Bio
Patrick Rayl
Raised in Clinton Indiana, southern Arizona based musician and composer Patrick Rayl is a talented and gifted singer and live performer of music. He has been performing throughout southern Arizona for years and has established a local fan base. Patrick is also a retired Gunnery Sergeant serving 21 years of active duty service in the United States Marine Corps and 13 years as a Department of the Navy Civilian. His musical talent blended together with his years of military service and life experiences provide him with the ability to write about overcoming life’s diversities. One of Patrick's life time achievements was being selected as the featured community guitar player for Gretsch Guitar Company for the month of September 2021. Visit Patrick Rayl | Gretsch https://www.gretsch.com/guitarist/patrick-rayl/
As a self-taught artist, Patrick started playing guitar at nine years of age. His first guitar was an acoustic ordered from a Sears and Roebuck catalog. He later purchased his first electric guitar, a Tesco Del Ray with only one string from a friend for fifteen dollars. This gave birth to his passion for playing the guitar and he continues his quest to improve his knowledge skills and abilities in mastering this instrument. Patrick continued his musical passion obtaining a Bachelors of Professional Music Studies, Guitar Major from Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts. Patrick was mentored for nine private semesters with Professor Norman Zocher. https://college.berklee.edu/people/norman-zocher. Patrick's mother was a classically trained pianist and is cousin to the late great jazz pianist "Johnny Bunch," who was Tony Bennett's music director from 1966 until 1972. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bunch His mother was Patrick's biggest influence and supporter growing up as a child.
As a live performer, he delivers a powerful vocal and skillful yet soulful guitar performance that is captivating to all covering a broad spectrum of country, southern rock and rock-n-roll music style music. Patrick performs cover and original material regularly with his three-piece band. Patrick’s visionary gift allows him to take a song and convert it into a dynamic and powerful musical production that all can enjoy and appreciate. Patrick’s style is a unique blend of country, blues, rock-n-roll and was heavily influenced by Chuck Berry, The Beatles and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Patrick's top vocal influences are Chuck Berry, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Eddie Cochran, Brian Setzer and Ronny Van Zant. His top guitar inspirations and influences are many. His all time favorite performers are: CHARLES EDWARD ANDERSON "CHUCK BERRY", JERRY REED and ALBERT LEE.
Curtis Ritchie
Born in Detroit Michigan (Motown) and raised in Montgomery Alabama Curtis Ritchie was exposed to all types of music at a very early age and learned to appreciate the different styles of music. His first instrument was the trumpet that he played in the first grade in Detroit. His family then moved to Montgomery Al. Where he learned to play drum set in church.
Curtis is a very skilled and talented musician. He joined Drum Corps International (DCI) when he was in the 11th grade and toured the country with this world class marching musical show. He then joined the United States Army Band in 1993 and is now a retired Staff Sergeant with 23 years of Service to our nation. He has performed all over the country at many different events such as NASCAR, Disney, NBA, NFL and professional Hockey games. He performed with bands that opened for Lenny Kravits, Three Doors Down, little Big Town. He even performed for President Barrack and Michelle Obama when they visited Fayetteville NC.
Curtis was raised in church and his father was a Pastor and Musician and that's where he picked up a lot of skills in music. He got a chance of a life time accompany and perform with the World famous Tony Royster Jr. for about 18 months. The drum set he plays now was owned by "Tony Royster" who is now playing for the world renown American rapper and businessman Shawn Corey Carter known as "JAY-Z."
A few of Curtis's favorite drummers include Tony Royster Jr., Buddy Rich, William Kennedy and Marcus Baylor from the Yellow Jackets, Joel Smith (Drummer/ Bass Player) double threat for the Walter Hawkins Singers and Tony Taylor-the new up and coming talent. Last but not least, Curtis is also a studio musician that can lay multi tracks on any instrument and he thanks God for his talents and ability because it's a great outlet. When he performs for people, his mission is to send them on a journey that takes them away from everyday normal life and give them a show to remember.
Mark Baker