Michael Ray - Bass, vocals
Michael Ray considers himself a very lucky musician. In his 35 years as a bassist & singer, he has had the opportunity to perform with many of the world's finest artists in clubs, festivals, concerts & other venues.
While working out of New York City in the 70's, Michael performed with such jazz legends as Jimmy Smith, Kenny Barron & Tito Puente at such notable NYC jazz venues as the Village Vanguard, the Bottom Line, Pearl's, the Village Gate & Sweet Basils.
Michael moved to Los Angeles in 1978 & immediately expanded his focus to include blues, R& B, rock & jazz fusion. He appeared with such great artists as Frank Zappa, Rikki Lee Jones, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison & Phoebe Snow.
After a hiatus from touring & recording to focus on composing & teaching in the mid-80's he relocated to the Bay Area where, in the mid 90's, he resumed live performing. He founded "Roadhouse" a blues-rock group, "Fever", an old-school R&B & funk band, and led "Prime Time", a jazz combo that performed steadily all over the Bay Area for over 5 years. Most recently Michael co-founded "Swamp Soul", a New Orleans funk power trio with Geb Rault, a friend of his from the Big Easy. This led to appearances with such local artists as Joe Louis Walker & Tommy Castro at major festivals and clubs in and out of the greater Bay Area.
