Origins
Song of Chance is a website devoted to promoting and featuring Virginia artists. Song of Chance has also been a music collaboration consisting of members who remain versatile in their playing styles, and use a team approach to songwriting.. Founded in March 2005 by Jon Ramsey in South Philadelphia, the collaborative project relocated to Richmond, VA. In 2007 they recorded then released an EP entitled, "In the Black". Produced by John Morand, who produced records for both Carbon Leaf and Cracker, it is a showcase of the vocal stylings of originator Jon Ramsey, and the unique players that make up the backbone of the project. The "In the Black EP" features members of Rize, Modern Groove Sydnicate, DJ Williams Project, The Big Payback, and Jon Ramsey on vocals and guitar. a group called Jon Ramsey, was formed in 2008 by Jon Ramsey, drummer Rickk Gray and bassist Jeremy Johnson. At Rickk's request the group was named as if the band was an artist, since they -play songs in their own syle. They felt that the music was something new, so they should also throw out the 'something-band' convention for the name of the group. In July 2009, the band released their debut album, Love in My Hand. They are performing many local and regional shows in order to expose their uplifting music to new listeners, and win more fans. Before becoming a lyricist and vocalist, Jon Ramsey has played guitar in Richmond VA punk and experimental bands Carbuncle, Suzukiton, and Elevate Music. Jeremy Johnson has performed in many gospel groups and jazz ensembles, and made his rock debut as bass player in Jon Ramsey. Due to time constraints, Jeremy left the group in 2010, and was repaced by bassist Wilbert Anderson. Rickk Gray has been playing the drums since the age of 15, and has shared the stage with numerous R&B stars and jazz performers. As a group their goal is to give love, and get love back, the recognition that patient striving and diligence will pay off in a successful music career that will support them, and uplift their fans. a group called Jon Ramsey's unique sound is grounded in the influences of American roots music, reggae, and British rock. They are on a mission to bring back real rock'n'roll in its power and simplicity in the form of their Armageddon Rock offerings. Jon Ramsey has to his credit over 1000 performances, and currently Richmond, Virginia is the group's home. Some of the venues that Jon has performed include New York's Bar4 and CBGB's(R.I.P.), Philly's The Fire, and Richmond's Toad's Place. |
Phone: (804) 516- 6078
jon@songofchance.com
http://songofchance.com
jon@songofchance.com
http://songofchance.com
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Rickk Gray - Drums Rickk was born in Brooklyn, NY, and moved to Richmond, VA at the age of 5. Rickk's natural drum talent was dicovered at the age of 15, when his mother bought him his first drum set. At first he had no drum lessons, and played by ear. He had an interest in many styles of music: Jazz, Reggae, Country, Rock, Blues, Gospel, R&B, and Motown. He is still learning new techniques and smarter ways of playing, and is also developing a better undertanding of music theory. |
| Rickk has played with many bands of various styles. He has performed at The National Jazz Festival in Columbia, MD, Blues Alley in Georgetown, DC, the Landmark Theater, Richmond Coliseum, and Fridays at Sunset on Brown's Island in Richmond, VA. He has also performed before 30,000 people on a TV morning show. Currently, he performs at many event shows on the east coast. In addition, he has also performed for a number of theater productions including the National Black Theater Festival. |
Rickk is foremost a passionate drummer, playing with a lot of feeling. His hope is that people will feel what he is feeling when they hear him play. His goal is to stay passionate and to continue performing and making records. He hopes that his gift will inspire and encourage others to a positive future. |
Jon Ramsey email Jon Jon was born in Washington DC, and began playing guitar at the age of 14 when his father bought him an Fender Squire electric guitar. Although he was only encouraged to play piano by his parents, he gravitated to guitar because he was able to play songs from his favorite bands at the time: Guns 'n Roses, Metallica, and Bad Brains. Over time he developed an appreciation for early rock'n'roll, blues, funk, hip-hop, reggae, punk, folk, and African traditional music. |
After a 2 year stint in Charlotteville with the proto-punk outfit, Skeezix, Jon moved to Richmond VA in 1995. He quickly joined the punk band Carbuncle with fellow hometowner Dave Washburn (curr. Meat Cleaver). The band put out a 7" split with Grouser, and the Revolver/Savage EP, and broke up in 1998. At this time, Jon ended his career as a Mechanical Engineer to persue his music goals. Later that year, Jon joined the experimental metal 4 piece, Suzukiton, and remained with the band until 2004. Jon and the band went on a couple of short tours, and they worked with engineer/musician Mark Miley to produce the 13-song album, Service Repair Handbook, released on Crucial Blast Records. In 2005, Jon moved to Philadelphia for only a year seeking a different musical direction, and learned to sing. During this time he founded a loose collaboration of artists known as Song of Chance, and began prolifically writing lyrics and poetry. In 2008 he recorded the first Armageddon Rock EP, In the Black, with members of various RVA bands. In early 2009 drummer Rickk Gray, who was featured on the In the Black EP, joined forces with him to form a new group. By Rickk's request the group was called simply, Jon Ramsey. Along with bass player Jeremy Johnson, the 3 piece band recorded their debut album, Love in My Hand at In Your Ear Studios in March of 2009. |
| Jon hopes that his new band with be successful enough so that he will be able to fully devote all of his time to what he loves, writing and performing music. His hope is that others will join in his passion: fans, fellow musicians, and artists alike. |
