The following feedback is from people who've usually taken the time to write me an email after a show... can't properly express how this makes me feel... it's a privilege and honour to share my music with you - thank you.
- Ray
"From the first time I heard No One Like You on Jazz FM, I was blown away and knew you were a performer whose music I had to explore. Your music washes over the listener, reaching into one's soul and uncovering a variety of emotions. Some is raw, some poignant, and some poetic, but all is delivered with the utmost perfection to your craft. You are a gem on the music scene."
Chris Churchill
Loved the music and the soundscapes you painted; its so wonderful to see someone doing something they love and it showed in all you played.
Neil Story
The show you put on in Ottawa a little while ago was excellent. Thanks for the great music!
Cheers, Greg Thompson
From listening to Ray's cd's, his attention to sound, and his recordings are spectacular.
Tony Pullin
Really enjoying the new album Ray. You are a master at "opening up" a song to a melodic and powerful chorus.
All the best, Doug Fleming
Thanks for that commentary. It's an awesome CD you made! You deserve the accolades.
Best regards, Vince Bruzezze (Totem Acoustic)
Thanks for the music Ray! Keep it coming.
--Greg in Vancouver
Hey Ray... Excellent show! We all thoroughly enjoyed it. Congrats to you and the boys on a fantastic set of well crafted and great songs.
Jamil
Thanks ray for a terrific evening yesterday. maybe 'as big as the moon' is terry's favorite, but i think i nearly had tears at the end of 'havana'. wow! You are second to none. if you had wealth commensurate with your talent, you would not buy TICKETS to the stones - you would be THE stones...
all the best, Doron
Great show last night Ray!
Cheers, Brian Nevin
Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful evening. Felt lucky to be attending such a special event and - enjoying your talent and passion. And thanks for the shirt!
Best regards, John Middleton
Bernie and I have certainly enjoyed the evolution of your music since we first saw you at C'est What...20 yrs ago!!!
Nancy Malinowsky
Your new album is fantastic, Big As the Moon will be your number onetune and Change the Past will be your number two . WOW.....those tunes are incredible Also your tune Life Rocks is great. ou are an a m a z i n g Musician.......absolutely amazing. Those tunes will be played until the CD is WORN OUT then I will have to buy another one.....lol
Thank you for the great music, you bring much pleasure to a lot of people.
Thank you, Fran
Vintage Is Now sounds great Ray, you did an excellent job in producing this CD and you can quickly see/hear that you put a lot of hard work in it, thank you. I often play your music in our 10,000 sq. ft. Showroom in Woodbridge, ON and both my employees as well as our customers always ask me where and who is that playing, it's sounds fantastic...
Thank you again Ray for making great music,
Enrico Tersigni
I can't tell you how many hours of listening pleasure your music has given me since I heard the opening bars of One Witness when purchasing a pair of Totem speakers (just the small ones but still sweet sound). Thank you so much for continuing to share your brilliance.
Mark Tudor
Your new CD. Love it....play it ALOT. The writing is really strong...a little more electric and more use of distortion than usual.... I am hearing a bit of Gilmour influence on Track 1, Beck on track 3, Knopfler on 4, the Edge on track 6 but all adapted in the exquisite Monford style.
Ken Staple
Hi Ray! Love your new album. When will it come out on cd? Also keep us posted when you will have your next studio concert.
Vicky & Naresh :)
Loved your session in Unionville. Your drummer is superb.
Keith Tobin
I saw you today at the Markham Jazz Fest, and you were unreal. I was just checking out the area and I heard your music. At first it reminded me of Jeff Beck, on Blow by Blow album. I honestly was blown away. I bought your new VINTAGE IS NOW CD, while you were on your half time show break. When I got home, I put the cd on and was still blown away.
Ron T
Just saw you at the Markham Jazz festival - outstanding! Noticed your new CD is produced by Terry Brown - impressive - he brings in allot of experience with the likes of Max and Rush - how did you guys get together?
Jim Sanderson
Heard a song from a block away at taste of little italy this weekend and had to find out how Jeff Beck got to College street,,,when I got to the music it was you. Very impressed....now to further navigate your site and buy the new album.
THANKS, Rob Foreman
I stumbled across you at Taste of Little Italy last night. I am a guitar player and always captivated by something new. I found the tone, sound and songwriting arresting as I was walking by and went rushing across the street to see you play. Great band. Awesome stuff. Magical night and urban street setting.
Kevan Cowan
Hey Ray , picked up the LP tonight at John`s record store in Ottawa. Gotta say that is the best "new" pressing I have bought quality wise in many years . Dead silent , nary a tick or pop . and the sound is , well typical of all your recordings , fantastic !
cheers man, John Fraser
I just found your music on youtube. I'm a contemporary blues artist from italy. I loved your music, so soulfull and inspiring! I just wish you all the best, God Bless You
Davide Pannozzo www.davidepannozzo.com
Just discovered your fantastic music, through Candyrat on youtube. What a fantastic musician and composer you are! I very much enjoyed listening to your music, and will hope to see you in concert someday soon.
