Sons of Ra

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

ORIGIN OF ANIMAL

Origin of Animal combines elements of classical, rock, jazz and metal to create music that is carefully crafted yet still spontaneous.

Formerly a revolving- door group of musicians, we would book a gig and then fly by the seat of our pants. Since 2010 we have performed with anywhere from five to twenty members; written and recorded original compositions with as many as thirty musicians; and collectively, since forming in 2007, have worked with a total of about 80 people.

The current ensemble fluctuates from as little as eight players to as many as 25 and uses various combinations of brass, woodwinds, strings, percussion, guitars, bass and keyboards. Origin of Animal is also a very versatile interpreter of existing music. We have performed film scores, standard classical works, symphonic music, and have also presented music by Nine Inch Nails, Miles Davis, Pink Floyd, Soundgarden, King Crimson, Gil Evans and Jimi Hendrix.

QUESTIONABLE DECISIONS

Questionable Decisions is an exciting new ensemble consisting of four of the Chicago Jazz scene’s most unique musicians. All four of these musicians have played in myriad situations across multiple genres, and their flexibility is on full display whenever they start playing. They’re a band upholding a tradition of Jazz as subversive party music. Drawing inspiration from Eddie Harris, Medeski, Martin & Wood, The Bad Plus, and Lester Bowie, they fuse Pop melodies, Jazz harmonies, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and Funk rhythms, jammy improvisations with punk ferocity.

Or, as one friend once said, “someone’s going to have to invent a whole new genre just to describe you guys.”