“Blues has never been a commercial art form and probably never will be, but like Jazz that is and are true art forms and music lovers always find it eventually.“

Brother Ray Lemelin: Gumbo Fusion Music

Brother Ray Lemelin has been a cornerstone of Canada's Blues and Roots music since the 1980s. Whether recording with legends like Billy Branch or touring with outstanding artists, his presence has always enriched the scene. Ray Lemelin was born and raised in Quebec and now lives in Calgary, Alberta. Ray was inspired by musicians such as Willie Dixon and Clarence Gatemouth Brown to pick up a Stratocaster and play the blues. Over the decades, Ray has performed with Jimmy Payne, Tim Williams, Ron Casat, Amos Garrett, Rusty Reed, Back-alley John, Johnny V, Harp Dog Brown and now plays with The Matinee Kings. Ray was granted guitar player of the year by the CBMA Blues Awards in 2013. Brother Ray Lemelin and The Matinee Kings currently host a weekly Sunday night Jam at The Blues Can in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Brother Ray Lemelin is a talented Canadian blues artist. His soulful sound captivates heartfelt lyrics and rich melodies. Brother Ray brings the rich sound of Canadian Blues and Roots to life, captivating audiences with his talent.

(Brother Ray Lemelin & The Matinee Kings / Photo by Mudge Music)

The latest 10-tracks album “Stirring The Pot” (2025) by Brother Ray Lemelin & The Matinee Kings showcases his mastery of the blues genre. Fans can look forward to heartfelt melodies and powerful lyrics, reflecting decades of experience and passion for music. The new album is a fine example of a mature and fully developed artist at his peak! The band, with Kelly Kruse, Howard Schmenge Chapman and Daniel Wilton is the main reason for this album. Accompanied by a horn section, led by Pat Belliveau on saxophone, and trumpet and baritone sax, is a testament to this band’s capacity. Also lending a hand here is award winning musician and songwriter, Steve Hill.

Interview by Michael Limnios                      Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What does the blues mean to you? 

As Willie Dixon said The Blues is the roots and I feel privileged and honoured to be able to play and perform this great art form for as long as I am able and spreading the news all while acknowledging it's origins is very important.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

Our sound is part NOLA-Texas-Chicago-and Jazz Fusion due to having an accordion in the band and the time I’ve spent withfolks like Gatemouth Brown and Fenton Robinson and others along the way either backing them up or just spending a lot of time with them as far as song book, anything that moves me  is open for interpretation technique is a funny thing to me as I don’t think I have much at all lol, and being self taught and it's all feel and instinct.

Why do you think that the Canadian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

I’m really not sure how much the Canadian Blues Scene is generating a following at all, the Blues fans are aging and there arent many young people at shows and when there is it gives me hope for the future.

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

As far as memories go my time spent with Gatemouth Brown as his personal assistant or valet are my favorite,.. he was a mentor, a friend, but there are so many more I think I should write a book.

“As Willie Dixon said The Blues is the roots and I feel privileged and honoured to be able to play and perform this great art form for as long as I am able and spreading the news all while acknowledging it's origins is very important.” (Brother Ray Lemelin / Photo by Mudge Music)

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss the most about the past is the individuality of each past Blues men and women that came before and the pride they had in being themselves and not trying to be like others,...and today i see and hear so much guitar centric bands that lean more to rock and when some hear someone successful they lean that way and record companies are not helping at all,…but when I hear something different I am overjoyed.

How can a band/musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience?

Blues has never been a commercial art form and probably never will be, but like Jazz that is and are true art forms and music lovers always find it eventually.

What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society? How do you want the music to affect people?

Role!! Just doing what I love with honesty and integrity is the only role I have and the audience with open minds and heart can see and feel it.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Humility and honesty, love and an open mind,..my old friend Back Alley John once said "we are White folks, we are playing a Black man's music on the Red man's land using Yellow man's technology, when the originators were so humble, how can we not be humble.”

Brother Ray Lemelin - Home

(Brother Ray Lemelin / Photo by Mudge Music)