FOUR years after releasing his debut album, Appleton singer-songwriter Ray Humphries has followed it up with another.
“Nothing to Hide” is a collection of his own songs, with backing vocals by Ken Mellor, Mike Evans and Dave Hollington, who appeared on his first album, and newcomer Suzie Lowe. It is attracting favourable comments in the music world as well as getting plenty of airplay around the world.
The response, says Ray, has been good.
Ray, who plays guitar, mandolin, and keyboards has been around in musical circles for many years, playing in various bands, including Spruce and Tribal Elders, before going solo.
His musical career started when he was 11, with the guitar his first instrument. He lists his main influences as The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and The Kinks. But he refuses to be tied to any one genre.
He has mixed feelings about the music scene as it is today. In some ways, he likes being able to use social media to get his music before a worldwide audience, without having to go on tour.
But on the other hand he feels that audiences are missing out because of the dwindling about of live gigs.
Ray’s first album was “Is it that time already?” and those in the know still rate it highly.
The question they frequently ask is: Why has there been a four year gap?
