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LATEST NEWS:
SEPT 2009 - NEW CD 'BLUE MARA'
It's finally here! Ray's 4th CD release, 'Blue Mara' takes the resonator slide-guitar to a new playground... think early 60's Chicago-blues moves to the 1920's pre-war piedmont era, throw in some appalachian rhythms and you have yourself 'Blue Mara'. Not to be overshadowed, the sounds of eastern Indian melodies pervade the recording throughout - giving 'Blue Mara' it's uncanny sense of undefinable world-influenced blues. The album was recorded at home in Jeff Ray's living room using an 8-track reel-to-reel, and at Owl Recording in Minneapolis by Paul Flynn. The live/lo-fi quality gives the album the feel of an old Chess Studios recording.
The album also boasts the handiwork of the finest crop of Minnesota musicians, including: Nick Salisbury on bass guitar (Mick Sterling's Irresistables / Mary Cutrufello / GB Leighton / Ashleigh Still / etc), Mikkel Beckmen on washboard (The Brass Kings / Charlie Parr), Harold Tremblay on harmonica (Cool Disposition / Summit Stunt Pilots), Brianna Lane on harmony vocals, Timmy Z on percussion, Monica Digre on 'cello, Chris Becknell on fiddle (The Poor Nobody's) and Chris Hepola on percussion (also of the Poor Nobody's).
The album contains 11 original tracks and one cover song "Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had", written by the late great Muddy Waters.
All CDs cost $10 at live shows. You can order the CD now for only $15 (includes tax and shipping) by emailing Jeff Ray at jeff@jeffraymusic.com. Payments are by check (via mail) or by paypal (via internet).
Samples of the album can be heard by clicking on the "LISTEN/BUY" tab.
FEB 2009 - IMPORTANT BOOTLEG CLUB UPDATE
Due to a recent computer crash, some email addresses were erased from Jeff Ray's mailing list. If you are/were a member of the JEFF RAY BOOTLEG CLUB (that is, if you used to get a monthly email w/free MP3 downloads and CD/merch discounts, but don't anymore) then PLEASE send your email address and/or mailing address to: subscribe@jeffraymusic.com. This way you won't be left out of the loop when the new CD is released in a few months (and you can get your CD at a discount price!).
JAN 2009 - New CD Review, Duluth News Tribune
"The clarity and precision of Ray's bottleneck playing, as it swoops and dives through his vocal lines, is so well-honed and has such an alluringly liquid quality that it puts him in a league with the best on the planet. Folks such as Ry Cooder, David Lindley and Bob Brozman have nothing on this young virtuoso. His newest record, "Last Great Winter," is a tour de force that should be required listening for anyone interested in the instrument or the style."
-John Ziegler, Duluth News Tribune, Jan 1, 2009
Click here to read the whole review
ABOUT JEFF RAY:
According to the Des Moines register, Jeff's music has “a quality that could only come from the merger of sounds from his two backgrounds, Minnesota and Memphis”. In 2005, after honing his craft in Memphis TN, Ray moved back to the Midwest and was asked to open for one of is idols, blues/folk great Chris Smither. The experience left a profound mark on his sound and inspired him to adapt his blues slide- guitar style into a timeless one-man-band sound that you can hear on his latest CD LAST GREAT WINTER (2007). The CD earned him an instant reputation as a pioneer of acoustic slide and resonator guitar, and as a solo performer who sounds more energetic than the usual guitar strummer - due in part to the rhythmic foot stomping he regularly employs. Jeff Ray has been featured on NPR programs like the Current’s Morning Show (Minneapolis, MN) and Acoustic Sounds Cafe (Liitle Rock, AR), as well as community and college radio programs across the Midwest. He continues to tour relentlessly, playing over 80 shows each year.
