Ray Wilson – Upon My Life – 2CD Info und Rezension

Ein echtes Best Of Album hat es von Ray Wilson bisher nicht gegeben. Am 1. November erscheint nun das Album Upon My Life, das 26 Songs seiner Solokarriere enthält sowie zwei brandneue Stücke. Das Veröffentlichungsdatum ist nicht zufällig gewählt. Es ist der erste Tag, an dem Großbritannien nicht mehr Teil der EU sein wird. Ray Wilson hat sich immer sehr kritisch zum Brexit geäußert und auch die beiden neuen Songs zeugen von eine eher düsteren Blick auf die Welt.

Mit Come The End Of The World enthält die erste CD als Opener gleich einen neuen Song. Dieser wurde von Ray zusammen mit Scott Spence geschrieben. Das Stück ist gefällig, ohne sich aufzudrängen und ist vielleicht eher als Ergänzung zu betrachten, als dass es wichtiger Pfeiler auf dem Album sein sollte. Das ist bei I Wait And I Pray völlig anders. Nach längerer Zeit haben wir mal wieder einen Song, der nur von Ray Wilson selbst geschrieben wurde. Das Stück hat Tiefgang, Melancholie und trägt bei allem Pessimismus auch eine große Portion Hoffnung in sich.

Die Trackzusammenstellung ist durchaus stimmig – auch wenn es theoretisch noch massig Material gegeben hätte. Viele Songs, die einem in den Sinn kommen, sind eben Songs, die AUCH auf das Album gepasst hätten. Hey Hey und Millionairhead von Cut, Beach und Yesterday vom Change-Album, Sometimes von The Next Best Thing, Fly High und Taking Time von SHE, Razorlite und vor allem Frequency von Propaganda Man, Tale From A Small Town und Guns Of God von Unfulfillment, Shouting In My Sleep und No Dreams Are Made Of This von Chasing Rainbows, Cold Light Of Day von Song For A Friend, They Never Should Have Sent You Roses und The Spirit von Makes Me Think Of Home. Vielleicht wäre auch eine dritte CD mit so genannten „Deep Cuts“ eine Variante gewesen.

Eines seiner besten Stücke, das geniale Frequency (an dem Ali Ferguson einen großen Anteil hatte) ist leider nicht auf der 2CD vertreten.

Betrachtet mal die Trackzusammenstellung etwas genauer, so fällt auf, dass zum Beispiel sein letztes Album Makes Me Think Of Home nur mit einem Track vertreten ist. Dagegen hat Chasing Rainbows gleich fünf Tracks auf Upon My Life.

Weiter unten findet ihr eine detaillierte Auflistung der Tracks, inkl. der Credits und Bandbeteiligungen.

Das Artwork bzw. die Covergestaltung ist „typisch Wilson“. Dunkel gehaltene Töne, die Farbe insgesamt reduziert und Ray schaut wie so oft auf seinen Covern ernst, nachdenklich, besorgt.

Insgesamt versammelt Ray Wilson auf dem Album wichtige Eckpfeiler seiner Karriere. Mitunter sind auch Stücke dabei, deren Bedeutung führ ihn mutmaßlich größer ist, als für viele Fans (zum Beispiel Goodbye Baby Blue), aber es ist eben auch seine Trackauswahl. Betrachtet man die Zusammenstellung als Ganzes, so ist man überrascht, wie viele wirklich gute Songs Ray Wilson bisher schon geschrieben hat.

Insofern war es an der Zeit, eine solche Zusammenstellung zu veröffentlichen – eine Art Zwischenbilanz. Für alle, die einen Einstieg in Ray Wilsons Musik wünschen, ist dieses Album ideal.

Autor: Christian Gerhardts
Das Album ist bei JPC und Amazon als 2CD bestellbar.

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CD1:

Come The End Of The World

Wilson / Spence, 2019 (neuer Song)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Scott Spence: Electric Guitar, Piano, Keyboards
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Marcin Kajper: Bass
Mario Koszel: Drums and Percussion
Yogi Lang: Additional Keyboards
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Produced by Scott Spence and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Yogi Lang

Lemon Yellow Sun

Wilson / Metzler, 2006 (von SHE)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Irvine Duguid: Keyboards
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Alvin Mills: Bass Guitar
Nir Z: Drums
Strinx Connexion: Klaus Marquardt Violin, Andrea Langenbacher Violin, Johannes Krampen Violin, Carolin Kriegbaum Viola, Felix Brade Cello, Nane Kalb Cello
Mixed & Mastered: Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson

Take It Slow

Wilson / Hoff, 2013 (von Chasing Rainbows)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar
Saxophone: Marcin Kajper
Keyboards: Darek Tarczewski
Keyboards: Peter Hoff
Violin 1: Alicja Chrzaszcz
Violin 2: Barbara Szelagiewicz
Viola: Sebastian Schlecht
Cello: Philipp Thimm
String Arrangement: Philipp Thimm
String Recording: Christian Bader
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Recorded by Henne Mueller and Philipp Lorenz
Assistant Engineer Jean Philipp Frank
Mastered: Ludwig Maier and Yogi Lang
Produced by Ray Wilson and Peter Hoff

