Rayzz

Hi All,
Haven’t updated for awhile. Been doing lots of playing and teaching. I’m playing with a number of different bands these days. (KickbacK, Sophie and the Shufflehounds, The Usual Suspects, Rod Jewell Band) Seems like the only way to work steady is to gig with different bands.

Teaching is going well. I like to teach because it makes you think and challenges you to be a better player. My Guitar playing skills have become much better due to the teaching.

The Gas Pump Jam that I help host, along with Mike Chenoweth and Warren Dixon, is going very well. We are starting to get consistently better players to come out and jam. The crowds that come to listen are getting bigger too. The place is almost full every Saturday afternoon. Lots of fun!

Been writing new material and have re-released ‘Mentos’. Recorded a song called ‘The Pineapple Song’ just recently. Still mixing that one down. Hope to have it up soon!

KickbacK has a new EP with 5 of our tunes on it. They can be found on the ‘KickbacK originals’ page. Contact me if you would like a copy.

My wife Teresia and I are off to Mexico at the end of the week. It’s our favourite place to go to get away from winter at this time of year. Hopefully I’ll find some players to jam with as I have in the past!

‘Till next time, Cheers!

Hi All,

It’s been a very interesting year. The back operation went very well and has healed up better than ever! Had some real complications before it all settled down though. I’m able to move gear again and that’s good. Thanks to all, (including my wife), who gave me a hand when I needed it.

I’m playing lots now and have found a job teaching Drums and Guitar at a music school called Resonate Music here in town. I am also studying advanced Drum techniques privately from Dan Skakun, a Drum instructor from the Grant McEwan University jazz program.

My Dad passed away in July leaving me the oldest in our family now. He was a really good Guitar player and gigged with all the top Edmonton Country artists of the time. We played many, many gigs together over the years. Every time I play that old country tune, “Swingin’ Doors”, I’ll be thinking of him.

Neither the Shufflehounds or KickbacK have gigged much during the summer but I still host a jam session every Saturday so I’m playing every week. I rehearse with KickbacK usually once a week. I finished off a tune called “TGirl”, dedicated to my wonderful wife Teresia. (or as I called her when I was recovering from back surgery “my RoadieGirl”). She’s great. Thanks, T!

Look for the third annual, “Women of Song” cancer fundraising event in October. C’mon out and support a great cause!

That’s about it for now!