Music Style Blues, R&B, Funk, & Rock

Musical Influences Marvin Gaye, Sade, Al Green, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Joe Cocker, Grover Washington Jr.,Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Johnny Lang, B.B. King, Yarbrough & Peoples

Similar Artists Marvin Gaye, Sade, Al Green, Hank Williams Sr., Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Joe Cocker, Grover Washington Jr.,Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Johnny Lang, B.B. King, Yarbrough & Peoples

Artist History Cultivated in the thick, red dirt of Oklahoma, Ray Davis has blown his harmonicas and sung his soulful versions of jazz, blues, funk, and reggae across the Southwest United States. From California 66 off the 101 Freeway in LA to the famous Blue Cat Blues in Dallas, Ray Davis & Pocketful of Blues have rocked crowds with their ever-pleasing covers and sincere originals. Now combined with the musical talent of producer and bass player, Mike McKinney, Ray Davis & Pocketful of Blues has released two live CD’s and currently creating their first studio collaboration of originals. Ray Davis has opened for such popular blues artists as Susan Tedeschi and Johnny Lang. He has starred in a Braum’s television commercial featuring his singing and harp playing. He has an established following and can be seen at numerous blues festivals across the Midwest.

Group Members Ray Davis-Lead Vocals & Harmonica; Greg Allen-Guitar; Robert "Goodie" Whitfield-Keyboards & BG Vocals; Mike McKinney-Bass & BG Vocals; John Martinez-Drums

Instruments Vocals, Harmonica, Guitar, Keyboards, Bass, & Drums

Albums Kinda Live

Press Reviews [Highlights of POP Magazine reviews … Ray Davis & Pocketful of Blues Review by Doug Hill, POP writer January 14, 2000 POP Magazine…] Ray Davis is a large man. He entered the room wearing a little Thelonious monk beret and a big Chicago topcoat. Before their performance, Davis talked about where they’d been and the direction they’re going. He is currently in the process of relocating to Dallas. He grew up in Lawton but didn’t begin singing until 12 years ago in Ada. …“We like to play music that makes us feel,” Davis said.…Davis listed influences that included Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Hank Williams Sr. We commiserated on the untimely death of Grover Washington Jr. the week before.…Asked who was on the CD Changer today, Davis replied, "Bob Marley, Sade and Lauryn Hill.…”I didn’t sing in a choir”, he said. “Got a late start. I just got up and sang. Being on the stage is like a drug.” … They set up shop and began the set with “Bright Lights.” Davis brought out a razor-sharp blues harp and began cutting out little pieces of the night. His voice had a texture to it like five miles of Cache Creek. There’s gravel in there and an occasional slur that dissolved words into smoky gumbo. Davis’ deep soul-daddy pipes had the power to heal. He showed off an unexpected Sheffield accent for their Joe Cocker-sounding cover of “Feelin’ Allright.” The band joined in with an exchange of vocals that turned the song into a hot groove.… Davis sang one of their original numbers: “How will you ever know/how good love can be/when you’re seeing him/looking right at me. All I can promise is I’ll be me/and I’ll love you for eternity/but I can’t walk in the shadows of a memory…”… Davis sang a remarkably soulful version of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” It was one of the most personal and unique covers of this old chestnut I’ve ever heard. He kicked in a train whistle harmonica, blue as the 12:15 blowing past Bishop’s Landing. … They played a jazz/ghetto copy of “Kansas City” that made me homesick. Davis’ harp came out again for a 12th and Vine hustle.… He came back with some prayer blues for “I Ain’t Gonna Give Up on Love.” Davis sang low and slow. A biker mama with butt-length hair did a lone skanko dance in front of the stage. A pair of Blues Society women with sparkling eyes gazed reverently at Davis. …”Here’s another one of our originals,” Davis said. “You stood beside me when no one else would/you loved me when no one else could…” Pocketful of Blues took good care of Ray. Club girls laughed and drank as Davis put an intense, red-dirt spin on “The Thrill is Gone.” Catch this band …

Location Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX - USA

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