Performing with a Vegas Legend

By Jackie Yanchocik

It’s not everyday that someone is asked to sing alongside a Vegas legend.  Solomon Jaye had that opportunity when entertainer, Earl Turner, came to perform a headliner show on the Oasis of the Seas back in November. 

“It was just a normal day for me, then I got a call saying Earl wanted me to perform live with him during his show that evening”, says Jaye.  “It was crazy because I didn’t even know he had thought about featuring me in his show”. 

Jaye stopped by his sound check that afternoon.  Right then and there Earl handed him a microphone to sing alongside him on the Bruno Mars hit “Treasure”. 

“I had only heard the song just a couple of times before having to perform it live on stage in front of a thousand people”, Jaye says of the experience.  “But learning to adapt to a situation thrown at you that fast, will make you a better entertainer”. 

Like most professional performers Jaye passed with flying colors and captivated the entire audience.  After only learning the lyrics a few hours ahead of time, Jaye performed it with ease.  Every guest in the theater was singing and clapping along as well-renowned Turner teamed up with Jaye for what was a last minute addition. 

Catch the video of Earl Turner and Solomon Jaye performing together by following this link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152440214443574

Earl Turner is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician and actor.  He has traveled the U.S. with a variety of show bands, then ultimately performing as a solo artist.  He is currently entertaining in Las Vegas while still making appearances on various cruise ships.

Visit Jaye on the web @ www.SolomonJaye.com

--
Jackie Yanchocik
jmyanchocik@gmail.com

Rehearsal Times!!

In the Hollywood, FL rehearsal studio rockin' it ;-D #9to5

Subway Surfin'

How is it that the A-train experience is so colorful? Right now, I'm watching a man practice his Brazilian Ju-jitsu. The future of the break dance community just hopped off. I think they were afraid of the woman determined to let everyone know her 4-yr old daughter "ain't grown!!" They thought they were next.... I did too. "Concrete jungle where dreams are maaaaade of!" lol, now back to my guitar.

What WHAT?!

With Troy Dolendo (arranger extraordinaire / The Edge Effect) headed to show some love at the Sing Off audition in NYC 

On the Scene With Shoshana Bean!

The only thing better than bonding with a new friend over your mutual love of John Mayer, is when that new friend is Shoshana Bean. That short, Jewish diva that somehow channels all the soul of Aretha Franklin and everything you love about the 70s. After making waves as Elfaba in 'Wicked' (following Idina Menzel), she spends her time touring to promote her newest album that's shooting her up the mainstream ranks. I spent the last week in Orlando with the 'Edge Effect' boys rehearsing a couple of her tunes to deliver some backup awesomeness for her show at Mad Cow Theatre, Friday night. It was a productive week and a pre-cursor to tracking a duet I wrote called "Monster" which will feature Shoshana and probably John Gibson, myself, or some stranger off the streets (I don't really care. I'm just excited this lady is singing something I wrote, lol). Having her say "oh yeah, your tune is still in my itunes... I really like it" is about as cool as crackin' up in Marc Broussard's trailer last year while he sang "That's what he said! That's what he said!" after he watched a YouTube video of mine (that almost got me kicked out of college, by the way, lol). 

Top 40 / Standard Repertoire List

Solomon Jaye: Repertoire List

*Vocal Only

Top 40 –

Crazy – Gnarls Barkley

Crazy in Love - Beyonce (Jay z rap)

California Girls - Katy Perry & Snoop Dogg

Break Your Heart – Taio Cruz
Bright Lights Big City - Cee Lo

DJ Got Us Falling In Love Again* Usher (F)

Dynamite -  Taio Cruz

Closer – Neyo

Empire State of Mind – Jay Z Ft. Alicia Keys

Feel So Close - Calvin Harris
Fly Away - Lenny Kravitz

F.U. - Cee-Lo

Give Me Everything Tonight** - Pitbull

Good Feelin' - Flo Rida

Hey Ya – Outkast

History in the Making - Darius Rucker

I Gotta Feeling – BEP

I'm Glad You Came - One Direction

I Won't Give Up - Jason Mraz
Keep Your Head Up - Andy Grammer

Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars (Eb or E)

Just Dance – Lady Gaga & Akon

Let's Go - Ne-Yo
Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars (Lower Key)

Marry You - Bruno Mars (Step Lower)

Moves Like Jagger - Maroon 5

Nothing On You* B.O.B. & Bruno Mars

O.M.G. - Usher

Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO 

Price Tag – Jessie Jaye & B.o.B.

