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James Supra Blues Band Biographies
Stayin’ Cool with The Blues

Photographs courtesy of Jeff Heller, the official Photographer for the James Supra Blues Band.

 

 

James Supra - Harmonica/Vocals

The name James Supra is a legend in the world of the Blues.  For more than 25 years James  has been playing the blues in the United States and abroad with exceptional musicians and incredible bands. The list of players he has performed with includes some of the most revered names in music including  BB King, Jason Ricci, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Catfish Hodge, Whop Frazier, Debbie Davies,  Mike Dugan, and Craig Thatcher, to name a few.

James was the Winner of the Lehigh Valley Music Award for best harmonica player the past 11 years in a row. He was nominated again in 2010 along with this band in a variety of categories.  His work is recognized internationally through his recordings and live performances.  James is a dynamic entertainer and leads a group of four exceptional and entertaining musicians of eclectic musical backgrounds. Together they have found common ground in the blues.

Ray Grimmer  - Bassist

Ray has performed with many of the world's best blues bands for over 20 years, most notably with guitar legend Bobby Radcliff. His hard driving style is recognizable anywhere and he is notably one of the best bass players in the industry. He has been on numerous recordings but as is his way does not like to talk about it.

Ray's classic style harkens one back to the great blues, soul and  R&B players of the 60s and 70s, emphasizing spontaneity and a solid pulse.

Ray first played with James Supra at a jam session in 2008, and the perfect musical chemistry between the two was immediately apparent. Ray is a founding member of the band and began the search for the right musicians to accompany James, leading to the formation of the James Supra Blues Band.

Al Wanamaker - Drums

Al is a drummer's drummer. He has studied with many of the best teachers on the East Coast, including Tom Billman, Kevin Soffera, Tony Nichols, and Gary Rissmiller. He has played with several critically acclaimed bands including Dr. Seuss, Rock Haven, the jazz band Magic, the rockabilly  J.W. & the Honkey Tonk Buicks,  The Thom Palmer Band, and Cross Cut Saw. He has opened for Blues artists Michael Burkes, Debbie Davies, Mike Dugan, Todd Wolfe and many more.  He has shared the stage with a number of musical legends including Kid Bangem, guitarist for the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Al was nominated in 2002 and 2010 for "best drummer" at the Lehigh Valley music awards.  He is a collector of vintage Gretsch, Ludwig, & Slingerland drums dating back to the 50's; (And yes ladies, he even has the "Gretsch" logo tattooed on his arm!). Al is legendary in his own right being seen from time to time hanging with celebrities like Dr. Hook, Debbie Davies, and many others.  He can be seen gigging with many of the great  bands when not working with JSBB.  Additionally Al runs his own sound & light company, working with artist from the tri-state area as well as  national and regional acts, outdoor concerts, festivals & fairs.

Dana Gaynor - Guitar

and Back-up Vocals

Dana Gaynor is a legend on lead/slide guitar and an all around entertainer well known among the best musicians in both the New York and San Francisco Bay areas. Her work is respected internationally. The list of musicians she has performed with includes:

John Cipollina (Quicksilver Messenger Service),Keith and Donna Godcheaux  (Grateful Dead),Paul Smith (Bill Withers, Ike and Tina Turner),Arkansas Larry Davis, Paul Oscher (Muddy Waters),Deacon Jones and Jim Guyette (John Lee Hooker Band) Jackie Payne,

Buddy Miles, Tommy Castro, Bobby Rondinelli (Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult)
Steve Kimock,  Debbie Davies, Vassar Clements, Dan Hicks, ,Buddy Guy,Gary Smith, Don Preston (Leon Russell Band),

Studio credits include:  K&K studios - Staff musician for London records, session player at - Ultra-Sonic Studios, Kingdom Studios, Tewksberry Studios, The Record Plant, Rainbow Studios, Sound Doctor Studios, Star City Recording Studios. Dana worked with a great many producers including: Robert Mersey (Jackie Wilson's Producer), K&K productions, Jeff Glixman (Producer of Kansas), and Don Cassales (The Rascals).
She has appeared on the same bill with The Allman Brothers, Average White Band, Norton Buffalo, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker, Dr. John, Roy Rogers, Vassar Clements, Link Wray,  Bad Finger, The Dinosaurs, Terry and the Pirates, and many, many others. Her exciting guitar work and irresistible smile make her an instantly accessible performer who is truly a joy to behold. Dana has written, produced and recorded five original CDs available on Euphoric Rebel Records which can be purchased from her website.