T. Ray and the Shades

T. Ray and the Shades are a band that combine distinct and memorable original songs with
soulful renditions of classic covers in a live performance that is both highly energetic and very
danceable. Superior musicianship is evident in both the vocal presentation as well as the
improvisational jams that never fail to keep a crowd engaged. Each member of T. Ray and the
Shades contributes a vital part to this creative fusion of blues, rock, R&B, jazz, and soul.

Lead singer and lyricist T. Ray has enjoyed singing for many years. She is a powerful blues rock
singer that lights up the stage everywhere she goes. T. Ray says," Singing and dancing are a
universal way to celebrate life. Music is my refuge, a place for emotion and stories to unfold."
She’ll show you the moves; she'll take you by the hand and share with you her thoughts in the
plan at hand.

Saxophonist Scott Johnston is new to the Portland scene. He has played professionally in San
Francisco the last 18 years. He received his BA in Music from CSU Hayward. He has taught
junior high band and orchestra since. Scott played with 70's funk legends, Cold Blood with Lydia
Pence in the 90's and currently also plays with Professor Gall.

Guitarist and songwriter Matt Zekala emerged from the legendary east coast jam band scene of
the early 1990s. Matt has performed with several internationally renowned recording artists
including Blues Traveler, Merl Saunders and DJ Logic. Matt’s style is an amalgamation of R&B,
pop, blues, jazz and classic rock with a strong emphasis on improvisation. Matt also performs in
an acoustic duo and as a solo singer songwriter.

Bass Player Niko Green studied with Dr. Larry Zagonce and Phil Baker.
He has played around town with Terrence Wooten formerly of Cool Breeze, Albina Jazz
ensemble, Bobby Bradford, Big Bob Hernandez, Cleve Williams, Runaway Train and helped start
Portland favorites, JuJuba. He has played The Mount Hood Jazz Fest and Water front Blues fest
many times.

Drummer, band leader, and creative force, Matt Murray has a recordings studio, writes music,
lyrics and contributes to the songwriting, engineering, promotion, organization and booking of
T. Ray and the Shades.

T. Ray and the Shades formed in the spring of 2005 with the common goal of bringing funky,
danceable live music to the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The band and it’s members have
been constantly evolving their sound in Portland with performances at The Dublin Pub, The
Landmark, Mt. Tabor, Berbati's Pan, Ash St. Saloon, International Club Mummy, The Good Foot,
The Roseland Theater, Horning’s Hideout, The Kennedy School, The Crystal Ballroom, The
Cathedral Park Jazz Fest, Portland Museum After Hours, The Aladdin Theater and the Melody
Ballroom(Cascade Blues Association guest band), among others. T. Ray and the Shades will
light up any stage – big or small.

Here's a link to our myspace page if you want to become a myspace friend.

www.myspace.com/trayandtheshades