Before we dive into the musical contents of these “Further Recorded Adventures” a word on the cover and sleeve art.  The front cover is a very pleasant collage by Ken. The back cover is of a sand dune and fence leading to an open sea.  This come courtesy of Pete Middleton  Inside we get some pics of the band and track listing. The latter over a wintry sunrise looking east (isn’t that where it usually comes from ?).  The CD has the same scene but with more leaves so I take it that this is a summer shot. Both these suggest that Simon Haspeck has a fair eye for a good photo shot. So, I’m already enjoying this before I’ve heard a single note.

At long last, a full contemporary release from the Raysters with 10 tracks.  9 originals plus a great version of one of their live stalwarts – Julie Miller’s “All My Tears”. The other point to note is the guest appearance on tracks 9 & 10 by one Aaron Liddard on Sax and Flute.  For those of us who have seen Aaron in action with the Ray you will know just how well his input gels with the band.

The release opens with the opus that “Swedish Detective Movie” is and what we get is a great version that ably creates a musical backdrop for Ken’s lyrics.  What we also get is an indication as to what a well produced CD this pans out to be.  “Stars in the margin” for Paul Newman who seems to have caught the essence of the band with his engineering.

I’d be very surprised if any of the band could have any misgivings as to how their efforts have been captured and presented for the greater public. 

As for the other tracks :-

You’ll be presently surprised by Simon H’s title track – a sprightly strum with the occasional instrumental breaks with catchy lyrics.

“Now” has been a fixture in the live set for a while and carries all the burgeoning hallmarks of Simon’s writing.

The cover version of “All My Tears” is a real treat in so much as they have well and truly nailed the groove that they capture live.

The blues work-out of “Moody Greens” is an object lesson of how to hear the feel with which Richard’s playing effortlessly slips into – good percussion from Simon too.

A clutch of Haspeck originals – “Breaking Down” and “Breathe” give further evidence the honing of his compositional skills.  The latter has a cool snakey vibe.

The slow paced “Ghosts” provides a showcase for Richard’s playing.

Matters finish strongly with Ken’s “Silver Ring” and “Before The Fall”.  Both of these include the sympathetic contribution of Aaron Liddard. The former has been regularly aired live and this is probably one of the more commercial offerings that could act as a taster for the full album.  The closing track does what all good closing tracks should do – leave you wanting more.

All in all, another step in the right direction, for the recorded output for the band. Throughout there is a glorious feel and the playing and vocals are spot-on.  What we need now is some way of more people getting to hear and see the band beyond their strongholds.                                                                                                
Review by Richard Gould.
14thNovember 2006.