Artist Page

On the Hammond B3

Steve McRay has worked extensively in the recording studios in Atlanta, Charlotte, NC., Los Angeles, Nashville, London...his keyboard style on the grand piano, Hammond B3 organ, Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer electric piano, synthesizers and samplers is well noted. 

As a touring musician, Steve has traveled with many artists around the world playing concerts,  festivals, television specials, VH1, MTV, charity events, clubs, etc. 


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.38 Special

Ted Nugent

Joan Baez

Francine Reed

Atlanta Rhythm Section

Al Kooper

Ben E. King

Johnny Van Zant 

Alicia Bridges

IF

Mose Jones

Java Monkey

 

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Ichiban Records
Blues Artist

 

• Francine Reed  
 
• Trudy Lynn
 
• The Shadows
 
• Luther Johnson
 
• Jimmy Dawkins
 
• Kip Anderson
 
• Jerry McCain
 
• Ben E. King
 
• Chick Willis
 
• Travis Haddix 

REVIEW: Jimmy Dawkins: Me, My Guitar & The Blues - Recording Date 1997, Recorded at KALA Studios, Atlanta, GA - Producer Bryan Cole

Blues Access (Winter 1998 , # 32, by Jack Oudiz):
A man, his guitar and the blues is all it's ever been about, and it's all Jimmy Dawkins fans have ever needed. From the git-go there is an ensemble energy that has been missing in Dawkins' previous Ichiban outings. Much credit goes to keyboardist Steve McRay, whose tinkling piano leavens some of the grimness of the Dawkins attack so that a full-tilt shuffle like "You Don't Want Me" soars on take-off. Dawkins rocks harder than he has in many years, and in so doing unleashes brilliant, complex soloing -- nowhere better than on the high-spirited instrumental "Jimmy's Bag." Yet when it comes time to go down in the alley, Dawkins uncorks an instant classic in the near seven-minute title track, which may long be remembered as his masterpiece. McRay's solemn B-3 is the backdrop for a ferocious unleashing of Dawkins' pain and despair -- a quintessential "West Side" lesson in the blues. "Me, My Guitar and the Blues" offers a number of other gems, none more appealing than the collaboration between Dawkins and guest Francine Reed on "Down, Down Baby." It's an experiment that, judging from this tasty tidbit, could be developed into a pretty terrific duet album. For those needing an introduction to this musician's musician and long under-appreciated artist, there's no better place to start than here. For Dawkins fans, baby your ship has come in!"