Jay Rakes -
Born in Hampton, Virginia, Jay began playing guitar at age 8. With the encouragement of his grandfather and uncle, Jay began picking out tunes by Three Dog Night and the Doobie Brothers. Jay reached a musical turning point when his brother introduced him to Frank Marino of Mahogany Rush and Steve Morse, legendary guitarist for the Dixie Dregs. Although he has long since developed his own driven guitar style, Jay still gets inspiration from Frank Marino and Steve Morse as well as Joe Satriani,Gary Moore and Eric Johnson.
Jay draws from every imaginable style to craft his unique, instrumental compositions. His ability to create eclectic, memorable music has given him the opportunity to open for guitar greats Johnny Winter, Pat Travers,King’s X & Yngwie Malmsteen. His talent has allowed him to make a living as a guitar instructor at Alpha Music in Virginia Beach,Virginia. In addition to live performances, Jay has also done session work for area studios. He is determined to make THE JAY RAKES BAND nationally known as a well-crafted, instrumental experience.
Tripp Johnson -
Tripp began exploring the percussive arts at age 13 with the arrival of his first drum kit and focused on a grueling practice routine. Encouraged by his family, Tripp entered the College of William & Mary in 1996. He recieved instruction from symphonic master John Lindhberg & jazz great, Howard Curtis, graduating in 2000 with a BA in Drum Set Studies & Composition.
Tripp then threw himself into the local music scene as a freelance musician, establishing himself as someone to call when your band is in trouble. In addition to drumming, Tripp writes records and performs (on bass & vocals) his own music.
Alex "Big Al" Stallings -
Alex started playing bass at age 15 and was heavily influenced by Geddy Lee of Rush, and later by John Myung of Dream Theater, Dave LaRue of the Dixie Dregs, and Progressive music in general. He was a member of the Tallwood HS Orshestra, playing upright bass and was a student of local first-call bassist, Chris Brydge as well as former JRB bassist, Dave Hines.
After several years of rigorous practicing, Alex decided he might have enough chops to be be recruited by the Jay Rakes Band. He is now the youngest member of JRB by about 56 years (!). Alex also plays weekly for the Avalon Church of Christ, enjoys fine champagne and moonlit walks on the beach.
We caught up with the JAY RAKES BAND at The Pointe in Norfolk at a recent show.
One of Virginia’s premiere guitar trios. The JAY RAKES BAND, from Norfolk, VA., was formed in 1998 and is an all original, Rock-guitar, instrumental trio. The band released their first CD, PERFECT TENSION. Featuring its founding member, Jay Rakes on guitar. The CD clocks in at just over 65 minutes and features songs like the Celtic influenced "Lucky Charms", the driving opening tune, "Springs", the Hendrix influenced. "Kinda’ Jimi", the fast paced, "Jeffro’s Boogie" and the eastern flavored "Vishnu Temple". The JAY RAKES BAND is must for fans of instrumental music. Where The JAY RAKES BAND really shines is live performance. While the musical energy that comes from this trio live is hard to capture in the studio, producer Jay Rakes and engineer Nathan Jones have seized the energy and power in "PERFECT TENSION".
Jay has recruited two of Hampton Roads finest musicians. Tripp Johnson on the Percussion and Alex Stallings on bass.
Teamed up since January-2004 they form a tight bond, creating an intense experience for the listener. Constantly creating new material for the next CD these are a force to deal with.
JRB has a bright future and may be embarking soon to promote the Perfect Tension C.D. -Splash magazine
