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From the Black Light Explosion Psychedelic era in the early 1970's around the San Francisco Bay Area emerged Raymond Simmons, afro-styled conga drummer extraordinaire. For the past forty years Raymond has played with dance classes, drum choirs, dance troupes, acting groups and reggae, blues and rock bands. He has had the pleasure of playing with Jimmy McCracklin, Carla Thomas, Marvin Holmes, Albert King and other greats. Raymond founded SELECT Records in 1981 with artists Masterpiece, Starlite, The Fabulous Playmates and The Original Ladies' Choice where he has been the featured percussionist. Raymond has released some of his famous techniques in Hot Percussion Licks. Raymond also endorses SELECT Maracas and SELECT Records T-Shirts and also DJs SELECT Worldwide All Star Radio.

Keep a sharp eye. Raymond Simmons' rollicking conga rhythms are going to eat you whole. With roots in the San Francisco scene that produced Santana and Tower Of Power, Simmons mines the gleaming funk grooves of the 1970's to produce his housequakin' jamz. Simmons has played with the finest musicians in blues and jazz, but he has also made solo appearances at the Sacramento Blues Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. A sought-after drum instructor in California's Bay Area, Raymond Simmons is a percussionist with the power to rhythmatize your whole way of thinking. The drum is the most important instrument in any band. Raymond Simmons' percussion can elevate the sound of any band.-Rodell Records

Raymond Simmons is a drummer with a unique style. He was either born with rhythm in his hands or had an excellent teacher..GREAT!!-BjD Wishing Away Records

Raymond Simmons does tasteful conga work with a fluid calypso groove. Good stuff.-Geoff Wilbur's Renegade Newsletter

Raymond's recordings have received airplay from the local colleges up to international radio stations. Television appearances include "Dangerous George's Trip City", both in the studio and outdoors at the South Park Street Festival backing Starlite; also "Sac Full O' Blues" with The Ladies' Choice.

LIVE! At The Cabana Hyatt House in Palo Alto, California, Raymond with The Nitro Band, Charisma And The Main Attraction Starlite

LIVE! At The Bus Stop Club in Oakland, California, Raymond with The Ladies' Choice

LIVE! "Crash" Landon Raps featuring Raymond On Congas

Raymond's Forum

Links

DISCOGRAPHY:
"One For The Money"

Hot Percussion Licks Part 1

Hot Percussion Licks Part 2

"Can't Get Rid Of This Feeling"

Can't Get Rid Of This Feeling (Instrumental)

"Great two sider."
"That tune has gone through the roof!"
"Sounding bloody good record."
"Awesome double sider, can't fault it in any way."
"Man, these guys look cool."
"Still got my SELECT Records T-Shirt"
"Check out Ray's percussion workout on the web...fascinating stuff."-The People Of Europe

"Great Conga Playing. I really dig what you are doing. You played with Albert King, Sweet!"- Deacon, January 16, 2006

The Greatest Story Ever Told!

CD Review 1340Mag.com

Raymond Simmons Is Published At Associated Content!

Raymond Simmons On Top! TrackSpin.com Top New Artist and Top New Album

This Is Simmons! Review By Indie Music Stop

COMPILATIONS:
Sounds From The Underground
Livin' Close To The Country
Radio Now! Vol. 6

SAMPLES:
"Don't Bother Me"

COMPOSITIONS:
Stolen Heartbeats

Skate To The Rhythm

Love Beat Goin' On

SELECT MODELS

Back in my post graduate college day, during the Black Light Explosion Psychedelic era and early fatherhood I performed with lovely Zulus before establishing Select Records. We did the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco. Couldn't nobody SAVE HER! but Big Dad.

Thanks for coming. See ya, wouldn' wanna be ya.

Bringing a guest tonight. Playing at La Salamandra in Berkeley with X-Ray Ted.

With my guest after hours. Played with Marvin Holmes and backed Starlite at Club Sullivan's in San Mateo.

Here's To Success The World Over!

What do you mean we're not getting paid?

Well hollah Baby!

ROYALTIES

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