John Joseph Ray

and Ozark Friends

Yes, I’ve released five albums of music recently, My Instant Anthology.

To see and listen click here, or click on the menu above, or just scroll down.

Some recent shots

I played music for Frank Head’s reading of his book, The Possibility of All Things. Frank and Phyllis sang along, as did several in the audience, as I played songs that they sang 50 years ago as they wended their way through remote areas of Mexico, sometimes in an ancient pickup truck and sometimes by foot.

The songs were from Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, and I had about two weeks to learn them. I was surprised by some of the nuances in the songs, causing me to stretch a little bit, and I’m now happy to have them as part of my repertoire.

This was a magical evening, with Lots and Lots of Love. Many people were there who shared their time and Love with Phyllis 11 years ago when she was in a coma that lasted several months. It was a joy to see and hear both Frank and Phyllis savor the moment and the songs, forever young. The book is an incredible, yet real love story that transcends the reaches of most love stories.

What a blast to play music for the Magdalene Serenity House, which helps rebuild the lives of women who have experienced trauma, sexual exploitation, addiction, and incarceration. They accomplish this through safe housing, long-term support, and community partnerships. I love their motto: Heal One Woman, Heal a Community. Come on out and have some fun for a good cause..

Playing music at the Smokehouse for the Magdalene Serenity House benefit.

Singing some songs with friends in a cabin near the Buffalo River.

Playing some tunes at Terra Studios festival.

Here are the albums – CDs or Downloads

This is a lovingly created collection of mostly original songs and a few covers that I wish I’d written.

You will hear a wide variety of musical genres, musicians, and singers that help me get the sound I hear in my head when I write and play these songs.

Some of the instruments include acoustic guitar, slide guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, acoustic piano, electric keyboards and organ, bass guitar, drums, harmonica, fiddle, tenor sax, soprano sax, ukelele, flute, cello, box organ, pennywhistle, handdrum, and an occasional banjo (but not too much :-).

You can click on any album to hear snippets of the songs, see who is playing or singing with me on the songs, and purchase CDs or downloads. Enjoy! Leave a review! Share with your friends and family. 🙂

Please like my facebook page. I’ll be sharing music videos and more over time.
Stay well, John