Ray Bonneville

It's ironic that Ray Bonneville's latest album is entitled Solid Ground. For one thing, he spent a portion of his life as a bush pilot; secondly, he sees a strong connection between flying and music-both as a means to freedom. Nevertheless, this Montreal-based guitarist, vocalist and harmonica-player has spent 30 years touring Canada, the United States and France to achieve that freedom. Bonneville blends elements of blues, country, roots, rock, and slight tinges of Cajun and Latin rhythms into an infectiously likeable style. His natural, laid-back voice echoes Mark Knopfler and Eric Clapton, and his spare musical arrangements exude a confidence and emotional insight that leave audiences captivated. Listen to the genuine quality of his words and his percussive blues guitar style that questions the need for a rhythm section. For a man who's shared the stage with the likes of B.B. King and Muddy Waters, and who's appeared at the prestigious New Orleans and Monterey Jazz festivals, Bonneville remains refreshingly low-key. In an interview with the Edmonton Sun, Bonneville says, "Me, I wouldn't want to be a famous guy. You get robbed of your privacy. I just want to be a well-respected songwriter. Besides that, I haven't got anything figured out."

  -- LG