Juste une Trace

Jay and The Cooks

The single « It’s Such a Nice Place » by Jay and The Cooks

SUCH A NICE PLACE, Jay and The Cooks’ sixth album, will be released on February 27, 2026. This opus, composed of original works and urban legends by Jay Ryan, offers a daring mix of rock, folk rock, punk, blues, Americana, and offbeat country. The album’s release is preceded by five singles, the first of which, “It’s Such a Nice Place,” is available on November 14, 2025.

In country music, it was said that songwriters, in search of ideas, would read newspapers to find good stories to turn into songs (such as a train accident for “The Wreck of the Old 97,” sung by Johnny Cash, among others). Well, Jay tried it! Basically, he talks about a serial killer, but the real subject is the neighbors’ reaction: “He was such a polite and friendly person, and nothing ever happens here… It’s such a nice, quiet place… We had no idea…” This isn’t a country song. You can hear the influence of the Talking Heads and Captain Beefheart, a touch of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, and even a little something from Les Rita Mitsouko. It’s funky, but you probably won’t feel like dancing!

To highlight the richness of Jay Ryan’s short stories, a series of five singles will be released according to the schedule below, offering listeners a taste of the album’s many facets:

It’s Such a Nice Place: November 14, 2025, Talking Heads vibe, dark and haunting funk

Senators Have Kids: December 5, 2025, Bo Diddley, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana meet, rock and protest song

The Bitcoin Boogie: December 26, 2025, ridiculous words and music to talk about cryptocurrency. Alan Vega inspired by old blues

The man who never smiled: January 18, 2026, a country song that makes no one laugh

Digital Dude: February 6, 2026, about people who hide behind their computer screens, devouring YouTube videos and podcasts

ALBUM: “SUCH A NICE PLACE” – released February 27, 2026 (pre-sale now)

YES YES : new album by Jay and The Cooks

SUCH A NICE PLACE, that is its name, the sixth album by JAY & THE COOKS produced by Juste Une Trace. Recorded in spring 2025 using analogue takes at Studio 180 in the presence of students from the Institut des Métiers de la Musique (IMM), the album features around ten original, unreleased tracks plus a new version of “I’M HUNGRY!” The repertoire is therefore composed of works by Jay Ryan, offering a mix of slightly “destroy” Rock vibes, “bizarre” Americana, “off-kilter” Country, and quite a bit of “old school” Punk (yes, really). He sings short stories inspired by daily life. His lyrics are becoming more and more direct. And as for the riffs… you’d better hold on tight (thanks to Arnaud Bascuñana and Stéphane Missri). Jay Ryan offers his perspective on society as an American who has lived in France for decades, who reads The New York Times and Le Monde, who devours books, takes good photos, loves art exhibitions, and cooks excellent small dishes. Everything is authentic and surprising. Everything becomes timeless and so true.

Jay Ryan – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Stephane Missri – electric guitar
Arnaud Bascuñana – electric guitar
Marten Ingle – bass
Marty Vickers – drums, percussion

Produced by Paul Bessone for Juste Une Trace
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Arnaud Bascuñana at Studio 180
All lyrics and music by Jay Ryan, except for “Booze Mama” (lyrics by Jay Ryan and music by Didier Marty) and “Senators have kids” (lyrics by Jay Ryan and music by Stéphane Missri)
Published by Éditions Amoc

All about DRIED UP DREAMS

The idea for the album DRIED UP DREAMS by Jay and the Cooks came about because Jay Ryan wanted to talk about his experience as an immigrant. Grouping songs with a blues feel sprinkled with country reminds him of the country of his younger years, “Dried Up Dreams” alludes to various subjects going from simple pleasures such as reading or the cuisine to politics, and the people around him. One of the album’s attractions are the heavy, imposing drums and bass that reminds one of some 70’s recordings. Take note that the album was recorded on analog vintage equipment.

Interview with Jay Ryan / All about the album is available on the Youtube chanel Juste Une Trace.

Jay Ryan – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Stephane Missri – Guitars, Banjo
Paul Susen – Fiddle, Mandolins
Christian Poidevin – Harmonica, Dobro
Marten Ingle – Bass, Double Bass
Marty Vickers – Drums, Percussion

Produced by Paul Bessone for Juste Une Trace
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Arnaud Bascuñana at Studio 180
Published by Éditions Amoc

DRIED UP DREAMS is here

DRIED UP DREAMS on video

JAY AND THE COOKS don’t beat around the bush: the sexagenarians express themselves loud and strong without digression, the subjects are simple and direct with tracks like “Poor Everybody” or “Dried up Hearts”. All the songs are inspired by real life stories or very close to reality.

All songs are in video realized by the canadian Mirkö Lafrenière or the french Lucas Ranoux.

All is available on the Youtube chanel Juste Une Trace.

Jay Ryan – Lead Vocals, Guitars
Stephane Missri – Guitars, Banjo
Paul Susen – Fiddle, Mandolins
Christian Poidevin – Harmonica, Dobro
Marten Ingle – Bass, Double Bass
Marty Vickers – Drums, Percussion

Produced by Paul Bessone for Juste Une Trace
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Arnaud Bascuñana at Studio 180
Published by Éditions Amoc

DRIED UP DREAMS is here

Amazing video for Jay and the Cooks – part.1

Watch, watch, watch ! LE COEUR SEC is a full French album by JAY AND THE COOKS. Original songs by Jay Ryan except one cover by Serge Gainsbourg. We produced videos for all songs. Here, you can find ON RASE TOUT, PRESQUE FOUTU and JE SUIS VENU TE DIRE QUE JE M’EN VAIS.

All the songs tell stories inspired by real life stories or pretty close to reality. Jay Ryan takes a look at society through the eyes of an American that has lived for more than 30 years in France. Mirkö Lafrenière realize videos.

BABYLON LIVE VIDEO

A live video for « BABYLON » (Barry Melton) from the album LIVE AT LA DAME DE CANTON.

It was 1969 at the Woodstock Festival, the voice of Barry “The Fish” Melton filled the air over an excited crowd. At the same time Jay Ryan was in the streets of Chicago in the marching band.

BARRY «THE FISH» MELTON MEETS JAY AND THE COOKS

Barry «The Fish» Melton – Vocals, guitar
Jay Ryan – Vocals, guitar
Stéphane Missri – Guitar, banjo
Paul Susen – Fiddle, mandolin
Marten Ingle – Bass
Danny Montgomery – Drums

Produced by Paul Bessone for Juste Une Trace
Published by Ice Nine Publishing and Seafood Music
Recorded at LA DAME DE CANTON
Mixed by Arnaud Bascuñana
Live video by friend and DDC
Artwork “Live at La Dame de Canton” by Corinne Garino

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