Ray DeSylvester’s Blue Smoke

Ray DeSylvester’s Blue Smoke plays high energy classic Chicago Blues throughout central and Northern Arizona. They keep the Blues alive with their soulful sound as they portray music similar to back porches and juke joints on the South side of Chicago.

The bands inspiration draws from the great Chess record artists who made the Mississippi saxophone (harmonica) famous, such as: Little Walter, George Harmonica Smith, James Cotton, Sonny Boy Williamson, and Junior Wells. These great masters continually inspire Sweet Baby Ray’s Blue Smoke to apply legendary tones and licks to each performance.

Harpmaster, Ray DeSylvester affectionately known as Rev. Ray and Sweet Baby Ray  plays solo harmonica renditions of the national anthem at festivals and weaves throughout the audience when he performs. Ray earned the honor to represent NAZBA and compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2016. He won the Phoenix Blues Society’s Arizona Blues Showdown for top traditional solo act and was also an International Blues Competition finalist, two consecutive years.

His band performed during Walkin’ On Main 2014 through 2016,  PBS Blues Blast Fest, Superstition Blues Fest,  Camp Verde Pecan and Wine Fest, Fort Verde Days, NAZBA Challenge, Summer Corn Fest, Payson June Bug Fest, and The OTCA Blues Fest. Sweet Baby Ray plays annually at the PBS Blues Blast Festival, in the Harmonica Blast held at the Rhythm Room, and in numerous events and fundraisers at the Rhythm Room. Before retiring as a teacher, Ray performed with Phoenix bands and for the Phoenix Blues Society’s Blues in the Schools program.

Ray DeSylvester was filmed in the Spring of 2013 by the Arizona Highways Magazine Television Crew. The show features Arizona regions, and is aired on network television.

For smokin’ Blues at festivals, outdoor events, and specialty shows, contact front man Ray DeSylvester(Sweet Baby Ray) at ded1095@msn.com or find him on facebook: Sweet Baby Ray and also RayDeSylvester .