When one looks at the horizon, he sees a vast length of streak. One may think that nothing is beyond that, but when he reaches it, he would discover that the extent of that horizon is boundless. Just like music which is the kind of world that John Ray entered because he is a type of artist who perseveres to achieve what he dreamed of even as a child. And when he had accomplished something, he would go further to develop his dexterity. And to prove this, he revolutionized his style of composing songs in his all-instrumental album, JAZZtified. One may expect distinction from this collection because it consists of OPM songs sophisticated through the soprano saxophone. This gives you an idea of how experienced John Ray is when it comes to his art. He gives just to jazz through the different flavors each song makes. Imagine a bossa version of Tuloy Pa Rin Ako, sing along with the all-time favorite Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang, enjoy each moment of life with Habang May Buhay, be seduced with So Slow, hang around with the samba in Wag Na Lang Kaya, forget farewells with I’ll Never Say Goodbye, feel free with Before I Let You Go, feel like a princess with Beautiful Girl, experience serenity with Sana Maulit Muli, and be in another world with Rainbow. They say a picture paints a thousand words but a song senses a million feelings. And just like the horizon, John Ray offers more with his bonus track, the sax version of I Found Forever from his first album, Blown. They say he is the Kenny G of the Philippines, I say he is not, because he has a lot more to offer, broadening jazz, connecting it to all classes of individuals, leaving them astounded, and changing the notion that jazz is just for the elite.
This exceptional artist and composer recently signed a contract under Viva Records for the distribution of JAZZtified. The saxophonist-singer-composer exhibits his talent in his shows which leaves his spectators craving for more. He will take your breath away as he blows his soprano sax for minutes, literally. He released his first album independently, Blown last November 17 of 2006 at 9pm at Bagaberde, Roxas Boulevard. The special launch treat also featured Wency Cornejo, Nicole, Marinel Palma, with the Elements band. Blown was presented by his former management 7003 Dynamix, produced by Mr. Cornelio R. Palma and Ms. Ma. Rosario Palma, and supported by Wi-Max Business Innovations Inc., Manila Bulletin, Balita, Tempo, Crossover 105.1, RJ 100 and Bagaberde Grill and Bar.
The 10-track collection consists of 100 percent originals, all of which John Ray composed, from its carrier single I Found Forever to the other songs: Beyond Gravity, Could You Be, Here To Stay, Into Sleepless Nights, Smile Away, Heaven Is Your Smile, In Ampayon, and A Chance. But the album is also titled Blown because to play the sax, that's what you do – you 'blow' the instrument. And when John Ray performs, the resulting sound is sweet indeed. This album will no doubt lift John Ray to join the ranks of the country's veteran instrumentalists like Jong Cuenco and John Lesaca. He certainly has the talent, there's no doubt about that.
Like many artists, he started to live in the music world at a very young age which brought him at this point in his life. At the age of four, his best friend was the piano and the microphone. You would see him in every singing competition there is, triumphing over those even older than him. He learned how to play the sax in college at the Silliman University, where he pursued his Bachelor of Music Major in Composition degree. While a student there, John Ray joined nearly every musical group in existence, from the Silliman University Marching Band to the Silliman University Concert Band and Jazz Band. Before coming to Manila to try his luck, he also became part of the Cebu-based band Stages.
Aside from proving that he is a talented instrumentalist who can play the sax, keyboards, guitar and drums, John Ray also proved he is a gifted composer and arranger. One of his compositions, interpreted by a Cebuano singer named Chico Pineda won third place honors in the 2005 Cebu Popular Music Festival. He has yet to join a songwriting competition in Manila, but with his kind of talent, it's easy to predict that it won't be long before he does. And no doubt, he'll be copping honors there too.
His talent for playing the sax and composing music has also graced the jingles of PLDT, Ford Philippines, Wi-Max Business Innovations Jingle, the Manila Bulletin and the Biyahe Na Tayo jingle of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and SMART Communications. John Ray was also one of the featured musicians during the bar tour of Soul Siren Nina in 2005 and 2006. He was also a part of the JAMS band, a back-up for Nyoy Volante. The group is composed of Abe Silva on bass, Maynard Albis on drums and Steve Gonzales on guitar. But even while he is part of a successful group, John Ray still feels the need to strike out on his own and pursue his own dreams, one of which has always been to have his own album. It's the dream of every performer, and John Ray is no different.
John Ray has also appeared on various television shows, including ASAP '06, Homeboy, the morning shows Magandang Umaga Pilipinas and Unang Hirit, and Nuts Entertainment and has been featured in major newspapers like Philippine Star, Malaya, Tempo, and magazines like Pulp.
As a solo artist, he had numerous bar tours around the Philippines promoting his album. He had his mini concerts in Heritage Bar in Libis, Brews Bistro in Subic, Party A-venue in Timog, Skorski’s in Malate, 19 East Bar in Sucat, and his JAZZtified album tour in Bluewave, Macapagal sponsored by Lizmorasch Salon, Eclipse Gym 24/7, and VIVA Records. He also was the musical director of Dave’s concert in Bagaberde and proved that he could handle shows well for other people.
Through all these experiences, he further molds his dexterity and continually develops his craft which a true musician does. He believes there is more to that horizon and his recent show in Dubai proves this right. Last March 15, 2008 John Ray was joined by Wency Cornejo and Ara Mina perform at CHI Garden at the Lodge in Al Nasr Leisureland Dubai at the United Arab Emirates. He was the only one to have been given a standing ovation by the crowd. He caught the hearts of the foreigners as well as the Filipinos with his relaxing, soothing, and romantic music. Surely, his music would leave an impression to the world that would last a lifetime. He is to perform in London and the United States in the near future and one would have no doubt that John Ray would blow everyone away.
Genuinely, John Ray has leaped a milestone to attain his title. And with his new management, Beyond Gravity Entertainment, he would surely be a legacy in the music industry.
For inquiries, call (02) 828-9426 / (02) 497-1426 or (0928) 703-1231 and look for Ms. Leah B. Singwatt.
For more information log on to www.johnrayrevealed.com and catch his music video on www.youtube.com just type “I Found Forever.”
“This is a dream come true for me. I'm just going to try my best to live up to everybody's expectations.” – John Ray
Source: http://artists.letssingit.com/john-ray-j9v8x/biography
