Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro � October 2009  

 

    The Don Ray Band's mission statement is "Music with a blues feel that tells a country story and throws in a big rock and roll hell yeah!"  Now don't go thinking this is "Country Blues", 'cause it isn't.  Musically, this is good old raunchy and rockin' blues at it's best, it's the all original lyrics that tell the country stories.

 

    Since he usually does his singing through a mic behind the drum set, "On Top Of The Heap" is Don Ray's first undertaking on which he's left the sticks behind and performs as the up front vocalist.  Joining him are: Curt Ryle on acoustic guitar, electric guitar solos and lap steel guitar; Gary Smith on piano and keyboards; Steve Bryant on bass; Steve Brewster on drums and percussion; Troy Lancaster and Mike Durham on electric guitar; Annette Donald, Wanda Johnson-Barnertt and Terra Allen on background vocals. 

 

    On the opening track, the bands not just taking 'The High Road", but they're taking it in high gear, with the petal to the metal, as well.  This smoker features some red hot rhythm, led by savage drum work from Steve.  It's quite obvious that since Don was vacating the position, he wasn't turning the kit over to just anyone. 

 

    Blues purists are going to be in their glory - as I was - while listening to "I Might Just Say Goodbye".  With the rest of the band locked into one of those grooves that puts you into a trance, this one is all about the scorching guitar riffs and the intense and soulful vocals.  Ron and Curt are absolutely amazing on this one.  If this isn't the discs best track, then I can't wait to find the one that is.

 

    Once again, it's the rhythm section that's impressing me here.  Both Steve's are at discs best on drums and bass, and together with Gary's work on the organ and the wonderful work of the background singers, they're all just "So Wicked" together.  This one may very well put a spell on you.

 

    "Good Bad Boy" is one of those rockin' sing-a-long type songs which contain the lyrics that live audience's love and that country hits are made from.  There's no question in my mind that when he plays this one at his live shows, Don's got most of the audience up on their feet, shaking their bodies and simultaneously shouting out the chorus line along with him. 

 

    Obviously telling a true story, with very real and warm lyrics, Don pays tribute to his wife first, then his daughter, all while using the same words.  Although he actually knows the answer, it seems he's still speculative as to "How a man at 200 pounds and over six feet tall, could be "Wrapped Around A Finger" that small"  Don's enthusiastic vocals, and very well written lyrics steal this one.

 

   You are a "Perfect Ten".  Now that's not just the title of the song, it's Dons answer to that question that every man in a relationship has been asked.... "Do you like what you see or does my butt look big in these jeans".  This track is the bands mission statement in full swing.  Don and the background singers are singin' their hearts out while the band is kickin' out some rockin' blues.   

 

    "How Much Of This Is Love" is a catchy retro tune on which Don Ray and his Rayettes will have you thinking of your favorite sixties singing groups. Once again, as it has been on pretty much most of the tracks, the vocals - lead and backup - along with the percussion, are profound. 

 

    Other tracks on "On Top Of The Heap" include:  'I Can't Find My Angel", "Boom Chika Wah Wah", "Barbecue And Beans", and "On Top Of The Heap" 

 

    "On Top Of The Heap" could possibly be one of the most well rounded discs I've listened to in some time.  Right from the first to the last track, it had it going on vocally, musically  and lyrically.  

 

    You've really got to get over to www.donrayband.com and check them out.  Once you give a few of the tracks a listen, I'm sure you'll want to hear more.  And one more thing, after you buy the disc, make sure you tell Don that the Blewzzman sent ya. 

 

    Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com