Jason Calise also known as "Ving Ra" got his start in Palm Springs, California. He played in several local bands at the now infamous "Generator Parties". In 1992, he went to L.A. to cut his teeth auditioning for several L.A. acts. He played the Los Angeles circuit until 1996 and then moved to Ocean Beach, San Diego where he formed the original incarnation of Black Earth.
After a year hiatus in 1997, he formed "Ving Ra and the Ultrasonic". It was here where he met drummer Shawn Paul Alvear. Ving and Ra the Ultrasonic did a few regional tours up and down the Southern California Coast.
In 2000, they decided bring their act to Austin, Texas, The Live Music Capital of the World. It was here where they met bassist Dave Rangel and became "Ving Ra's Black Earth". After two years of honing their sound in the Austin, TX, Red River Music Scene, they decided to take a hiatus.
In 2004, they decided that the world would be better off with Black Earth than without. It was here where they forged their unique sound.
In 2005, they played several regional tours, a national tour, and a European Tour in Holland and Belgium. All of this they did on their own with no management and no label support.
In 2006, they had been invited back to Europe to follow up on the 2005 European Tour. This time they would be playing Holland, Belgium, Germany, and the UK.
In 2007, with the departure of their old drummer Shawn Paul Alvear, Black Earth was left up against the ropes with uncertainty. They decided to finish their record, and with the help of their newly acquired drummer Jason Reece(...And You Know Us By The Trail of Dead) they honed in a newer, fresher sound. Through perseverance and years of turmoil, Black Earth has proven time and time again that they are here to stay. Due to be released in the summer of 2007, their new record Ballz Deep has the best of both worlds, their classic grit mixed with a renewed vigor. Black Earth plans to rock throughout 2007 and kick 2008 off with some long over due touring.
Black Earth is:Ving Ra: Vocals/Guitars
David Rangel: Vocals/Bass
Jason Reece: Drums.
