The Montreal-born singer/songwriter grew up in Vancouver, and that signature West Coast vibe, that laidback coolness, is certainly apparent in everything he touches. With its acoustic guitar and piano driven songs, Bright Lights & Bruises showcases a different side of Jay than we are used to hearing in Bedouin Soundclash, but that distinct voice and the friendly melodies we so love to hear still remain.

Bright Lights & Bruises includes a solo version of the Bedouin Soundclash song “Santa Monica,” and other album favourites include “There’s a Light”, How It Comes is How it Goes”, “Loving Hand”, and “Songs Never Sung”. The album is chock full of superbly poetic lyrics, but it’s their simplicity and Jay’s earnest delivery that makes the songs so touching.

The flow of the album is so smooth and natural, you would think that Jay recorded all of the songs in one continuous and heartfelt session; his voice gets rougher and raspier, loaded with more and more passion with each song, resulting in a build-up of genuine emotion tangible to the listener as the albums plays on. Jay's pleasant yet powerful voice was always evident, but the minimalist style and sound of Bright Lights & Bruises really allows his voice to be the stand-out star of the album.

The folk sound on this album is reminiscent of Dustin Kensrue’s (lead singer of post-hardcore band Thrice) solo effort, Please Come Home (2007), which was a favourite for music lovers whether or not you were a Thrice fan. The similarity doesn’t end there though - Bright Lights & Bruises has, so far, received a similar positive reaction from both the music community and fans alike, and has helped Jay achieve recognition as a talented musician apart from what he is most well-known for.

Bright Lights & Bruises was released on February 6, 2010 and Jay is currently touring in support of the album. He recently played a sold-out solo show in Toronto, and will return for Canadian Music Week this coming weekend. Check out a sampling of songs from Bright Lights & Bruises and his remaining tour dates here.