RB Jazz is is an acoustic duo consisting of Ray Clarke on Bass and Brian Inglis (aka Bryan Gray) on Guitar. Playing a unique and eclectic mix of acoustic Blues, Swing and Soft Jazz their material covers numbers from the 'Great American Songbook,' their own arrangements of well known numbers, a dash of Blues and some of their own material plus a few surprises.
Both Ray and Brian are very experienced musicians and have similar musical tastes. Ray's roots are set in the Blues, R&B and Rock influences of the 60's and 70's with artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, Kinks, The Animals, Wilson Pickett, Robert Johnson, Buddy Holly, Chuck Barry all having an impact. During this time he played rhythm guitar in a number of local cover bands based in the Plymouth area, covering the Top Rank circuit and venues across Devon and Cornwall. Moving away from performing for a number of years due to work and family pressures Ray returned to the music scene in Bristol in the late 1990's, joining the Bristol Folk House Blues Band, it was here that Ray switched from rhythm guitar to bass guitar. Following this Ray joined up with a local singer songwriter to form the band 'More Mileage,' performing original material drawn from folk, rock, blues and country influences, the band enjoyed success in the North Somerset and Bath area. In 2004 Ray teamed up with local musicians to form the 'Breakaway Blues Band' enjoying success across the South West and Wales, headlining at the International Blues Festival two years running culminating with the recording of their CD "Dockside Blues." By this time Ray's musical influences / tastes were changing and with the renaissance of the Great American Songbook, Jazz and Swing were becoming more influential and Ray had the opportunity to join the Mendip Swing big band of which he is a founder member. Since joining the band Ray has developed his own jazz/swing style.
In contrast Brian's musical background and influences came via Atlantic Soul, Progressive Rock, through to close harmony and covers and the artists who performed this material. He played the Club, Top Rank, Holiday Camp and College circuits as well as the major London Hotels and everything in between. After this period he took time out to write and develop his recording skills. More recently Brian has been performing his own material as Bryan Gray. As with Ray, Brian's musical tastes and influences have changed and he is now an avid fan of the Great American Songbook, Jazz and Swing. Like Ray he too is a founder member of Mendip Swing.
To book RB Jazz just go to the Contact page and send a message to check out availability and cost. RB Jazz are suitable for clubs, bars, restaurants, concert halls, private parties, house concerts and festivals.