SEEKING
Band to Join, Rhythm Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano, Harmonica, Mandolin, Fiddle, Cello, Ukulele.ABOUT
Hi,
My name is Ray, I'm a young at heart 58 years, I live just south of Dorking and I'm a seasoned lead guitarist and songwriter who's currently on the lookout for a band to join or fellow musicians to collaborate with on various projects.
I have a strong preference for southern rock, proper blues, acoustic rock, and americana, I'm very versatile, can play pretty much any genre (or tuning) and have played professionally (Meaning I got paid LOL!) and am open to exploring new and different genres as well (as long as they are not "too weird"). I could list all the stuff I like but we'd be here some time and Tolstoy writes shorter novels.
What really gets me excited is the idea of being part of an originals band where I might add value with my playing style. I'm flexible and willing to try anything, and I have loads of gear (huge guitar collection) and transportation at my disposal. I'm also committed to attending rehearsals and gigs (I'm Old School because Old's cool), and I'm more than happy to chip in on the costs of rehearsal space and other related expenses.
I'm also a dab hand with a Ukelele and Mandolin but guitar is my main "Thang", I've also been known to tickle the ivories from time to too - I'm as good as Elton John ... when he was 4!
I can also add BV's if required.
Let me be clear that I'm not in it for the money. As long as fuel and beer are covered on gigs, I'm a happy camper. My main goal is to create meaningful and enjoyable music with like-minded people. If you need a guitarist for a project, I'm more than willing to lend my expertise. I have plenty of pro-recording experience, so I'm comfortable with studio work as well.
I understand that some musicians might feel hesitant to approach me because they think their band or project might not be at my level. Please don't be put off by that assumption. I'm willing to look at anything and if I can help or support a project in any way, I will. I believe that every musician and band has something unique to offer regardless of level of skill (we all started somewhere), and I'm excited to explore new sounds and ideas.
I also want to clarify that I don't want to be the band leader. I did that for seven years with my own band, and while it was a rewarding experience, these days I'm happy to take orders and look for the cues. I believe that respect, collaboration and open communication are key to creating great music, and I'm committed to working closely with bandmates to ensure that we're all on the same page and delivering a fab experience thats fun for both band and audience under the guidance and steering of the band leader.
And of course, I have a really good sense of humour, I fully expect to be ribbed when I bugger something up (as I invetably will from time to time), I never get animated or angry and I like to think I'm a nice person to be around with ... oh ... and I don't have an ego - sold it on Ebay years ago and did quite well - I got a quid for it (which was 99p more than I expected)!
So, if you're a band, a solo artist or recording a prject where you need some string work and you're interested or would like to know more, please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm excited to explore new musical opportunities whatever they may be and whoever they may be with.
Warm Regards
Ray (aka The Sheriff)
PS first round in the pub is on me!
TRACKS BELOW
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These are track where I played guitar (and other instruments) and where some of them I have also produced. Some of these are originals that I wrote and recorded in the UK or USA.
I also have a soundcloud page which showcases more tracks that played, wrote and/or produced (all three in some cases) some of this stuff was for TV/FILM.
https://soundcloud/ukmusicbox
Enjoy - and hope to session with you soon.
- Screen name:
- FENDERGUY
- Member since:
- Jun 20 2022
- Active within 1 week
- Level of commitment:
- Committed
- Years playing music:
- 40
- Gigs played:
- Over 100
- Tend to practice:
- More than 3 times per week
- Available to gig:
- 2-3 nights a week
- Most available:
- Nights
Influences
Jackson Brown, John Mellencamp, Mark Knopfler, Paul Weller, BB King, Albert King, Freddie King, John Denver, John Mayer, Fleetwod Mac, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, Bottle Rockets, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Jaco Pastorius (Bass), Little Big Town, Natalie Merchant, Janis Joplin, Carol King, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink floyd, Ian Dury, Jean Michel Jarre, Walter Trout, ZZ Top, Robert Johnson, Charlie Christian, Eddie Vedder, Ahab, The Alarm, Springsteen, Chris Rea, Del Amitri, Human League, Jeff Healey, Nickel Creek, Nine Below Zero, Regina Spektor, Anything from the 1980's, Mary Black, The new Seekers, Seasick Steve, Ahab (Not the metal band), Natalie Merchant, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robyn Ford, and many many many more!
if what you like isn't on this list - I probably like it anyway.