JEFF RAY AND THE STAKES:
In 2008, Jeff joined up with revered bassist Nick Salisbury (formerly of GB Leighton and Mick Sterling) to form the high energy, hard-driving roots and blues act known as Jeff Ray and the Stakes. The two musicians create their own rhythm section by equipping themselves with purely homemade attire… Jeff stomps on a portable wood front porch while Nick smooths out the rhythm with a foot-shaker contraption attached to a pair of Converse all-stars. When they combine their homemade wears with Jeff’s thumb-thumping resonator slide-guitar and Nick’s gospel-meets-groove bass lines, your left with a sound that really moves.
One of the great traditions of the Stake’s live shows is their roster of talented musicians that they invite as one-night-only ad hoc band members. Sometimes the band will invite Mikkel Beckman (The Brass Kings) to play washboard, or Harold Tremblay (Cool Disposition) to sit in on Blues Harp, to name a few. The spontaneity of the Stake’s lineup and the ferocity of their live sound has quickly earned them a solid reputation as a must-see acoustic roots act. Jeff Ray and the many guest members are currentlly working on a new CD release scheduled for 2009.
How to buy the music...
U.S. RESIDENTS:
$15/CD (includes shipping/handling/taxes)
$9/MP3 Album ('BLUE MARA' ONLY)
email jeff@jeffraymusic.com with your order and mailing address
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS:
Go To http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/JeffRay
BLUE MARA (2009) 
Ray's fourth and most ambitious release to date. Upbeat, pulsing, thumb-thumping resonator slide-guitar with a marrow of darkness, mixed from equal parts Delta blues and upbeat Appalachian rhythms. The music unexpectedly twists from dark blues, to East-Indian melodies, and back again. |
1. Confusion (4:27) |
| 2. Dead Rising (1:17) | |
| 3. Dead (5:10) | |
| 4. Sing To Me (3:41) | |
| 5. Sleeping Dogs (4:36) | |
| 6. Cotton Rising (1:23) | |
| 7. Cottonwood (5:17) | |
| 8. Sunshine City Tree (6:08) | |
| 9. Go On, My Blue (4:40) | |
| 10. Blue Mara Stomp (0:43) | |
| 11. Can't Lose What You Ain't Never Had (4:41) | |
| 12. Until The Dust (5:10) | |
"No mopey re-creations; Ray’s take on the genre is fresh and original... The guitar is hyper-animated and jumps out of the mix. Ray has mastered the ability to go speedily from fretted notes to glassy slide in a nanosecond. It provides the feel of two guitar players at the same time... In his still-young recording career, Ray has covered Southern rock (ala the Allman Brothers), Memphis soul, Nick Drake-inspired songs, stirring acoustic instrumental guitar, resonator slide, and now blues from the pre-Depression era as well as the ’60s... You never know what’s coming next. Here’s to lots more stops along the Jeff Ray recording highway." -John Ziegler (Duluth News Tribune, Duluth MN) "Jeff Ray's fourth album is indeed a must for anyone who has a soft spot for acoustic, semi-acoustic and resonator slide-guitar in particular... His fingerpicking and bottleneck playing style have a very high degree of perfection and precision. Leo Kottke and Bob Brozman are never far away and, without hesitation, he can get a place in the list of great sliders. This album is very blues oriented but remains open to "world" influences... "Blue Mara" is a treasure that makes it irresistible to grab your guitar.... Another great artist that we should not lose sight [of]." -witteMVS (www.rootsville.be, Belgium) [English Translation by Google Translate] "Thousands of miles may separate Indian music from the Memphis blues, but slide guitarist Jeff Ray has found a way to blend the two" -David Henke (Northfield News, Northfield MN) "Using an 8-track reel-to-reel recorder set up in his living room, slide guitarist Jeff Ray captured just the right sound for his latest acoustic roots and blues CD." -Christina Killion Valdez (Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN) |
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LAST GREAT WINTER (2007)  Ray's critically acclaimed third CD release, a blues-inspired tour de force of 100% resonator slide-guitar |
1. Dear Grenadine (2:42) |
| 2. Low Wage Mood (5:34) | |
| 3. Higher Hilltops (3:51) | |
| 4. This Land Is Your Land (5:00) | |
| 5. Cindy Sang (5:32) | |
| 6. Human Hillsides (5:18) | |
| 7. Valley (4:24) | |
| 8. Crane (6:25) | |
| 9. Maggie's Farm (5:39) | |
| 10. My My My (5:19) | |
