A veteran musician/vocalist/producer with over forty years experience, Drake has played it all. From Deep Purple to Al Green and all points in between, Drake has worked with many of the biggest names in the business. His passion, humor and unique style keep him at the top of many industry short lists.

When not performing with the Sugaray Rayford Band, "Munkihaid" can be found collaborating on various recording/arranging projects as well as mentoring up and coming artists.

https://www.facebook.com/munkihaid.shining
Instagram: @munkihaid
Facebook: @munkihaid.shining

Bassist Allen Markel has been a "working stiff" since he graduated from William Paterson University (NJ) in 1990 with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance. While living in the New York area, he performed with high-end wedding bands such as Topaz and Black Tie Music. Later he also backed up and recorded with many singer-songwriters including Edie Carey, Meredith Levande, Steve Tannen (The Weepies), and Greg Tannen, with a focus on fretless bass.

In the early 2000's Allen spent many years performing and recording with acclaimed Latin Jazz vocalist and percussionist Raphael Cruz. He performed on Cruz's star-studded release "Bebop Timba," which received a Grammy nomination in the Latin Jazz category in 2005.

Moving to Portland, OR in 2007, he immediately found work in the vibrant blues scene. He spent many years working with Vizztone recording artist Kevin Selfe, as well as the Blues Music Award nominated ensemble The Insomniacs. His solid timekeeping work with these artists, as well as regional favorites Rae Gordon and Robbie Laws, gained the attention of the Cascade Blues Association which nominated him multiple times for the Muddy Waters Award for Bass Player of the Year.

Today you can find Allen backing up soul man Sugaray Rayford, performing for audiences world-wide. Sugaray made his mark performing in the Tony Award winning play "Ain't Nuthin' But the Blues" and has since gone on to front his own high-energy blues and soul band. They recently wrapped up a whirlwind tour, with performances in more than 15 countries in Europe, as well as the Montreal Jazz Festival in Quebec.

Facebook and Instagram: @allen.markel

Derrick “DJ” Martin Jr. may be the youngest member of the Sugaray Rayford Band, as he was born on January 14th, 1999 in San Diego California, but do not let the age fool you. DJ brings the sweet soul of the Saxophone to the Sugaray Rayford Band.

DJ began playing the Sax at 10 years old after he heard the iconic horn lines of Earth, Wind, and Fire. In high school, once he realized he needed a better Tenor Saxophone than his $200 student model, DJ got a job at 14 years old bussing tables at a Pancake House to buy the top of the line horn he always dreamt of. He still uses that same Sax to this day. DJ attended San Diego State University receiving an education in Music/Music Entrepreneurship & Business. He is currently pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at San Diego State University.

DJ has played with Bill Yeager’s Big Band, Jon Faddis, Elan Trotman, Richard Elliot, Tinashe, and has done studio work and composition for several Top 40 Artists.

“I dreamt of playing with Sugaray Rayford ever since I heard him on SiriusXM back in high school. I am now living that dream, playing amazing music with the best in the business.”

Instagram: @derrickmartinjr

Trumpeter/Arranger/Vocalist Julian “JuJu” Davis has been interested in music from a young age. After being exposed to the violin, recorder, piano, guitar, and vocal elements at Oak Park Elementary School in sunny San Diego, California. He decided that trumpet would be the instrument for him in te 4th grade. Growing up listening to B.B. King, The Temptations, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, and many more, Julian developed a natural ear for soul music.

Julian found his way into the Blues World in 2016. While studying Music Business at San Diego State University he was asked to hit the road with Earl Thomas in Switzerland. Following this tour he continued to play with Earl until late 2018.

After being presented with an opportunity to play with a very prominent blues artist in 2019, he didn’t know it was going to be with one he could only dream of, SugaRay Rayford!!!

As a B.A.C (Best American Craftsmen) Artist JuJu has enjoyed playing with SugaRay and the Sugaray Rayford Band and can’t wait to see what the future holds!

Facebook: @jdavishorns
Instagram: @jujudavismusic

Sky Garcia has performed internationally and throughout the United States for nearly three decades. His father was a guitarist and when Sky was 4 he received his first drum kit. Together they spent 1980 jamming along to Motörhead’s Ace of Spades.

Many of Sky’s favorite childhood memories include holding down rock grooves, train beats, and crisp country shuffles on the drums for his dad’s classic rock and country bands.

In 1981, his life was forever changed when he saw Van Halen’s Fair Warning Tour. When Alex Van Halen stood up behind 4 bass drums and lit his gong on fire…the desire to drum intensified.

Since then, Sky has taken inspiration from great drummers far and wide. The grooves of these cats keep the fire lit: Joe Morello, Gene Krupa, Elvin Jones, Clyde Stubblfield, John Bonham, David Garibaldi, Steve Wonder (yes! an epic drummer), Tommy Aldridge, Stephen Perkins, June Core, Stewart Copeland and John Shafer.

At 19, he cut his teeth with a few of his own bands, and never looked back. Touring has been the center of his music life and music has been his life’s passion.

Sky toured extensively with Alligator Records recording artist, Chris Cain from 2018-2024. He played several tracks on the critically acclaimed Raisin’ Cain release.

While touring, Sky has had the privilege to share the stage, for either one tasty tune, a full performance, or something in between with these amazing musicians, to name a few:

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Johnny Rawls
The Bender Brass
Roy Rogers
Matt Scholfield
Castro “Mr. Sipp” Coleman
Fillmore Slim
Kim Wilson
Chris Buck
Ron Thompson
Kid Ramos

Now, it is Sky’s honor to rock the drum chair and continue shaking rumps the world over for Grammy nominated and Forty Below Records recording artist, SugarRay Rayford.

www.skygarcia.com
Instagram - @skygarciamusic
Facebook - @skygarciadrummer
TikTok - @skydrummer