A rock guitarist and writer from Ely is gearing up to release his new album ‘Utopia Awaits’ and an accompanying science-fiction novel.

Ely Standard: Rock guitarist Jaz Hunter is in the process of recording his new album 'Utopia Awaits'.Rock guitarist Jaz Hunter is in the process of recording his new album 'Utopia Awaits'. (Image: Archant)

Jaz Hunter, who describes his music as ‘progressive, metal, rock, space age, melodic and cinematic’, is a solo artist and former member of the bands Equatus and Flesh That Burns.

The performer, who works at Ely Entertainment Exchange and has a wife and two children, said: “It’s a concept album and I’m writing a book to go with it. I’ve just completed chapter seven; each track on the album is a chapter in the book. I’m about 300 pages in so far and the album will follow the book. I’m hoping to get the book finished by the end of this year.

During the creation of the album, Jaz has worked with Wisbech musician Richard Burrows and producer/engineer/drummer Charlie McKenzie Stuart from Chatteris.

“I work with Charlie on a weekly basis; I’ve been working with him for eight or nine years now. We’ve got a good musical background together,” the 32-year-old added.

“I’ve got one more session in the studio before all the solos and rhythm is done. Then I’m just waiting on vocals. I’ve got four or five songs that have vocals on them.

“Hopefully this is the album that’s going to get me recognised because I desperately wish I could do music full time. This is by far the best material I have ever written. I’ve been doing this quite a while now.

“If you want these things that you’ve put time and effort into to flourish you have to put the time into them.”

It won’t be Jaz’s first album release though, having put out an album with Equatus. “I put my health o nthe line to get that up and running,” he said.

Jaz’s Facebook biography reads: “With songs like ‘World’s Apart’, ‘Sky Racers’ and ‘Time and Time Again’, his highly anticipated debut solo album is looking to take you on a journey through time and space.

“Where you will land up, who knows? But you can believe it will be an adventure like no other so please join us for the journey.”

The album will be available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Reverb Nation early next year. To listen to Jaz’s music visit www.reverbnation.com/jazhunter