Ray Materick
Kanata Records

 
   Ray was, & is, a very special gifted artist.  This was not the cover I wanted 2 create.  I would have preferred a close-up so as 2 portray the depth of his eyes & therefore his soul.  But, the record company did not want "intimacy."  Oh, well.

   Ordinarily, I would have refused this assignment... however, once I read a copy of his lyrics I was captivated.  They were pure poetry that caressed my sprit, & could actually stand alone without Ray's passionate music.

   Obviously the Toronto Star's Bruce Kirkland agreed heralding Ray's music as "...the most remarkable folk album of the year!" and Beetle, the hot music mag at the time, stated: "With his debut album, Ray Materick establishes himself as one of the major folk oriented talents in the world to date!"  Well deserved praise 4 Ray's exceptional talent.

   Ergo!  I accepted the assignment & chose 2 hand print all his lyrics 4 the inside cover, & forego the coldness of mechanical typesetting.

   My only regret is that now knowing of how handsome Ray is (& most likely was) I wish I had pushed 2 capture his close-up image N water colour.

   Perhaps one day I may have the opportunity... anything is possible.

PS:  I passionately urge U 2 check out Ray's site 2 hear more of his music at www.RayMaterick.com... Click on CD Directory, then on the "Sidestreets" cover & U shall hear a great song: Season Of Plenty... then go 2 LISTEN & click on my favourite song (though they R all great) & "Listen To Your Heart"

   By the way, I'm not on commission, I just luv 2 share great talent with others... & Ray is great! All R available 2 buy 4 your collection.

   You can also listen to one of Ray's latest songs, The Innocent by clicking here (you must have an mp3 player installed in your computer).