a website dedicated to live music
Ray grew up listening to his mothers' music of the 40s and his brothers' music of the 50s. Transferring that to his era of the 60s, the guitar was a natural instrument for him to be drawn to, so when at the age of 12, his father gave him a guitar, his life's passion was released.
These early influences of Chet Atkins, Mississippi John Hurt, Barney Kessel and, later, Bob Dylan, directed his musical evolvement and are still present today; although now they are blended into the unique sound that is Ray Barrett.
These early influences of Chet Atkins, Mississippi John Hurt, Barney Kessel and, later, Bob Dylan, directed his musical evolvement and are still present today; although now they are blended into the unique sound that is Ray Barrett.
The 90s found Ray making a final move back to the Midlands where the demands of a blossoming Design career meant a withdrawal from the performance scene and an opportunity to re-focus on song writing, an area which had been somewhat ignored during the decades of performing. These years were to be the bridge between performance and song writing and culminated with the turn of the century, when Ray once again emerged on the live scene.
Rays' present career is diverse with him singing and playing, writing songs and developing in the role of musical director. Ray plays solo gigs, and collaborates with local musicians as an integral member of the Jazz and Blues
based ensemble Retrojaz .
Rays' present career is diverse with him singing and playing, writing songs and developing in the role of musical director. Ray plays solo gigs, and collaborates with local musicians as an integral member of the Jazz and Blues
based ensemble Retrojaz .
In the late 60s, whilst learning his craft, Ray became involved with the Folk Revival in Coventry - engaging such notaries as John Martyn / Ralph McTell / Christie Moore / Magna Carta, Diz Dizley and Dando Shaft; all who influenced his developing skills.
Moving to the south coast in the early 70s, Rays' folk interests were to prove an introduction to a large musical community, where he soon became an integral player in the local music scene. Working solo and with duo's, his direction changed towards rock music, forming the band Roxoff.
With a move to London in the early 80s', Ray again turned solo and played the popular North London wine bar circuit in West Hampstead,
Finchley, Muswell Hill and Camden Town.
Moving to the south coast in the early 70s, Rays' folk interests were to prove an introduction to a large musical community, where he soon became an integral player in the local music scene. Working solo and with duo's, his direction changed towards rock music, forming the band Roxoff.
With a move to London in the early 80s', Ray again turned solo and played the popular North London wine bar circuit in West Hampstead,
Finchley, Muswell Hill and Camden Town.
