Ray Humphries - Is that the Time Already?

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 9 / 7 / 2012

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Facts about Ray Humphries are thin on the ground but we do know that ‘Is It That Time Already?’ was recorded in his native Warrington. But one thing is certain; Ray Humphries, who wrote the twelve songs that comprise ‘Is It That Time Already?’, is a master at wrapping his little stories up in attractive melodies that will leave their mark on you after the very first listen. Humphries plays guitar and mandolin along with keyboards, and it has to be assumed that bassist Mike Evans and sticks man Mark Petherbridge are permanent fixtures, but there are a number of other musicians adding to the sound here. Slide guitar, banjo, fiddle and strings are used throughout to flesh out the basic sound, and given that the guitar solos on songs such as ‘Duty Calls’ are delivered by Humphries it would appear that he knows his way around the instrument. The diversity of subjects covered on the album coupled with Humphries lived-in vocals indicate that he’s been around a while. Vocally Humphries sounds familiar but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who he brings to mind. On the slide guitar drenched, blues infused ‘Don’t Get Mad’, it’s annoyingly frustrating not to be able to readily name who Humphries sounds like, but the song shows just one side to Humphries; he covers so much ground here which is what makes the album so appealing. There are a number of times, and ‘Let Me Be’ is just one, where Humphries displays a Saw Doctors influence with passionate vocals, a sing-along chorus and a melody that is simply irresistible. Then he’ll throw you totally off course with a song like ‘Laurel Canyon’, a heartfelt tribute to that 60s/70’s Los Angeles sound, displaying some neat lyrical touches with Humphries wearing his love of the Eagles proudly on his sleeve. Despite the heart -stopping harmonies in the chorus you can feel the dream beginning to fade… Those harmonies are even sweeter in ‘Spiderman’, another particularly affecting ballad, with one of the prettiest melodies heard in a long time, the gruffness in Humphries’ vocals as he looks back over his shoulder is at odds with the beauty displayed in the harmonies and the sweet melody but it works so well. While Humphries can write love songs that most can relate to, he opens the album with ‘She’s That Woman’, a lively romp that is the perfect introduction to his world; it’s an inoffensive little song that is hard to resist but straight away it’s obvious that Humphries is a cut above the rest lyrically even if his vocal performance displays none of the passion or gruffness that prevails as the album progresses. Songs like ‘Who Is Al?’ are much deeper lyrically and will find you hitting the repeat button just to make sure you’ve understood the story. It’s far from the usual love-betrayed song we are used to hearing to and compelling listening. The surely autobiographical, ‘Northern Town’, which closes the album, displays Humphries’ most passionate vocal performance and again is one of those songs that you can’t fail to be moved by. Again the backing vocals lift the song and the whole track is so sensitively produced with the strings adding so much texture and atmosphere at just the right moment it truly is breathtaking. Ray Humphries is currently one of the best and most talented singer/songwriters around, ‘Is It That Time Already?’ really doesn’t have any low points, twelve distinctive songs where Humphries never even gets close to repeating himself twice makes for one of the best 45 minutes of music you’ll hear all summer.

Track Listing:-

1 She's That Woman
2 Heartache
3 A Summer's Carol
4 Laurel Canyon
5 Duty Calls
6 Don't Get Mad
7 Let Me Be
8 Spiderman
9 Home
10 Who Is Al
11 Get Her Out
12 Northern Town

Band Links:-

https://www.facebook.com/RayH55

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