Canada's Best Kept Secret
Mr. Cary Allen Virgin | San Diego,CA USA | 08/23/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ray Condo & His Richochets are a Vancouver based five-piece combining elements of rockabilly, western swing, honky-tonk, cabaret-style jazz and blues to create the most exciting musical hybrid I've ever had the good fortune to witness. They've put in some long hours on the road the last few years, and I have got to tell you, don't pass on a chance to see them live! Ray's manic energy and eclectic vocal, sax, and rhythm guitar stylings are a joy to behold. Backed by one helluva' rhythm section, Jimmie Roy (steel, 2nd lead) and Steve Nikleva ("take-off" guitar), fly one moment and compliment Ray's vocal delivery the next. Steve N., especially, has a style all his own that is indicative of his background in the jazz genre. How does all of this transfer to disc? Better than I ever would have believed had I not heard it on "High and Wild," Ray's third for the Joaquin label. Each release has been a steady ascent toward greatness, I'm pleased to report. On this outing, songs like "I Flipped," "Fort Worth Stomp," and "Parchment Farm," left me amazed that they were able to top their excellent 1997 release, "Door To Door Maniac." When Ray "channels" Maurie Chevalier (you think I'm kiddin' don't you?) on "What is This Thing Called Love?," I was sold on the fact that Ray rules! Don't miss this one, folks- this music is far and away Canada's greatest single export!"