Bob Ray
Pontotoc, Mississippi, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2000 | SELF
Music
Press
…it’s with “Written in the Stars” that Bob really makes his first splash. Keeping with the acoustic feel of the whole record, the artist paints a subtle backdrop to compelling lyrics with the simple sentiment that he “prefer(s) those who know what they don’t know.” It’s an intelligently written song and offers up lyrics worthy of focus while being supported by solid instrumentation to allow it to flow
. …….and with “Emitt Coleman,” one track from the finish line, Ray really shines and showcases what he’s capable of. A story-song in the truest sense, the artist captures the heart of folk songs throughout history, with a tale that oozes emotion and color.
Bob Ray’s Gemaetan is a solid collection of heartfelt, folk music songs. Each track is skillfully played and arranged and, while perhaps one might long for a little more sonic creativity throughout, his songs will definitely speak to those who enjoy this genre. There’s a reason this guy has won so many awards; if you’re a fan of singer-songwriter folk, do yourself a favor and give this a listen. You’re bound to find something you’ll like.
Review by Andrew Greenhalgh
- Andrew Greenhalgh
Discography
These Are The Days
They say the grass is always greener
On the other side of the hill
Well, I might be a dreamer
But it's not how i feel
There are no rules without exception
No absolutes that can't be questioned
And trading yesterday for tomorrow
Is no deal
These are the days we have
All that life promises
We can choose our own path
Not settle for less
There will be ups & downs
Both the wheat & the chaff
We have to make it count
These are the days we have
Today will be gone tomorrow
And we must believe
Whatever it once was
Won't compare to what we can achieve
Plans must be put in motion
Doors will need to be opened
The way things are
Isn't the only way they can be
(Chorus)
We can't go back where we came from
We must have faith in what's to come
(Chorus)
(Fade)
Photos
Bio
Bob Ray is an award winning singer-songwriter from the hills of north Mississippi. He has been writing and performing for more than 25 years. His most recent CD release is "MIrrors & Windows" sampled here and available from CD Baby, Amazon, CD Universe and I Tunes. He has twice been named a Kerrville Folk Festival - New Folk Songwriting Finalist. He has been a finalist in the Yoknapatawpha Art's Council's "Small Hall" Song Festival, the Ozark Folk Festival Songwriters Festival and the Gum Tree Song Festival. He has won awards from and performed at the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival, the Mississippi Songwriter's Festival, the New Orleans Song Festival, the Nashville Songwriter's Festival and the Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival. Additionally, he has won awards from the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival - Songwriter's Festival, the Smokey Mountain Songwriter's Festival, the Acoustic Roundtable, the American Song Festival and the Music City Song Festival. He has shared concert, club and festival stages with performing songwriters such as Marty Stuart, Kate Campbell, Keith Sykes, Rhiannon Giddens, Paul Thorn and Tom Kimmel, among others. Recent shows have included The Kerry Irish Pub in New Orleans, The Link Centre in Tupelo, MS; Moonlight On The Mountain, Birmingham, AL & The Hwy 80 Songwriter's Fest in Meridian, MS. He has played showcases in Boston, NYC, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Fairbanks & Nashville, in an active performance schedule across the country. Bob's music has often been selected for popular radio programs such as Folk Sampler and Grassroots on the National Public Broadcasting System. Please view the complete EPK for more information and to listen to songs from the latest CD.
Band Members
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