"The clarity and precision of Ray's bottleneck playing, as it swoops and dives through his vocal lines, is so well-honed and has such an alluringly liquid quality that it puts him in a league with the best on the planet. Folks such as Ry Cooder, David Lindley and Bob Brozman have nothing on this young virtuoso. His newest record, "Last Great Winter," is a tour de force that should be required listening for anyone interested in the instrument or the style." -John Ziegler (Duluth News Tribune) "I like this album. I really love the sound of a national guitar and Jeff knows how to get it to sing. I only wish I could play that well someday. I'll be buying his other albums in the near future." -John Cross (fan) "Ray’s honeyed vocals and deft slide guitar stylings offer blues fare more contemplative than gritty, with a vibe that’s equally indebted to Ravi Shankar, Nick Drake, and Greg Brown. Simply lovely." -Susannah Schouweiler (access+Engage, mnartists.org) "Last Great Winter is an entirely new journey for Ray, but still highlights his solid musicianship. Ray continues to carry the torch for folk music into the next generation... [he] is a throwback to a previous era and a breath of fresh air for folk music in Minnesota." -Andrew Olson (Reader Weekly, Duluth MN) "I love the stripped down 'live' approach... beautiful guitar work." -Ben Woolman (Performing Finger-style Guitarist, Saint Paul MN) |
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JUNE GENERATION (2004)  Ray's sophomore CD release featuring a full band, complete with electric slide-guitar, hammond organ, and world music-inspired percussion. Sounds like George Harrison meets the Allman Brothers and Nick Drake. |
1. Out From My Dreams (4:58) |
| 2. Sandstone Footprints (3:06) | |
| 3. Essex (3:37) | |
| 4. Dove Stars (3:55) | |
| 5. By Her Name (4:04) | |
| 6. Just Like Singing (4:54) | |
| 7. Samadhi (4:46) | |
| 8. Alabama Goodbye (5:38) | |
| 9. One Way Road (5:29) | |
| 10. Into The Street (4:10) | |
| 11. A Quiet One (4:37) | |
"Feels like a Paul Simon album... Nicely mellow, and definitely musically sound. Worth a listen. Poetic… a very nice flow and fun lyrics" -www.CDbabel.com (Portland, OR) "Jeff Ray is a rising musician... The various influences and mixture of sounds resembles so much, and yet becomes something very unique." -Andrew Olson(Reader Weekly, Duluth, MN) "the sounds of blues greats such as Robert Johnson and Muddy Waters with acoustic elements of Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers." -Kari Knutson (Winona Daily News, Winona, MN) "a quality that could only come by blending the birthplaces of Bob Dylan and the delta blues." -Joe Lawler (Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA) "Musically, the CD varies among all of Ray's influences from the rock sounds of the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin to the modern jam band vibe and into introspective, quiet folk." -Christina Killion Valdez (Post-Bulletin, Rochester, MN) |
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SUNSHINE CITY TREE (2001) 
Ray's debut CD. Nine different guitar tunings, a slide-guitar, Hammond organ, and a 'cello create a chilling folk sound. The CD was recorded analog with NO digital effects. | 1. Sunshine City Tree (1:45) |
| 2. Two Said Goodbye (5:01) | |
| 3. Morocco (2:41) | |
| 4. Mr. God (4:48) | |
| 5. Goodbye Maroon (3:54) | |
| 6. Wind Chimes (4:32) | |
| 7. One Week (2:45) | |
| 8. To Look Green (3:54) | |
| 9. For A Light (3:59) | |
| 10. Desert Horse Song (3:52) | |
| 11. Capital C (5:32) | |
| 12. Look At Me (3:16) | |
"For the love of folk, this apple hasn't fallen too far from the tree. He sounds a little bit like Nick Drake with a bluesy feel." -Acoustic Cafe (Winona, MN) "Vocals... in the vein of [Nick] Drake or Bruce Cockburn... Ray favors unorthodox guitar tunings, giving the acoustic tunes an arresting quality... A compelling and cohesive mix of styles, adding snap to the usual acoustic folk tune without straying far from it's roots." -Rob Thomas (The Capital Times, Madison, WI) "Pulling sounds from the instrument that mere strumming can't accomplish. Jeff Ray... flits around his fretboard with ease, spinning complex, bright passages that recall the acoustic moments of everyone from Led Zeppelin to Nick Drake... entrancing music." -The Onion (Madison, WI) "We get about 40 new albums a day coming in here now, and [Jeff Ray's] is one of the best I've ever heard." -Derek Sivers (CDbaby.com, Portland, OR) |
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Looking for new music? Here are a bunch of songs (MP3 downloads) recommended by Jeff...
