Jeff Ray and the Stakes on Radio Heartland

by Dale Connelly, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Jeff Ray credits many influences in his own musical style. He grew up in Minnesota, attended college in blues-centered Memphis and lived in Madison, Wisconsin as well.

However, it was after years of playing electric blues that he discovered southern bluesman Chris Smither and decided to change his own style to the acoustic slide guitar and foot-stomping blues he plays now.

Jeff's latest album is "Blue Mara" and he collaborated with other musicians from the Twin Cities area to make the final product.

Jeff Ray and the Stakes stopped in the studio to perform on Radio Heartland.

Songs performed: "Sleeping Dogs," "Go On, My Blue," and "Dead."

Guests

• Jeff Ray and the Stakes