biographical info
Hi-Rise Dex and the Stellar Jays base their sound around the baritone voice and multi-faceted original songs of Kempton Dexter.
Pedal steel guitar, lap and dobro specialist Michael Flunkert is the featured instrumentalist in the Stellar Jays.
Bassist Michel Drouin is from Port Hardy and came to Vancouver in 1986. Drummer and percussionist Bryan Siver was playing with a working swing band while still under legal drinking age.
Lead guitarist and harmonica wailer Tony Rees has recently joined the Stellar Jays. Tony was born in Bristol, England and was drawn to the folk music scene which was flourishing in the UK during his teens. Hi-Rise Dex and the Stellar Jays have played many of Vancouver’s original music venues including the Railway Club, the WISE hall, the Press Club, the Pic, El-Cocal and the Whip.
The group’s debut CD “Other women, other men” was independently released in April 2000.
lineup
Michel Drouin bassist
Kempton Dexter Vocals, songs, guitar
Mike Flunkert Pedal steel, lap steel and dobro
Bryan Siver Drums
Tony Rees Guitar, harmonica
influences
Antonio Carlos Jobim
Dean Martin
Hank Williams
Johnny Cash
Tom Connors