Band : Ray Gilman
Album title : Let It Go
Label : Gilman's Crossing (own release)
Distributor : /
Release date : August 2010
Release : CD

Although to many of you Ray Gilman may be a new name in the Rock scene, the multi-instrumental artist is really a veteran of the Twin Cities area in Minnesota (for people not familiar with the terminology: cities meant are Minneapolis and St. Paul) who's recorded and released 8 prior records, played over a 1,000 shows, and recorded CDs for several other artists in his own recording studio.

On stage, Ray performs with his own band Gilman's Crossing consisting of second guitarist/ backing singer Pat Swedzinski (who's performed as solo artist, with Ray in the band TMPR, as well as in other Twin Cities bands. Pat and Ray also perform as a duo) , drummer Brian Sherry (started banging on empty ice buckets at the age of 9, recorded his first album at the age of 18 with the band Tkail, and went on to play with Paradise, Boys, White Raven, the Fanatics, as well as being a member of Paragon for 10 years. Having opened shows with his band for such renowned bands as Blue Oyster Cult, Pat Travers, Rick Derringer, Molly Hatchet, Warrant, Jeckyl, Foghat, and plenty of others, he also did fill-in work for Unce Chunk and Tracy Blake), and bassist...I'm not sure who's got that post at the moment, but it's either Brian Gilman (definitely a family member, eh Ray?) or Ben Craig (of Bone Club and Stockcar Named Desire (both popular bands) fame (if I'm reading my info right though, Brian replaced Ben, a band which is said to be influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Black Sabbath, Jethro Tull, Tool, Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin among others...and which has opened shows for the likes of Eric Burdon, Corey Sevens, performed live on Minneapolis' Kare 11 Television, was featured on KSPN 9 program Buzz, and won the Garage Logic bumper band contest.

For this rather personal album (it follows some recent family tragedies) Ray decided to play every instrument (guitars, bass, keyboards and drums) himself, as well as doin' all vocals and production. And the 10-track album probably doesn't venture far from Ray's usual Classic Rock influences. In spite of the family problems which influenced the music, he managed to give the album an overall positive and hopeful feeling, alternating sensitive ballads against more Hard Rock driven songs...and throughout the album, he succeeds in bringing tasteful guitar solos to songs which all have a perfect build-up. One exception: the instrumental Lightnin' Boogie, which is sheer guitarero extravaganza throughout! Regretfully, I haven't been able to find a website with music off this album. (www.) raygilman.com automatically re-directs the surfer to the band's (www.) myspace.com/raygilmanscrossing, where you will find audio for 6 songs not on the album. I'm only guessing they're rather similar to what you might find on this album (sorry, but due to time shortage I wasn't able to check things while looking up the extra info, and at the time of writing the review I was nowhere near an Internet connection).

Ray Gilman   Over Time
Two Side Moon
From Minneapolis, guitarist and singer Ray Gilman releases his 4th solo CD Over Time. Gilman's extraordinary guitar playing is a classic rock style, reminds the listener of Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, and Todd Rundgren, 18 tracks with numerous highlights. The lead off song I Can't Stop Myself has a funky groove and excellent guitar solos. New Game has some classic riffs and brilliant lyrics. Come Away With Me showcases Ray's guitar prowess on the solos that would make Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page proud. He was influenced by Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, Steve Howe, and Rush. A multi-instrumentalist he is assisted on this release by his Son Brian Gilman on bass, Pat Swedzinski on guitar, and Brian Sherry on drums from his touring band aGilmanas Crossinga. A refreshing classic rock album which deserves a chance. MC

Minneapolis, MN/ JUNE 2009

Amazing Minneapolis guitarist and singer Ray Gilman has just released his fourth solo CD, "Over Time". Radio programmers and listeners are already abuzz with Gilman's extraordinary guitar playing in a Classic Rock style that invokes memories of *Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Todd Rundgren, even Ozzy Osbourne. "Over Time" is available at www.raygilman.com, http://cdbaby.com/cd/raygilman2 and at Cheapo Records in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota.

From the 18 tracks, there are numerous highlights. The leadoff song "Can't Stop Myself" has a funky groove with dynamite guitar solos. "New Game" evokes classic rock riffs and lyrics of optimism for new beginnings and even commentary on the music industry. One can hop in their favorite car and drive for miles listening to the rootsy rocker "Tennessee" - the perfect road song. "Come Away With Me" showcases Ray Gilman's guitar prowess on the solos that would make Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page proud. Another stellar moment is a funky detour with "Funky Jazz Thing" whose melody will linger in the listener's mind.

The music world has been talking about Ray Gilman for years. Commenting on Gilman's previous solo CD "Altitude", Robert Silverstein said in the March 2006 20th Century Guitar Magazine, " A self-produced solo studio project all the way and a fine example of the do it yourself spirit. Ray Gilman's sonic progressive New Age instrumental rock takes the scenic route with some intriguing twists and turns."

About Ray Gilman

A veteran of the Twin Cities Music scene Ray started playing guitar at 11 years of age. As a young boy he listened to his uncle's Beatle records over and over until he memorized all of the lyrics. Ray was highly influenced by British guitarists as a teenager Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Tony Iommi, Steve Howe, Robin Trower to name a few, as well as American greats like Muddy Waters, Todd Rundgren, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Ray was also influenced by the Canadian band Rush.

Ray has recorded 11 CD's, played thousands of live shows, and produced CD's for other artists in his own recording studio. A multi instrumentalist Ray sings, plays acoustic and electric guitars,and keyboards. Ray has opened for Eric Burdon, Corey Stevens, to name a few, and performed live on KARE 11 Television (NBC) in Minneapolis. Ray's regional touring band Gilman's Crossing performed 90 shows a year across the midwest in 2007 and 2008. Gilman's Crossing was featured on KMSP 9 (UPN) on the Buzz program, and performed live on AM 1500 radio at the Minnesota State Fair on the "Garage Logic" show in 2000. Ray's son Brian is the Bass Player in Gilman's Crossing and he is also a founding member of the band. Brian is 28 years old and is one of the top bassists in one of the top music cities in the world. He also plays on some cuts on "Over Time".

Lead guitarist and songwriter in Twin Cities based Gilman’s Crossing, guitarist Ray Gilman flies high with his new solo album Altitude. It ain’t your attitude, it’s your altitude with Gilman echoing the glory days of his 70s and 80s jazz rock heroes. The guitarist explains, “I have always wanted to do an instrumental CD. I am influenced by artists like Jeff Beck, Weather Report, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Rush, and Todd Rundgren to name a few. I try to start with a good melody and build it from there. I really enjoyed making this CD". A self-produced solo studio project all the way and a fine example of the do it yourself spirit, Ray Gilman’s sonic progressive New Age instrumental rock takes the scenic route with some intriguing twists and turns. www.cdbaby.com/cd/raygilman   Robert Silverstein