Jaz Hunter Welcomes Everyone!

JAZ HUNTER BIOGRAPHY
www.myspace.com/jzhunter

Jaz Hunter is best known as a solo artist of the Progressive Metal Genre. Born in Kent Jaz first picked up a guitar aged three but only began studying the instrument at seven.

Jaz's first real sources of inspiration came in the form of British rock legends Queen and Metallica's lead guitarist Kirk Hammett. They, along with other guitarists such as Iron Maiden's Dave Murray would cement his deeply rooted love of the guitar. Over the next few years, Jaz's search for more challenging material introduced him to virtuoso soloists Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert and Joe Satriani, and to Neoclassical Metal legend Yngwie Malmsteen. However the real turning point in Jason's musical education was the discovery of Dream Theater and more specifically their lead guitarist John Petrucci.

"I have studied many guitarists but JP seems to have it all in my opinion. Every technique mastered, his sound is just crafted to perfection and the soul he contributes in his more, melodic solos are just dreams for me. I have his Rock Discipline DVD, all the live shows and I have looked over as many YouTube videos as I can and to this day I am fully respectful and full of admiration. I would also like to say congrats to Dream Theater for getting their 12th studio album to 6 in the American chart. This is an astounding achievement and hope for Progressive Metal and all the bands that strive to succeed in this Genre." - Jaz Hunter

Jaz's First band 'The Beginning of Eden' was formed when he was around seventeen. It was a metal covers band and although its musicians were of a high standard Jaz craved the opportunity to write his own music. After their first gig it became clear that the rest of the band wanted to shift more towards punk and Jaz took this opportunity to audition for Christian Howes of Cambridge progressive metal band 'Distopia' who were putting together a new lineup. Jaz and Christian shared the same ambition and passion for music and decided almost immediately to work together. This project would become 'Aconite' and over the following months Jaz and Christian searched for the best musicians possible to complete the group resulting in Aconite's final lineup which amongst others included Dan Russell on Bass Guitar and Jonny Tatum (Eumeria, Timefall) on drums.

Despite a successful EP, a number of high profile concerts and even TV appearances, University forced the band to go their separate ways after almost two and a half years.

Jaz, Jonny and new drummer Mike Lennon then formed prog outfit 'Timefall'



However artistic differences led Jaz to part after seven months to form writing project 'Fall to The Flames' with fellow guitarist Sean Graham and singer Victor Martin.



In late 2008 Jaz made a departure from prog in the form of Flesh That Burns, a death metal quintet founded by drummer Charlie McKenzie Stewart.
Their debut gig came at a battle of the bands competition, fighting for a chance to play at 'Bloodstock' the legendary British metal festival. Despite huge opposition they finished in third place having only been together for a couple of months. Despite positive reviews, after eight months Jaz decided to leave flesh that burns and return to his first love. Prog.



In mid 2009 Jaz and Christian reunited and wanted to make a progressive project album. This initial idea quickly grew into 'Ithaca' and after Jaz highly recommended former Flesh That Burns drummer Charlie McKenzie Stewart and writing began in earnest for their debut album 'Songs of The Fallen'.

Within three weeks of going live, the Ithaca Myspace page received over 4000 hits and their debut track 'Winds of Heresy' which was released at Midnight on New Year's Eve 2009 received almost 1000 plays in two days.

Jaz is now back in the studio recording for his debut solo album. For further information, you can contact Jaz via email at: jazzhunter@msn.com