Marblehead’s own Raymond Gonzalez has a bigger than life-size reputation in this little seaside town. His numerous guitar students utter his name with the utmost of respect. When you hear the exquisite guitar work on his recordings with their subtle and sophisticated lyrics, you know why.

A professional guitarist from the age of 16, Gonzalez has performed in styles ranging from classical to folk, blues and jazz to rock, traveling extensively from California to New England. Raymond began composing for solo guitar, piano, and small ensembles at a very young age, which ultimately led to a Master’s degree in Composition from the New England Conservatory of Music. He currently teaches in the Music Department at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and also teaches private students.

Gonzalez has written and produced several albums of original songs and solo guitar pieces. He recorded “Thieves” (1997), “the company you keep” (1999), and “Moonlight and Sage” (2004). He also continues to compose and perform in the classical and modern music arena, recently premiering a piece for guitar and flute at the first University of Massachusetts-Boston Faculty Composer’s Forum.

With the release of his new CD, Raymond has returned with new enthusiasm to the acoustic stage after a number of years devoted to teaching and composing. And the public is thrilled that he is appearing again. Not only did he amaze the large audience at Summerfest in New Bedford, but he also got to trade guitar licks on stage with one of his long time heroes, John Renbourn, as well as Brooks Williams and Peter Lange.

According to the liner notes on “tunes from the blue fish,” this CD is a historical collection for Raymond. He tips his hat to other personal heroes, including Duke Ellington, June Tabor, Leo Kottke, Paul Simon, Igor Stravinsky, and Scott Joplin. He also thanks announcer Dave Palmater, who urged him to get back out on stage and helped “rekindle a love of the traditional tunes that had been dormant for nearly 30 years.” The songs on this stunning album are all traditional or originals; all instruments are played by the performer, who also produced, recorded and mixed the entire project himself at his studio in Marblehead. Music critic Neil Fagen in Performing Songwriter magazine says of Gonzalez: “It’s hard to say which is better, his way with a six string or his way with a pen.”

The Boston Globe praises one Gonzalez recording by saying: “Snatches of imagination, dreams and ethereal quirkiness are captured in this collection of songs and solo guitar works. Sparse production is all that is needed because of the dazzling guitar work.” Professional reviews aside, one recent accolade from a fan on the Internet sums up Raymond’s appeal: “If you are unfamiliar with Raymond’s music, it’s quite difficult to draw comparisons as his sound is so unique. . . smooth vocals, gentle melodies, insightful lyrics and great guitar playing!” Raymond combines classical, jazz, Celtic and Latin influences into his song and solo guitar compositions. It’s an easy bet that there will be something in each performance that pleases every person in attendance.

 

 

One of the premiere guitarists in New England. Mare Streetpeople, producer

Exquisite and timeless.
Peter Janson, World/New Age guitarist

You probably know Raymond as a fine singer/songwriter, but he’s also a classical composer and world class guitarist. Dave Palmater, WUMB Radio, Boston