Biographies

Lewis:
Lewis W. Wright IV began his musical journey listening to his fathers "reel to reel" tapes of various jazz artists. Lewis IV would listen along with Lewis III to the best in jazz, while Lewis III worked tirelessly in his home office at becoming one of the Army's finest officers. After a transfer to the Tidewater (Hampton Va.), Lewis was able to attend Lindsey Jr.High School and received instruction from Mr. Charles Nelson, who began to teach him how to apply musical skill towards producing popular music and contemporary jazz! Lewis' love for music continued to have an incubator at Phoebus High School in Hampton, VA where he continued studies under Mr. Alan Morris' legendary musical program and direction. During his intermittent music endeavors, Lewis has performed on the storied stages of the Catfish Station, Antone's, and Sullivan's to name a few. During these times, he has also had the privilidge to play along with Dr. James Polk, Kyle Turner, Don Mack, T.J Jenkins, Music Minister Richard Hicks, and the Rev. Carl Buhl Jr. Lewis is extremely excited about his latest endeavor, Jazzopoly. The talent, character, and chemistry amongst the players that this group is comprised of lends itself to boundless potential in music creation. Lewis is a loving husband, step-father, and very proud father of two children on the move! The "voice" continues to call, the "reel to reel" never stopped, and so, . . .

Raymond:
Raymond K. Gregory Sr. began playing piano at the age of 7, the very day his mother purchased and had a used piano delivered home to keep the six children occupied. Ray began studying horn under the guidance of the late great Volley Bastine and a talented young saxophonist named Winnington. It was during this time the joys and sanctuary of music took hold. During this period, his uncle began taking him to local cafes to "sit in". A natural gift of improvisation was immediately on display. Ray also studied guitar, classical music, and music theory while attending Cullen Jr. High, the Houston School of Performing and Visual Arts, and Jack Yates High School. He has studied/played with such notables as Arnett Cobb, Melvin Dismuke, Kirk Whalum, Archie Bell, Lanny Steele, and the TSU Jazz Assemble. Ray received a full scholarship to attend the Howard University School of Arts;however,Ray joined the USAF where he taught and performed in the USAF Bugle Corps. Over the years, Ray has performed and/or recorded with many artists, including: Kyle Turner, Ron Brown, Roger Troutman and Zapp, Marvin Crowe, T.J. Jenkins, and Dr. Ruth Sauls. In addition to producing and writing music, Ray enjoys playing bass, keyboards, and trombone at his local church, but considers his greatest joy to be that of raising his children, Lashandra, Raymond Jr., Wynton, and Anjelika.

Doug:
Doug Burks began his musical career in 1975, at the age of 15 in San Antonio Texas, when his mom and god-mom agreed together to purchase his first drum kit in order for him to play drums for his grandfather's church choir. God anointed him with such a gift that lessons were not a requirement and by the grace of God, he was asked to use his gift at the West End Church of God in Christ. He has performed with gospel groups such as the Donald Bedford Chorale, the nationally known Clark Sisters, and the multi-talented David Brooks. Although most of his early experience was structured on gospel music, he always had a passion for jazz!
His techniques have been influenced by luminaries;such as, John Blackwell Jr., Harvey Mason, Larry Blackmon, and Bruce Carter. Doug continued to enhance his percussionist skills until he was diagnosed with a disease that affected his hip, which (temporarily)prevented him from using his God given gift. Years later, Doug met his barber and close friend, Rev. Carl Buhl Jr.(bassist,vocals). They had many conversations regarding his percussionist "Days gone by" and in 2001, he was asked by Rev. Carl Buhl Jr. to assist him at the One Way Baptist Church. This was a challenge for Doug; however, everything came together just like he never missed a beat and he soon became the lead drummer at The OWBC. Doug enjoys using his gift nearly more than anything else, but some of his greatest joys come from his relationship with God, his lovely and supporting wife Sarita and raising their beautiful daughter Elisha together.God Bless!

Biographies

Meet the Band