T-shirts featuring the 'Blue Mara' CD artwork are now available!
T-shirts are high-quality 100% pre-shrunk cotton, natural color, with brown silk-screen.
$17/t-shirt, or $12/t-shirt if ordered with a CD
(that price includes taxes, shipping, etc)
Sizes available are 2XL, XL, L, M, S.
To order: email Jeff Ray at jeff@jeffraymusic.com
Payment is either by check (via mail) or by paypal (via internet)
Here's a list of things that Jeff recommends for acoustic roots and slide-guitar aficionados...
| Thursday 2/11/2010 | The White Horse Bar & Restaurant 809 W. Saint Germain St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-257-7775 http://www.whitehorsemn.com/ | 10pm-1am w/Nick Salisbury (bass) |
| Saturday 2/27/2010 | Tavern Lounge 212 Division St. Northfield, MN 55057 507-663-0342 http://www.discoverourtown.com/MN/local-173545.html | 7pm-11pm |
| Saturday 2/27/2010 | Shuga Records 165 13th Ave. NE Minneapolis, MN 55413 612-455-6285 http://www.shugarecords.com/ | 4pm-5pm benefit for St. Stephen's Shelter, exact set times TBA |
| Wednesday 3/3/2010 | 331 Club 331 NE 13th Ave Minneapolis, MN 55418 612-331-1746 www.331club.com | 10pm-12am accompanying Jistoray |
| Tuesday 3/9/2010 | Dunn Bros. Coffee 1569 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105-2229 651-489-5375 http://www.dunnbrosgrand.com | 8:30pm-10:30pm |
| Thursday 3/11/2010 | The White Horse Bar & Restaurant 809 W. Saint Germain St. Cloud, MN 56301 320-257-7775 http://www.whitehorsemn.com/ | 10pm-1am w/Nick Salisbury (bass) |
| Friday 3/12/2010 | Beaner’s Central 324 N. Central Ave. Duluth, MN 55807 218-724-7129 http://www.beanerscentral.com | 7pm-9pm opening for the Brothers Burn Mountain |
| Saturday 3/13/2010 | Fitger's Brewhouse 600 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-726-1392 http://www.brewhouse.net/2005/ | 9:30pm-12:30pm |
| Thursday 4/1/2010 | Baby Ray is Due!!!!!! , | 12:01am-11:59pm |
| Friday 4/16/2010 | Tavern Lounge 212 Division St. Northfield, MN 55057 507-663-0342 http://www.discoverourtown.com/MN/local-173545.html | 7pm-11pm |
| Saturday 4/17/2010 | Tiffanys 2051 Ford Pkwy Saint Paul, MN 55116-1932 651-690-4747 http://www.tiffanysportslounge.com/ | 10pm-1am Jeff Ray accompanying Nick Hensley, Joe Carey, and perhaps playing a solo set |
| Friday 4/23/2010 | E Squared Cafe 123 East Washington St. Brainerd, MN 56401 218-828-7809 http://www.esquaredcafe.com/ | 8pm-11pm |
| Saturday 4/24/2010 | Canadian Honker 1203 SW 2nd St Rochester, MN 55902-1941 507-282-6572 http://www.canadianhonker.com/ | 8:30pm-11:30pm w/Nick Salisbury (bass) |
| Tuesday 4/27/2010 | Dunn Bros. Coffee 1569 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105-2229 651-489-5375 http://www.dunnbrosgrand.com | 8:30pm-10:30pm |
| Saturday 5/1/2010 | Fitger's Brewhouse 600 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-726-1392 http://www.brewhouse.net/2005/ | 9:30pm-12:30pm |
| Tuesday 5/18/2010 | Dunn Bros. Coffee 1569 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105-2229 651-489-5375 http://www.dunnbrosgrand.com | 8:30pm-10:30pm |