Here's A Spotify Playlist with some songs that I play now and would like to play in a duo / trio / band setting.
https://open.spotify/playlist/2P17cu2M4YHUEdOJpZRUo3?si=ff5fad47c8164ee4
Instrument experience:
- Other:
- Expert
- Rhythm Guitar:
- Expert
- Ukulele:
- Expert
- Acoustic Guitar:
- Expert
- Lead Guitar:
- Expert
- Mandolin:
- Advanced
- Piano:
- Advanced
- Vocalist:
- Advanced
- Vocalist - Tenor:
- Advanced
- Banjo:
- Moderate
- Harmonica:
- Moderate
- Keyboard:
- Moderate
EQUIPMENT
GIGGING GUITARS (many more in collection)
Deusenberg TV Player Mike Campbell
Fender Custom Shop 57 Relic Stratocaster
Fender Custom Shop 1994 Aluminium Stratocaster
Fender USA Telecaster Deluxe
Fender USA Deluxe II Stratocaster
Fender Acoustasonic Jaguar
Fender 1973 Stratocaster
Fender 1996 TexMex Custom
Fender 1998 Anniversary Telecaster
Fender Meteora
Gibson Les Paul Standard
Gibson SJ-200
Gretsch G5420T
Gretsch G5230
Line 6 James Tyler USA JTV65
Italia Maranello (ex Chris Rea)
Italia Mondial (ex Chris Rea)
Italia Modena (ex Chris Rea)
1960 Hagstrom S1
Hofner Handbuilt Verythin
Reverend Charger 290
Takamine G Series (E/Acoustic)
Tanglewood TWE47 (E/Acoustic)
Epiphone MasterBuilt Century Archtop
Epiphone MasterBuilt Zenith Archtop
Epiphone Emperor Swingster II
Epiphone 1972 12 String Acoustic
Epiphone Genesis Limited Edition
Orangewood Morgan Mahognay (E/Acoustic)
Cavahlo Handbuilt Irish Bouzouki
Barnes & Mullions BJ400E Banjo (E/Acoustic)
GIGGING AMPS
Fender Deville Deluxe 60WATT
Fender Blues Junior IV 15WATT
Spark 40 (x2) + Cab 140 (x2)
Spark Mini
Spark Nano
FLOOR AND MONITORING
Headrush Prime Pedalboard
Headrush FRFR Cabinets
Sennheiswer Wireless system
Sennheiser In-Ear Monitors
Plus FX, floorboads etc etc
MUSIC
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Don't Make Me Wait
Don't Make Me Wait Year: 2015 Genre: Pop
I was invited to Nashville by my good friend and renowned songwriter / guitarist Phil Brown who has worked pretty much everyone in the musci biz. This is Phil's amazing song which I was priveleged to play some guitar on. Recorded and produced in Nashville, Tenessee USA.
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Sleep For A Week
Sleep For A Week Track number: 1 Year: 2017 Genre: Pop
An original song - words by Di Braid / music - me, recorded in my own studio and all guitar, keys, drums and bass parts and mastering by me :-)
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Just Can't Hate
Just Can't Hate Year: 2016 Genre: Blues
This is a track created by my dear friend Paul Stanworth upon which he asked me to dust some blues guitar both in the back in the front - I went for a ZZ Top vibe which he loved. great fun.
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You Don't Know My Mind (Live)
You Don't Know My Mind (Live) Track number: 3 Year: 2015 Album: Turn Left Genre: Blues
This is a cover of the Hugh Lauriee number - recorded live in Peter Green / Roger Cotton's studios in Kent. Meself on guitar with 6 other band members.
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The Thrill is Gone
The Thrill is Gone Year: 2015 Album: Turn Left Genre: Blues
Recorded in Peter Green / Roger Cottons studio in Kent this is my version of the legendary BB Kings signature song. I took it back to basics - just me the guitar and the amp - just like he did it.
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Going Down (Pete Greens Studio)
Going Down (Pete Greens Studio) Year: 2015 Genre: Blues
Recorded live in Peter Green & Roger Cottons Studio a cover of Freddie Kings seminal track.
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Still There
Still There
Written by Andy Hyldon and recorded in the Uk by myself with some additional guitar touches.
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Modern Rock Solo in G Major
Modern Rock Solo in G Major (Video)pYEf-00xD30