Beatles – Jim Croce – Cat Stevens
Marc Cohn – Van Morrison – Arlo Guthie
Cyndi Lauper – Arlo Guthrie – Phil Collins
Warren Zevon – Eagles – Johnny Cash
John Denver – Rodger Miller – Bob Dylan
Bob Seiger – Doc Watson – Animals
Eric Clapton – Harry Chapin
Originals - Traditional - and more..
Interview by James Fredrick at Caffe Lena, 6/12/2008
In the early 70's, my brother Dennis showed my his Harmony guitar which he learned to play when he was in the Air Force, and showed me the chords to "For What It's Worth". I bought a guitar that week and have been playing ever since. When my children were young I played for them at night instead of reading them stories. I played in church folk groups for many years, both in Brentwood, Long Island and in upstate at Corpus Christi Church.
When I moved to upstate New York in 1989 and in 1990 I was told about the open mic at Caffe Lena and I have been going almost every Thursday since. I play a lot of the singer songwriter tunes like Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Jimmy Buffet, Taj Mahal, John Prine, Beatles, and lots of folky stuff. I was asked to become a host and have been hosting ever since. With the influence of so many fine musicians, I started writing songs in the early 90's and my first project was reviewed by "Dirty Linen" magazine.
In the late 90's I played many solo and group venues in the area as part of a group called Traveling Players. More recently I've been playing with Emily Smith and the Midnight Sun doing many fundraisers and benefits. We were at the Saratoga County Fair this year as a finalist for the Froggy 107 shootout. I continue to write and listen to many different types of music, and go to many open mics in the area where I meet many fine musicians. Music is the great equalizer, young and old, we all share a common love.
Ray, my friend. Just stopping in to say hello. I've been home in NH for a week now, and am a little depressed to be back in the city. Only for a few months, though. I'll tough it out. Take care
Hope you're having a good week ... Riding those horses in the Fall foliage must be pretty special ... I am envious... Give my regards to the family... Take care, be well, and have a good time ... Always great hearing from ya.
Animal Planet?? ... now THAT would be cool ! Then I could afford a new Animal Services vehicle ... But personally, I'd prefer one of your horses .... Have a great day my friend and hopefully I will see you soon.
Long-time-no-hear ... How the hec are ya ?? It's the same-old thng down this end ... Still waiting for Nashville to call ... But at least I stopped holding my breath!!. LOL ... Give the horses a hug for me and all the best to you and your family.
Hey Ray!! Always a pleasure to see your grin in front of me. Thanks for all the love and support- means a lot- especially from a fellow music maker. Hope you're well and hope to see you soon. Mel P.S. Just catching up on myspace- and checked out the Lady Antebellum link that you sent along. My sister, eh? That's a nice compliment. She's a looker, that one!
Hope you're having a great Sunday Ray ... Just wanted to say hello... I miss ya old boy...give those horses a hug and an apple for me...and warmest regards to the family.
All's well on this end Ray...How bout yourself? It's small-town life at it's best... Still playin' plenty...on and on it goes...no big events though... Great hearing from ya Brother!
Hey there
well you added me as a friend and I am so happy for that!
Like most bands or artist on here I would love for you to come check out my music!
heres why I think its worth your time....
Im real, I love what I do! I feel each of my songs, I write them all, I breath them all, I cry them all out......
Please give me a shot and let me know what you think. Everyone who
comments or writes me I write back, its a promise or you can drop
me...lol
Im recording now in the studio and would love to have stuff up for sale
real soon. Would love for you to pass me on to a friend!
Im Shavon and its really nice to meet you and be your friend.
WOO HOO
peace
sounds like shavon
Thanks for your comment on my pic. I actually designed that last summer for our CD cover. CDs sometimes take forever (sigh...) even when you think they are almost done & should get rolling on a cover & song order.
I'll have to get over to Lena's to see you for an open mike session soon. I haven't played one in many years. What Thursday is yours?
ben and i are playing sat night from 7-10pm at professor javas on wolf road albany ny all original showcase hope you can come out i have been icing my wrist lately.
how are ya Ray? Got a bari, eh? They have a nice sound...just recently heard one for the first time...I had never heard of them before. It looks like we'll be up that way in May. Hopefully we can get a chance to play some. See ya,
