THE SHAKING RAY LEVIS (founded in 1986) is an ongoing collaboration of musicians with a common interest in improvisation. The project was conceived by DENNIS PALMER and BOB STAGNER. They use synthesizers (analog & digital), MoogerFoogers, samplers, vocals and percussion to achieve their Ole' Timey Avant-Garde sound.
They are the first American group to have recorded for INCUS RECORDS, the record label of British guitarist DEREK BAILEY. Additionally, they have performed and recorded with REVEREND HOWARD FINSTER, MIN TANAKA, DAVID GREENBERGER, FRED FRITH, AMY DENIO, JOHN ZORN, BORBETOMAGUS, TOM CORA, STEVE BERESFORD, J.D. PARRAN, FRANK PAHL, LADONNA SMITH, DAVEY WILLIAMS, GINO ROBAIR, ROGER TURNER, EUGENE CHADBOURNE, TONY OXLEY and DEREK BAILEY, as well as with many other critically acclaimed artists.
Also in 1986, Palmer and Stagner co-founded THE SHAKING RAY LEVI SOCIETY. The SRL Society is the South's first and oldest "501C3" non profit organization dedicated to the promotion of free-improvisation throughout the region. The SRL Society is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to challenging audiences with extraordinary music, film, and performance art, and is responsible for bringing hundreds of diverse and celebrated artists to Tennessee and the Southeast.
The Shaking Ray Levis have performed internationally on the BBC, at Quebec's International Festival de Musique Actuelle, Newfoundland's Sound Symposium, London's Company Week, and Denver's ReThink Conference.
Furthermore, their educational outreach program has been presented in many public schools throughout the U.S. The group has been awarded grants by the British Arts Council, Meet the Composer, and several regional organizations.
Incus Records released the Duo's first and second CD's, "False Prophets or Dang Good Guessers" in 1993 and "Short in the U.K." in 1997 with drummer Roger Turner and keyboardist Steve Beresford. Although they are on many compilations, their first and only vinyl release is a quintet with Borbetomagus, a release which features Palmer's artwork on a limited edition Picture Disc.
In 2003, Palmer & Stagner teamed up with NPR commentator and DUPLEX PLANET publisher DAVID GREENBERGER, with KENNY PALMER and FRANK PAHL, on PelPel's "Mayor of the Tennessee River." 2007 brings the joint Solponticello/Shaking Ray Records release of "ASAP Wings"; a live recording of Palmer, Stagner and KILLICK Erik Hinds of Athens, Georgia.
Review of "False Prophets or Dang Good Guessers"...The Levis are accomplished masters of the warp-speed sound bite: 26 of them here, set out like a board of weird sushi. Though most clock in at between 30 seconds and pop-single length, there are two more substantial tracks in the middle of the set- the combative "All Against All" and "Lady Ms Girl Shine"- which confirm that this isn't just a comic put on. -Penguin Guide to Jazz
Their 1997 CD "Boss Witch" features collaborations with J.D. Parran, Davey Williams, Frank Pahl, Mary Richards, and Steve Beresford. Palmer and Stagner can be heard on Shaking Ray Records' "Live at Lamar's," a 1999 recording of a live performance with Derek Bailey.
Review of "Live at Lamars -The Shaking Ray Levis w/ Derek Bailey"..."The Shaking Ray Levis have an aptitude for sounding fresh and free from cliché while not appearing self-consciously outlandish. They accommodate Bailey's singular playing in ways that set his idiosyncrasies to advantage, cast them in a relatively unfamiliar light and whet the appetite for more."
-The Wire
Review of "A.S.A.P. Wings"...It captures an evening where lyrics are not sung, but spoken in tongues, dissonant noises fire like stray bullets, and an intense chemistry oozes from every stuttering sound. These songs do not resemble any conventional take on pop or rock music, nor is it a discernable breed of jazz or noise for the sake of noise. There are few acts comparable to the SRL's operating anywhere around the world, so wrapping your head around the group's sound is not easily done. A.S.A.P. Wings gives a distinctively Southern accent to improv that defies the urbane angst of free jazz in favor of a deranged rural lurch.-Chad Radford, Georgia Music Magazine
Thanks again for bringing us to Who Fest!! We actually ended up getting 2 more gigs in Chattanooga!! Later Saturday night we played @ Tremont Tavern and the owner liked us so much that he booked us for Monday night @ Market Street Tavern!! Both shows had very good crowd response and we made alot of new friends!! We'll keep in touch with you guys about a show in Huntsville. Take care! Respect. Cory/Sandia.
I thought you might enjoy seeing a few pictures of our Yipper and Lucky dog who have unfortunately passed on….I have also included our Max in this cube…Max has helped us so much to go on without Yipper and Lucky…hope this brings a smile to your face…you are looking at unconditional love….this truly is the epitome of pure love. peace and love, Jackie
