An amazingly versatile performing artist, Jay “Bird” Koder has shared stage and studio with some of the greatest in many genres. These artists include: Blues greats Robert Cray, Albert Collins and Curtis Salgado & the Stilettos, Fusion pioneers Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and the Jeff Lorber Fusion, classic rockers - the Steve Miller Band, Hip Hop and contemporary R&B performers Liv Warfield and Tracey Harris, Bone crushing Funksters - Cool’r (Former Pleasure members), Soul Legend Howard Tate, Smooth Jazz stars Darren Rhan, Patrick Lamb, and Kenny G, African master drummer Obo Addy, Gospel music great Pops Staples, Doc Severinson and the Energy force Big Band, Jazz Giants like Jack McDuff, Joe Farrell & Freddy Hubbard, Latin sensation Arturo Sandoval, Renaissance man Gino Vannelli, Country legend Merle Haggard, drum dynamo Bernard Purdie, Linda Ronstadt and the world renowned Oregon Symphony to name a few.
Painting soundscapes from the depth of this varied and colorful musical consciousness, Jay creates a higher level of energy and communication with all who listen. No matter whom he plays with, he tries always to remain true to the music, giving freely and bringing a soulfulness to all he touches. As one quote goes: “I dare anyone to listen to Jay Bird’s guitar without falling in love!”