Ought To Be Resting

Wilson / Hoff, 2011 (von Unfulfillment)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Steve Wilson: Backing Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Filip Walcerz: Piano and Keyboards
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Strings
Philipp Thimm: Arrangements and Cello,
Alicja Chrzaszcz: Violin,
Barbara Szelagiewicz: Violin,
Karolina Wascinska-Lukanowska: Viola,
Kirstin Kroneberger: Viola
Mixed by Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered: Dirk Jambor

Constantly Reminded

Wilson / Metzler, 2006 (von SHE)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Lead Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Irvine Duguid: Keyboards
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Alvin Mills: Bass Guitar
Nir Z: Drums
Strinx Connexion:
Klaus Marquardt: Violin,
Andrea Langenbacher: Violin,
Johannes Krampen: Violin,
Carolin Kriegbaum: Viola,
Felix Brade: Cello,
Nane Kalb: Cello
Mixed and Mastered by Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson

American Beauty

Wilson / Hoff, 2011 (von Unfulfillment)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Steve Wilson: Backing Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Filip Walcerz: Piano and Keyboards
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Strings
Philipp Thimm: Arrangements and Cello,
Alicja Chrzaszcz: Violin,
Barbara Szelagiewicz: Violin,
Karolina Wascinska-Lukanowska: Viola,
Kirstin Kroneberger: Viola
Mixed by Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Dirk Jambor

Wait For Better Days

Wilson / Hoff, 2013 (von Chasing Rainbows)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Lawrie MacMillan Bass
Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar
Saxophone: Marcin Kajper
Keyboards: Darek Tarczewski
Keyboards: Peter Hoff
Violin 1: Alicja Chrzaszcz
Violin 2: Barbara Szelagiewicz
Viola: Sebastian Schlecht
Cello: Philipp Thimm
String Arrangement: Philipp Thimm
String Recording: Christian Bader
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Recorded by Henne Mueller and Philipp Lorenz
Assistant Engineer Jean Philipp Frank
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Ludwig Maier and Yogi Lang

Bless Me

Wilson / Spence, 2009 (von Propaganda Man)
Ray Wilson: Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Uwe Metzler: Electric Guitar
Scott Spence: Electric Guitar
Alvin Mills: Bass
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Nir Z: Drums
Tesiree Priti Kaitesi: Backing Vocals
Lead Guitar: Scott Spence
Produced by Peter Hoff
Engineered/Mixed: Graeme Hughes
Mastered by Uncle Jack

Show Me The Way

Wilson, 2006 (von SHE)
Ray Wilson: Vocals Acoustic Guitar
Uwe Metzler: Lead Guitar
Irvin Duguid: Keyboard/Piano
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Alvin Mills: Bass Guitar
Nir Z: Drums
Mixed and Mastered by Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson

Rhianne

Wilson / Hoff (von Chasing Rainbows)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Vocals and Lead Guitar
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass and Backing Vocals
Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
Flute Marcin: Kajper
Keyboards: Darek Tarczewski
Keyboards: Peter Hoff
Violin 1: Alicja Chrzaszcz
Violin 2: Barbara Szelagiewicz
Viola: Sebastian Schlecht
Cello: Philipp Thimm
String Arrangement: Philipp Thimm
String Recording: Christian Bader
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Recorded by Henne Mueller and Philipp Lorenz
Assistant Engineer Jean Philipp Frank
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Ludwig Maier and Yogi Lang

Easier That Way

Wilson / Hoff (von Chasing Rainbows)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Vocals and Lead Guitar
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass and Backing Vocals
Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
Flute Marcin: Kajper
Keyboards: Darek Tarczewski
Keyboards: Peter Hoff
Violin 1: Alicja Chrzaszcz
Violin 2: Barbara Szelagiewicz
Viola: Sebastian Schlecht
Cello: Philipp Thimm
String Arrangement: Philipp Thimm
String Recording: Christian Bader
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Recorded by Henne Mueller and Philipp Lorenz
Assistant Engineer Jean Philipp Frank
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Ludwig Maier and Yogi Lang

She

Wilson / Spence, 2006 (von SHE)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Scott Spence: Lead Guitar
Uwe Metzler: Lead Guitar
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Alvin Mills: Bass Guitar
Nir Z: Drums
Strinx Connexion:
Klaus Marquardt: Violin,
Andrea Langenbacher: Violin,
Johannes Krampen: Violin,
Carolin Kriegbaum: Viola,
Felix Brade: Cello,
Nane Kalb: Cello
Mixed and Mastered by Peter Hoff
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson

Gypsy

Wilson, 1999 (von Millionairhead)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Steve Wilson: Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar
John Haimes: Bass
Paul Holmes: Keyboards
Nir Z: Drums
Engineered by Ian Huffam
Mixed by Nick Davies
Mastered by Bob Ludwig
Produced by Ray Wilson

Ghost

Wilson, 1999 (von Millionairhead)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Steve Wilson: Backing Vocals, Electric Guitar
John Haimes: Bass
Paul Holmes: Keyboards
Nir Z: Drums
Engineered by Ian Huffam
Mixed by Nick Davies
Mastered by Bob Ludwig
Produced by Ray Wilson

CD2:

I Wait And I Pray

Wilson, 2019 (neuer Song)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Gosia Mielech: Vocals
Scott Spence: Acoustic Guitar
Ali Ferguson: Electric Guitar
Marcin Kajper: Bass Guitar/Flute/Soprano Saxophone
Kool Lyczek: Piano
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Produced by Scott Spence and Ray Wilson
Mastered by Yogi Lang

Another Day

Wilson, 2003 (von Change)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar,
Brian McAlpine: Accordion
Andy Hess: Bass Guitar
Nir Z: Percussion
Uncle Jack: Keyboards
Mixed by Uncle Jack
Producer Ray Wilson
Mastered: Mark Finlay & David Taylor

Song For A Friend

Wilson / Metzler, 2016 (von Song For A Friend)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Kool Lyczek: Keyboards
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Mastered by Ludwig Maier
Produced by Ray Wilson and Uwe Metzler

Alone

Wilson, 2004 (von The Next Best Thing)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Guitars, Bass Guitar
Amanda Lyon: Backing Vocals
Engineered/Mixed: Uncle Jack
Mastered: Mark Finlay

Not Long Till Springtime

Wilson / Metzler, 2016 (von Song For A Friend)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Kool Lyczek: Keyboards
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Produced by Ray Wilson and Uwe Metzler
Mastered by Ludwig Maier

She’s A Queen

Wilson / Hoff, 2013 (von Chasing Rainbows)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Ali Ferguson: Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass and Backing Vocals
Steve Wilson: Acoustic Guitar and Backing Vocals
Keyboards: Darek Tarczewski
Keyboards: Peter Hoff
Violin 1: Alicja Chrzaszcz
Violin 2: Barbara Szelagiewicz
Viola: Sebastian Schlecht
Cello: Philipp Thimm
String Arrangement: Philipp Thimm
String Recording: Christian Bader
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Recorded by Henne Mueller and Philipp Lorenz
Produced By Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Assistant Engineer Jean Philipp Frank
Mastered by Ludwig Maier and Yogi Lang

Change

Wilson, 2003 (von Change)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Andy Hess: Bass Guitar
Taj Wyzgowski: Acoustic Guitar
Adam Holzman: Wurlitzer
Nir Z: Drums and Percussion
Engineered/Mixed by Uncle Jack
Produced by Ray Wilson
Mastered by Mark Finlay & David Taylor

Ever The Reason

Wilson / Spence, 2004 (von The Next Best Thing)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar
Scott Spence: Lead Guitar
Amanda Lyon: Backing Vocals
Irvin Duguid: Piano
Mixed by Uncle Jack
Production: Ray Wilson
Mastering by Mark Finlay

Along The Way

Wilson, 2003 (von Change)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Steve Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Amanda Lyon: Backing Vocals
Nir Z: Drums
Irvin Duguid: Keyboards
Jenny Gardner: Violin
David Paton: Bass
Produced by Ray Wilson
Engineered/Mixed by Uncle Jack
Mastered by Mark Finlay & David Taylor

The Actor

Wilson, 2004 (von The Next Best Thing)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Guitars, Bass Guitar
Amanda Lyon: Backing Vocals
Irvin Duguid: Harpsichord
Engineered/Mixed by Uncle Jack
Mastered by Mark Finlay

Goodbye Baby Blue

Wilson, 2003 (von Change)
Ray Wilson: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar
Amanda Lyon: Backing Vocals
Irvin Diguid: Keyboards
Taj Wyzgowski: LeadGuitar
Nir Z: Drums
Engineered/Mixed by Uncle Jack
Mastered by Mark Finlay & David Taylor
Produced by Ray Wilson

First Day Of Change

Wilson / Hoff, 2011 (von Unfulfillment)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Steve Wilson: Backing Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass
Ashley MacMillan: Drums
Filip Walcerz: Piano and Keyboards
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Strings
Philipp Thimm: Arrangements and Cello,
Alicja Chrzaszcz: Violin,
Barbara Szelagiewicz: Violin,
Karolina Wascinska-Lukanowska: Viola,
Kirstin Kroneberger: Viola
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mixed by Peter Hoff
Mastered by Dirk Jambor

Makes Me Think Of Home

Wilson / Hoff, 2016 (von Makes Me Think Of Home)
Ray Wilson: Vocals
Uwe Metzler: Acoustic and Electric Guitars
Ali Ferguson: Lead Guitar
Lawrie MacMillan: Bass Guitar
Kool Lyczek: Piano and Keyboards
Marcin Kajper: Flute and Saxophone
Steffi Hoelk: Violin
Peter Hoff: Keyboards
Nir Z: Drums
String arrangement Scott Spence
Mixed by Yogi Lang
Produced by Peter Hoff and Ray Wilson
Mastered by GKG Mastering, Ludwig Maier

On The Other Side

Wilson / Spence, 2009 (von Propaganda Man)
Ray Wilson Vocals and Acoustic Guitar
Mixed by Przemyslaw Sluzynski
Mastered: Uncle Jack
Produced by Ray Wilson