Strings of Gold by Celeste Ray

Ray's diverse and eclectic background includes a tour of Australia for six months during 1997, where she was commissioned to compose a musical scheduled for national release. Her tour also included performances on the bowed psaltery for Australia's national radio station (ABC), and the Government House.

Ms. Ray's first internationally released CD, "Place With a View," features a lineup of impressive guest artists including Steve Kujala (Chick Corea) and Alex Acuna (Weather Report). Ms. Ray plays piano, handles all the writing, and introduces her unique vocal style, which impressed long time mentor Paul McCandless. "Celeste's melodic compositions, and especially her vocals, give the music a sound which is instantly identifiable..I am impressed!" said McCandless.

Paul McCandless is featured on "The Gateway," Celeste's second internationally released CD. Inspired by Arthurian and Celtic legends, "The Gateway" weaves mytho-poetic stories within a contemporary musical landscape. It creates an eclectic combination of rich Celtic tones and textures from traditional instruments such as flute, recorder, oboe and cello with the sound of world instruments such as dumbek, bohdran, and pennywhistles. Celeste Ray's dynamic compositions feature her lyric vocal styling along with impressive piano and psaltery arrangements and performances. Additionally, her music is included on the European CD sampler "Keltia," and has received outstanding reviews in international publications, including New Age and New Sounds.

Celeste Ray's third album "Celtic Blessings," was made possible by a grant received from the Arts Alliance of Ventura County. "Celtic Blessings," inspired by ancient Celtic poems, reflects both original and traditional melodies illuminating the Celtic heart and soul. Her journeys throughout the UK and Ireland provided a wellspring of sacred sources for her imagination to draw upon. The Los Angeles Times describes her latest CD as "a sound at once fresh and other-worldly...her distinct calling card is her skill with the relatively obscure bowed psaltery and her voice is a warm and pleasant instrument."

From 1998-2002 Celeste performed a series of workshops and Celtic concerts made possible by grants from

the city of Ventura, Ca., both in public schools and Ventura City Hall.

After relocating to New York in early 2002, Ray received two consecutive grants in 2003 and 2004 from the Brooklyn Arts Council to sucessfully produce and perform with her ensemble Celtic Legend. "A Celtic Concert Series" includes workshops featuring the history of the ancient bowed psaltery and harmonium. Celeste is kept busy performing concerts on both the east and west coasts. She continues to interpret the Celtic heritage through her music. She believes this artform crosses many boundaries.

Average Customer Review: