Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, this eclectic ensemble draws inspiration from avant garde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their music with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. Drummer Michael Rataj lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield and guitarist Erik Oldman to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. Sons of Ra are not merely a band; they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres. 

They’ve shared the stage with such artists as Stu Hamm, Sonar, Chester Thompson & Alphonso Johnson, and Consider the Source. 

Sons of Ra released their EP “Cognitive” in 2020 and are currently in production for a six-part suite “Tropic of Cancer” and their first full-length release “Standard Deviation”, both planned for release in 2024. 

Personnel
Erik Oldman: Guitar/Bass/Synth
Keith Wakefield: Bass Guitar/Tenor Saxophone/Synth
Michael Rataj: Drums 

Tautologic is an eclectic progressive rock band based in Chicago. The band was formed in 1997 as a vehicle for founding members Ethan Sellers’ and Pat Buzby’s eclectic musical compositions and off-beat lyrics. The group’s richly orchestrated recordings have garnered the band praise for its inventive arrangements, performed by some of Chicago’s best musicians.

Tautologic has released two CDs to international critical acclaim and radio airplay, making at least one critic’s year-end best-of list. The band has performed on the stage at various clubs, radio stations, and television shows in Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and the Minneapolis-area.

Tautologic writes lyrics and constructs rock operas about things drawn from life like burnout roommates and their psychotic crack-whore girlfriends, tube socks, crazy homeless people, indie hipsters, quasi-terroristic rants against totalitarian utility companies, and anything else that entertains and/or irritates Sellers and Buzby in real life.