Minkin's Music: Ray Flanagan's release

By Jay Minkin

In some circles, Ray Flanagan has been labeled the best guitar player in Northeast Ohio. Not bad for the 26-year-old phenom from Medina who can sit and shred an electric Fender or Gibson with anyone.

In a bit of a dramatic change of pace from his previous recordings with The Authority, Flanagan has recorded seven acoustic songs that will encompass his first solo record, Passerby, scheduled for release on Saturday, February 2.

Working with engineer/producer Jim Stewart, at Jim Stewart Recording in downtown Cleveland, the tracks display Flanagan’s sweet poetic voice accompanied by a sparse, soft, finger-picking guitar.

Listeners can close their eyes while the music takes them away to a relaxing state of nirvana, as the album spins through “Positive Nihillsom Song,” “How I Look At You,” “Lord’s Day Blues,” and “Patience, Like A Willow.” Flanagan stretches his vocals to a falsetto during “Fords of Jordan,” then brings it down sweetly with a lovely up-tempo “We’re On The Move Now.” “Your Sweet Smile” closes out the record with wishes it would have lasted longer than 23 minutes.

A record release party is slated for Groundhog Day at The Winchester Music Tavern. Remodeled and opened under new management by Shane Motolik in 2017, the venue hosts an eclectic mix for national touring, local artists and events nightly. Located in the Birdtown section of Lakewood on Madison Avenue, it’s just west of 117th Street, with easy access via I-90. In addition to libations, the club offers up a menu of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and vegan options by chef John Hagerty.

There are several great restaurant options along the Madison Avenue strip to make a wonderful destination location evening. Tickets for the Passerby release party are only $10 at Ticketfly.com or at the door.

Contact Jay at Blues4Bird@aol.com or post on his Minkin’s Music Facebookpage.