Scream - Usher

Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO

Somebody That I Used to Know - Gotye 

Smooth - Santana & Rob Thomas
Suit & Tie - Justin Timberlake

This Love - Maroon 5

Wild Ones - Sia & Flo Rida

Without You – Usher

Motown – 

Betcha By Golly Wow

Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie)

Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson

For Once In My Life - Jackie Wilson / Stevie Wonder

Just My Imagination - Temptations

Lately - Stevie Wonder

My Girl - Temptations

Ooh Baby Baby - Smokey Robinson

Shake Your Body Down – Michael Jackson

Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder

Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

Disco/Dance

Aint No Stoppin Us Now

My First, My Last, My Everything

Never Can Say Goodbye

PYT (In Key of C – Whole step down)

Rock With You

September

Popular Ballad & Mid Tempos

Can’t Help Falling In Love

Kiss - Prince

Let's Get it On – Marvin Gaye 

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green 

Stand By Me – Sam Cooke

Unchained Melody

Unforgettable – Nat King Cole

What's Goin' On - Marvin Gaye

Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Standards

A Foggy Day In London Town (D)

Ain't Misbehavin' 

Ain't That A Kick In the Head (Eb)

All Of Me (Bb) 

All Or Nothing At All (Am)

Almost Like Being In Love (G)

Autumn Leaves (Cm)

Beyond The Sea*** (G)

Blue Skies (Dm)

Can't Help Falling In Love With You (D)

Come Fly With Me (Bb)

Don't Get Around Much Anymore 

Dream A Little Dream of Me (G)

Fly Me to the Moon*** (Am)

Georgia On My Mind (Eb)

I Get a Kick Out of You (Db)

I Love A Piano 

I Only Have Eyes For You (F)

If I Loved You (A)

It Don't Mean A Thing 

It Had to Be You*** (Eb)

It Was A Very Good Year (Dm)

It's Only A Paper Moon (Eb)

I've Got a Crush On You (Eb)

I've Got the World On a String (D)

I've Got You Under My Skin (Db)

Lady Is A Tramp (Bb)

Let's Fall In Love (Bb)

L-O-V-E*** 

Love And Marriage (Bb)

Luck Be A Lady (Db)

Lush Life (Db)

More (G)

My Funny Valentine (Bm)

My Romance (A)

New York, New York (D)

Night & Day*** (D)

Old Devil Moon (F)

One For My Baby, One More For the Road (C)

Orange Colored Sky (C)

Our Love Is Here to Stay (D)

Pennies From Heaven

Smile (Eb)

Strangers In the Night (F)

Summer Wind*** (Db)

Summertime (Dm)

Sway (Dm)

The Best Is Yet to Come (Ab)

The Last Dance (F#/Gb)

The Look Of Love (Fm)

The More I See

The Way You Look Tonight*** (Eb)

Under My Skin*** (Db)

Unforgettable (F)

What Is This Thing Called Love (Am)

What A Wonderful World*** (F)

You Don't Know Me (C)

1980's

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Beautiful Ones - Prince

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson

Kiss - Prince

Never Too Much - Luther Vandross

On the Wings Of Love - Osbourne

Purple Rain - Prince

She's Out Of My Life - MJ

1990's

All My Life - K Ci and JoJo

Bitter Sweet Symphony

Drive - Incubus

Kiss From a Rose

Nice and Slow - Usher

No Diggity

Now that We've Found Love

Poison - BBD

Smooth 

So Hard To Say Goodbye

This is How We Do It

You Make Me Wanna - Usher

2013!!