| Friday 5/21/2010 | Private House Concert Waconia, MN | 7:30-9:30 |
| Saturday 5/22/2010 | Private House Concert St. Louis Park, MN | 8pm-10pm |
| Tuesday 6/15/2010 | Dunn Bros. Coffee 1569 Grand Ave Saint Paul, MN 55105-2229 651-489-5375 http://www.dunnbrosgrand.com | 8:30pm-10:30pm |
| Friday 6/25/2010 | Fitger's Brewhouse 600 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 218-726-1392 http://www.brewhouse.net/2005/ | 9:30pm-12:30pm |
| Saturday 6/26/2010 | E Squared Cafe 123 East Washington St. Brainerd, MN 56401 218-828-7809 http://www.esquaredcafe.com/ | 8pm-11pm |
"Maggie's Farm" (Bob Dylan)
July 2009 - Deep Blues Festival, Minneapolis, MN
"Cottonwood"
Sept. 2008 -
331 Club, Minneapolis, MN
"Lauralee"
Jan. 2007 - Acoustic Cafe, Winona, MN
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FREE MP3 Downloads
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Discounts on CDs and Merchandise
-
Monthly Email Newsletter
-
Tips for Guitarists
The Bootleg Club was set up to recognize fans for their dedication and to give them something back for their support. The club is free for everyone. Members receive a monthly newsletter by email with a free MP3 download (usually an unreleased live song, or an unreleased studio recording) as well as an occasional coupon in the mail redeemable for discounts on new CD releases and merchandise. In addition to the free music download, the monthly newsletter contains recent news, information on upcoming gigs, recommendations on other local musicians to check out, tips for guitarists, and even some stupid music jokes.
To join, send an email to subscribe@jeffraymusic.com and include the following information:
First Name, Last Name
Street Address
City, State/Province, ZIP
*your preferred email address
We are very strict about NEVER sharing your information with anyone else, and you can unsubscribe at anytime, no questions asked. After signing up, you will receive an email confirmation, if you don't please contact us at jeff@jeffraymusic.com
Here's a sample of the most recent Bootleg Club newsletter:
*******************************
Jeff Ray Bootleg Club - December 2008 Update
1) NEWS
2) GIGS
3) FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD
4) STUPID MUSIC JOKE
5) FOR GUITARISTS
6) NEW STUFF TO CHECK OUT
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1) NEWS
Give the gift of local music! During the month of December you can buy ANY Jeff Ray CD for only 8.99 at CDbaby! That's even cheaper than a full album digital download from iTunes. CDbaby will guarantee that your CD arrives when you need it. In addition, if you have a bunch of people on your list you can receive a 20% discount when you buy more than one copy of a CD. That's only $7.19/CD. Not only will you be supporting local homegrown music, you'll also be helping raise money for the recording of Jeff Ray's new CD release planned for Spring 2009.
