Before May 2005, the majority of the guys making up Ragged Jack had never met. At the persistence of his manager, frontman Lyman Ellerman agreed to take a trip to east Tennessee to see another act Music Central Mgmt. team had been working with without knowing the outcome. Only a couple days later after meeting the guys at that show Lyman was offered a job replacing the lead singer.
Right away the guys knew they meshed on a musical level. All leaning toward a more agressive country-rock sound bordering on the Southern Rock sounds of the late 70's such as Skynyrd, The Outlaws, Allman Bros, and such, the rest came easy. Ellerman, having penned hundreds of original songs and writing for a publishing company out of Nashville began redirecting lyrics to fit a distinctive style that would match the incredible abilities of the musicianship within this awesome four-piece band. This is an original new band with dynamic material. They are already capturing fans along the way as they unleash their own brand of steamin' southern-fried country-rock. Be ready to raise hell, yell at the top of your lungs, and party to some of the ass kickinest music you've heard in a long time!! With a new management deal with Music Central Management out of Nashville, Tn, these guys are picking up speed and popularity everywhere they go. Lyman Ellerman: Lyman began playing guitar and writing songs at about 15 yrs of age. After several bands and several moves later, he wound up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There, after a long absence he renewed his friendship with bassist Jerry Turley, where at the insistence of producer Harold Cowart (BeeGee's, Andy Gibb, Coal Grits of Capricorn Records), they formed a small group and recorded some trax and hit the road. It was with some of these early recordings that Lyman got the attention of several industry executives, including a publishing contract and management deal. Not long after, he relocated to Tennessee to be closer to his work. The band was invited to do a show at the world famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, and The Alabama Grill, not to mention having played in numerous venues between Chicago and New Orleans. Lyman continues to do writer's rounds in and around town. Most recently with Marshall Tucker great George McCorkel (Fire On The Mountain, etc.) Lyman's contribution to Ragged Jack is instrumental in the sound and direction they intend to take. Though now having been a Nashville resident for more than two years he realizes that his brand of music is not necessarily contemporary mainstream "Nashville" and that's perfectly alright with him, because whatever makes the fans enjoy their brand of music is what he has resolved to follow through with. Jerry Turley: Jerry began his musical career in central Illinois. He studied classical piano for a few years and became quite proficient at the keys. However he decided to take up bass guitar because he says the piano was just to hard to toss in the trunk for a gig. He has played with several different touring bands through the years, (funk, groove, rhythm & blues, country, and rock) and has always been a powerful force in each of the outstanding groups he has shared the road with. His career has led him to sharing the stage with several major concert acts such as The Marshall Tucker Band, The Guess Who, David Allen Coe, and Canadian rocker, Jerry Doucette. Jason Morgan: Jason hails from East Tennessee where he began playing guitar at the early age of 12 years. After taking lessons for about a year, he was advancing quickly enough to satisfy himself that he could handle the rest on his own. His musical background leans more toward the heavy metal side where he "cut his teeth" learning and perfecting chops by Black Sabbath and Kiss, as well as numerous other heavy metal gurus. He called Florida home for a few years while he was busy writing, recording, and touring. He has toured the U.S. twice as well as playing gigs in Canada and as far away as Lima, Peru. He enjoys a variety of music, especially industrial and classical, with Beethoven being a particular favorite. In his spare time he enjoys writing and recording his own techno/industrial music. He says he's looking forward to adding a little well needed spice to country music...., in other words....., giving it a good kick in the ass!! He has become a dominant part of the overall sound of Ragged Jack. His subtle personality and soaring guitar licks are leaving fans everywhere talking about this great player everyone needs to see. Gary Welch: Gary also comes from East Tennessee where he began his musical career in the high school band as a percussionist. He honed his craft well enough to become a member of the high school jazz band, and then on to Roane State Community College for a music major. His contemporary influences include Journey, Peter Frampton, 38 Special, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, Gary says his greatest influences have come from some of the more reknowned jazz drummers, including Al Dawson and Joe Morello. Gary is also an excellent vocalist with an expert ear for harmonies. His agressive drive and perfect tempo holds the reigns steady for the bands melodic attacks. He has been fortunate enough to do several fairs and festivals with major recording artists, including such greats as T.G. Sheppard and Marty Stuart. He has made huge sacrifices to get his new band Ragged Jack off the ground, so to speak. As it turns out, it may be a while before his feet can touch earth anytime soon. As with all drummers' "need for speed", in Gary's off time he is a professional engine builder with national recognition in several competitive circuits. If it can be torn up......., he can fix it. If it can be built........, he can build it! Ironically enough as it turns out, Gary was born in Springfield, Illinois, only to move to Tennessee before ever entering school. This was also the birthplace of both Ellerman and Turley who also spent years on opposite ends of the country only to all be united through the efforts of someone who knew nothing of where they were born and raised. Some of the best things in life are just unexplainable, and the guys making up Ragged Jack are more than happy to accept that fact, and just get on with doing what they do best......, bringing out the best musical craftsmanship in one another that they can and turning it into real, down to earth, good rockin', soulful, dirt kickin' country masterpieces. Southern Fried Magazine.com (Article by: Bruce Wall) www.southernfriedmagazine.com/magazine/modules.php Ragged Jack - Bruce Wall Posted byadmin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 00:00:00 EDT Contributed by admin  This Editorial was a last minute decision, so please bear with me. Have you ever went in to a store for something specific and found all kinds of really cool stuff you were not originally looking for? Well, that is kind of what happened to me Friday night here in Nashville. Originally, I went to a little venue called 3rd and Lindsley to see and hang out with good friends George McCorkle and Rick Broyles. What I got was a kick ass evening of live Southern Rock. Several notable folks were hangin' in the audience including Donnie Winters (Winters Brothers Band). Now I had heard Lyman Ellerman at a writers night a few weeks back and was impressed with his writing skills. However, when Ragged Jack took the stage and played the songs the way they were meant to be played I was completely won over.  All I have to say is Southern Rock is alive and well and you can find here in Nashville... After a truly amazing set, Lyman brought George McCorkle up on stage for a couple of songs. They kicked it off with George's Blues shuffle called "Across the River". They immediately had the audience eating out of their hands. A true southern rock style Jam!! Next, they went into "Rocket Shoes" from George's American Street CD. Every gal in the place was on their feet dancing. They then went quickly into George's hit "Fire on the Mountain" and finished up with "Can't you See". The Crowd was on their feet and clapped and cheered till their hands bled. Lyman and Ragged Jack GREAT SHOW! My hats off to ya, I will be sure to come see ya'all every chance I get. Do yourself a favor check em out! http://www.myspace.com/raggedjack http://www.myspace.com/georgemccorkle Photos by: Kelcey Ellerman Thanks Kelcey!! |
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