2013 is gonna rock. The End. To kick this year off right, I've revamped the website (which has my brain all mushy... which I guess is probably normal, though...?). Haha, ok yeah. HERE WE GO!!

www.SolomonJaye.com

Check it out and share with a friend!!

On the Road Again...

I'm back in Santa Barbara after rockin' with The Edge Effect on a rooftop in Denver, CO last night. It got off to a sketchy start as I could feel every bit of the 'mile high atmosphere'. lol, pretty sure the first word out of my mouth after just the first 20 minute set was "sh*********t" I try to keep it clean but it took me a minute to adjust to the altitude, haha. 

We totally got rained out and everyone was forced to stand under this overhang conVENiently next to all the food and drinks ;-) Food + Drink + Standing Crowd = Dance Party. The rest of the night was awesome. Danced like the world was ending, haha. Adrenaline will dance you through any altitude. Goooood tiiiiiimes. 

Now I'm here in Santa barbara getting ready to work with my favorite PVAC kids. I missed their performance of 'Footloose' last night but at least I made in time to get them ready for their Fiesta Parade performance ;-D So much going on... I'll have to catch the Olympics on YouTube. While I'm on the subject, let me just say the '92 U.S. Dream Team (featuring 11 NBA Hall of Fame(ers)) could take these new kids any day. That's all I'm saying about THAT.

The air is sweet here between the mountain and the ocean... Loving life #grateful

Bonus: Check out this video with one of my current favorite Superstars, Stefanie Clouse

Showing Up is 1/2 the Battle

In a city that basically begs you to perform, it's so important to force yourself out the apartment door and into someone's Cabaret, Piano Bar, or Open Mic (preferably 78 Below on Columbus).  I mean REALLY, it can only make you better. Raw performance ability is a big deal, so why not do everything in your power to make yourself a more desirable entertainer?

So many nights I've felt "OMG I DON'T WANNA DO ANYTHING!!" lol, but I drag my arse outta the room and into the subway, park, art galleries, auditions, and whatever other stages welcome me. There's NEVER a night you finish and think "hmm, coming to sing has made me worse, thus ruining my career indefinitely." What's more, every time I go out to sing I've been fortunate enough to be invited to songwriter circles, write with other artists or sing their material, perform duets with AMAZING singers & bands, and perform elsewhere (even if just another open mic, it's a plus... new potential fans). Along with game-changing constructive criticism, people will record you, forward your info and performance to other friends, and in the midst of ALL this... you JUST got better. Some might call that a "Win Win" scenario.

As a singer, I promise you'll feel a lot better about your life in general when you sing. Showing up with a business card never hurt anyone either ;-)

I spent a lot of the last few years feeling like I was playing catch up with people who have been performing since they were old enough to walk. I thought "oh this person is better on guitar... this person sings higher than me... that guy is a better dancer..." Then a friend of mine (Sarita Lilly) said, "So what? Maybe there are people better at all of those things... but when its time to step up, they might not show up."

"Faith without 'works' is dead" and showing up is half the battle. I'm so grateful for the doors opening here in this city and expecting even greater things to come :-D

www.SolomonJaye.com

www.facebook.com/sjmusic

P.s. There's still free music to download on the homepage of my website. Take it all!... and sharing is caring ;-)

Facebook, Dating... and the big breakup

This issue came up a few times this summer so I'm sharing my lecture. I could be way off but these are MY thoughts. If you agree and know someone who needs to hear it, pass it along.

*this is NOT marriage advice... b/c I know less than nothing about that

**Before making a quick rash decision try talking it out first and ACTIVELY LISTEN to each other.

Girls, I don't know much about you, lol. I do however, know a LOT about men. If you want to leave but are afraid of hurting him, just leave. You're ABSOLUTELY NOT doing a man a favor by staying when you KNOW you're done. You're making it worse. You're giving him even more time to plan for the future. If you cherish a person, don't waste their time or you might create a stalker. Look at the big picture. It hurts, but leaving is a kindness to yourself and them. Most ppl don't want a one-sided relationship. When its time, its time. So it's ok to leave with no regrets.

