Today's installment of Better Know a CPJF Artist, Sean Holmes of Remembering Ray.

JazzScene: What is your main instrument, or role in your group?

Sean Holmes: (I am the) lead vocalist and bandleader.

JazzScene: Can you describe your set for those that may not know a lot about jazz or blues music?

SH: "Remembering Ray" will celebrate and share the music and influence of Ray Charles, the ultimate crossover artist!!

JazzScene: What inspires you to perform, or compose?

SH: I've been inspired to perform by my family of working musicians, and all the great music and musicians in Portland.

JazzScene: How did you end up becoming a professional musician?

SH: I've been around music and "The Biz" my whole life. I studied music at Concordia University from 1986-89, receiving a music minor. I then began to meet different musicians.

JazzScene: Past or present, where have been some of your favorite places to perform in Portland?

SH:  Mt. Hood Jazz Festival in 1988 and 1998; the Waterfront Blues Festival countless times; Winningstad Theater, w/ Portland Jazz Orchestra in 2008; Jimmy Mak's; Wilf's; Heathman and Benson Hotels; Portland Jazz Festival; Al Jarreau Tribute last February. 

JazzScene: Who are some Portland musicians that were a big influence on you as an artist?

SH : Bobby Torres, Curtis Salgado, Randy Porter, King Louis Pain, LaRhonda Steele, 5 Guys Named Moe, and the late greats Linda Hornbuckle and Janice Scroggins.

JazzScene: If you could wave a magic wand, is there anything about the Portland music scene that you might change?

SH: I would stop the demise of live music venues!

JazzScene: If you had to pick one moment or professional accomplishment for which you are most proud, what would it be?

SH: Being part of The Reconciliation Concert for Archbishop Desmond Tutu at The Child's Center in 2009. It featured Darrell Grant, Esperanza Spalding, Brian Blade, Obo Addy, Bobby Torres, Devin Phillips, Marilyn Keller, and Linda Hornbuckle.

JazzScene: If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, what would they be?

SH:  Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key Of Life", Steely Dan's "Aja", George Duke's "Reach For It" 

Don't miss Remembering Ray closing out the 38th Annual Cathedral Park Jazz Festival at 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 22nd.