Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, this eclectic ensemble draws inspiration from avant garde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their music with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. Drummer Michael Rataj lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield and guitarist Erik Oldman to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. Sons of Ra are not merely a band; they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres. 

They’ve shared the stage with such artists as Stu Hamm, Sonar, Chester Thompson & Alphonso Johnson, and Consider the Source. 

Sons of Ra released their EP “Cognitive” in 2020 and are currently in production for a six-part suite “Tropic of Cancer” and their first full-length release “Standard Deviation”, both planned for release in 2024. 

Personnel
Erik Oldman: Guitar/Bass/Synth
Keith Wakefield: Bass Guitar/Tenor Saxophone/Synth
Michael Rataj: Drums 

The Paul Abella Trio fuses Pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Funk rhythms, jammy improvisations and Punk attitude.

We sound like little else.

Sometimes we’re a trio. More and more often, we’re a quartet. But since we already paid for the website, we’re sticking with the name.

Jazz guys think we’re a jam band. Jam Band fanatics think we’re a Jazz group.

Billy Denk plays the guitar and writes some tunes.

Chris Bernhardt plays the bass.

Preyas Roy joins us on the vibes whenever we can make it happen.

Paul Abella books the gigs and sits on a box.