This Is Live is our online video showcase of the best of the city's music talent. This week it's the turn of acoustic folk-rock musician, Jay Hart.

Jay Hart has travelled the world as a touring guitarist for Spiritualized, Crystal Radio, The Orange Lights - a band he co-created with 90s hit songwriter Paul Tucker of The Lighthouse Family -- and most recently, American country legends Billy Jo Spears and Stella Parton.

He's played Glastonbury, V Festival, Ibiza Rocks and made regular trips across the Atlantic for shows in New York -- and at the Viper Rooms in Los Angeles.

After many years as a session musician, Jay's finally found the time to record his solo album. Due for release in October, the indie-infused alt-country affair includes help from a range of professional musicians, a gospel choir and fledgling producer, Matt Ingram.

They worked on the album for weeks at a time at The Strokes' producer, Gordon Raphael's Urchin Studios in London.

Watch Jay chatting to This Is Live's Zoe Kirk about his textured musical career and performing his track, Inside and Out, live at Stealth.

And you are?

Jay Hart

History?

I'm a mainly a guitarist. I've played for Spiritualized, Gordon Raphael (The strokes), Paul Tucker (The Lighthouse family), The Orange Lights and this year Billy Jo Spears and Stella Parton and singer-songwriter Tallulah Rendall. I'm a big gigger and can usually be found playing a gig in Nottingham a few times a month.

Why the solo album and gigs?

I got a bit tired of bands and horrible rehearsal rooms with warm cans of beer on Sunday mornings. I do go out occasionally with a band I'm really into the idea of having a flexible band, sometimes just me, other nights maybe a pianist and a pedal steel player and some gospel singers. That kind of flexibility really switches me on at the moment.

Describe your music and influences.

Everything from The Beatles to Bach. I can't stand generic churned out major label over-produced rubbish. My main gripe is "landfill" indie, average bands with average singers . I love it when something comes along and blows my socks off. It last happened with Fleet Foxes.

What's the day job?

Just music. It started with busking and then playing in working men's clubs, to playing in bars and then parties and weddings to radio and television and festivals. It's hard work and it has cost me in many ways but that's the life I chose. I can't complain, that's for sure!

Claims to fame?

I'm not very good at meeting famous people, my mouth goes dry and I end up giving a really bad clammy handshake. I met Noel Gallagher once and gave him the world's worst handshake. It was pitiful. On the plus side I was a lot taller than him and I'm only 5'8 myself. Last year when I played guitar for Shirley Bassey at her party I found myself (very) drunk hemmed in by the roast ham and turkey buffet with Bruce Forsyth, Cilla Black and Christopher Biggins and that tall bloke from Spandau Ballet. That was quite a moment.

Which other Notts bands do you rate?

Mint Ive make a good splash Good lads too. I think it's more about what's going on under the surface. If Notts people realised just how much music is used commercially that comes from this town I think they would be amazed. There really is a great, supported network here, from the covers bands to the original bands. I'm a bit baffled as to why Nottingham hasn't "done a Manchester" it's certainly got more than enough muscle to pull it off.

Next gig?

I'm playing a gig in Berlin called Schokaladen and then a festival in Hamburg with a band called the Major Pins.

Music for sale?

My debut solo album will be out in October.

Web address?

www.myspace.com/jayhartofficial

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