Album Notes

Long held as a best-kept secret in a tight knit Northwest Arkansas music scene, Darren Ray has delivered on his reputation once again as a world-class vocalist whose very presence in anything but the big time is still baffling. Cutting the cords in this latest effort, the Acoustic Sessions, Darren Ray offers us a well-produced package of his life experiences singing, performing, living and breathing the air in his beloved home state. If honesty has a voice, it would be a raspy one delivered from deep down in a soul like Darren's. The Acoustic Sessions is so pure and clear in message and application giving the listener the sensation that Darren Ray is sitting on a creaky wooden stool just inches from you. A right-in-your-face performance that helps you understand his musical journey in an intimate way. There is no mistaking his kindness and sincerity in the music. And with a voice as powerful and genuine as his, you feel like you know him. Like you have heard him before...somewhere. That one time in that Smoke Filled Bar he references. You know the Lucky Man he refers to...the lonely road between Tulsa and Fayetteville...the blues you got when you had to pay your taxes. And if you didn't believe the politicians when they said A Change is Gonna Come...you believe Darren Ray. With his guitar, a melody, and an undisguised voice, the Acoustic Sessions is a fresh perspective on the simpleness of life.

Stephen Boudreaux, Fort Smith, AR USA.