From distinctly different starting points Jay Hurren and Alex Banks ideas about the music scene gradually converged (Jay was into hip-hop and DJing, while Alex was more inclined to listen to soul & rare-groove).
Both had previously written for Moving Shadow, Alex as one half of Hyper-on Experience (a collaboration with Danny Demierre of Flytronix fame) who released the classic 'H.E. Anthem' (Shadow 17) and 'Lords of the Null Lines' (Shadow 30), which saw follow up remixes by Foul Play (Shadow 30R1) and Nookie (Shadow 30R2). Jay, meanwhile, was working as one half of JMJ & Richie (a partnership with Andrew Riches) who shot to fame with the classic 'Free La Funk' (Shadow 68) remixed by PFM (Shadow 68R).
They started writing together in 1995 under the E-Z Roller name and their first excursion onto vinyl and CD was the compilation album 'Storm From The East' (Ashadow 4), put together exclusively for Moving Shadow. This album was a regional showcase for local talent around Norfolk and the East of Britain. The stage was set for the first E-Z Roller release... 'Retro' (Shadow 103), took the drum 'n' bass fraternity by storm followed shortly by 'Synesthesia' (Shadow 110), and '25 Alpha/Spin Out' (Shadow 114). All were released throughout 1997 on Moving Shadow, again to consistently positive press and public reception.
These were followed in April 1997 by 'Storm From The East 2' (AShadow 8). This compilation again received copious praise from the press and went straight into the CIN Dance Album charts at number 3.
'Dimensions of Sound' (AShadow 5) was the first E-Z Rollers LP and came out in May 1996 featuring the talents of vocalist Kelly Richards alongside the E-Z Rollers production. This too received much critical acclaim with the breadth and accomplishment of production on the album. Hardly surprising when you consider Jay & Alex's veteran status on the jungle scene. 'Weekend World˛ (Ashadow 12) became the E-Z Rollers' second long player and was preceded by the infectious beats of the huge hit single 'Tough At The Top' (Shadow 120). This track had been receiving excellent support on Fabio & Grooverider's Radio 1 show for several months, and with the help of the awesome Andy C's Origin Unknown remix (Shadow 120R) became a massive club and radio hit .
'Weekend World' was released the following month to massive public acclaim, once again entering the CIN Dance Album charts at number 3. It was decided on the success and response to this album to release 'Hang On/Weekend World' (Shadow 122) with remixes by Calyx, DJ Addiction and E-Z Rollers (Shadow 122R). Following on from this success the E-Z Rollers compiled, 'Drumfunk Hooliganz˛ (AShadow 14) which featured ten cutting tracks from an assortment of new and established artists. Using their expert knowledge of the contemporary scene to pick only the finest tracks, the E-Z Rollers put together a superb selection of the funkier jazzy beats emerging for the current scene. The album was well received, outselling all previous compilations from the E-Z Rollers.
The next E-Z Rollers single due for release in November is a re-release - by popular demand - of 'Walk This Land' (Shadow 130) which has gained a new following after being featured in the hit film 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels'. The track has been heavily used in all of the film's radio and tv advertising, hence it's immense popularity.
When not in the studio the E-Z Rollers are, more often than not, on the road, Alex Jay and Kelly like nothing more than a good party and recent DJ/PA gigs have taken them to Italy, Switzerland, Holland, Greece and Germany. They have many plans for the future with their own newly formed label 'Intercom' becoming
a vehicle for local, unsigned acts.