Tom in Denver, Colorado, USA
I instantly fell in love with your style. I'm about to get your full studio discography and I was wondering if you had any preference between purchases on iTunes store and direct from your website. And if you tour in Montréal, I'll be there.
Cheers, Gaspard Petit
Ray, Gunnar is right........"Your music makes life a whole bunch better." Thank you for sending the great wishes for my recovery, and thank you for the great music.
Charlie
Just wanted to tell you how much your music means to us in North San Diego County. My good friend Charlie Harb from Vista is recovering from cancer and I have introduced your awesome tones to his life. You have a new fan. Thank you from all of us in Vista, California.
Thank you,
Gunnar Huggo
Thanks a lot & I hope I will be back in Toronto to enjoy the incredible 3-days-Festival and other concerts again !!!
Sina Allen
Ray, met you briefly at the "Ttaste of Little Italy" I heard your sound from far down the street and I knew it was you right away. I mentioned I was in China when I first heard of you. Bill Kidd sent me some of your jams. I particularly loved Two Lives!! Your performance on the start was super fly.
Tyler Tilley
Hi Ray, was talking to Sophia and she mentioned that you guys really rocked this week-end.
Norm
Ray Montford is a TONE MONSTER! and a Canadian Master of the Stratocaster!
Brian
We had a great time at the Trane a couple of wks. back. I can hardly wait until your next album.
Gerald
The recording quality is very good and the guitar playing is awesome.
Rich
Hi Ray, Your music continues to touch my soul, thank you!
Jolene
Your music is perfect to wind down to at the end of a long day, it's a great album to study to, and it's very inspiring. Thank you for your beautiful gift of music, and I look forward to more to come!
Stanley
You are the best guitar player I have ever heard. keep me posted on any upcoming concerts so I can hear you live.
Adin
Aaahhhh! the favourite cd for sitting by the fire was "early sessions".
John
I wish to thank you for your kind heart and great hospitality. I don't know many people who would invite strangers into their home, especially on a Sat. night and play music for them!
Chris
wow i bought your latest cd on january 2008
wow that was something and some feelings i was looking for since a long time...
a story teller on guitar, fantastic
i was on beach in Cuba last may
you were so good in my cd player with the beach...
hope to see you soon around montréal
i write some poems and short story (in french)
you are part of my writnig/process now , thank you again
thanks for all the good vibrations
yesterday i bought another one of your cd
and BANG again the same good feeling is there...
wow great, keep up on those good waves
what a story teller you are
bruno
Thank you SO much for sending me the original CD copy of your album "Shed Your Skin". I LOVE IT!! You are a very talented artist! I really appreciate the fact that you gave me that CD out of your own collection, thus making it much more special. Thanks for signing the CD and writing me a letter explaining everything. Thanks So Much!!!
Tash
My name is Joel Bisson and I am a fan of your music. I really enjoy your soulfull guitar and deep music. I went out west this summer and did some work in saskatoon and I heard the song "One Witness". For the last 6 months its been in my head and I would love to hear it again.
Joel
I was visiting a friends home and they put on your CDs ... they were positively bursting with joy about your music and told me they had sent copies to their friends and families in Turkey. They were quite surprised when I mentioned i knew you - i encouraged them to continue buying your stuff. But your music seems to be traveling around the world! Congrats !
Tom
I LOVE the music on this album, Live Imagery. So passionate, vibrant and melodic. I'd encourage you to send this out for bigger distribution... Hope your 'Music For Your Senses' gets to a wider audience.
Renee
I am from Turkey and living in west for almost 10 years. I have stop and note the music in my car twice in my life, I am 43 years old, first for Loreena McKennit and second for Ray. I do not know what is about their music that captures so much colors all around the world. It is great to listen. Listening him going around the world for me; I am in Turkey, in India, Europe in the Cathedral, in an Indian village.
It cheers me up, fills me in. Great talent to be able to do that.
Nuket
Heard you, for the first time, on CBC’s “Fresh Air” this morning, and became an instant fan. Am looking forward to purchasing your CDs.
Janice
Ray, That was a beautiful concert last night. You’re guitar playing is such a combination (to my senses) of many things. Like listening to a jazzy line played with a more ‘country’ tone. You mix things up and I love that. And I really enjoyed the way you gave everyone the spot light, to do what they do. Sometimes I liked to shut my eyes for the fullness of it all to be felt.
Lee
To this day, I listen to your music daily and it sets aside that which otherwise might haunt me or incapacitate me. This is your gift, for which I am eternally grateful.
