2019

Hi folks! It's been a busy year and we are excited to continue our monthly run at Hell's Kitchen (First Friday of every month, 6-9pm). We are also looking forward to some more great shows in the new year. We are busy writing new music and will update you soon on plans for a new recording! Be well and see at a show soon!

Oct 2015 - Valhalla CD release

Jeff Ray & the Stakes are excited to announce the release of their long-anticipated debut record VALHALLA. Recorded LIVE in the studio, the album captures the energy of the band's blues-inspired improvisations.

To celebrate the CD's release, the band performed in Lowertown St Paul at Golden's Deli on Saturday October 10, 2015. Very special guest PAT DONOHUE (A Prairie Home Companion) opened the performance! 

VALHALLA can be purchased HERE!

VALHALLA is the 6th recording released with Ray's name on it, but the first to feature a live full-band. The Stakes consist of Nick Salisbury on bass guitar, Mikkel Beckmen on washboard, and "Hurricane" Harold Tremblay on harmonica. The music features the characteristic roots & blues slide-guitar of Jeff Ray paired with Salisbury's soul-inspired bass grooves, Mikkel's one-of-a-kind syncopative washboard, and Tremblay's melodic and soulful harmonica.

On VALHALLA, the band borrows from the likes of the Grateful Dead, R.L. Burnside, Bobby "Blue" Bland, Mississippi Fred McDowell, traditional roots & blues Americana, as well as original compositions by Jeff Ray.