Don-Ray
Upaya
© 2003 All Massive Productions (620673246521)
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Absolutely stunning CD from new Canadian label ALL MASSIVE PRODS. Lush and funky these are broken beat cuts mixed with reggae, jazz and (especially.) soul. Feats LADY ALMA and NAVASHA DAYA (FERTILE GROUND). For fans of BUGZ IN THE ATTIC, FERTILE GROUND
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notes
In his early years, Don-Ray entered into the mayhem of the music industry with an excellent artistic production team named Maxelle. This dynamic duo of Don-Ray and Natacha Labelle (Stach) emerged from the Toronto urban music scene with a unique sound that was later released in HMV stores as a CD and went on to become one of the highest selling independent releases in 2000. This soon led to a nomination for a Canadian Urban Music Award for Best New Electronic Act in 2001. Other productions included a remix for Esthero (Sony), a single for Gerald Boulanger (Nice & Smooth), and engineering for Wade O. Brown (FACTOR),
Don-Ray then set his sights on increasing Canadian representation south of the border by producing “The Blue E.P.” for the independent label Guidance Records (Chicago). Overseas production included a single on the “Jungle Strut” compilation from U’jammn (Italy), and Moonstarr’s remix of Maxelle’s “The French Connection” on Musica Alternitiva (Portugal). Production in Canada continued with releases on Public Transit Recordings’ (Toronto) “Code 416” and “Blue Night Network” compilations. He also remixed Fertile Ground’s “Come 2 Me” for the “Sounds of Baltimore” E.P. from Gotsoul Records (Montreal).
In 2005, Don-Ray released his first full length CD entitled “Upaya” featuring Lady Alma (4Hero, King Britt) and Navasha Daya (Fertile Ground).
It received the title of being one the Best of 2005 in the album category of Freefall Radio Station’s annual music awards.
History
Don-Ray (a.k.a. Don-Ray, X-Ray, Maxelle, and 21Green):
Don-Ray is a producer, programmer, engineer and keyboardist. Throughout his childhood, Don-Ray grew up with influential parentage that shaped his love for music in all forms. His father was a record collector and his mother was a self-proclaimed eccentric starting her own record label Metro Sounds in the early 80’s, producing break-dance competitions with acts such as the Rock Steady Crew out of New York City, and organizing concerts with legends like Dennis Brown. After going to audio engineering school in 1993 Don-Ray was lucky enough to work with talents such as producer Daniel Lanois who has produced albums for U2 and Peter Gabriel.
reviews
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I'm really really digging this album (Upaya). Great tracks throughout
author: Eric SchneiderI'm really really digging this album (Upaya). Great tracks throughout. I love the dubbed out flavors, the broken beats, the clean production, reggae samples... All together a great listen and also some heaters for the dancefloor. Here are my favorite tracks: Esta Negra Linda - great intro track. Nice and jazzy... I like Nina - chill vibe...cool track Respect - very nice track Give a little (dub) - Amazing track! dope beat, cool glitching vocals... I like the dub mix more, but the rough mix is cool too.
Lovin' the Upaya CD
author: Marq Few of Pulpdc.comA few months ago I was on the local Pacifica radio station talking about some of my favorite music and I bought in your CD and they played the cut with Navasah Daya of Fertile Ground. Kim (the host) loved it and came in and bought a copy. Then she started playing it after that. Thanks again for the good vibes.
"love the programming. nice atmospheric minimal groove"
author: Alan Brown (G-Stone Recordings/Cukipapa)"love the programming. nice atmospheric minimal groove"
"it's BANGIN!!!....really feelin your stuff"
author: Philly Blunt"it's BANGIN!!!....really feelin your stuff"
- author: Denise Benson - Eye Magazine
Don-Ray turns in a stellar solo debut. Sweet, deep and utterly soulful, Upaya features a blend of dub, nu-jazz, broken beat and Afro-Latin rhythms that never fails to engage. Highlights include "Esta Negra Linda" and the stunning "I Know," featuring vocals by Fertile Ground's Navasha Daya
- author: Jon Freer
"Don Ray’s “Have You Forgotten (The Reign)” is a smooth nu-house number, with padded beats, string apparitions and keys that are gentle on the ears. A taste of tomorrow?"