DJ Jam Master Jay

The duo of Jay Hurren (JMJ) and Alex Banks, originally from Beccles in Suffolk, defined the easy rolling two step of Moving Shadow Records during the late 90’s with their recordings as EZ Rollers, after developing Hardcore breakbeats earlier in the decade as JMJ & Richie (Andrew Riches) and Hyper- On- Experience.

Both were originally involved in the mid 80’s Rare Groove and Hip Hop scene around their native East Anglia, promoting shows and DJ’ing as well. They also moved into House after the rave explosion, and while Alex increasingly concentrated on production work in his home studio during the early 90’s, Jay continued to mix at events, usually billed as JMJ or Jam Master Jay.

The two of them began recording together after meeting emerging Drum ‘n’ Bass legend LTJ Bukem. Alex with Hyper- On- Experience and Jay with JMJ & Richie (as well as the solo project Parallel World). Alex and Jay’s various singles for Rob Playford’s Moving Shadow and LTJ Bukem’s Good Looking – ‘Montana’ and ‘Universal Horn’ as JMJ & Richie, ‘Thunder Grip’ and ‘Lords of the Null Lines’ as Hyper- On- Experience, ‘Second Encounta’ and ‘The Rhodes Tune’ as Flytronix – helped write the tempo for smooth Drum ‘n’ Bass with plenty of Jazz texture but swift rhythms to keep the vibes moving in clubs.

After meeting up with vocalist Kelly Richards from Norwich at one of their gigs, Jay and Alex decided to form E-Z Rollers around the threesome. Their debut album ‘Dimensions of Sound’ appeared in mid-1996, followed by several additional singles for Moving Shadow and then the full length follow up ‘Weekend World’.

For live performances, the E-Z’s toyed with taking a five piece band on the road, but that proved too much hassle and live shows now consist of a DJ and vocals outfit, with Alex and Jay using 3 decks, alongside Kelly and MC Jakes (who they met on a Moving Shadow night while he was MC’ing with Tech Itch.)

Over the years, the Rollers have finely tuned their skills, developing their own unique sound and vision. As well as the release of their third LP for Moving Shadow, ‘Titles of the Unexpected’, presented as a double format with the second CD featuring a live studio mix. This brilliant album features new levels of depth and diversity, and contains more than a few surprises, including two tracks voiced by the legendary old skool Hip Hop artist Doug E Fresh. Other guests include Soul diva Sharon Brown and Rhallia Birch, plus of course E-Z Rollers regulars Kelly and MC Jakes.