Pistol River Concert Association
http://www.pistolriver.com
Saturday, October 20, 2007, 8pm
Blues Guitar
Ray Bonneville calls his music “a gumbo of American roots stylings.” His own style involves generating a tremendous amount of sound: laying down a surprisingly complex guitar groove, rock-solid footboard percussion, intricate but understated harmonica licks, and weathered vocals that are always cool but never aloof. He often streamlines his touring act, accompanying himself on guitar, rack harmonica and footboard. This same spare quality applies to the evocative songwriting that won him a 1999 Juno Award – the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy – for his third album, “Gust of Wind”.
“Trimming down and taking away leaves room for the silence between the sounds,” says Ray. “It allows listeners to put their own lives into the song. There can be more to a song than lyrics and notes… dust, heat, wind.” Ray’s been in demand as a live performer for three decades, playing not only clubs and concert halls, but also such prestigious festivals as New Orleans Jazz & Heritage, Montreal Jazz, Kerrville, Toronto Harbour front, Ottawa Folk, Strawberry, Winnipeg and Edmonton. Audiences respond well to Ray’s portraits of conditions he considers human and universal. “My music isn’t aimed at the intellect. It’s aimed at the visceral level, closer to the belt.”
