Michel Neray
Toronto
An eclectic mix of blues, jump blues, trucker blues, jazz and pop, with a bunch of originals thrown in for good measure. We are somewhat new as a trio but we're all experienced musicians and performers. (The) Jacques Russell (Trio) features Michel Neray on lead vocals, archtop, resouke, and banjolele; Abbey Sholzberg on upright bass and snarky commentary; Pierre LeGendre on percussion, and Jacques Russell himself!
"Crowd-pleasing, quirky acoustic!"
That's how one audience member described the JRT experience... and we agree! If you're looking for an eclectic mix of singer-songwriter, upbeat swing blues and fun covers, that's us!
Michel is the lead singer/songwriter and plays the tenor ukulele, resoukue, banjolele, and a bunch of otherleles. As a professional motivational speaker, he knows that 'music performance' is equal parts music and performance!
Pierre has performed in France, Germany, Israel, Holland, Cyprus and Syria. He also played drums and toured with Shania Twain for four years. Pierre is a member of Batucada Carioca, the Megacity Big Band, the Franklin Street Quintet and Tartistry's House Band. Yes, he's busy.
In 1969, Abbey attended Woodstock. He went on to pursue a career in music and undertook Jazz & Classical Studies at McGill University. In 1999, he was a founding member of the gypsy jazz band Club Django and won accolades for both performing and recording, which includes The Canadian Collectors Congress Award and a nomination for The National Jazz Award.
Jacques is a dog of all trades: manager, roadie, and occasional backup singer. He's stuffed with mounds of moxie, heaps of chutzpah, and plenty of plucky prowess.
http://JacquesRussellTrio.com