Ray recorded these compositions playing all of the musical instruments (but saxophone), handling all vocals, engineering, and recording skills himself. Having played in bands most of his life and spending time in various studios, Ray had a desire to record his own style of music.
The ultimate in lo-fi technique, he set up a small studio in his corner-suite apartment. Sound-proofing the room and improvising a sound booth, he was able to record late at night when the pub just outside his window closed, and his neighbors were sleeping. Being on a main road, Ray had to time his takes with dog barks, ambulance sirens, and Harley's peeling out. Much of what you hear are first takes, straight from the mic to the track. No auto-tune, effect modulators, or MIDI instruments were used.
After three years of time and investment, Ray was able to create something that felt true to his original ambition. Two albums were completed during the sessions. One of darker, more cerebral tunes, 'Eleven: Eleven', and the other, 'The Occasional Sour Note' being happier, swing-oriented songs.
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