If you really "care for... respect... appreciate" (all the words we use to avoid saying "love") someone, pick up the phone and say what you have to say. If those words are true, they've earned that. No emails or facebook messages, period. State your case.

Thanks to Mark Zuckerberg's "Relationship Status". If you break up and don't want ppl in ur business, leave your status as "In a relationship" for a least a month after the fact so you can cool down before the world starts asking questions.

Before you were born, you were given a purpose. Even if your only purpose is to raise a child that grows up be the presidents advisor... A person walking away from you just means they're NOT a part of that purpose. Don't waste another second stressing over someone that isn't thinking about you. Your life will go on and there's happiness to be found. Forgive the people that hurt you and it's easier to live your life.

Cry. Breathe. Pray. Meditate... Love again... in that order ;-) 

www.SolomonJaye.com 

Here's What's Goin' Down (September 2011)

My interview w/ LMFAO: "Everyday I'm shuffin'!!!"... Me: "Is that the runnin' man?"... LMFAO: "It was too many syllables"... Me: "oh. In that case... EVERYDAY I'M SHUFFLIN'!!!" haha

HellooOO,

Summer Recap:

As you may have noticed, I'm on the move! This summer, I survived a major shoulder surgery and physical therapy.  They put me on hydrocodone, which inspired more music as you can imagine, lol. I danced traditional Mexican styles with Foklor Mexicano (Santa Barbara, CA), climbed a cliff with one arm (GREAT decision-making abilities), and taught music to the wonderful  young people of PVAC (Santa Barbara, CA). Gooood Tiiiiimes ;-)

IN THE NEWS:

The a capella group MOSAIC (winner of MTV's 'Top Pop Group' & America's Got Talent Finalist) just split!!! While both new groups will surely be successful, I recently joined forces with the side interested in original music and guitar... naturally ;-) more on that as things develop...

*October 23rd, 2011 marks my first performance in Houston, TX since Westfield High School's 2003 Senior Talent Show, haha (think there was a failed backflip involved). https://tickets.aftonshows.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?show_id=2267

Thank you for this and other amazing responses to my free Ep 'So I Made You A Mixtape' :

"I just listened to like five of your songs straight through on my first listen, and while that sounds unimpressive its the first time I've found it worth my while in a long time. Your voice and your music is inspirational and truly unique. = ]" - Sam Axelrod (Valencia) 

FREE Download still available, so pick it uuuup @ www.SolomonJaye.com 

SO grateful for your continued support. Tty soon!

Resume

Solomon Jaye

Entertainer

 SolomonJaye@gmail.com 

www.SolomonJaye.com

Description	Weight: 165 (Athletic)                                          Voice Range: Lyric Bari-tenor                       Hair Color: Black                                                  Height: 5’10                                                               Eye Color: Brown
Experience	MOSAIC (Vegas-based Vocal Group) Alternate Lead Vocalist Hairspray (Oasis of the Seas: Royal Caribbean) Seaweed J. Stubbs Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (Featured Singer) Oasis of the Seas Independence of the Seas Universal Studios (CA) Zombie/Victim                                           House of Horror  Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City, OK): Bachelor of Music: Music Theatre The Boss                                                   Sideshow Judge Yertle the Turtle                                 Seussical: The Musical Samuel                                                      Pirates of Penzance Friday Night Fever                                      Student Choreography Show “Shoeless Joe”                                            Student Choreography Show American Spirit Dance Company Surrey Singers  Santa Barbara Jazz Dance Academy (Santa Barbara, CA) Jazz/Hip-hop Choreographer  Santa Barbara Performing and Visual Arts Camp (Santa Barbara, CA) Theatre Dance/Hip-hop Choreographer Assistant Musical Director The Brotherhood/Alpha Omega Alpha (Oklahoma City, OK) Hip-hop dance instructor Morehouse College Glee Club (Atlanta, GA) 78th Annual Morehouse-Spelman Christmas Concert California Tour, Carolina Tour, National Spring Tour, Florida Tour, Fall Tour
Training	Voice: Classical/ Music Theatre Dr. William Christensen                                         Oklahoma City University  Dr. Mel Foster                                                       Morehouse College Tyler Smith                                                           University of Houston Dance                                                                         Tap/Rhythm Tap                                        Oklahoma City University Jazz/Hip-Hop                                             Oklahoma City University                                                                Fusion Dance Company (CA) Ballet /Partnering                                       Oklahoma City University                                                                Fusion Dance Company (CA)
Special skills	Bilingual (Spanish), Rhythm Guitar, Songwriter, Scat, Sight-singing, Improv Tap
References	Dauri Kennedy (805) 452-5215 Loren Van Brenk (704)232-3563