Pamela
Thank you for a beautiful concert last week. It was so great to see you, Rob and the band again. Your music is powerful and moving, and the experiences of late that have literally brought you to your knees have brought an even deeper compassion and wisdom to your playing.
Pam
One of the things that impressed me most about the album was the absolutely drop dead amazing sonics! To dumb that down with the compression of an MP3 would be tantamount to a criminal act.
Russ
I received the CD that you sent me today. I am very, very impressed with your guitar work. You are a very accomplished musician. I play every day but have never reached your level. It is inspiring.
Harry
To this day ,Shed Your Skin ,is still my favourite "2 channel" listening disc.His acoustic is haunting and thrills to this day.
Bruce
I'm listening to you right now from my studio on palmerston and college... that vox sounds amazing echoing down the street... amazing tone. it's bouncing off all the buildings and brick walls and sounds fabulous... like a stadium or something... i wish i could here that every night!
Graham
I have been enjoying your music for years and was wondering if you have considered a recording on vinyl for audiophiles. Contrary to popular belief, vinyl records are far superior to CD and music like yours deserves to be heard as close to the original as possible.
Paul
Me Miss, Miraculously Mesmerizing Musical Moments Meeting, Montford. My Marrow's Mortified!
Wee Willie Winkie
Just wanted to say how much i enjoyed one of your sets last night down on Queen St. The Long Road was incandescent!!!, i can't think of any other word, absolutely beautiful (there's three words!!). I have not been so moved in a long time; you, and your excellent accompianists, made the evening for me. So much great music and yours touched me the most. Intelligent, demanding and involving.
Neil
Talk about 'street cred', you had a serious crowd of folks leaning into your music on Friday I'm thinking Ray! Great job and it was awesome to finally see you play live and with the added bonus of being up so close to your performance. Really really cool man. You laid it all out on Queen St. for sure.
Rob
I am the artist/painter that met you initially at the One Of A Kind arts show yearsssssssss ago. Your music is the best to paint to.
Linda
Since I saw you for the first time many years ago at the Beach Jazz Festival (back than street cars were still running on Queen street during the festival) I always wait for something new from you. On the bad days or whenever I want to to go away for a while I turn on your music and I travel to the better places. Thanks for your music.
Victor
It was such a pleasure to see you singing after a few years. You are a wonderfully blessed man.
Irina
A friend put me in touch with your music last year, and I've been happily listening to your "Live Imagery" CD (and after the jazz fest "A Fragile Balance").
Keep up the great, soulful, work!
Darla
I'm the guy who told your drummer, "You're a f__king awesome drummer, man!"
George
We had a fantastic time seeing you and Co. playing and ripping away on Queen St (loved hearing the favourites like Spirit Runner, but also that incendiary blues/rockin’ finale Thursday!!). We both are so impressed with A Fragile Balance, too. Clearly a lot of love went into this CD; your usual exquisite artistry…
Ted/Marian
The ambience was great, two words: goose bumps. Congratulation to all the band. Hope to be at one of your concert soon.
Fabio
Thank you for such great music. My wife and I both were fascinated with Ray's work -- no, "art"! Here are a couple images that I've "painted" as paintography. It's an acquired taste. It's an approximation of impressionism.
Randall
Your new cd has been on my player in repeat mode since I got it. I found that while it still sounds like a RM cd you have pushed your music another step further; each song is like a perfectly crafted little jewel.
Serge
Ray, your new record, "A Fragile Balance," a brilliant collection of gems, beautifully flows, igniting the mind with wondrous images, touching the heart with its gentle sounds, filling the soul with hope and passion, a fantastic journey for sure.
Clark
I have been listening to your CD "Many Roads" and have been enchanted by your unique sound (over and over). Your music has beautified my life (even
if temporarily). I have been learning guitar since March, and bought an Aria AK 35.
Rosemary
So, my 8-year old son heard a tune of yours being played on the radio last week - on Fresh Air, I think. it was morning, and he was just waking up. he started shouting "mom, mom, what's this music?"... he needed to know, as he's got keen ears and a voracious appetite for music... anyway, when I heard the back-announce and told him what it was, he somehow heard "Gray Monsters". thought you'd find that (and the fact that you've got an 8-year old fan) amusing.
Philly
“One damn fine finger picker and that other fella is a helluva skin slammer as well!”
Bill Kidd
Just a short note to tell you how much we enjoyed the concert. We've seen you at a number of venues over the years (C'est What, Harbourfront, Hugh's Room, Alumnae Theatre etc.) and this was certainly a highlight.
Joe & Karen
I just wanted you to know Suzanne sent me a copy of your latest. I absolutely love it! Fantastic! I imagine if you're in Wakefield over Christmas I'll see you there.
