PARRY RAY: Smooth, Soulful and Chilled.
Parry Ray grew up in a traditional British Indian family in north London listening to a rich and varied soundtrack featuring Elvis, Michael Jackson, Ravi Shankar, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. She started singing to the radio at the age of 3. By 5 she was starring in school choirs. By the age of 16 she was bunking off revision to audition and perform at Soho clubs.
But - complicating matters for her at the time - Parry was always more than a pretty girl and a top voice. She was also smart. After attending leading London school St Paul's Girls, Parry was propelled down an academic route and ended up studying Physics at Bristol University. After her BSc, she went onto attain an MPhil in solid state physics... but there was the distinct feeling that something in her life was missing.
To the confusion of her family, Parry abandoned science and became a jazz singer. Dropping the lab coat and goggles for mini-skirts and high heels, Parry hit the London scene with a vengeance and formed a trio led by top Latin pianist John Crawford, currently featuring bassist Richard Sadler and Chris Nickolls on drums.
Parry Ray has performed at the legendary Ronnie Scott's club in London and key venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Pizza Express Knightsbridge, Boisdales, The Bull's Head (Barnes) and the Edinburgh and Glasgow Jazz Festivals. Parry and her band have also featured extensively on BBC Radio 2, Smooth FM and live on radio throughout France, Holland and Canada.
Parry is currently in the process of recording her first mainstream album, and has been busy recording and writing with award winning songwriter Andy Murray, who’s writing and remix credits include Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedingfield, Lemar, Alicia Keys, Cathy Dennis and Elkie Brooks.
PARRY RAY Q&A
The new album's called "Fear of Flying". Does that mean you don't like long haul to Kolkata, or is it a reference to the Erica Jong's seminal 1970s novel about female sexual freedom?
Yes, it is a reference to Erica Jong’s book, which was so ahead of the curve. When I read this book, I could really relate. It was almost like Jong knew some of my thoughts. And I think a large majority of women feel this way when they read it too. It’s emotionally and sexually very honest. I think it reminds women that it’s ok to be spirited and really feel …and I think it gives men an insight into understanding the women they love.
How did the album come about?
I was keen to work on some more commercial material without compromising on emotion or lyrical content and I had worked in passing with Andy Murray (songwriter) before whose work I really like, so I asked my manager what he thought..He agreed and set it up...he's a bit of a visionary and very opinionated!
How closely linked is sex drive and musical expression for you?
Very. When I sing I need to tap into an emotion or create a very strong visual image in my head. So it’s a balancing of three parts of me – the head, the heart and the sexual part. Some songs call for one part to be more predominant than the other – it just depends on what I want to say.
Emotion feeds me - sex, passion, love, lust, excitement, angst, sadness, despair, anticipation and tension are all intertwined. I need to tap into as potent and raw an emotion as possible to do my job. And the vocal delivery is all about conveying that to the audience.
What was it like collaborating with songwriter Andy Murray?
Fantastic. Andy is a very genuine, talented musician. His music is very honest and accessible, so it was great to interpret his compositions. He’s quite fun to hang out at the pub with too…
How would you describe the recording process?
It’s unbelievably intense, but such fun. Once I’m in the zone, I don’t want to stop ever. I could happily sing all day and all night…. Sometimes, I need to be dragged out of the booth…
How important has your British Asian heritage been on your appreciation on music?
Very. My heritage and upbringing have shaped the way the I view many things, and definitely the way I appreciate and listen to music …I like to think being exposed to very different musical and art forms at home has made my tastes broader and much more inclusive.
What were the key musical inspirations when you were growing up - and now?
This is really hard, they are many… I suppose the usual suspects – Elvis, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, Nina Simone, Chet Baker, Johnny Cash…Dolly Parton is a guilty pleasure of mine…At the moment I like Plan B, Adele, KD Tungstall, Sara Bareilles...
You've been referred to on the live music scene as "posh Asian totty". Do you think that's a good or a bad thing?
Blimey. I’d love to know who refers to me like that! I think it's just a thing!
Well, I am Asian, both my parents are Indian, although I was born and brought up in North London.
And if you mean posh totty to mean stylish and attractive – then I really hope so, but if you mean posh to mean upper class or rich – I have never really known what class I am. My folks came to the UK with next to nothing and built their life.
My Dad had a great attitude to money. He always used to say that if you work hard, you would find the money you need. My dad wasn’t a great saver and had an affinity for “extravagant” things. I think I have inherited that trait! But I'm not scared of hard work.
How importance is live performance to you?
It’s vital. I get a little stir crazy when I haven't got gigs coming up. A live performance to me is all about communication and connection. More than anything I want to make people feel the emotion I feel, experience the story of the song with me. It’s a musical journey between the musicians and the audience. And when we get it right, the energy is awesome.
What's the best ever gig you have seen?
Prince.... Although years ago I saw Yehudi Menuhin and Ravi Shankar at the Royal Albert Hall – it was an east meets west concert – amazing.
Why do you think there are relatively so few successful mainstream female British Asian vocalists? That’s a tricky one …Maybe they are trying too hard to be too many things to everyone around them? … Or maybe I’m being cynical, honestly, I don’t know.
What is your favourite Bollywood film?
Oooh, haven’t watched one for ages, but my parents had these old Hindi movies and I remember loving Sholay (I remember this woman had to dance on some broken glass – very angst ridden) and this other film called Amar, Akbar ad Anthony – about three brothers…I think I had a crush on one of the brothers…
How would you define success, from a career point of view?
Being ridiculously busy. And also, people enjoying what I do. Validation is important.
Is it true you are actually some kind of scientist and award winning scholar?
Hmmm…. not sure about that. I have a couple of Physics degrees and had a few papers published when I was studying for my M.Phil. But that’s about it.
Do you think men find intelligence sexy in women, or is that just PC nonsense?
Blimey. If I knew what men found sexy – my life would not have been so chequered and colourful…I think some men find intelligence very sexy, just like some women do or they are attracted to power or creativity…horses for courses??
How important is money, fast cars and good champagne to you?
Of course, money is important, I want to be able to pay my way, and buy the not-so-odd pair of nice shoes and look after my family. Good champagne is important, mainly as I have discovered cheap champagne makes me sick as a dog …I don’t know enough about cars, so long as it doesn’t break down that’s good enough for me. Oh, and a nice colour obviously ;-)…but if someone wanted to give me a nice car, I probably wouldn’t refuse…
What do you do to relax?
Well, I can be quite manic and compulsive, so I mediate twice a day. It is a great balancing tool for me. Other than that – all the usual I suppose - reading a good book, socializing, sharing a nice bottle of red wine …oh, and organizing my wardrobe. I get a huge amount of satisfaction from pulling everything out, folding everything up again neatly and trying on stuff. This is oddly hugely therapeutic.
Describe the ideal Parry Ray Day...
Up at about 8am ish, mediate then have a breakfast, check my emails, do my vocal warm ups, go for a run or do some weights. Then I’d get ready to go out. Depending on what mood I’m in, I’ll find something to do in London, go to a park or the south bank…. I might go shopping (I have to shop alone, unless I’m helping someone find stuff for themselves); meet a mate for lunch, cocktails at 5pm…lovely dinner somewhere…food and drink would feature quite heavily…
How would you describe your vocal style?
Emotive storytelling, silky and smooth, I hope!
How would describe the sound of the album?
Evocative, chilled music you want to sit and listen to.
How would you describe your personal style?
Girly. I love dresses and shoes. I don’t really do dress down, I’m always ready for a party. I think that’s my Indian blood. I do like a bit of leather too…