band bios

Terraplane Blues takes you back to the Delta with their juke joint flair.

In the words of the fans...
~ "Beyond the magnificent voice and fine musical craft there is great depth, honesty, and emotional openness."
~ "…brilliant, graceful, Jennifer’s voice is absolutely stunning."
~ "All I can say is WOW!"

   Jennifer Wright (formerly Sharif)
    ~Lead Vocals, Percussion, Booking Manager, Producer~

Jennifer's musical history begins when she was a child. Singing since she can remember, her younger years were classically focused, both vocally and on the piano, with active involvement in musical theatre and renowned choral ensembles. She majored in music at James Madison University, and didn't change her focus until she met her husband, Gary Wright, in 1996. At that time she was introduced to a genre that she lived all her life, the blues, and was thrilled to now have the opportunity to sing it.

Jennifer has hit the stage with many legends, sharing the microphone with Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor and Johnnie Bassett. Fans say her performances are moving, as her powerful voice booms to the heavens. She has been favorably compared to the greats Koko Taylor, Etta James and Janis Joplin. Jennifer has been nominated three times for the Asbury Music Awards as the "Top Female Vocalist". She and her husband co-developed Terraplane Blues, co-produced the band's 2 CDs under their own Roots Foundation label, and co-write most of the original material.

   Gary Wright
     ~Lead/Rhythm/Slide Guitar, Lead/Background Vocals, Harmonica, Producer~

Gary hasbeen playing blues and reggae professionally since 1973. He was inducted into the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Hall of Fame and has been favorably compared to Howlin' Wolf with his vocal style. Gary co-produced/mixed Terraplane Blues' two CDs Yesterday's Blues and Jubilee Stomp, with his wife Jennifer Wright.

He has played guitar with Guy Davis, Louisiana Red, Big Bill Morganfield, Jimmy Vivino and Hubert Sumlin, among many other guitar giants, as he gives a most authentic Delta blues feel. Gary served on the Board of Directors of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation from 2000 - 2002 and is heavily involved in various Blues in the Schools programs. He has aspirations to start a Blues university for adults, with current ongoing presentations for a course at Rutgers University.

 

 

Dr. Philly Ray Proctor
     ~Harmonica~

Phil listened intently as a child while his parents played recordings by Nina Simone, Count Basie, Joe Williams, Ray Charles and Little Jr. Parker. Eight years ago, he began playing harmonica and since that time became a doctor of blowing his harps. Phil refers to his harps as his "girls". He says, "My harps treat me better than any woman I know…and they kiss better too!"

 

 

Joe "Buck" Santora
     ~Rhythm/Lead Guitar~

Joe Buck has been playing guitar since the 60s. He is the glue of Terraplane Blues, with his solid rhythm guitar playing. When he is not on a gig (which is rare), the band knows it - he keeps it all together. Joe's guitar collection consists of over 16 vintage guitars and he is the maker of some of the finest custom "Buckocasters".

 

 

Darryl Walkowicz
      ~Drums~

Terraplane Blues' newest addition, Darryl, brings a jazz style that no other has matched…Simple and in the pocket. He Resides in Toms River, NJ with his wife and two sons, and started playing drums at the age of 8 years old to Led Zeppelin and hero John Bonham. During his youngin’ years he played in many cover bands as well as school drum corp and competing jazz band. Darryl studied with the legendary jazz drummer Joe Morello.

 

Rich Downs
     ~Bass Guitar~

Close your eyes and you would think that Rich was playing an upright bass. The tone he brings to the stage is reminiscent of the traditional blues days in the 30s and 40s.