Arrived around six thirty to find The Manband sound checking, and the new line up sounds good to me, a quick round of hello’s and with the Manband sound check over it’s the Rays turn to do the honours. I must admit I’m not over keen with the 100 Club mainly due to the way it’s laid out. I find that the pillars hamper the view, and with the sound you have to jostle around the room to get the best sound - still it’s nice to see them in a larger venue.The band choose to use the Manband back line and after a bit of fine tuning etc., sound check is complete.

The band take to the stage around 8.45 opening with The Help’s Running Down Deep, a slightly jammed intro then onto the familiar riff we all know so well. A slightly slower version, maybe it was the freezing weather outside! Anyhow thing’s started to warm on Fragile World, with some nice guitar parts by Treecie and a confident vocal by Si Haspeck. A quick scout around the audience to see a few familiar Ray fans who made the journey on this bloody freezing evening! Next up is Swedish Detective Movie with Ken giving a brief intro to the backgrond of the song, The highlight to the set for me, with the Whaley’s being on fine form on this one and a lively audience response to boot. Back to Simon H for a great version of Now, a song that has really developed over time. Time is flying by and its onto Diamond Ring and Ken announces the arrival of guest Sax player Aaron. Some lovely musical exchanges between Richard and Aaron on this one, all held together nicely by the rhythm section. Ken announces last number time; boy time flies when you’re enjoying yourself.

Brown Rice it is and this builds up into some wonderfull Treece guitar, and some howling sax playing.  A great way to finish a great evening.  Overall a fine performance and a great way to finish the year off with more to come next year with recording sessions to take place in January, and more gigs to come .

Keep supporting The Ray.........

Review by Reg Neray