Figures Of The True

Figures Of The True

Track Listings

1. Valley Of Vision

2. The Yearning Sky

3. Under The Waterspouts

4. My Sun, My Shield

5. Waiting For April

6. Signs + Wonders

7. Heart On A Suncloud

8. Old Paths

9. Things To Come (The Land of Far Distances)

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Born on April 18, 1957 in Newport News, Virginia, Ray has resided in Boca Raton, Florida for over 30 years. He began playing piano when he was six years old. Besides being a veteran jazz keyboardist and pianist on the south Florida music scene for many years, Ray was a member of guitarist Randy Bernsen's Ocean Sound Band and recorded on three of his albums along with such luminary jazz artists as Jaco Pastorius, Michael Brecker, Wayne Shorter, and Herbie Hancock. Ray has also performed with jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, trumpeter Ira Sullivan, vocalist Ursula Dudziak, saxophonist Ed Calle, and flautist Nestor Torres.

As a youth, Ray studied classical piano with the renowned Argentinean concert pianist Raul Spivak. He also studied jazz piano with Vince Maggio (University of Miami) and Chuck Marohnic (Florida Atlantic University). Collegiate studies were at Palm Beach Community College, Eastman School of Music, University of Miami (FL), and Florida Atlantic University where he graduated in 1982 with B.F.A. in music (jazz arranging and composition).

Ray has been actively involved with recording engineering since 1980, and has owned and operated his own studio, Balsam Pillow, since 1992. He was also a co-owner of Spectrum Recording Studios, a popular local recording studio, for several years.

Ray has produced, recorded, mixed and and/or mastered projects for Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale, CCM artist Erin O'Donnell, Jackson Bunn, Randy Bernsen, Nestor Torres, Richard Brookens & Yellow Bell, Pam Rozell, Warner Brothers Publications, Abaco Music, Changuito, Athenas, Vicki Richards, Honey Drake, Rick and Robin Krive, Scott Marischen, Billy Bones, Keiko Chokai, Calvary Chapel of Tamarac, Matt Johnson, Valerie Z. & Paris, and Northwestern Mutual Life, among others.

In 1993, Ray released a CD of original instrumental jazz music entitled "Farewell To Shadowlands".

Product Description
Ray Lyon's "Figures Of The True" is a powerful collection of biblically based contemporary instrumental jazz compositions in a style reminiscent of such jazz artists as the Pat Metheny Group and Yellowjackets. With a fresh and original approach all his own, Ray is a skillful and melodic keyboardist who is equally adept on both acoustic piano and synthesizers. "Figures Of The True" combines exquisite textures and grooves, soaring synth leads and burning piano solos into an exciting mix that is richly panoramic, evocative, and inspiring. Produced and recorded over a five year period at his own studio, Balsam Pillow, this recording is Ray^Rs second release on his own label, Burning Blue Records.

The title, inspired by Christian writer and missionary Amy Carmichael, is a saying she coined in one of the many devotional books she has written. A "figure of the true" is something seen in the creation that reflects a spiritual truth. (see Hebrews 9:24) The project is a collection of songs designed to reflect a spiritual truth regarding life's experiences, the second coming of Christ, or the Divine Patterns behind the reality of all of creation. Accompanied by selected writings both by Ray, other authors, and bible passages, some of these themes include suffering, peace, searching, and joy.

"Figures Of The True" features guest appearances by Yellowjackets bassist Jimmy Haslip, Jonathan Joseph (drummer for Al Jarreau, Pat Metheny, David Sanborn, Joe Zawinul, and Richard Bona), and Blue Man Group drummer/musician Jeff Quay among others.

Figures Of The True

Figures Of The True,Ray Lyon,Burning Blue Records

Jazz Music: