"Silky" Ray Macklin: lead vocals,
Jeff Brandt: guitar,
Fred Gablick: saxophones,
Dean Marcellana: keyboards,
Dan Sagraves: acoustic & electric bass/vocals,
and Rick Soriano: drums.
Ray Macklin: The talent and magnetic stage presence of singer Ray Macklin ensures that the audience has a good time. Silky Ray's booming vocal style
is influenced by such great blues shouters as Big Joe Turner and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. When Silky Ray sings with his powerful voice, the entire audience is
captivated by the force they just heard.
Jeff Brandt is a guitarist heavily experienced in the blues, playing many years with various blues bands.
He was the guitarist for the main band in STAA (Support The Artists of America), a group of all kinds of entertainers that
tour midwest prisons and other institutions. Jeff was also the guitarist with Aberdeen Slim, a blues singer and harmonica player
originally from Aberdeen, Missisippi, then Chicago, Illinois. Jeff also played guitar in Willie Pooch and the Upsetters, winning
the Columbus Blues Challenge and going on to The International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee playing at the famous BB King
blues club there. You may have also seen Jeff with: The Delta Sheiks, The Truetones, Blues A-Go-Go, The Odd Job Millionaires,
and The International Hustlers.
Fred Gablick is a master on all the saxophones. When he starts to blow his horn, you'd better hold on to something
or you'll be blown away! Whether gently swinging a riff or wailing away on a hot solo, Fred's distinctive and soulful playing gives the band plenty of steam.
Dean Marcellana: A recent transplant to Columbus, Dean's keyboard and melodica playing show his great versatile talent and thirty-plus years of musical
experience playing throughout the highly competitive California and Boston music scenes. First trained as a classical pianist, Dean plays all styles with taste, sophistication, technical prowess, and great feel.
Dan Sagraves: Dan is a versatile bassist who lays down a solid groove on both acoustic and electric bass. His solid bass playing lays down a strong foundation for the band to groove like a mo-fo! Dan can sing and play bass like no other - and look out when he slaps the rhythm out of that big dog bass!
Rick Soriano: The drummer's rock-steady grooves drive the band on a journey through many musical landscapes. Well-versed in all styles, whether it's a funky James Brown groove, a lively jump blues, or a swinging shuffle, this Tri-C award winning drummer makes you want to get up and dance to the music. Rick is also a wonderful talent on the keyboards and occasionally plays keys for the band too.
Influences
Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Joe Williams, Wynonie Harris, Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Ray Charles, Lou Rawls, James Brown, etc... anything with soul!
Originally founded in 1999 under the name Night Train, the Silky Ray Band continues to set the stage on fire with original music and their unique take on blues,
jazz, R&B and funk. The band puts an original spin on works by such artists as Big Joe Turner, James Brown, Wynonie Harris, Ike Turner, Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson,
Johnny "Guitar" Watson, and others making for an energetic, soulful and danceable mix.
Based in Columbus, Ohio, this exciting group has been thrilling audiences and musicians alike at clubs and festivals throughout the Midwest. The band has opened
for such luminaries as BB King, George Thorogood, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Son Seals, Anson Funderburgh and the Mighty Blue Kings. The band also placed third
in the 2000 Columbus Blues Challenge and has performed at major events such as the Big Bear Rhythm & Food Fest, the Columbus Arts Fest, the Dublin Art + Music Fest,
the Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest, the Solid Gold Rib Fest, and the BB King Blues Fest.
There are not many groups that can play a blues tune and then follow it up with a tight funky groove tune by James Brown. What makes the Silky Ray Band a step above
any other band is the caliber of the musicians in the group.
Thanks so much!!! I am really lovin' your style, sound and soul! I also do a version of Tell Me What I Did Wrong and I really love the way you guys do it. I would love to see you live someday. Please keep in touch.
Hey! Thanks so much for stopping by and checking us out. Come back and visit again soon, u gotta check out out debut album featuring Christian McBride, dropping 07-02-09!
It was great to see you guys again!! I've really missed you! I'll be there again soon. When are you playing at Vonn's again? Also, why am I not on your top friends?! I came all the way to Columbus just to see you!
Sorry I didn't make it out last night for my birthday dance. I got into a car accident on my birthday and don't have any form of transportation for the time being. =/