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The guitar has been a passion for Jay Calder for most of his life. He led worship bands for years as a pastor, but it wasn’t until Jay started listening to artists like Michael Hedges, Don Ross, Phil Keaggy and other finger-style guitar virtuosos that he discovered a new creative pallet for his own compositions. A few months after Jay's first solo guitar CD, "Breakfast With Barnabas" was released, it was nominated at the Canadian Vibe Awards as "Instrumental Album of the Year". He began performing solo guitar in a variety of venues in southern Ontario where he received “Best Acoustic Artist” at the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Jay now travels across Canada playing (and sometimes speaking) at concerts, worship events and church services. |
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"Within a few short bars of Jay Calder's, "Breakfast With Barnabas", one knows one is listening to a master of his craft. But Jay is more than a master of the acoustic guitar. By the nuanced melodies of his original compositions, his respectful yet unique arrangements of familiar songs, and his energetic and percussive style, it is obvious that Jay is a musician first and a technician second. I'm a fan!" Steve Bell
_________________________________________________ "There are many wonderful things you can find in Canada like trees and hmmm, OK, mostly trees. There are many wonderful musicians you can find in Canada. Folks who know what to do with those trees once they are made into guitars. The list includes fingerstyle masters Don Ross, Bruce Cockburn and Bob Evans (the Winfield fingerstyle winner, not the restaurant). Add one more name: Jay Calder. His CD "Breakfast with Barnabas", is an inspired collection of fingerstyle and melodic prowess. The challenge of instrumental music is to capture something of the world we live in, distill it and present it in a way that others can understand. Jay answers the challenge by expressing truth, beauty, creativity and encouragement all without saying a word. The listener with an open heart will hear and understand this is the good stuff." John Morgan, Ohio
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"Hi Jay! Thanks for the blessing you heaped on the Cedar Creek Church's 10th anniversary! Your humble spirit and titanic talent are both a great testimony to our Saviour, and you are a great ambassador for our faith." Greg Simpson
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"Jay's artistry is equalled only by his sense of the holy Presence of God in worship. Jay's whole presentation is marked by humility and awe before God's majesty and grace. We were blessed!"
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"I recently had the overwhelming experience of hearing Jay Calder minister at our church. I say 'minister' because the words 'perform', 'play' or 'entertain' do not adequately reflect the unique combination of captivating guitar skills and prophetically-edged speaking.
Jay's unassuming charm, humour, vulnerability, and authenticity bring the listener into a God-moment. May this anointed gift to the Body of Christ and beyond be continually empowered by the Holy Spirit and his love for Jesus." Mary Gascho
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"Canada’s Phil Keaggy" Tom Cameron
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Copyright ©2009 Jay Calder |