What started out as a solo, acoustic project has blossomed into an electrifying mix of drums, bass, acoustic and electric guitars, dobro, lap steel, harmonica, fiddle, banjo, organ, piano and accordion. Many of Ray's songs are soulful, honest stories of love, hope and despair. Some are roguish tunes that poke fun at the foibles of life.
Drawing from the deep pool of talented Austin musicians, "45 South" features some of the best players around; Jimmy LaFave, Trish Murphy, Rachel Loy, Michael Ramos (John Mellencamp, Patti Griffin), Rick McRae (George Strait), Larry Wilson (Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Jimmy LaFave), Chris Maresh (Eric Johnson, Alejandro Escovedo), Wally Doggett (Chris Duarte, Jimmy La Fave), Wil Landin (Jimmy La Fave), Stewart Cochran (Jimmy La Fave, Abra Moore), Rich White (Peter Keane) and Louis Meyers (The Bluegrass Nibblers). Ray's long time friend and former Orange Hunters guitarist/singer Pat Cordell sings harmony and shares a songwriting credit on "Still Looking".
Released in January 2005, “45 South” has been well received in Austin and Europe. Performing at the Cactus Café, Momo’s, the Saxon Pub, Freddie’s, El Mercado, Threadgill’s, Flipnotics, Austin Songwriters Group “In the Round”, and the San Marcos River Pub, Ray has shared the stage with Jimmy LaFave, Jon Dee Graham, Bob Schneider, Matt the Electrician, Monte Montgomery, Rachel Loy and Tucker Livingston. Local Austin radio has supported Ray’s CD with spins on KGSR and KUT. Ray performed live on John Aielli’s Eklektikos and was the featured artist on the KUT “Austin Music Minute” segment. The video for the title track “45 South” has received regular airplay on the Austin Music Network. Garnering rave reviews and airplay throughout Europe has put Ray on the map with our cross-Atlantic brethren.
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