ABOUT

In Calgary, after attending a Willie Dixon concert, Ray got a hair cut, bought a suit, a Stratocaster and tube amp. From then, started searching and listening to all styles of Blues music; mostly digging the Roots.

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When the King Eddy opened in Calgary, Alberta in 1905, he spent every opportunity to listen and learn at the feet of blues masters. Being a regular at the King Eddy led to an opportunity to do the sound for artist, Clarence Gatemouth Brown on his tour access Western Canada. This friendship with “Gate” and the experience Ray gained being immersed in the Blues scene, led Ray to perform with Blues greats like Jimmy Payne, Tim Williams, Ron Casat, Amos Garrett, Rusty Reed, Back-alley John, Johnny V, Harp Dog Brown and now The Matinee Kings.

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As Ray become better known amongst fellow blues musicians, he was asked to back up many touring blues artists. Subsequently he has had the opportunity to work with and share the stage with many artists such as: Wes Mackay, Lowell Fulson, Fenton Robinson, Jimmy Payne, Pinetop Perkins, Billy Branch, sugar Blue, Sherman Robertson, Johnny Copeland, Sonny Rhodes, Mark Hummel, Johnny Nitro, Carl Weathersby, Michael Coleman, James Cotton, Lurrie Bell, Country Pete, Alabama Mike Big Dave Mclean and Brent Parkin.

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Ray released his most recent album, Dark/Out of Phase in 2023. This album is all acoustic and features Tim Williams throughout the Album. Brother Ray Lemelin and his band, The Matinee Kings, currently host a weekly Sunday night Jam at The Blues Can in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Singing and playing the blues as well as mentoring young musicians is what Ray lives for.