The Artist

Aside from some long drawn out attempt to present a somewhat comprehensive representation of the artist and the man, Raymond Clearwater, there is not a great deal that anyone, including myself, can really say. His list of acquaintances is, at best, comparatively small, and his circle of close friends noticeably smaller. He is a quiet man, and at times, almost illusive in nature.

Obviously he is a poet – having the ability to both touch your heart and awaken your wrath with any given turn of a phrase.

He is also an accomplished and talented musician – and fortunately, he is able to combine his abilities in order to provide us with music and lyrics, the likes of which you will not hear often, if at all.

For many years, both friends and family have been afforded the privilege of listening to his latest works, always wondering why he wasn't interested in doing more with his art. There were indeed a few auspicious forays into the somewhat overwhelming world of pop music, but for the most part, - he has preferred to live a quiet and contemplative life, rather than embracing a lifestyle intrenched in notoriety or fame, not to mention the pressures imposed by the business machine, feeling that this would simply be too high a cost.

I know for a fact that this is a man that has taken the time to look very deeply into his own soul and belief system, as well as spending many years questioning the accuracy and validity of what others have professed, and has always spoken freely and honestly about what he saw.

For the most part, his music is simply a living record of his journey through this life. Not to be taken too seriously, but only appreciated for what it is, or means, to you the listener.

If I had to describe Ray with one overly simplistic sentence, I suppose I might refer to him as – a monk with an attitude.

~ Jessie McMahan