Jayl was originally backed by the King's Trust (then known as The Prince's Trust) in 1994 - enabling him to turn fully professional. As well as fantastic live bands and performances, Jayl began recording his debut CD @ Phantom Power Studios in Gloucester ...
In 1995, in acknowledgement of the first year as a Prince's Trust business - Jayl performed at The Prince's Trust - Inspiration '95 event with his songwriting partner/guitarist - Steve Jones.
In the Summer 1996, the Prince's Trust were celebrating their 10th anniversary and Jayl was selected from all the musicians the trust had backed at that time, to perform an acoustic set in the Plaza - Covent Garden. Jayl perfomed with his street band - The Freewheelin (aka Jayl & Total Silence).
After the show, Jayl was invited to attend to a most prestigious event - high tea and garden tour at Highgrove House - with the honour of being presented to HRH The Prince of Wales (now HM King Charles III). Jayl presented the then Prince of Wales a tape of the latest recordings ...
In November 1996, Jayl received a Letter from St.James's Palace stating how much HRH had enjoyed his 'lovely' music and encouraging Jayl to continue forward ...
Jayl spent the winter mastering the work; releasing his seminal and cutting-edge debut CD - "The World and the Hooded Man" - in the Spring 1997, on the Invicta Label - based in New Romney, Kent. As a front cover, Jayl selected a famous painting - "The Marsh Phantom" by internationally renowned Kentish artist - Terry Anthony. The album was very well received as an underground cult classic and still sells around the world as an album and now as downloads. It is loved by many, and is a masterpiece that has truly stood the test of time ...
So in the Summer 1997, after 5 years of intense gigging, performing and recording, Jayl was ready and excited about a new direction - to begin teaching and coaching and helping to nurture young talent in the Gloucestershire area. Jayl wanted pass on some of that expert classical training he'd received from Hilary Western of the D'oley Carte company; and also the years of experience being in bands as a front man. So with the support of the Prince's Trust and an endorsement from the HRH The Prince of Wales himself, Jayl formed the Harmony School ...
As the millenium turned and in to the 00's, Jayl was now in the Prince's Trust Directory as a Teacher/Coach, as well as a Singer/Songwriter; as he began teaching and mentoring young people sent to him by Trust.
Jayl was partricularly proud of one young man sent to him by the Prince's Trust; who like Jayl himself, had a troubled beginning in life. But with the help of the Trust and Harmony School, was able to pull himself back up and move forward most positively in life.
He wrote to Jayl with an endorsement, expressing his gratitude ...
Throughout the 00's, Jayl worked closely with the Gloucester Office, (particularly with the most excellent Asha Vijendren); helping and mentoring a number of challenged young people. And in 2008 - Jayl and Harmony School was honoured to be nominated for the Prince's Trust Enterprise of the Year Award ...
In 2009 the Prince's Trust closed their Gloucester branch and Harmony School moved headquarters to Cam and then eventually to The Angel - Ruardean. After this, it became more difficult to interact due to the distance, but Jayl was still able to continue work with some of his Prince's Trust students, right up to the Harmony School move to Kent in 2015.
In 2022, in tribute to Her Late Great Majesty- Queen Elizabeth II - Jayl wrote and published a poem in Her Majesty's honour - called "Queen of Hearts." Unbeknown to Jayl, Niki had sent the poem to HM King Charles III.
In 2023, on the auspicious occasion of Jayl & Niki's 43rd anniversary, it was a magical surprise to receive a letter of thanks from Buckingham Palace, expressing His Majesty's gratitude and appreciation for the poem ...
Also in 2023, Jayl published his first book - "Knickerbocker Glory (An Orphan's Story)." Jayl's personal story of courage, determination and survival. A massive part of Jayl's motivation behind telling his childhood story was to inspire his students - young and old alike; to always perservere and keep on going, whatever the circumstances. Especially those from broken homes and disrupted family life. The book has received some excellent reviews; particularly encouraging that some were from new students ...
In 2024 - The bookwas featured in a wonderful article in the Spring Edition of Spurgeon's 'Together Magazine' - which celebrated Jayl's story and his reunion with his houseparent and housemate from the Children's Home. It also features the 'love story' side of Jayl's book - meeting Niki all those years ago ...Click on Link to Read Article ...
In the Summer of 2024 - Jayl released a dynamic, evocative and pioneering new 4 Track EP ... "SERENDIPITY" by RETURN OF THE MOON for global downloads and as a beautifully presented Limited Edition CD. Released on the Harmony Label. A progressive and most providential collaboration between JAYL and his original band ... Once called "Turn of the Moon" - now "Return of the Moon." The opening track - "Queen of Spring" is a single; with lyrics from a poem written as a tribute to his late Mother - featured in his Jayl's book.
All 4 tracks are constrastingly different, although sharing an avant-garde feel and Purism methodology - reflecting the diverse and eclectic nature of the project; and indeed - so many elements of Jayl's Harmony School teachings over the years - especially the finest quality of professional singing, music, production and presentation ...eatured in a wonderful article in the Spring Edition of Spurgeon's
In 2025 - Jayl recorded an audio version and soundtrack of "Knickerbocker Glory (An Orphan's Story)" - due for release in 2026 ...
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