Flashback: An entry from August 2010... wow

8/12/2010

my body is tired and my mind won't rest. it's screaming... my brain is storming at me. constant constant constant. i try to be loving i am love. i give and expect little in return for i know the reward in the end is great. still what to do when matters of the heart turn sour. im done. i can be understanding and kind but this is ridiculous. i was partying the night away having so much fun and there she was... ruining everything. embarrass yourself and me in public because that seems like a great idea right? apparently the thing to do. i hate that word... i can never spell it right on the first try... if i were a spelling bee kid i'd have such a complex... ... ... AHHHH!!!!! i'm goin to the Oasis of the seas. i'm excited but i grow weary of this life at sea. my life aquatic is plaguing me. people are real but aren't real. i love and it's not love. my kindness is unkind. i'm forgetting how to be compassionate passionately...? hmm, bees in the bottle and cats in the soup. clucking chickens and i don't eat right anymore. 

A Sense of Purpose

If you're missing a sense of purpose, figure out what you enjoy most in life, and share it. Make more of THAT happen, and you'll discover a sense of fulfillment. Whether it's baking a pie for a friend, or putting smiles on the faces of children, there's great significance in sharing the things you love. Your job doesn't define you. I write music because I love it, and want to share that love with the world. I know, lawyers, accountants, and a couple of History teachers that write music as well. Sing at work! Teach a child to read! Smile at everyone you meet just because you enjoy smiling. Your brand of love will be your only lasting legacy. 

A couple years ago I posted an original song "Don't Break Me" for free streaming on internet radio. The song hasn't made a $1,000,000 or anywhere close, but my mom keeps telling me to look at the comments. I finally did. There were tons from all over the world, but these truly touched me:

Killeen, Tx

Friday March 18 2011 04:01 PM

“ this song touched a spot in my heart....i can relate..thank you ”

Ludvkia Sweden

Thursday December 02 2010 10:45 AM

“ It's hard to come by new (and good) music in Sweden, so thanks :) Keep up the good work!! ”

K Town Canada

Sunday November 28 2010 12:12 PM

“ I love this song it discribes how i feel right now and i have been having such a hard time finding one. thank you I needed to know that someone out there has felt how i feel right now and that i'm not alone. I actually feel like i will make it now ”

Atlanta, Ga

Friday October 15 2010 06:08 PM

“ Solomon Jaye, if you ever read this message, i just want to ask you what made you write/sing a song like this..........i wonder if you know how many lives you have touched, including mine with this one song alone........This is a beautiful and very special song its an anthem.... TAke care my Brother, and continue to be blessed with much success.... ”

Cairo Egypt

Tuesday August 10 2010 07:54 AM

“ wwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooowwwwwww ”

Newmarket Canada

Sunday February 07 2010 05:57 PM

“ Love it! So sweet lyrics... Can I find this song anywhere. I would like to send to a friend. ”

Bangalore India

Thursday January 14 2010 12:26 PM

“ Anyone plz tell me, where can i download this one (studio version) ??? plz plz il hug n kiss u if you do... ahh guys.. il buy u a beer ...:) ”

...and so on...

Heh, I just thought that last one was funny. I had no idea... but I get it. The smallest act, the simplest song, a kind gesture or show of good faith can affect people in unimaginable ways. If you're confused about your purpose, figure out what you enjoy most in life, and share it. Your brand of love will be a lasting legacy ;-)

www.SolomonJaye.com