Live at the Sacred Bean

Ray Winch is one of the new breed of singer songwriters drawing influences from Rock, Country, and '70's Pop music. His first release 'Visions & Reflections' on his own label was met with critical acclaim and has been enjoying increasing commercial success. Ray has been booked as the opening act for The Marshall Tucker Band, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, and The Charlie Daniels Band. His music has been featured on several East Coast commercial radio stations including 105.5 WDHA-NJ, 93.5 WSBG-PA, and 96.1 WCTO-PA. He has been featured nationally on the Music Choice Digital Satellite Network. Ray's music has been favorably compared to such artists as the Eagles, America, Dan Fogelberg, and Jackson Browne. Strong lead vocals, well-crafted songs, and lyrics that are both meaningful and sincere characterize his music. Ray developed his unique vocal style singing in church choirs, clubs, and coffeehouses. He was a member of the Reverence Gospel Ensemble while attending Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Ray Winch is also an accomplished live performer. His new release 'Live At The Sacred Bean!' contains 11 songs with a full band and 8 songs solo with a percussionist. Whether in a small coffeehouse or a large theater, Ray has the ability to communicate openly and honestly with his audience with songs that speak directly to the listener's heart. He is currently touring in the Northeastern United States with fellow band members Shawn Hopkins (drums), Barbara Bootz (bass), Ted Smith (guitar), and Brian Kornfeld (percussion). 'Ray Winch: Live At The Sacred Bean!' Reviewed: 'Live At The Sacred Bean!' is the second offering by New Jersey singer songwriter Ray Winch. It consists of 11 songs with a full band and 8 songs solo with percussion. While most of the songs are original there are also some well-known covers such as 'Margaritaville' (Jimmy Buffet), 'Roller Derby Queen' (Jim Croce), 'A Long Line Of Love' (Thom Schuyler/Paul Overstreet), 'Little Houses' (Skip Ewing/ Mickey Cates), and 'Big Yellow Taxi' (Joni Mitchell). In this choice of covers we get a glimpse of the roots of Ray Winch's sound. Ray's original compositions show elements of '70's Pop ('Hey Pretty Baby'), Country ('Angel Of My World', Nowhere To Go') and Folk ('I'm Not Backin' Out On Love'). Yet, in spite of the variety of influences, these songs are able to comfortably coexist side-by-side. Another element of Ray's music that is revealed as the album progresses is the introspective and at times spiritual nature of his lyrics. Perhaps the best-received song on the CD is the deeply spiritual 'Heaven'. But in the end the true test of a live album is whether the performer is able to connect with his audience. And in this respect 'Live At The Sacred Bean!' is an overwhelming success.