1965 - His family migrates to Spain and at 15, Ray joins the n°1 instrumental group in Spain Los Pekeniques and wins the reputation of young prodigy.

1971 - At 18, his band the Pop Tops has an international hit, “Mamy Blue” with 3 million copies sold world wide, being n°1 in Europe, South America and Israel.

1973 - After meeting George Harrison, he is invited to England where he frequents progressive musicians like Keith Emerson, Jon Anderson of Yes, Patrick Moraz, Mike Rattledge of Soft Machine, Bob Tench (Jeff Beck Group, Vai, Morrison).
After a jam session with Carmine Appice (of Beck, Bogart and Appice-Vanilla Fudge) and Rick Gretsch (ex BlindFaith), the idea of a group is born and he is invited to the USA.

1974 - December 14th, he arrives in NewYork and the same day, he is asked to work with John Lennon. The group with Appice will see the replacement of Rick Gretsch by Jeff Berlin and dissolves soon after to see another formation with Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, UK....) which will also be short lived.

1975 - Under Wili Lee’s recommendations, a meeting with Lenny White introduces Ray to the big scene of jazz rock fusion where he wiil collaborate with Stanley Clarke, Deodato, Narada Michael Waiden, Herbie Hancock…

1976 - Schooldays, Stanley Clarke’s legendary album is released.
A true bass anthem that will be a memorable moment in the history of contemporary music.
The critics recognize Ray as one of the great contemporary guitarists and he earns the reputation of guitarist’s guitarist.
«Schooldays solo is one of the classics!» Larry Coryell
«Ray Gomez is a genius » Jonas Hellborg»

Atlantic Records offers him a contract which he turns down, confident he can get a better offer.
A serie of international tours including jazz festivals (Juan les Pins, Montreux, Pori, Northsea...)
Unfortunately, Ray wiIl not participate in the French and Spanish festivals, due to the withdrawal of his passport by the French authorities since he did not comply with the French military.

1978 - Ray signs with Columbia and records his first solo album Volume
The album receives an exceptional reception from the critics and media alike becoming number 1 in radios, notably in KSHE in St Louis and BBC 1 in London.

«Everything you wanted in a rock record but no one would record is found on the new Ray Gomez. Straight-on rock to jazz to blues and a little pop. It’s all on this one. Start to finish. It’s a winner» Charlie West, KMOD

«West Side Boogie erupts like Mount St.Helens spewing volcanic rock licks which could make Jeff Beck jealous». Peyton Mays, KZEL
The album doesn’t benefit from enough record company support and doesn’t get press coverage from guitar magazines.
Badly promoted, it will not reach its deserving commercial success.

This doception added to deep personal problems and excesses would take Ray into a deep depression accentuated by the fact he can not visit his family.
He looses faith and dissociates himself with the record business which explains a long absence. In 1981, a new serie of collaborations (and a period of teaching) starts - Chaka Khan- Hall and Oates-Scandal etc...

1984 - Tired of NewYork, Ray moves to L.A. for the next 3 years.
He collaborates with Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Steve Smith (Vital Information), Steve Perry (Journey), Aretha Franklin, Tori Amos, Narada, Brian Auger....

1987 - Ray leaves L.A. for Spain and the Canary Islands for a period of writing and pre-production of a new album.

1988 - Ray decides to come back to NYC for a fresh new start.
Steps Ahead invite him to participate on the album NYC as a guitarist and co-writer. In the same period, he plays on a Eddy Palmieri CD.
With the help of old friends, like Tony Smith, Dennis Chambers, Chris Palmaro he starts playing live again in clubs of NYC with a great reception from audiences as well the New York City music community.
Recordings for new album starts up again with the collaboration of Dennis Chambers, TM Stevens, Buddy Miles, Will Lee, Andy Newark...

1991 - Ray does an instructional video for Starlicks with Tom Brechlein (ex Chick Corea, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson) and organist Willy B. Smith (Robben Ford, Jackson Brown, Linda Ronstadt) which includes four great performances, Ray is really back!

1993 - He briefly joins Stewart Copeiand (Police) and Staniey Clarke in the group Animal Logic.

1997 - Ray participates with other great guitarists for a concert in Palma de Mallorca called «Palabra de Guitarra Latina». lt includes Bireli Lagrene, Larry Coryell, Tomatito, a CD of the same name follows.

1998/1999 - More concerts in Europe are produced including the Festival de guitar of Astaffort as well as a tour with «Palabra de Guitarra Latina» in Spain, Portugal and the Canary lslands.

2000 - A new album and live appearances mostly in European festivals including “Jazz à Vienne” and “La nuit de la guitare” in Agen and some clubs make up the program for this wonderful artist who delivers lots of stimulating fun.
Be There.
 

For booking, contact: EMMECI