Album Notes

Ray Bonneville calls his music " Been dipped in blues Americana "

His own style involves generating a tremendous amount of sound: laying down a surprisingly complex guitar groove, rock-solid footboard percussion, intricate but understated harmonica licks, and weathered vocals that are always cool but never aloof.

He often streamlines his touring act, accompanying himself on guitar, rack harmonica and footboard.

This same spare quality applies to the evocative songwriting that won Bonneville a 1999 Juno Award-the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy-for his third album, "Gust of Wind" (Stony Plain/Warner).

"Trimming down and taking away leaves room for the silence between the notes, " says Bonneville. "It allows listeners to put their own lives into the song. There can be more to a song than lyrics and notes... dust, heat, wind."

He's been in demand as a live performer for three decades, playing not only clubs and concert halls, but also such prestigious festivals as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Montreal Jazz, Kerrville, Toronto Harbourfront, Ottawa Folk, Strawberry, Winnipeg and Edmonton.

Listeners respond well to Bonneville's portraits of conditions he considers human and universal.

Says Bonneville, "My music isn't aimed at the intellect. It's aimed at the visceral level, closer to the belt."

Bonneville tours extensively due to the popularity he's gained in North America and Europe through radio play of his recordings.

He writes a lot of the songs at the kitchen table of an apartment he keeps in Montreal, but hones the lyrics in hotel rooms, cars and planes during his frequent road trips.

The resulting work reflects a modern North American journey.