THE RICK RAY BAND
"Nothing
to Lose" (Neurosis Records; 2007)
Reviewed by Snidermann
The Rick Ray Band has consistently given us great new material virtually each and every year and 2007 is no exception.
"Nothing To Lose" is typical Rick Ray -- quality music and outstanding production. Listening to Ray go to work is like visiting an old friend -- you really don't know what you are going to get but you do know you are going to be entertained.
A high level of musical quality is what each and every Ray Band release has is common and they continue to deliver with "Nothing to Lose." Actually, I think they keep getting better and, in that case, this band can go nowhere but up.
Through the wonders of the Internet, I have found a kindred sprit with Rick Ray even though I have never met him personally. Keep up the good work, Rick and band, and keep the music coming.
For more information, check out http://www.rickray.net.
"Temporary
World" (Neurosis Records; 2005)
Reviewed by Snidermann
So here we are again and, as the hands of time propel us into the future, there is one thing I know will happen: Rick Ray and his band will record and release yet another killer rock album.
So as I delve into "Temporary World," I am not disappointed. Ray releases at least one CD each year -- and not just a one or two track demo -- we're talking twelve full-length tunes here -- and they almost always kick ass.
"Temporary World" is no exception. This release has it all: killer hard rock guitar, kick ass musicians throughout and a writing team that keeps it all coming hard and heavy. But this isn't just headbanging here. Sometimes you can hear a clarinet in the background or other instruments buried in the mix. The deceptive simplicity of it all just goes to prove that Rick Ray is a master musician and producer.
Now to the strange part: this guy is not on a major label. What's up with that?
For more information, check out http://www.rickray.net.
"Night
of the Living Dedicated" (Neurosis Records; 2004)
Reviewed by Snidermann
A new CD by the Rick Ray band is like hearing from an old friend. As long as I have been writing reviews for RoughEdge.com, I've known that it won't be long until a new Rick Ray CD makes it to my inbox and I look forward to it.
"Night of the Living Dedicated" is the latest offering from the Rick Ray Band and, like the band's previous CDs, "Night" blends expert songwriting, top notch guitar work, a grooving saxophone and the same killer attitude. I don't know if I can call what Rick and his band do hard rock, but they entertain the hell out of me with each and every release. Ray's material is closer to Tom Petty than Tom Araya but it works for me.
The quality of music that this man and his team consistently deliver is amazing and "Night Of The Living Dedicated" is no exception. How this band puts out so much music and maintains their quality, I'll never know. "Night" is great rock'n'roll.
I can't wait for the next one!
The Rick Ray Band: The band is Rick Schultz reeds, Gary Wood bass and vocals, Sam P.J. Glorioso drums Phil Noch vocals and Rick Ray guitar, keys and vocals.
For more information, check out http://www.rickray.net.
"Out
of the Mist of Obscurity" (Neurosis Records; 2003)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Guitarist Rick Ray doesn’t need an introduction to Rough Edge readers -- several of his numerous albums are reviewed here on our pages. In fact, Rick Ray as a solo artist has released well over 20 albums, but The Rick Ray Band has just released its second album "Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity."
"Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity" shows Rick Ray exploring more of a classic rock song structure with only brief forays into Ray's more eclectic interests. It's easy for me to compare some of the songs on "Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity" as fitting in well with the Rolling Stones, Electric Light Orchestra, or even Dire Straits. Did you just notice that the three bands I mentioned are English? Well, I just noticed it and there might be a reason behind that. The Rick Ray Band have taken rock'n'roll and twisted it enough to avoid direct comparison to their American counterparts and something more in line with English bands' fascination with the American art form of rock.
Vocalist Phil Noch and multi-instrumentalist Rick Schultz are prominently featured and the band is the better for it. The band shines on "Demons And Men" when this mini-epic takes on a dramatic flair not previously heard in Rick Ray's projects. The band's namesake, Rick Ray himself, takes the spotlight on the aggressive "Death Of The Swineherd" when the disc takes a slight detour to display Ray's technical prowess with the guitar.
As I've noted in my reviews of Rick Ray's solo work there isn't much in the way of metal or hard rock that would interest most Rough Edge readers. However, The Rick Ray Band shows Ray exploiting his talents in a different format where the band's contributors on keyboards, saxophone, clarinet, and vocals take the spotlight as often as Ray does.
"Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity" was produced by Rick Ray. While this disc doesn't sound too different from Ray's solo efforts, I like the sound of "Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity" because it definitely has a crisper production to it.
The Rick Ray Band: Phil Noch on vocals; Rick Ray on vocals, guitars, and keyboards; Gary Wood on bass; Rick Schultz on clarinet, bass clarinet, and saxophone; Sam “PJ” Glorioso on drums.
For more information, check out http://www.rickray.net.
"Into
the
Hands of Sinners" (Neurosis Records; 2003)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Rick Ray's latest release is a band effort and yet another interesting look at a talented and slightly mysterious performer. Ray's music is very hard to define. It blends rock, blues, jazz and a few styles I can't even put my finger on. But one thing is for certain: This dude knows how to play a guitar.
"Into the Hands of Sinners" is much like earlier Rick Ray recordings while being completely different. The songs are obviously individual but seem to belong together like chapters in a book. As with previous Ray releases, there is an air of mystery to Ray's sound, lyrics and style -- and that may very well be part of what makes his music so appealing. Plus, Rick Ray obviously wants to make the music he wants to play and he makes lots of it. I say good for him.
The talented musicians performing on "Into the Hands of Sinners" are: Rick Ray - guitars, keys and vocals; Rick Schultz - reeds; Gary Wood - bass; Phil Noch - vocals; John Cek - drums.
For more information, check out http://www.rickray.net.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2007 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 11 Nov 2008 01:17:29 -0600.
