Ray Fenwick - Playing Through The Changes: Anthology 1964-2020 (2021)

RAY FENWICK is one of rock’s archetypal journeymen. A guitarist of some renown, but also a singer, a multi-instrumentalist, a songwriter, a producer and noted session musician, he has played on countless records across the decades.

PLAYING THROUGH THE CHANGES is the most comprehensive anthology of Ray’s multi-faceted musical output to date. Compiled by the man himself, this 3-CD set boasts many of his best solo recordings from the 1970s, some of which are new to CD.

Ray’s early career back in the 1960s is represented by tracks from The Syndicats (produced by Joe Meek and also featuring Steve Howe), authentic Ska combo Rupert And The Red Devils, Tee-Set, After Tea and a later incarnation of hit R&B band The Spencer Davis Group (including the track ‘After Tea’!).

The 1970s saw Ray at his most prolific. In addition to solo albums such as Keep America Beautiful Get A Haircut, his work with acts such as Fancy, The Musicians Union Band, The Guitar Orchestra, a reunited Spencer Davis Group, several bands with Deep Purple affiliations (Wizard’s Convention, Ian Gillan Band, Roger Glover And Guests’ The Butterfly Ball and Marlon is represented).

The late 1970s saw Ray work with Safari Records, on a compilation of Ska and Mod Revival material Uppers On The South Downers (a couple of tracks appear here). Other notable names here include R&B legend Bo Diddley, soul/blues singer Geno Washington, rock drummer Cozy Powell and ex-Spencer Davis singer Eddie Hardin. Playing Through The Changes also includes some brand new tracks by Ray, as well as a unique edit of his guest appearance with electronica act Amorphous Androgynous.