Introducing: Parry Ray

15-10-2008 11:02

Parry Ray

My Life in Pieces is a record laced with wisdom, emotion and beauty and is executed with absolute conviction. Her talent for interpretation is asserted. The songs represent Parry’s real sensitivity to her beloved art form. To see an artist grow with such grace and momentum, one can only imagine what the future may hold for Parry Ray…

Parry Ray has been writing, singing and performing from a young age but only decided to really commit entirely to the art over recent years. Having read Physics at Bristol University and pursuing the academic route that her parents desired for her, Parry Ray put her musical passions on hold, following traditional Indian aspirations. Now ready to showcase her talents, she is about to release what can only be described as a collection of sultry, smooth jazz offerings from a stunning extraordinary talent.

With influences ranging from Nina Simone to Prince, Parry Ray derives inspiration from a variety of musical styles. One of the more unique arrangements on the album is her hauntingly beautiful reimagining of The Police classic ‘Every Breath You Take.’

From the age of 4, Parry Ray was enthralled by musicals she saw on the television and aspired to join the likes of Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. At school she pursued her love of music through singing, playing the piano and guitar, attaining grade 8 in singing at the age of sixteen and captured the eyes and ears of her peers and teachers who noticed her unique talents.

However, music was to take a backseat for Parry. She spent the following two decades pursuing a career as a science editor and business journalist, with music being more a hobby and rare delight. In her spare time, she allowed herself the time to sit and pour her heart out through beautifully crafted lyrics and melodies that slowly started to compile a set of personal accounts.

In 2004 Parry’s life turned a dramatic corner. After the devastating loss of her father, she soon realised that life was too short to give up on such an important dream and she rediscovered her passion and love for music. Now was the time for her to really follow her heart which has seen her perform at the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, the Glasgow International Jazz Festival and the Cannizaro Park Festival.