Conversations with Jesse Ray

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Ray

Hi Jesse, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Somewhere during the shutdown of 2020, I came to the realization that I was unhappy with my life. I furnished a new goal that I was going to play rock and roll and ride Harleys, or I was going to die trying. My band, “Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish” was no longer active at the time, and it would be a whole year before I would touch a guitar again. I decided I was going to get focused and use my the free time I had to get back on the horse. I wanted to emulate the half-drunk college kid I was in Portland, Oregon, singing fast roots-rock songs while stomping my foot and playing harmonica on street corners.

I got my first solo gig as The Reverend Jesse Ray opening for Rachel Brooke on the G.R.A.M. in Grand Rapids. I suggested that I play it solo, as my drummer wasn’t available. To my surprise, I was well received, and got to work building the socials for “The Reverend Jesse Ray”. I used that name because it was a nickname I got recording the record “Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish” by our producer Addison Eilers. What I thought was a fairly original name, Jesse Ray, turned out to be the name of many other artists. I’m not ordained, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be, but I think that would be quite the package.

It was just myself and an acoustic guitar again, and for those that know after playing in a band for years, it can be s scary place to be. I had quit drinking in September of 2020, and lost much of my confidence performing. I practiced hard for that show, and played some of my older songs from my days street performing. My hard work had payed off, and I got through the show, and only wanted more.

From then on, I began to book playing solo acoustic at venues in the region. I had my doubts that I could ever get anywhere all by myself, but I got to open for some great talent like Larry McCray, and Scott H. Biram. A few days before opening for Biram at Tip Top Deluxe, I received my Farmer Foot Drum. I was looking to be able to do it all by myself. Not that I didn’t love the camaraderie of band life, or that I had a hard time working with people; I just wanted to take my destiny into my own hands. I wanted the freedom to to whatever I wanted in my career regardless of anyones availability. After the shutdown in 2020, I knew I had to rely on myself to keep the dream alive.

I enjoyed playing the acoustic guitar, but I wanted to stand out and I missed the electric. I wanted to be able to make people dance again, although, I wouldn’t be able to do it myself sitting down. There is nothing in this world more rewarding that hearing what’s in your mind out loud, and with the foot drum, I would be able to accomplish that.

The Farmer Footdrum is a daunting instrument, and my six-pedal model is the base that they build versions of up to twelve. I practiced for weeks. Determined to have the instrument at least “hackable” by the time of my first performance about a month later.

I got started playing and booking, and found myself more comfortable onstage. I wrote more original material after I moved to Muskegon with my bandmate, Paul L Jenson. With his help, I recorded and released my first solo full-length record “¡ADIOS!”. It was recorded and mastered by him in his basement.

My band is doing very well from its founding in 2013. In recent years, we have played car shows, music festivals, and venues across the country. Notably, Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly weekender, and the International Blues Challenge. Recently released was “Live at Off The Record”, making it the band’s 8th. I’m setting off to play whatever stage I can with whatever act I can from here to El Paso, and beyond. I’ve only one goal in mind: to play rock and roll, and ride my Harley. This last year, I believe I’ve achieved it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve experienced many obstacles in my path. Most offer a learning experience. More often than not, they are of my own making or imagination. Humans are not perfect creatures, and I know for a fact I am not. I have a voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough, or that I have no talent or originality. I have to remind myself that in believing so, I am discrediting everyone that believes in me. They are the support that keeps me going. Whether it be sending an email, or putting myself out there, I can get anxious. There isn’t much to hide behind in my two-piece band or solo act. I often think of Arnold Schwarzenegger when he said, “don’t listen to the naysayers”. I am probably my biggest hater at times, and I’ve grown keen to shutting him up. Typically, if I can stay true to myself and roll with the punches, I find the road can be smooth as ever.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the founder and fronman of both “Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish” and “The Reverend Jesse Ray”. I’m known for my hi-energy performances of roots style music. I started developing it while busking in Portland, Oregon. I got into blues harmonica, rockabilly music, and crafted my own personal style.

In 2013 I formed my band and began playing with a drummer. This opened me up to do more than just keep rhythm with my instruments. The best representation of this is expressed on my release “Angry” from 2016. “Angry Homesick Tra’vler’s Blues” was a song that I wrote in college that got a new life as a real rocker.

I’m proud to say that I have the ability to play guitar, sing, play harmonica, and play drums with my feet all at the same time. I jump off bass drums, and run around the stage while playing. Performing in this way was how I gained a lot of traction in Grand Rapids in the early years.

What I love about my style of music is my ability to attract old and young audiences. I see grandchildren and grandparents dancing together, and I think it’s a beautiful thing. One of my friends told me a long time ago that, “cool never goes out of style”, and it’s true. There is a reason why things are called timeless. I believe that my perseverance to stay true to myself in the face of tends, and fads is what I’m most proud of. I had originally wanted to start a rockabilly band in high school, but I had very little interest from my peers. I’m glad that I stuck with it.

I think that I have much that sets me apart from other artists. I’d like to leave that to the listeners and witnesses.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
There are ups and downs to this kind of life, but it is extremely rewarding. There is nothing in this world more valuable to me than this time I have on earth. I have been self-employed for some time now, and it’s only because I never lost sight of the dream. Perhaps I wasn’t born for any other occupation, or I simply didn’t have an interest in anything else. I have been able to carve a life out of my music. I never thought it was possible, as I like to say, “get away with it”, for this long. I have only the people that support me to thank. Through them I have been able to accomplish much due to their kind words.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jrccband.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thereverendjesseray/ and https://www.facebook.com/jesserayandthecatfish/
• Email: thereverendjesseray@gmail.com and jrcctheband@gmail,com
• Bandcamp: https://thereverendjesseray.bandcamp.com and https://jrcc.bandcamp.com