: : The Bluejays : :




	Inevitably the first question asked when telling someone about a band they haven't heard is "what kind of music do they play?". With The Bluejays, that question's not easily answered. Probably the most accurate description would be "roots-rock", but since we've discovered that a lot of folks don't really know what that means, we thought we might better explain it. Essentially, "roots-rock" is a self-descriptive term; rock and roll transparently showing its roots, with those roots being honky-tonk country, rockabilly and blues. In the Bluejays' case, we'd throw in swamp-rock, Tex-Mex and power-pop in that definition. It's really all about the song. We've all done time in more rigid rock, country and rockabilly bands. The Bluejays are a chance to throw all that in together and see what comes out, without worrying if it "fits" or not.
	The Bluejays are made up of four fellows: After spending over ten years on lead guitar with Atlanta's Cigar Store Indians, Jim Lavender joined up with The Bluejays and brought along his signature twang. Matt Spaugh's been a Bluejay since day one. His drumming and singing and harmonies are arguably the band's most valuable asset. John McLean, a veteran of several local bands and a fixture in Atlanta's "Redneck Underground", sings and plays a mean rhythm guitar. [ Matt and John are also in one of Atlanta's best Country/Rockabilly bands, Sonoramic Commando. ] Jay Murphree, along with Matt, started the band. Jay sings, plays bass and wrote a good chunk of the band's material though everyone's contributed a song or two. Jay also enjoys awkwardly writing about himself in third-person.