Naked Soul represents a unique approach to the singer/songwriter marketplace, presenting multi-genres of popular music. The debut CD, "Leap of Faith" showcases a diverse collection of songs by pianist Brian Hudson and collaboraters. Rock, funk, blues and soul ballads are passionately performed by an outstanding cast of players and singers, and the production is meticulous. The material is both simple and accessable, yet rich in visual imagery. "Leap of Faith was produced by Jayar for Jacoda; Executive Producer was BKHudson.

The CD was recorded by James Forbes (Heavens Edge, Fear of God, Dream Theater).

It was mixed by ledgendary engineer Shelly Yakus (John Lennon, U2, Don Henley, Suzzane Vega, Dire Straits, Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks). The record is, according to Yakus, "the strongest independant record I've worked on."

The mastering engineer was Grammy Award winner Scott Hull (Steely Dan).

Song Info

All songs (except Walking the Pirahna) are snippets from the Naked Soul Album "Leap of Faith." The full length CD is available for purchase through the above contact (BKHudson@comcast.net), or by visiting and shopping iTunes, cdbaby.com or TowerRecords.com.

Brian Hudson

Brian Hudson, a Bucks County PA native, is a gifted pianist, composer, arranger and producer. Brian has been quietly but surely honing his composition and songwriting skills, amassing a repertoire of material in virtually every genre. Brian's numerous self-produced demo recordings established the ground work for his debut major commercial project, the CD entitled "Leap of Faith" by Naked Soul.
Brian began his piano training at age eight and continued through his early twenties, studying locally with both classical and jazz instructors. Instrumentally, Brian's influences range from Keith Jarrett and Herbie Hancock to Terry Riley and guitarist Robert Fripp. Compositionally his influences are eclectic and diverse. Beethoven, Mozart, and Stravinsky as well as Phillip Glass top the classical list. Brian's tastes in pop and rock lean heavily toward European and British music. American artists Todd Rundgren and Talking Heads recordings share shelf space with Brian Eno, David Bowie, Roxy Music, King Crimson, 10cc, Tangerine Dream, Can, Peter Gabriel and The Moody Blues as well as the band that featured two guys named John and Paul.

Brian's compositions permeate cross genres; he has composed material in the pop, rock, blues, jazz, classical and electronica categories. Upon hearing a cross section of his work, one will definitely associate strong visual imagery with the music; soundtracks are most definitely his forte. The unifying theme in all his work is a strong sense of melody and a keen style of arrangement. As Brian says, "To borrow an oft used adage, the material literally comes through me as opposed to from me. As with many other writers, I perceive the material to be floating in the ether; the talent lies in the ability to harvest and nurture it, and present it in an accessible format. Songwriting, improvisational playing, speaking and singing- it's all about the moment. The song will, provided one listens well, dictate where to go with it."

Brian's love of collaboration enabled him to spearhead several original rock/new wave projects, including the bands KPH and Architectural Romance. The recordings and live club appearances served as further education and preparation for Brian's breakout project. Brian has also proven himself as a highly capable and experienced studio and live session musician. His current position as foundation keyboard player and musical director for the high profile Sid Miller Orchestra has showcased his talents throughout the New York and Philadelphia regions, as well as at one of the 2001 Presidential Inaugural Balls.

Jayar

Multi-talented musician, songwriter, arranger and producer, Carl "JAYAR" McQuay, Jr. is a gifted singer as well.

With an amazing four-octave range, his natural vocal talents are shared through smooth jazz, hard-hitting R&B to jazz and pop standards. This extremely versatile artist has given many outstanding performances throughout the country and overseas.

As a musician, drums, bass and rhythm guitars, all keyboards and synthesizers are just a few of the more than 15 musical instruments JAYAR has mastered. His knowledge of musical arranging and orchestrating has enabled him to become a successful producer as well. Over the years, he has earned considerable recognition for the songs he has produced, not only for himself, but for solo artists and groups also.

Born and raised in Chicago, JAYAR's longtime love of music began at the tender age of three when he sang, for the first time, at an anniversary party. By age five, JAYAR composed his first song, a jazz/fusion tune entitled, "Psychedelic Vision" using multiple tape recorders and homemade instruments. Unfortunately no one took him seriously because of his age. "When people tell me I can't do something, they don't realize they're actually telling me I can," JAYAR says. It was at that point that JAYAR vowed he would master every instrument he could.

As a songwriter, JAYAR has penned over 500 songs in the last twenty years. "I love to create," explains JAYAR. "All the singing, playing, arranging and producing all stem from an insatiable need to create and be at the inception of one of my musical children (my songs) being born. Nothing makes me happier than when a song I've written touches someone so deeply, so emotionally that it becomes a part of them and they can't stop singing it!"

JAYAR's strong background in R&B, jazz, pop and classical music has helped him incorporate a variety of sounds in his music and acquire the versatility that is now a key to his unique style. As a result, JAYAR has the distinction of playing and working with a plethora of different groups and/or artists whether they are local Philadelphia funk/R&B bands like Johnny O & The Classic Dogs Of Love, Fantastic Voyage or the bands he is currently with, Naked Soul and The Show, to well-known wedding bands such as The Sid Miller Orchestra which in the year 2001 had the honor of playing for the President's Inauguaral Ball. JAYAR has also been associated with a number of internationally successful artists as well such as George Benson, Larry Graham, Chaka Khan, McFadden & Whitehead, Peaches & Herb to name a few.

JAYAR's reputation as being very versatile has been a key to the different styles of music he has been involved with either as a songwriter, singer and/or producer, whether producing the local alternative folk/rock artist Robin Renee's debut album In Progress, which has received critical acclaim from music critics across the country, to writing and producing, playing and singing for a Latin jazz emsemble named Cintron, whose latest album Cintron Absolutely! has received similar praise and kudos from the critics.

Citing musical luminaries such as Quincy Jones and Stevie Wonder as major influences on his music, JAYAR explains, "My professional aspirations are to become a very successful singer, songwriter, arranger and producer - a versatile artist who can hopefully give to others what has been given to me...the Gift of Music."