Jay Bennett, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and alt. country legend died unexpectedly this weekend. Jay was a member of Wilco from 1994-2001, and afterwards released several solo records. He was also a popular session player, appearing on records by Sheryl Crow, among others.
Jay and Jeff Tweedy had a contentious parting, and I hope Jay will be remembered for his epic talent, and not mostly as the dude who sued the Wilco guy. This is a loss for alt. country fans, and for music fans in general.
Here’s some great guitar work and harmony on Wilco’s California Stars. For those unfamiliar with Jay, he’s the guitarist with the longer hair and glasses.
Here’s I Don’t Have the Time from his solo record Whatever Happened I Apologize.
You can read about Jay and hear lots of his music at his MySpace page. Definitely check out the excellent By the Cigarette Machine in his music player.
Other blogs have more on Jay’s untimely passing:
Newsome.Org 