Ray Thomas - Words & Music: CD/DVD Newly Remastered Compilation (CD/DVD)

Release Date: 09/25/20

Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the release of a new 2 disc CD and DVD collection of recordings celebrating the musical life and work of RAY THOMAS. Ray was a founder member of THE MOODY BLUES, a band whose legacy and classic albums need no introduction. He was a musical pioneer, introducing the flute into the context of a rock band before such luminaries as Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull. Ray's contribution to the Moody Blues was immense, and when the band went on a hiatus in the mid-70s, Ray recorded two solo albums for the band's THRESHOLD label: 'FROM MIGHTY OAKS' and 'HOPES, WISHES & DREAMS'.

When the Moody Blues regrouped to record the album 'Octave', Ray was once again within their ranks and would appear with the band on record and on stage until he retired from the band and live performance in 2002. The release of a limited edition boxed set of his solo work by Esoteric Recordings in 2010 saw Ray return to the studio to record the song 'The Trouble with Memories' (co-written with keyboard player and arranger Bias Boshell).

Sadly, Ray passed away in January 2018 leaving behind a wonderful legacy of work, including his very last song (co-written and recorded with the Welsh musician Ryland Teifi): 'Dada's Song', a piece which lyrically paid homage to Ray's Welsh ancestry. This compilation gathers together a collection of songs from the first line-up of the Moody Blues, Ray's solo album and includes the first ever release of 'Dada's Song'. It also includes a bonus DVD (NTSC / REGION FREE) which features the 5.1 surround sound mix of Ray's 1975 album 'From Mighty Oaks' (originally featured on the limited edition 2010 boxed set, unavailable for some years and included here due to much demand from fans), the 1975 promotional video of 'High Above My Head' and the new video for 'Dada's Song' exclusively shot for this release. The booklet features many tributes from those who worked with him, including former band mates Denny Laine and Mike Pinder.