Album Notes

Re-released by popular demand, this recording is multi-layered and musically diverse and features a good deal of instrumentation and world percussion. It has been widely embraced by audiophiles for its sonic textures and dimensionality.

"shed your skin is a brilliant record... incredible playing... singular musical voice ... and one of the best recorded guitar records I've ever heard in my life!"
Will Ackerman

"Ray Montford is a sensitive and exploratory musician who combines traditional techniques with exciting world music influences."
Atom Egoyan

ray montford - guitars
ian de souza - bass
rob greenway - world percussion, vocal 'spirit'
ravi naimpally - tabla, udu, congas
david travers-smith - trumpet 'celebrata'
evelyn datl - piano, b-3
colleen allen - sax
oliver schroer - snaky fiddle
steve lucas - bass 'one witness'
jim creeggan - upright bass 'shed your skin'
cookie rankin - vocal 'take me back'

© 1998 Softail Records
© 1998 SOCAN

Short Bio

Ray Montford engages the senses as he puts out the powerful grooves and liquid guitar tones that mark his narrative style. Throughout six independent albums, his heart has remained loyal to the rock influences he loves while incorporating the sounds of jazz / blues / roots and world music that continue to inspire him. Consistently, audiences rave about Ray's "emotional, intimate, powerful and haunting" music and performances.

For more than 15 years Ray's dynamic group of Canada's best known players have shared their visceral energy with thousands of fans at music festivals, clubs and theatres. They have toured Europe, shared the stage with the Tony Levin Band (alumnae of Peter Gabriel) and recently sold out the Young Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto for the release of Ray's latest CD, a fragile balance, also available on 180 gram vinyl.