For those not in the know, Ray Vaughn has written songs and performed in dives and on street corners for a very, very long time. He was a founding member of San Francisco based Punk/Art Rock band HOSTAGES, then DIE BOSSA NOVA, until disappearing in 1992. Luckily for us all, Vaughn resurfaced in 2010 as a solo acoustic act and has been on the scene solidly thereafter.

Which is great news as now here in late 2016 we are listening to some of his best work to date on his soon to be released new album, Wounded Bird. Featuring, it has to be said first, one of the best cover art photos I think I've seen in decades, along with eight songs that will have you transfixed with regard their storytelling, Wounded Bird has got to be a contender for Album Of The Year at next years Grammy Awards!

1. 'Human Calculator'
2. 'Wounded Bird'
3. 'True Faith'
4. 'Change in Latitude'
5. 'Song for You'
6. 'Been Away Too Long'
7. 'Rain'
8. 'It Happened on Willow Street'

Wounded Bird, Vaughn's second solo album, picks up where his first solo album (Way Down Low) left off, even expanding on it, and showcasing just how Vaughn’s songs have grown. I mean, straight from the off, on the pulsating 'Human Calculator', the stripped down first album makes way for a more band-focused groove. And it's great, trust me. 'Human Calculator', easily my favorite track out of the eight, is a foot tappin' work of musical art, as is the entire album, of that have no fear.

Released through his own independent record label, Rayoso Music, both producer Michael Rosen and Ed Rawlings returned to the project, and new additions include James DePrato (Chuck Prophet) on electric, slide and acoustic guitars, baritone guitar, dobro and mandolin, Kevin T White (Chuck Prophet) on bass, and Prairie Prince (The Tubes, Todd Rundgren) on drums.

Ray Vaughn will be traveling in the UK in late September and early October 2016, before returning to perform a few shows with his band in and around the Bay Area before the end of the year; while gearing up for larger scale touring in 2017 and beyond. Check him out - you won't regret it.

www.rayosomusic.com