Click here to buy CDs -> http://cdbaby.com/all/jrdigre
This month also brings Nick Salisbury (bass / foot shaker) and Jeff Ray (resophonic guitar / vocals / front porch) together for two live shows. You can catch them at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis on Thursday 12/18 and at Tiffany's in St Paul on Saturday 12/27. There will be a few new tunes to showcase so we hope to see you! http://www.myspace.com/jeffrayandthestakes
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2) GIGS
Thursday 12/11/2008
Dunn Bros. Coffee
1569 Grand Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55105-2229
651-489-5375
http://www.dunnbrosgrand.com
8:30pm-10:30pm
Friday 12/12/2008
Tavern Lounge
212 Division St.
Northfield, MN 55057
507-663-0342
http://tcmusic.net/venue337.html
8pm-12am
Saturday 12/13/2008
Fitger's Brewhouse
600 E. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
218-726-1392
http://www.brewhouse.net/2005/
9:30pm-12:30pm
Thursday 12/18/2008
400 Bar (w/Nick Salisbury)
400 Cedar Avenue S.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-332-2903
http://www.myspace.com/400bar
10:45pm
Saturday 12/27/2008
Tiffanys (w/Nick Salisbury)
2051 Ford Pkwy
Saint Paul, MN 55116-1932
651-690-4747
http://www.tiffanysportslounge.com
9pm-1am
MNaked Acoustic Showcase. performing one set w/Nick Salisbury, set times and cover TBA
*OTHER FUN LOCAL SHOWS*
Some regular shows that we recommend checking out include...
The Minnesota Songwriter Showcase hosted by Nick Hensley... it happens at Plums in St Paul on every Sunday. It's an open-mic showcase of original music by local songwriters, signup is at 8:30, showtime 9pm. Jeff Ray will be co-hosting the showcase on Sunday 12/14. Check it out at http://www.myspace.com/mnsongwritershowcase
Another fun local show is the "Nicki and the Ruemates friend's jam" held at the Red Stag in Minneapolis on the first and last Sundays of every month, 9-11pm. The Red Stag Supper Club is located at 509 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413, (612) 767-7766, www.redstagsupperclub.com
Rich Rue is one of my favorite local slide-guitarist / resonator players and he plays in Nicki and the Ruemates. Check them out at http://www.nikkimatteson.com/
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3) FREE MP3 DOWNLOAD
This month's free MP3 download is:
SUNSHINE CITY TREE - Jeff Ray "Live at the Acoustic Sounds Cafe, NPR - Little Rock, AR" Recorded in 2005, opening for Chris Smither...
**Only Bootleg Club members get to download the monthly free MP3**
To signup or learn more go to http://www.jeffraymusic.com/bootlegsignup.htm
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4) STUPID MUSIC JOKE
Sorry drummers, these are for you....
Q: Why do drummers have a half ounce more brains than horses?
A: So they don't disgrace themselves at the parade.
Q: How do you know if there is a percussionist at the door?
A: The knocking gets slower.
Q: How can you tell when there is a drummer at your front door?
A: The knocking gets faster.
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5) FOR GUITARISTS
Explore the link between American Blues and West African Guitar. You be the judge...
Robert Belfour, American Blues:
Ali Farka Toure, West African Guitar:
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6) NEW MUSICIAN(S) TO CHECK OUT
Another shout out to Nikki and the Ruemates who I had the pleasure of jamming with earlier this month. Rich Rue is a local slide-guitarist / resonator player and he plays with Nicki and the Ruemates. Check them out at http://www.nikkimatteson.com/
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Keep spreading the music.....
Jeff Ray
jeff@jeffraymusic.com
www.jeffraymusic.com
Now offering LIVE online video-chat guitar lessons!
No matter where you live, if you have a hi-speed internet connection you can take guitar lessons from Jeff Ray.
All you need to do is download the FREE Skype software and it costs nothing to video-chat.
Jeff will email you lesson materials that you can print prior to your lesson.
Lessons are the same rate as in-person lessons - $20/30min, and you pay securely online through paypal.
Contact Jeff at jeff@jeffraymusic.com if you are interested.
