RAY PORCELL
Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Ray grew up in a musical family. His father was a professional musician who played several instruments. At the tender age of 7 Ray started playing the ukulele and by age 10, he was gifted a set of drums and quickly mastered the art of the bang. A few years later, at age 13, he received his very first acoustic guitar and began teaching himself popular folk songs of the day.
Soon after he graduated to electric guitar and formed his very first band called the ‘Vanguards’. When it came time for college, Ray migrated to New Hampshire and continued to pursue his musical ambitions, playing in various bands. It was at this same time, while attending school, that he met Joe Droukas, an acclaimed singer/songwriter from the Bronx New York. The two connected musically and formed a rock band called ‘The Crazy Man Band’.
The band toured all over New England for several years until Joe was offered a recording contract. Ray toured with Joe in support of that album, opening for people like Tim Buckley, Alex Taylor, Marshall Tucker and Bruce Springsteen. After performing as a solo artist for several years, Ray and Joe reunited to form ‘The Parlour Band’, an Americana style band that released a highly acclaimed album. Ray penned the song “Come In From The Rain” which can be heard on that album. While Ray and Joe were working on a new album, Joe unexpectedly passed away. Ray pressed on and with the help of several musician friends, completed the album titled “Better Man” and released it as Joe’s final work.
Ray co-wrote and produced two songs on that album. Subsequently, Ray went on to release his first solo album ‘Pieces Of The Puzzle’. When Ernest Thompson, the Academy Award winning author of On Golden Pond heard Ray’s album he approached Ray with the idea of writing songs together. This creative collaboration has since produced dozens of songs and the albums ‘The Journey Goes On’ and ‘Where I’m Supposed To Be’. The song Bronte Brook can be heard and seen in a video produced by Ernest. Ray’s smooth vocals and deft guitar playing combine elements of folk, country, rock and blues.
Porcell has performed with the likes of Tim Buckley, Bruce Springsteen, Alex Taylor, David Johansen (Buster Poindexter) and a string of other music legends, including, for more than 40 years, Joe Droukas. Ray currently resides in central New Hampshire and he continues to perform and write songs.
Verdict Music welcomes Ray Porcell and looks forward to introducing his music to all of you!