John J. Ray

interview with band:

Band name: The Off-the-Wall Band
Band members and instruments, day jobs:
- John J. Ray – rhythm & slide guitars, vocals – CranioSacral & Massage therapist, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Writer
- Carolyn Swaney – lead vocals – Pre-school Teacher
- Jeremy Hess – bass guitar, vocals – Cuzn Water Systems
- Marc Quigley – lead guitar - Artisan-Craftsman, Web Designer
- David Schoen – drums - Attorney

Band born on: (date) July 2006

Type of music: An eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, bluegrass, gospel, and folk. Depending on the situation, we can play softer/listenable songs, or we can rock it out for dancing and getting into the groove – or both!

Originals or covers: Both originals and covers!

Songwriter’s muse: John and Jeremy are the songwriters, with John doing most of the arranging. Inspirations include women, love, peace, justice, and understanding how we fit into this incredible universe.

Influences: musical and other The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mom (Jeremy); Everything (Marc); Poco, CSN, Little Feat, Taj Mahal, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington, Jr. (John); Art Blakey, Louis Bellson, Ginger Baker (David); Joni Mitchell, Grace Slick, Rita Coolidge, Aretha Franklin, Gillian Welch (Carolyn).

Accomplishments: We’ve been able to build a good fan base within a short period of time, while playing out just once or twice a month – or as much as our diverse schedules allow.

What kind of crowd do you draw: Our crowd ranges from very young to…much older than that. We love having folks from all ages at our gigs – whether they’re dancing or listening or just hanging out!
When and where do you practice: We practice weekly here in Fayetteville.

Any albums: Not yet with this configuration – soon coming!….We’ve got plenty of songs to fill several albums…Anyone out there wanna help us get them recorded? We’re open to suggestions…Previously, John and Jeremy recorded ‘Everybody Needs Some’ with the DI Band in 2004; Jeremy also has three solo cd’s.

Total number of tattoos and piercings: (overall-don’t need to breakout as far as who has them): One tattoo and one very piercing gaze.

Back stage ritual: Plugging in the right wires (Marc); 200 pushups and a cup of coffee (David); remembering to breathe, some carbs and plenty of water (John).

Funniest or strangest thing that ever happened during a performance: One Saturday afternoon, we played at a park in Eureka Springs at the same time as a Gay & Lesbian ‘public show of affection’ AND a Christian Biker group’s ‘rally for redemption’ – all at the same time, same place…and everyone had a great time!

Plans: Play, play, play…record…have fun…evolve…and play some more…

Goals: Play lots of high-quality venues and private parties in NWA, share our music with people everywhere via cd’s and performances, and have lots of fun!

New Projects: We’re getting ready to record our first cd!
- Fayetteville FreeWeekly

interview with band:

Band name: The Off-the-Wall Band
Band members and instruments, day jobs:
- John J. Ray – rhythm & slide guitars, vocals – CranioSacral & Massage therapist, Life Coach, Motivational Speaker, Writer
- Carolyn Swaney – lead vocals – Pre-school Teacher
- Jeremy Hess – bass guitar, vocals – Cuzn Water Systems
- Marc Quigley – lead guitar - Artisan-Craftsman, Web Designer
- David Schoen – drums - Attorney

Band born on: (date) July 2006

Type of music: An eclectic mix of rock, blues, country, bluegrass, gospel, and folk. Depending on the situation, we can play softer/listenable songs, or we can rock it out for dancing and getting into the groove – or both!

Originals or covers: Both originals and covers!

Songwriter’s muse: John and Jeremy are the songwriters, with John doing most of the arranging. Inspirations include women, love, peace, justice, and understanding how we fit into this incredible universe.

Influences: musical and other The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Mom (Jeremy); Everything (Marc); Poco, CSN, Little Feat, Taj Mahal, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington, Jr. (John); Art Blakey, Louis Bellson, Ginger Baker (David); Joni Mitchell, Grace Slick, Rita Coolidge, Aretha Franklin, Gillian Welch (Carolyn).

Accomplishments: We’ve been able to build a good fan base within a short period of time, while playing out just once or twice a month – or as much as our diverse schedules allow.

What kind of crowd do you draw: Our crowd ranges from very young to…much older than that. We love having folks from all ages at our gigs – whether they’re dancing or listening or just hanging out!
When and where do you practice: We practice weekly here in Fayetteville.

Any albums: Not yet with this configuration – soon coming!….We’ve got plenty of songs to fill several albums…Anyone out there wanna help us get them recorded? We’re open to suggestions…Previously, John and Jeremy recorded ‘Everybody Needs Some’ with the DI Band in 2004; Jeremy also has three solo cd’s.

Total number of tattoos and piercings: (overall-don’t need to breakout as far as who has them): One tattoo and one very piercing gaze.

Back stage ritual: Plugging in the right wires (Marc); 200 pushups and a cup of coffee (David); remembering to breathe, some carbs and plenty of water (John).

Funniest or strangest thing that ever happened during a performance: One Saturday afternoon, we played at a park in Eureka Springs at the same time as a Gay & Lesbian ‘public show of affection’ AND a Christian Biker group’s ‘rally for redemption’ – all at the same time, same place…and everyone had a great time!

Plans: Play, play, play…record…have fun…evolve…and play some more…

Goals: Play lots of high-quality venues and private parties in NWA, share our music with people everywhere via cd’s and performances, and have lots of fun!

New Projects: We’re getting ready to record our first cd!
- Fayetteville FreeWeekly