St. Louis Drummer Kyle Ray’s Legendary Nights at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups

The St. Louis music scene has a heartbeat, and as a drummer, I’ve been lucky to feel its pulse. Before BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups shut its doors, I, Kyle Ray, shared the stage with two titans of the local blues world—Tom Maloney and Paul Neihaus—for a series of unforgettable jam sessions. Known as the Blue Lotus Community Blues Jam, those Wednesday nights brought the St. Louis blues community together in a way that still echoes today. Here’s a look back at those magical evenings and the exciting news of our jam’s revival at Atomic By Jamo.

Tom Maloney: A St. Louis Legend

Tom Maloney isn’t just a bassist—he’s a cornerstone of St. Louis music history. As the longtime musical director for the iconic Johnny Johnson, Tom’s talent and presence have earned him a reputation as a local legend. His steady basslines anchored our performances at BB’s, providing the perfect foundation for the spontaneous energy of the jams. For many in St. Louis, Tom is more than a musician—he’s a living testament to the city’s rich musical heritage.

Paul Neihaus: The Torchbearer of St. Louis Sound

Then there’s Paul Neihaus, a name I hold in the highest regard. Paul isn’t just a great friend—he’s a multi-talented musician and record producer who owns Lou Lotus Studios in St. Louis, Missouri. His work with legends like Roland Johnson, Brian Owens, Michael McDonald, and more has solidified his status as a driving force behind the authentic St. Louis sound. When Paul pitched the idea of the Blue Lotus Community Blues Jam, I knew it was a chance to create something special with two of the best in the business.

The Blue Lotus Community Blues Jam: A St. Louis Tradition Begins

The concept was straightforward but electric: every Wednesday at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, I’d take the drums, Tom Maloney would hold down the bass, and Paul Neihaus would lead with vocals and guitar. We’d open with a 15–20-minute set as the house band, then throw the stage wide open to the St. Louis community. Bring your instrument, join the jam—it was an invitation to anyone and everyone.

Those nights became a showcase of the St. Louis blues scene’s finest. Local legends like Marquis Knox and Dylan Triplett dropped in, adding their soulful flair to the mix. One evening stands out above the rest: Gus Thornton, the longtime bassist for blues giant Albert King, joined us as an honorary guest. Playing alongside Gus was a career-defining moment. His warmth and mastery were unmatched, and since his passing, that night has become a memory I’ll cherish forever. Gus was one of the greatest to ever grace St. Louis pavement, and I’m honored to have shared the stage with him.

The End of an Era at BB’s

BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups was more than a venue—it was a home for the blues. When it closed, and with the losses of Gus Thornton and legendary drummer Popcorn, the Blue Lotus Blues Jam paused for a few months. The St. Louis music community felt the weight of those absences, but the spirit of those Wednesday nights never faded.

A New Chapter at Atomic By Jamo

Now, here’s the exciting part: the Blue Lotus Community Blues Jam is back! Atomic By Jamo in The Grove neighborhood has stepped up to give us a new stage,

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