Jason Thomason was dubbed "Blu J" by bluesman Edgar Mack at the tender age of 15. Mack was inspired by Jason's deep love for the Blues and his custom Stratocaster of the same color. Born in Farmington, New Mexico, Blu J was raised on his father's extensive collection of classic rock and blues records. After hearing The Rolling Stone's "Sticky Fingers" on a cassette tape at age 11, Jay knew exactly what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He picked up a guitar shortly thereafter and began playing professionally at age 15 with Edgar Mack's Blues Band.

At age 17, Blu J formed the Blues power-trio Sugarhouse with Jana Johns.  Sugarhouse put out one self-released LP and, beginning in 2001, extensively toured the southwest for the next six years. While paying his dues playing bike rallies, Blues festivals and clubs with Sugarhouse, Jay was also studied his craft in more traditional ways — graduating from San Juan College in 2005 with an Associate's Degree in Music Education.

In 2006, Blu J heeded the advice from his musical mentors and moved to Los Angels. He attended the renowned Musician's Institute, completed the G.I.T program, and graduated with honors in 2007. Jay made several contacts while attending MI, including Kory Montgomery, a blues/rock artist from Arkansas. Together, Jay and Kory were blessed with the opportunity to play with blues legend B.B. King. While sitting in with the musical icon, Jay received timeless carer advice; the most crucial of which was to finish his BA in music. And as Blu J recounts: "If the King tells ya to do it, you have no choice."

Now pursuing his BA in Music Performance from Musician's Institute, Jay resides in LA and is constantly honing his skills with various artists.

email Blu J at bluj@philipclark.com