BLACK LADDER

Black Ladder biography
Founded in Austin, Texas in 2012

BLACK LADDER is a progressive rock trio currently based in Austin, TX. Members include Shane LAMB (keyboard), Clarence RILEY, IV (bass), and Ray CARDENAS (drums). The band?s sound developed from a merging of Shane?s classically influenced licks, Clarence?s heavy funk bass lines, and Ray?s crafted rock grooves. BLACK LADDER recently recorded and produced their first full-length, self-titled album.

Ray CARDENAS: Ray began his interests in drums and percussion when he was about seventeen years old and was a part of the short lived group SOMETHING BETTER, in which Clarence RILEY was also a member. After the debacle of SOMETHING BETTER, Ray went on to join up with Clarence and Shane LAMB to form BLACK LADDER. Ray's influences include percussionists John BONHAM, Steve GADD, Tito PUENTE, Keith MOON, Gene KRUPA, and Neil PEART.

Clarence RILEY, IV: Although initially turning down free piano lessons as a dumb little kid, Clarence took an early interest in music. Clarence and Ray met while in high school and together with two other friends formed the band SOMETHING BETTER with whom they created music until their breakup in 2008. In 2009, Clarence began to have jam sessions with Ray and mutual friend/keyboardist Shane LAMB. This trio would eventually form the group BLACK LADDER. Clarence?s influences include the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, Larry GRAHAM and Les CLAYPOOL/PRIMUS among countless others.

Shane LAMB: Shane began playing piano at age five and has been addicted to music making ever since. He recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition from the University of Texas at Austin and also received a Piano Performance Certificate. When he first moved to Austin, Shane bought a keyboard and helped form the rock band The TONEWHEELS of which he is still a member. Later, Shane met up with Ray and Clarence, and after many lengthy jam sessions, BLACK LADDER was born. Shane's influences include PINK FLOYD, WEEN, The BEATLES, early CAMEL, early GENESIS, and many others.

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