Dave
Bee- u-ti-ful. There is space between the notes... wonderful.
Jeanna
My wife and I attended your concert on the 17th. We went for my 60th birthday. On a scale of 1 to 10 it was a 12. I listen to 'A Fragile Balance' everyday. I have loved your music for many years and it is great to have an opportunity to actually tell you. The musicians you play with are so amazing. I love the guy on the drums. I have been really blessed this year because I got to see my two favourite musicians: Daniel Lanois and Ray Montford.
Robert (Silver Fish)
Have you and Bruce Cockburn ever considered jamming together in front of an audience?... I'm sure that would be a lot of fun! After all you probably both have more than one thing in common.
Martin
Just a quick note that the LPs arrived safely, It is really good, in heavy rotation, well done!
John T
The first time I heard your music was when I was browsing cdbaby.com for interesting guitar music and came across your CD The Early Sessions which is one of my favorite records now.
Andreas
Hi Ray, sorry to bother you but I just heard you today on the CBC and i just have to say that your music is some of the most beautiful that i have heard in a long, long time. You just made a new fan and I'll be picking up your c.d.s for sure.
jb
I heard the song Honour the land on CBC yesterday. I was so impressed that I pulled over and wrote down the name of the album and song, and your first name. I have not heard any of the other songs but I have bought the album. You music in that one song was outstanding. I expect the rest of the album will leave me feeling the same way. I am glad that you are a Canadian.
Christine
Wow! Just happened to catch "The Healing" on CBC Radio 2's Sunday morning program , "Weekender". You have created an instant fan and I have your website bookmarked. Amazing music!
Norm
Hi, I recently heard your "when darkness takes flight" on CBC radio, it caught my attention, the sound is great.
Dave
I am a major fan of your music and I have a huge respect of you as a person. I also wanted to let you know that all of your discs are on my top listening rotation and will remain there. Keep up the fantastic music Ray.
Bruce
We just wanted to thank you, Rob and the rest of your crew for a lovely evening. It is always a pleasure to sit back, relax and listen to you express yourself on your instruments.
Cheryl
Too bad for the folks who had to cancel...they missed an outstanding concert experience! It was certainly well worth the drive from Burlington to join you for this special event.
Janice
Thank you very much for a wonderful evening. The intimate setting and informal interaction, together with your fantastic music, made for an unforgettable experience.
Eric and Marion
Just needed to tell you again how truly ..well..magic..Saturday evening was. The magic is that wonderful moment that only comes when experiencing music live; that moment when I am pulled completely into the sound and the performance...nothing else seems to exist.
Nancy
Ah man...what can i say? Your home studio show with Rob was a whole new experience about being inside your music. What a great emotional night you gave to us all. But then again, Isn't that what you've always been about. As long as you keep giving, we'll keep listening. Thanks Ray
Jeff
The last show was indeed a Magic Hour, the people were all nice and friendly, your place is really cool, your relation with Rob so warm and creative, and the music was just so inspiring, so natural, just made you happy to be alive!
Serge
Very nicely done, Ray. Guitars sound great. John, Steve and George sound great. Brilliant FIsh sounds more Brilliant than Fish. Kudos all around.
John T
You guys did a fantastic job on College this weekend. Please keep me posted of future events.
Fran
I just finished hearing your CBC radio interview five minutes ago and was very inspired by your music and story. One day I will be at the same peace and contentment that those like yourself feel.
Alan
My husband and I loved your music and philosophy. The best part was our 14 month old son Will connected to your music more than anything he's heard so far I'd say. He was moving around in a trancey sort of dance, with this pensive happy face. cool. we'll have to buy some CD's! thanks for creating. The balance you speak about sounds like yin and yang to me. In all light there is a bit of dark and in all dark, there is a bit of light.
Amy
Your music infuses many life moments.
Susan
My wife just purchased your excellent album "A Fragile Balance" on eMusic. I've got to say it's a wonderful find! Your playing reminds me of David Gilmour. Great stuff.
Will
I could watch you and Rob play all night! Fresh, inspiring, intimate, the soul ripped bare... holy...!
John
Just a short note to say how much we enjoyed the concert on Saturday night. What a great idea! We really appreciated the opportunity to hear your music in such a wonderful, intimate environment, and your new songs are great!
Joe and Karen
I just wanted to say what a great time we all had. You and Rob sounded so,so good. It was amazing to be there in such great company (looking out at the city view!) and to hear such fine music.
Theresa
I can't believe that 7 years have passed since I heard a bit of your music while attending the Sound and Image Festival held in Montreal. Over the years I have received many emails and invitations to your shows. I am glad that I finally decided to check out a show........thus some new fans are born. I purchased 2 of your CD's at your show and the music is excellent! Can't wait for your next performance.
Chris