Ray Thomas: Words and Music - 2 Disc (CD/DVD)

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”. 

• NEW REMASTERED 2 DISC COMPILATION CELEBRATING THE MUSICAL LIFE OF MOODY BLUES’ FOUNDER RAY THOMAS


• A CD & DVD (NTSTC / REGION FREE) WITH 15 TRACKS INCLUDING RAY’S FINAL RECORDING - ‘DADA’S SONG’ - ISSUED HERE FOR THE FIRST TIME


• BONUS DVD FEATURES THE 5.1 MIX OF “FROM MIGHTY OAKS” AND THE PROMOTIONAL VIDEOS OF ‘HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD’ & THE NEW VIDEO FOR ‘DADA’S SONG’


• ARTWORK & BOOKLET FEATURE TRIBUTES FROM MANY MUSICIANS & PRODUCERS WHO WORKED WITH RAY


• REVIEWS IN “UNCUT”, “MOJO”, “RECORD COLLECTOR”, “PROG” MAGAZINES


• COVERAGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, RELEVANT WEBSITES & FANZINES

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. 

“Words & Music” is a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful and much missed musician.

Track Listing:

DISC ONE: CD - WORDS & MUSIC

IT AIN’T NECESSARILY SO – The Moody Blues
FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART (I LOVE YOU) –The Moody Blues
HOW CAN WE HANG ON TO A DREAM – The Moody Blues
I WISH WE COULD FLY – Ray Thomas
HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD – Ray Thomas
ADAM AND I – Ray Thomas
LOVE IS THE KEY – Ray Thomas
ROCK-A-BYE BABY BLUES – Ray Thomas
MIGRATION – Ray Thomas
DIDN’T I – Ray Thomas
WITHIN YOUR EYES – Ray Thomas
WE NEED LOVE – Ray Thomas
THE LAST DREAM – Ray Thomas
THE TROUBLE WITH MEMORIES – Ray Thomas & Bias Boshell
DADA’S SONG – Ray Thomas & Ryland Teifi

 

DISC TWO: DVD - WORDS, PICTURES & MUSIC
FROM MIGHTY OAKS - 5.1 SURROUND SOUND MIX

FROM MIGHTY OAKS (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
HEY MAMA LIFE (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
PLAY IT AGAIN (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
ROCK-A-BYE BABY BLUES (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
LOVE IS THE KEY (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
YOU MAKE ME FEEL ALRIGHT (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
ADAM AND I (5.1 SURROUND MIX)
I WISH WE COULD FLY (5.1 SURROUND MIX)

VISUAL CONTENT
HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD
(1975 PROMOTIONAL FILM)
DADA’S SONG (OFFICIAL VIDEO)