Rick Ray

    Rick Ray

    Also credited as The Rick Ray Band

    Cleveland, Ohio7 reviews across 7 releases

    blues rockclassic rockjazz rockprogressive rock
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    Rick Ray is an Ohio musician whose work grew out of the Cleveland-area hard-rock scene. He began Neurotic in 1973, formed the first Rick Ray Band in 1985, and later used Riot Act to make the music more accessible. The Rick Ray Band returned in 2000 after Ray had established Neurosis Records in 1999, a label for his solo recordings and band projects. In the records held here, his basic language is seventies rock with progressive and blues elements, led by extended guitar work rather than heavy production. Cast Into Our Dimension presents long, mostly guitar-centered pieces, while Insanity Flies pushes further into instrumental progressive rock and gives Rick Schultz's clarinet a larger role. Manipulated DNA loosens the format with relaxed vocals, jazz-rock touches and two guitars working against each other. The clarinet remains the unusual constant.

    In 1990, Ray formed Riot Act, which lasted until 2000; its drummer John Cek eventually replaced Gregg Davidson, while Jack Ambrose was absent for part of the run. Ray re-formed the Rick Ray Band in 2000, shifting back toward the instrumental progressive approach associated with his earlier group. Cek supplied vocals as well as drums on Into The Hands Of Sinners, then Sam Glorioso replaced him for Out Of The Mist Of Obscurity and contributed to two songs. By Night Of The Living Dedicated, the band had three lead vocalists, with Ray sharing the role with Phil Noch and Gary Wood. Ray continued releasing music after the 2004 album, including Temporary World in 2005 and The Gremlins Are Listening in 2023. The Rick Ray Band remains active in the Cleveland area.

    7 releases reviewed