Influenced by the Rock 'N Roll guitar of Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple) and the honky tonk guitar style of Roy Nichols (Merle Haggard), Ray has contributed his own electric sound to numerous recording sessions in Nashville with artists such as Marty Stuart, Ricky Skaggs, Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless, Janie Frickie, Emmylou Harris and Travis Tritt to name a few. A huge compliment followed when one of Ray’s heroes, Chet Atkins, recorded one of Ray’s self-penned tunes, Tahitian Skies, first with Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and then again with the Irish band, The Chieftains. In 1989 Ray recorded his own instrumental album, Untitled Island.Despite his success behind the electric guitar, Ray’s current aspirations lie in the acoustic realm. Chet Atkins said it best – “Ray is a very aggressive, energetic player, and I think it’s a big plus to have him here in Nashville. Upcoming review from April 2004 issue of Guitar Player by Andy Elli