Artist Profiles: Jay Gonzalez

“I've used the Electro 2 since it was first introduced. I drooled over the first model for about a year, going to the website, reading user groups, hoping to see one used live. Once I got one, I played it pretty much non-stop, through several bands. Then I started playing with the Drive-By Truckers and toured pretty much non-stop throughout last year with it, throughout the States, Canada and Europe. In the past year we've been backing up Booker T. Jones of Stax and MG's fame, and I've used it at many gigs with the Wurlitzer sound, and several shows using it for the organ and piano (upright) sound in conjunction with a 200a wurly. I've also been fortunate enough to use the Nord organ sound playing a show with Spooner Oldham (who just got inducted to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, side by side with him and his beautiful Wurlitzer. WOW! The Electro has got the best Wurlitzer and Hammond sound by far that I've heard out of any of the clones! It is the swiss army knife of vintage electromechanical keyboards. I love all the sounds it reproduces, from the screaming Hammond to the warm and crunchy Wurlitzer. And Nord keeps me wanting more with quality keyboards like the Electro 3 and the Stage EX”- Jay Gonzales, keyboardist with Drive By Truckers

Gear: Nord Electro 2

Bio:
Jay Gonzalez has played with many of the great bands of Athens, Georgia. He plays with power pop band Nutria, writes pop instrumentals for The Inflatable Orchestra (Volume I was just released on Royal Rhino Flying Records), and has just finished polishing up a solo album called "Late & Lost." Currently, Jay's been traveling around playing Wurly and Organ along side The Drive By Truckers.

The Drive-By Truckers are an alternative country band from Athens, Georgia. The band consists of Patterson Hood (vocals and guitar,) Mike Cooley (vocals and guitar,) Shonna Tucker (bass and vocals,) John Neff (guitar,) Brad Morgan (drums,) and of course, Jay Gonzalez (keyboard.) Their music is noteworthy for its “three axe attack” (otherwise known as their three guitar sound) as well as bass and drums. Their lyrics often revolve around drifters and outlaws trying to survive in economically depressed small towns.

Artist Website:
http://drivebytruckers.com/
http://www.myspace.com/spareroomlounge

Photo by Jason Thrasher