Jay & The Techniques featuring Jay Proctor

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In 1966, Philadelphia Songwriter and Producer JERRY ROSS signed a production deal with the Mercury family of labels. The deal was basic: find new talent and groom them for stardom. Among his discoveries were Keith (" 98.6 "), Spanky & Our Gang (" Sunday Will Never Be The Same ") and Bobby Hebb, whose " Sunny " was one of the biggest hits of the year.Seeking a surefire follow up for Bobby, Ross came across a demo of a song by Maurice Irby called "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin Pie". When Hebb passed, Ross matched the song with another new discovery: Jay & the Techniques.

Jay & the Techniques hailed from Allentown, Pennsylvania, The group was born when lead vocalist Jay Proctor and second vocalist George "Lucky" Lloyd teamed with an all-white band, one of the first integrated groups in pop music. The Techniques included Chuck Crowl (bass), Karl Landis (drums), Ronnie Goosley (sax), Jon Walsh (trumpet) and Dante Dancho (lead guitar). Paul Coles, Jr. and Danny Altieri soon replaced Landis and Walsh respectively, while Jack Truett was added on organ. As Jerry Ross often did on his sessions, Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson and Melba Moore were used as back up singers.

With "Apple, Peaches, Pumpkin, Pie" the group found the right mix of rhythm & blues and bubble gum appeal and vaulted into the Top Ten. Denny Randell and Sandy Lizner, out of producer Bob Crewe's stable of writers, supplied "Keep the Ball Rollin' ", the groups successful follow-up. Singles like "Strawberry Shortcake" and "Baby Make Your Own Sweet Music" continued the groups pop fortune. while there albums showed versatility with a more pronounced " northern soul sound, " a combination of Motown beat with Philly production. That blend became one of Jay & the Techniques strong points and this compilation shows off some overlooked classic tracks.

When the Seventies rolled around and disco became fashionable, Jay & the Techniques were ready with their already danceable sound. Barry White's "I Feel Love Coming On" kicked off this resurgence on the Silver Blue label. The record was picked up by Event Records, which also issued the group's "Number Onederful."

In 1996 Mercury Records released a very ambitious and fantastic 20 song CD collection "Best of Jay & the Techniques" CD. In September Jay had the honor of performing at the Rock'N'Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

1998 saw the release of "The Main Course", the first all new studio album by Jay in over 20 years. Here's what the experts had to say:

Behind the Scenes: Jay Proctor is a true soul survivor, still in the game and as good as ever after all these years. Give " The Main Course" a spin.. You'll be back for seconds

Goldmine: Proctor has clearly matured as a stylist... elicits powerful, passionate performances.

Living Blues: Meatier than their teen oriented pop-soul of the 60's.. A must for Beach Music fans.

Discoveries: Jay is in fine voice.. that voice has aged very well, sounding richer and huskier. "The Main Course" is a very agreeable return by Jay & the Techniques.

*Bio by Steve Kolanjian

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