JamesRAy

JamesRAy is a singer, song writer and international multi-award winning entertainer. This artist’s musical influences are as assorted as the inspirations of his eccentric and remarkable life story. This very diversity is at the pinnacle of his dynamic and passionate performances. With band, duo or solo his live performances exude a passion like no other.

JamesRAy was recently a grand finalist for BEST MALE COUNTRY ARTIST by the Kiwi Pro-Am national music awards 2009. He is the 2003 Trans-Tasman Entertainer of the Year and the 2002 & 2005 NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Songwriter award winner. He holds the prestigious ACMA 2002 award for Best Original Song, Best Male Vocalist and the supreme award of Best Overall Performer as well as the recipient of five top NZ Sun City Music Awards for 2003.

His latest Album, "Chasing the Dream" was a New Zealand Music Tui Grand Finalist in both the 'Best Country Album' and 'Best Country Song'. Sony Records has included JamesRAy on "NZ's Best Country Songs" compilation CD along with Bic Runga, Dave Dobbyn and many other great kiwi artists.

Before moving to New Zealand almost five years ago, JamesRAy got a super dose of musical experience when he accepted an offer to join the Bob Dylan back line crew on their world tour throughout the mid 1990's. By the late 90's JamesRAy returned to Nashville to write with gold and platinum award winning songwriters Kerry and Lynn Gillespie-Chater. Then the love of a Kiwi girl brought JamesRAy to the shores of New Zealand where he still writes and pursues a musical artist’s dream – to share his heart and soul through words and rhythm.

Since coming to New Zealand in 2000 and becoming a NZ citizen in 2005, JamesRAy has found a unique niche for himself as a much demanded solo artist, performing to sold out concerts with the likes of The Amazing Rhythm Aces as well as co-billing with such Kiwi icons as the Topp Twins, Hammond Gamble, Paul Ubana Jones and the Warratahs. Performing on the New Zealand national TV Ones' "The Good Morning Show" and numerous local and national radio shows has allowed him to share his music with the nation.

Performing all over Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand has given this international performing artist plenty to sing and write about. "I just love to perform," says JamesRAy and that's all too evident to anyone that sees his show.

 

"His fresh approach to acoustic country rock and his brilliant song-writing ability lead me to think that it won't be long before he is a household name in this country. " - D. Edwards of Rock it Promotions.