Haysi, VA – [November 6] – Grassroots country singer-songwriter Gary Hoffman, known as Gary Jay, announces the release of his latest album, Burning Down The Riverview Tavern, a collection of original songs and beloved covers that weave together tales of romance, drama, and family tradition. The album, inspired by a visit to Haysi, VA after his mother’s passing in late 2022, takes listeners into the heart of Appalachian life, capturing the spirit of the old family-run Riverview Tavern, a place brimming with stories from yesteryear.

Burning Down The Riverview Tavern is more than an album; it’s a tribute to family heritage, especially the tales shared during Hoffman’s time with his brother-in-law's family. With the title track “Riverview Tavern,” Hoffman brings to life the characters, romance, and drama that colored the walls of this local haunt. This storytelling style sets the tone for a deeply personal album that celebrates Gary’s journey as an artist and family man.

Track Highlights:

John Henry – A rootsy rendition of the classic, energizing the album with the rhythm of a train picking up speed out of the station.
Heartbreak Prison – A toe-tapping original about the emotional confinement of heartbreak.
Back to the Farm – An emotional tribute to Gary’s late father, inspired by the last words his dad shared with him.

Sweet Irish Cream – A lively, Irish-flavored Americana piece featuring the fiery fiddle of band member Lavinia Reid.

Riverview Tavern – The title track, a swing-country ode to the beloved tavern, filled with the spirit of “down-home” gatherings and cherished memories.

Gary Jay’s new album is rich with original songs and introductions (BDRT Story Time) that provide a narrative thread, allowing listeners to step into the world of Burning Down The Riverview Tavern. The album also features an instrumental track, “Autumn Gold,” and the heartfelt “Falling,” a tribute to Hoffman’s mother.

With a career spanning over 50 years in the DMV area, Gary Jay is a veteran of the regional music scene. He has opened for notable acts like Whey Jennings, Craig Campbell, and David Allen Coe, and performed at numerous festivals and events, from the Gettysburg Wine & Music Festival to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. As a solo performer and leader of his band, Gary Jay & The FIRE, he’s known for bringing energy and authenticity to grassroots country music.

Burning Down The Riverview Tavern is available for purchase on Gary Jay's website.https://gjhoffman.com/album