Jeff Ray is a blues and folk guitar instructor at the St. Paul Guitar Studio located in the lowertown area of St. Paul. The studio offers guitar lessons in a wide variety of styles including acoustic guitar, electric guitar and bass guitar. Each instructor has their own style that they specialize in and the studio is very welcoming to beginning students of all ages.
Jeff teaches a full range of acoustic guitar styles; from folk and blues, to country, singer-songwriter, rock and pop. He accepts students from Beginner to Advanced and teaches basic strumming and flatpicking techniques in addition to specialties that include blues and folk fingerstyle guitar, slide-guitar, songwriting, and alternate guitar tunings.
LOCATION:
St. Paul Guitar Studio is located in the Lowertown area of St. Paul (near the farmer's market), accessible from I-94 and I-35E. The studio is located directly above the Black Dog Cafe, on the second floor of the Northern Warehouse building at 308 Prince St., at the interstection of Broadway and Prince. Street parking is free after 4pm and there is also a parking lot directly behind the building that costs only $1 for all day parking. Most of the time street parking can be found for free after 4pm. The Black Dog Cafe is a great place to stop and get a snack or a cup of coffee before a lesson. There is also a lobby in the studio for parents to wait or for students to tune their guitars or practice while waiting for their lesson.
St. Paul Guitar Studio, LLC
308 Prince Street, Suite 214
St. Paul, MN 55101
651-224-4549
http://www.stpaulguitarstudio.com
TEACHING STYLE:
Jeff's style of teaching involves using songs as a guide to technique and theory. Typically, student's will bring in CDs of music they are interested in and select songs that are appropriate for their level. While learning the songs, the student learns the techniques and theory necessary for becoming proficient at guitar. This method tends to keep learning more interesting and gives the student a sense of accomplishment.
COST:
Lessons are $20/lesson and each lesson is 30 min. Students take lessons either 'full-time' or 'half-time'. Full-time students take one lesson every week. Half-time students take one lesson every-other week.
AVAILABILITY:
Jeff currently teaches on Monday and Wednesday afternoons/evenings, as well as occasional Sunday afternoons. Contact Jeff Ray at jeff@jeffraymusic.com for specific openings or waiting list status.
TESTIMONIALS:
"I had not played for a number of years, and started lessons with Jeff Ray at the St. Paul Guitar Studio. I was interested in starting right off with a finger picking style to get the fingers going again, in an enjoyable manner. Jeff was very open to this approach, and was quickly able to assess my skill level, and introduce pieces that have proved perfect for getting me going. He lets me advance at my pace, introducing advancing pieces and adding theory along the way. I am very satisfied with St. Paul Guitar Studio."
-John Rotilie
"Jeff has opened my world of finger-style ragtime, pre-war blues guitar. Each lesson has consisted of learning new techniques through songs, as well as learning music theory, which he has simplified through explanation. I've never had any other guitar teacher explain to me how chords are made up."
-Noel Folstad (aka Non-Blind Noelly)
"I've been taking guitar lessons for St. Paul guitar studio for about a year. It's the high point of my week ever since. In addition to learning an instrument from industry-recognized experts, the therapeutic aspect of learning an instrument is very important to me. I enjoy the experience so much that I've expanded the scope of my learning to electric guitar, resophonic guitar, and bass guitar. In short, I couldn't be happier with my experience."
-Michael L. Sparacino
For BOOKINGS or PRESS inquiries contact Jeff Ray at jeff@jeffraymusic.com or 651-283-0465
Click here to read Jeff's latest CD review
Bookings Promo Pack: |
Press Kit: |
Song 1: Confusion |
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Song 2: Go On, My Blue |
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Jeff performs about 100 concerts a year. He is available for:
- Festivals
- Colleges
- Bars and Clubs
- House concerts
- Performing arts centers
- Music camps and workshops
- Radio stations and fundraisers
- Weddings, Private Parties and Special events
Jeff Ray
c/o Bottleneck Music LLC
1281 Niles Ave
St. Paul, MN 55116
Bookings/Press:
(651) 283-0465
jeff@jeffraymusic.com
