Ray releases a new five track EP via Singsong Music on 15 January 2021.
A specially commissioned mini-album of instrumental music, it brings out the best values in funk and rock while also exploring more expansive and symphonic soundscapes.
The title track has a funk/rock groove that’s very edgy: “it does what it says on the tin!” Ray explains.
He wrote “Tam Tam” in the style of ’70s icons The Crusaders and Yellow Jackets with a modern approach in both arrangement and sound.
Next up is “Trade Winds”; “this piece mirrors the east to west prevailing equatorial winds in permanent motion, circling the Earth, in a state of constant movement and calming,” says Ray.
This promotional showcase was produced by Get Ready to ROCK! Radio for Singsong Music in January 2021 and gives some of the background to the featured tracks
“I wrote and performed “Firepower 44” with guitarist/songwriter Will Thomson opening it with a Clapton ‘Edge Of Darkness’ vibe that moves through an orchestrated arrangement building to a filmic crescendo-powered outro.”
A tribute to Toronto-based baseball team, The Blue Jays, Ray was moved to write the piece of the same name after seeing a play about the team on a family visit to Canada. “More than anything I feel that this reflects the team’s spirit, style and raw energy,” he reflects.
Ray chatted to Carla Greene of BBC Radio Lincolnshire on
7 January, discussing the latest EP.