| 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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
.
