aaamusic | On 01, Aug 2011
Josh Bray to release ‘The River Song’ and physically release album on CD on 22nd August.
“Josh Bray’s hugely impressive debut, is both an understated acoustic gem and a powerful statement of intent”. – Acoustic Magazine
“Solidly Constructed Songs- with a clear- voiced articulacy… duelling acoustic and electric guitars taking a leaf out of Robbie Robertson’s book” – Uncut
“Suffice to say that this may be the most fully formed debut to appear since Ray LaMontagne’s Trouble. And approach with caution – beneath their fastidiously crafted surfaces, these songs can kill.” – Adam Sweeting, The Arts Desk
Whisky and Wool, the debut album from singer Josh Bray will be released in physical format at all major outlets on August 22nd on NewTide Records. To coincide with the album release, single ‘The River Song’ will also be released; remixed by worldwide renowned producer Cenzo Townsend (U2, Kaiser Chiefs, Editors, Graham Coxon, Babyshambles, Florence and the Machine and Snow Patrol).
‘Whisky and Wool’ draws plenty of inspiration from Josh’s childhood. Although he was Devon born he grew up in Dorset, where unlike most acoustic singer-songwriters Josh was listening to Pearl Jam, Led Zeppelin Soundgarden and Alice In Chains. It wasn’t until Bray switched on the TV and saw Nick Drake performing “Riverman” and as Josh puts it “It all made sense”. Josh started down a path which encouraged him to investigate further and he soon became immersed in the whole 1970’s folk/rock sound, taking influences from Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, CSN, John Martyn, Dylan and Fairground Convention. These are the sounds and inspiration that so clearly echo throughout ‘Whisky and Wool’.
Josh picked up an old Spanish guitar which belonged to his late father and which he still plays with and began to teach himself. That detuned style he inherited from the British folk scene is still a significant part of his style.
Having dabbled in music for a while and having played local clubs, Josh decided to put music to one side for the time being, and went to study law at university. After graduating, he was all set to move to the US and work in human rights law for the charity Amicus, who support people on death row, however his friend persuaded him to give his music a go and since then he has never looked back.
In less than a year so much has happened in Josh’s musical path, he has had significant airplay across Radio 2’s network and has done sessions for the likes of Dermot O’Leary, and Aled Jones. BBC London has supported Josh with sessions being completed for Jo Good and Robert Elms and Absolute Radio’s Geoff Lloyd has also had Josh in for a session.
Josh has also set out on his own west country tour with his band and by popular demand is returning back there in the Autumn. He has supported various up and coming artists such as The Parlatones, and Jon Allen. A Ruarri Joseph UK tour support is also penned down this October.
‘Whisky and Wool’ is his personal work of passion as Josh explains, “I don’t want to be on ‘Cribs’ or walk around in fur coats. I just want to play live and put records out that I hope people will enjoy.”
