An amazingly versatile performing artist, and a true musician's musician, Jay "Bird" Koder has  shared studio and stage with some of the world's greatest! From trading blues licks with Robert Cray and Albert Collins, to innovating contemporary jazz with Chick Corea, Freddy Hubbard and Joe Farrell,  to rocking with The Steve Miller Band and The Doobie Brothers, to the bone-crushing funk of Cool'R - formerly known as Pleasure, to recording sessions with Ricky Peterson, Gino Vanelli, and Kenny G, to sizzling with a Cuban Salsa band in Latin America, to Jazz gigs with legends like Jack McDuff and Bernard Purdie, to duets with Linda Ronstadt, to television appearances with Gospel music greats such as Pops Staples, Cindy Morgan, Larnel Harris, and Bruce Carol, to The Jeff Lorber Fusion - progenitors of the Jazz/rock fusion movement, to African music with  Master Drummer Obo Addy  producing a unique blend of cultures, to countless jingle and motion picture recording sessions--everything from NIKE to the California Raisins to "Men of Honor" (Robert De Niro), as well as performances with the world renowned Oregon Symphony, Both as a soloist and orchestra member - to name but a few - this "Master of Many Styles" has defined and defied all stylistic boundaries to cover a wide cross section of this art form we know as music.

After starting with classical piano lessons at age 6, Jay soon found himself restless and inexorably drawn to the six string Enchantress - Guitar!  His first performance experiences were in the Church at  8 to 9 years of age.  After some serious practice  this "well seasoned" Bird played his first  professional gig at the 'ripe old' age of 11.  For years the youngest player on the bandstand, young Jay "Bird" kept his eyes and ears open and learned from some of the best in the business. Though initially self taught, Mr. Koder went on to study with some of the greatest to ever pick up the instrument:  Andres Segovia, BB King, Lenny Breau, as well as a long relationship as a protégé of the great Howard Roberts - the worlds most recorded guitarist.  After more study, Jay was able to "play" his way through college by winning music scholarships all along the way, including one to the prestigious Berklee School of Music.  Jay went on to become one of the youngest instructors to teach at the college level.

An accomplished writer, arranger, producer, amplification innovator, synthesizer programmer, session man, band leader, multi instrumentalist,  and guitar virtuoso, The Bird has worked in virtually every aspect of the business; including television - working as a writer and musical director for a nationally syndicated late night TV show: "Nite Lite," therein working with some of the great gospel artists out of Nashville and elsewhere.  But Jay Bird is also quick to use his God given talents to lift up others in need, with a long list of  benefits and fundraisers world wide that he has contributed to. The consummate Performance Artist, this "Bird" has flown far and wide, lighting up stages around the world, including tours through North and South America,  Mexico,  Europe, and the Caribbean.

Having a willingness to learn from anyone in any situation Jay" Bird" is influenced by nearly everything and everyone he hears and encounters.  By using the sum total of this life experience when he steps on stage, Jay creates a higher level of communication with the listener that causes many   to come away with the impression of having been directly spoken to, and they have!  When Jay shares his performance artistry with an audience his innate ability to dance across stylistic boundaries and defy the norms of category raises the level of energy on stage. He gives freely and liberally, drawing from the depth of a varied and colorful musical consciousness.  As one quote goes : "I dare anyone to listen to Jay Bird's guitar without falling in love!"   

Compiled by Don Miller