The Band
The PJ FAIRLEY BAND is a formation of five professional musicians that approach the art from teaching, performing, live and studio venues, and various band formations in both Germany and the U.S.A.
They have now come together to create a band that is second to none. The band performs a variety of musical styles from Blues, Blues/Rock, Funk/Soul, and Rock covers. Don't be fooled, they also have some original material up their sleeves. They bring an unmatched passion to the performance that not only sounds great, but the energy is very contagious.
Once you See, Hear, and Feel the energy from the PJ FAIRLEY BAND, you’ll be convinced “I have to see this band again". They invite you to come to the show, and be prepared to rock, groove and move.
PJ Fairley
Lead Vocals & Percussion
PJ Fairley, the man on lead vocals and percussion, has more than 50 years of stage and studio experience. PJ has performed all sorts of music. From the humble beginnings in church where many Black American artists get their start, then as a young teenager performing with his father, and later one of his four uncles, PJ learned the ins and outs of the music business.
As a young man he performed as drummer for the late Mary Wells of Motown fame, also with the soul duo Sam and Dave. Upon enlisting in the U.S. Navy, PJ worked with many musicians that have also gone on to be top artists. After leaving the military, he was drummer for various artists, including the late Eddie Kendricks (ex-Temptations), and was a founding member of "Horizon", a touring band whose resume included opening for the band "Toto" in the mid '70s.
In Germany since 1980, PJ was the long time drummer and backing/lead vocalist for the band "Forest", as well as the original drummer and later vocalist for the group "The Jackson Singers". For the past 16 years PJ was a member of the band "Hardride", first as drummer and later as front singer.
In this new formation, his front vocals and performance will take you by the heart, and mind, and not let go until you know that this is the real deal! PJ's favorite quote is "Get the house from the first note...and don't let go until the last note”. He will give you every cent's worth of what you put in to see this show. Come and enjoy!
Hajo Zitzkowski
Bass
Hajo started his musical "career" quite early: On the violin. But that was definitely not it! Even an excursion into the world of guitars did not bring the ultimate kick. And not because - as is generally said - bass players are simply overtaxed with the six strings.
Cautious walking attempts in the obligatory school band led to the conviction: "We play bass!". Many sessions in the 60s, with a lot of blues and blues-rock, let his style mature. Since then he has left his mark on numerous groups, was involved when the Ried blues came into being. The hard school of dance music with the Rhythm & Blues Band, with many foreign assignments in the U.S.A., Canada and Japan, gave him stamina. In 1978 he joined the group "FOREST" for which he still generates the low notes. In various other rock and blues formations he learned to assert himself without neglecting the rhythmic cohesion of the group.
His playing was inspired by bass legends like Jack Bruce, John Entwistle and Chris Squire - just to name a few. Performing with the PJ FAIRLEY BAND opens a new chapter in his musical history.
Jay Jackson
Drums & Backing Voals
Born in Fayetteville, NC, Jay started played on cardboard boxes at the tender age of 5 until he eventually got a drum set from Montgomery Ward. Over the years, he’s played in nearly every imaginable constellation, from electronic duos to full orchestra work.
He’s been fortunate to share the stage with the following acts:
The Weather Girls, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Sascha, Best Of Black Gospel, Roberto Blanco, BB King, Ibrahim Shakoor (Don Cherry,Gil Scott Herron, Dizzy Gillespie), and Junior Marvin (Bob Marley).
He performed at various festivals and did numerous studio recordings and productions. He is currently taking part in some remix projects as a drummer as well as producer.
PAUL HILGER
Guitar & Backing Vocals
Born in 1992, Paul developed a deep attachment to everything music from the earliest age. During his studies he also started a career as a musician in many different groups, in all sorts of styles. But nothing could top his love for passionate blues-rock. He played gigs as support act with famous musicians and groups such as Henrik Freischlader and Tito & Tarantula, and has built up a reputation as a tasteful yet powerful and diverse guitarist. Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eddie Van Halen, Rory Gallagher and Zakk Wylde are his most influential idols.
When he's not on the road with the PJ FAIRLEY BAND, he performs with his own band „Paul Hilger & The Kingpins“ and is involved in other projects as a session or backup musician. Paul's most favourite quote: „Without music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid.“ – Frank Zappa
CHRIS HINZ
Keyboards
Chris had six years of traditional piano lessons and three more years at the church organ. He has been around in the Rhein Main music scene for a long time, and is a laureate of the Hessen Rock Festival hosted by radio station hr3 in Frankfurt.
Family activities and an extended stay in Brazil brought the keys to rest for a long time, but since 2011 he is back on stage with various cover and smooth jazz bands. Beside touring with the Fleetwood Mac tribute band "The Chain”, he tickles the ivories at the PJ FAIRLEY BAND while taking care for the band's In Ear Monitoring system on stage and multitrack recording of every single show.