Welcome to.....the STINGRAYZ with (Front Woman) Dezzie D on lead vocal. This 5 piece Rhythm & Blues outfit has taken to the stage and creates a unique sound that transports you back to the 40s and 50s, "the era of Rhythm and Blues". Their renditions and unforgettable musical arrangements captures the audiences imagination which takes you on a journey of pure bliss and that uncontrollable urge to hit the dance floor.
Hailing from Brisbane Queensland, Dezzie D and the STINGRAYZ onstage presence, high energy performances and Sax Driven brass section leaves you in no doubt, this band is going to "swing you off your feet". Regarded as one of the hottest LIVE Rhythm & Blues performances in town and with recent appearances at Blues on Broadbeach, Mitchell Creek Blues n Rock Festival, the Bayside Blues Festival, Australia Day Celebrations and Brisbane's G20 event, they are definitely...the "must see band" for live Rhythm & Blues.
The Band
Desley Done – Lead Vocal
"Desley Done is definitely a rising star in the East Coast blues scene. She has been around for several years performing in professional bands such as Blonde on Blue and Little Kitty Big Meow. She has performed at Sunshine Coast Blues Festival and Broadbeach Blues Festival and is gradually becoming known as “Queensland’s Queen of Blues”.
Dez has a big smile, a big personality, a big voice and has a great vibe on stage. Dez delivers her repertoire with sass and energy and really loves imparting her love for the music and sharing her passion with the audience. She draws her inspiration from such artists as Etta James, Koko Taylor, Ruth Brown, Little Willie John and many other artists from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s.
Mike Frost – Lead Guitar / Vocal
The result is a dynamic blend of new and old. Original tunes and old favourites, played and sung with respect for the past, but with the drive and enthusiasm needed to entertain a contemporary audience.
As well as playing many of SE Qld’s major blues festivals, Mike Frost has found a dedicated audience in New Zealand, with two extensive regional tours followed by three consecutive appearances at the annual Queenstown Jazzfest.
Grant Watson – Bass Guitar
Grant has played most of the blues festivals on Australia’s east coast including Broadbeach Blues Festival, Brisbane Blues Festival, Queensland Festival of the Blues, Sunshine Coast Blues Festival, Sydney Blues Festival, and the Australian Blues Music Festival. Now part of a new engine room, Grant is totally enjoying the cool old school Rhythm & Blues grooves Dezzie D and the Stingrayz are famous for.
Greg Baikaloff – Percussion
Greg began his professional playing career way back in the early eighties in the height of the pub rock era, with Gold Coast covers bands "Plan B" and "Bob and the Hawks."
As a young drummer, Greg was Inspired by groups like Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, not knowing at the time that the music that profoundly moved him was a merely a white, electric interpretation of the blues, originally created by Afro American musicians from the deep south of the USA - an imitation of sorts.
Since then Greg has been on a life-long quest to go directly to the source, to find the real blues - raw, unpolished, passionate, expressive - and to try to reproduce authentic rhythms, true to the cause.
He has matured into a player who's style could be described as minimalist, yet expressive and always played from the heart.
Shaun Ballagh – Saxophone / Vocal / Flute
Shaun began his journey in music in 1986-1993.He was a member of the Australian Army Band during these years and gained experience with a variety of instruments including Alto, Tenor & Baritone Sax and also clarinet, flute and voice. From 1993 to 1998 Shaun was a music teacher with some of his students performing professionally today.
From 2001-2004 Shaun studied a Bachelor of Music (Jazz) under the tuition of Tony Hobbs and studied his degree at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He has had experience working in shows, recording studios and Blues bands. Throughout his musical career he has been influenced by artists as contrasting as Charlie Parker, B.B King, Stevie Ray Vaughan and David Sanborn which has contributed to Shauns diversity as a musician.
