blue label. The record was picked up by Event Records, which also issued
the group's "Number Onederful."
In 1996 Mercury Records released a very ambitious and fantastic 20
song CD collection "Best of Jay & the Techniques" CD. In
September Jay had the honor of performing at the Rock'N'Roll Hall of
Fame in Cleveland. 1998 saw the release of "The Main Course" ...
the first all new studio album by Jay in over 20 years. Here's what
the experts had to say:
• Behind the Scenes: "Jay Proctor is a true soul
survivor, still in the game and as good as
ever after all these years. Give " The Main Course" a spin.. You'll
be back for seconds!"
• Goldmine: "Proctor has clearly matured as a stylist...
elicits powerful, passionate
performances."
• Living Blues: "Meatier than their teen oriented pop-soul
of the 60's.. A must for Beach Music
fans."
• Discoveries: "Jay is in fine voice.. that voice has aged
very well, sounding richer and
huskier. "The Main Course" is a very agreeable return by Jay & the
Techniques.
For booking inquires call Lee Brovitz • Bassic-Lee Music • (239)285-8000