The Guitar Player's Resource
Bark With The Big Dogs, the newest release from Virginia-based guitarist Ray Wilkes, alternately showcases the expressive vocals and biting guitar work by this experienced artist. Wilkes also recruited noted tenor saxophonist Tom Scott for several tracks, including the jazz-flavored instrumental "The Blue Room At Watson's." The mixture of engaging vocal tunes with soulful instrumental tracks gives this CD a strong appeal to fans of both musical approaches. Wilkes returns to his musical roots on Bark With The Big Dogs, at the same time, the album is diverse and shows a variety of influences. Wilkes' guitar playing is the icing on the musical cake, perfectly complementing the rock/pop/jazz/blues arrangements with every fretted phrase.
Ray began his career early when he started playing guitar at the age of nine. As early as junior high school his talents were sought after by local rhythm and blues bands, and he spent his weekends on the regional nightclub circuit. In the seventies, after completing musical studies in college, Ray engaged in several years of extensive professional touring. Ray has also performed on stage with such notable artists as Debbie Reynolds, Gloria Loring, and the Average White Band. At one time he was featured soloist with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra
On the CD insert to Bark With The Big Dogs, Wilkes credits, "the wonderful people who believed enough in this project to encourage me and help me to complete it." We should all thank the same people--this record deserves to be heard..
Flat Five Press & Recording Co.
18 East Main St.
Salem, VA 24153
United States
Web site: www.flat5.com