Oliver Ray, Out Passed Nowhere Review
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Patti Smith has been an iconic figure in the punk and rock genres. As any great musician knows, you are only as good as those that stand behind you. Step forward, longtime guitarist for Patti Smith, Oliver Ray. Though Ray has been in the spotlight for numerous years, this is his debut offering titled Out Passed Nowhere. Centered around Ray’s songwriting, the album finds him backed by a cavalcade of guest performers from the Bay Area, Tucson, and the NYC music communities. Ray’s tunes are brought to life in stunning wide screen detail by members of Giant Sand, Sugar Candy Mountain, The Myrrors, Xixa, and China, as well as a very special appearance by the high priestess and poet laureate of punk herself.
Positives:
It is clear that years in the trenches have seasoned a crafted songwriter, who is equally poetic as he is poignant and earnest.
Bottom Line:
In a collaborative effort with producer David Glasebrook, the two set out to create an album that is reflective of Ray’s diversity. Throwing all convention to the wind, instead cobbling that best of Ray’s songwriting into poetic renderings of striking tunes. From the guitar driven “Ol Coyote,” to the folkish “Setting Sun,” or the swirling psychedelia of “Best Game in Town,” or tapping into the darkly hued “Tower and the Star.” Ray’s songwriting is certainly representative of the era he came up in that conjured such greats as Bob Dylan or Brian Eno. Ray is not a newbie trying to cop the sound, he is a living breathing testament to the era. Highlighting all those worthy miles traveled and countless experiences that add up to a veteran musician getting it right. Out Passed Nowhere is a tour de force. That’s the short of it!