Folk Roots Radio Episode 519: Don Bray… In Conversation – I Bless The Wounds

Ottawa based singer-songwriter Don Bray joins us on Episode 519 of Folk Roots Radio for a wonderful in-depth conversation about his sixth album “I Bless The Wounds” – thirteen songs written through the lens of Complex PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Sometimes sad, sometimes up, but mostly hopeful, this is Don’s most personal project to date. Join us for Don Bray… In Conversation on Folk Roots Radio. Check out the full playlist below.

Interview

A retired decorated fire captain (based in Toronto), Don Bray likes to say that he has been playing guitar and writing songs longer than most of us have been alive. In 1969, Don saw Bruce Cockburn in concert and remembers thinking, “That’s what I want to do with the guitar.” Of course, he also says that about Jeff Beck and Leo Kottke.

“I Bless The Wounds” is Don Bray’s first album since “I Am Myself” (2012). Don Bray states he was “born to an abusive father, and also a victim of rape; that set me up for 27 years in the Toronto Fire Department.” which lead to a later life diagnosis of Complex PTSD. This album is a way of making peace with this complicated disorder, in a way that should provide some comfort to fellow sufferers.

On this very honest new work, Don Bray plays guitar, hollowneck lap slide national steel guitar and mandola with fine support from Terry Tufts (cittern, electric and acoustic guitars), Mark Mariash (drums/percussion), Burke Carroll (pedal steel guitar), Rosalyn Dennett (fiddle), Bill Zulak (fiddle), Pat McPhail (stand up bass) and harmony vocals from Rebecca Campbell, Terry Tufts, Melissa Hucul, Sjef Frenken, Mark Evenchick, Alan Sandeman, Jordan Leech and Greg Kelly.

Over the years Don Bray has played many different folk festivals including Mariposa, Folk on the Rocks and Trout Forest. These days Don also loves to play house concerts.

“A keen observer of the human condition, with sensitivity and wit. A brilliant songwriter… poetry married to an unsurpassed guitar style… lyrics clear as water.” David Francey

For more information about the music of Don Bray, visit donbray.ca.

If you enjoy the music we play on this show and want to support the artists – many of whom aren’t able to play live at the moment because of the Covid-19 pandemic, don’t just stream their music – that earns them much less than a penny per play. Instead, buy their music – and really make a difference to their income. They’ll love you for it!

Listen

You can listen to this episode again on Soundcloud by following the link below. You can also listen to episodes of Folk Roots Radio, on demand, via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Tune-in Radio. (Click on the highlighted link to reach your chosen platform.)

Playlist

Nicolas & The Iceni (Theme)
Lucy She Rises
Roll Right (2019, self)

Don Bray
I Bless The Wounds
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN

Interview: Don Bray discussing his music and sixth album “I Bless The Wounds”.

Don Bray
Brother Song
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN

Don Bray
The Trick
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN

Don Bray
I Don’t Get Out Much
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN

Don Bray
Time To Go
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN

Don Bray
Gone Before I Leave
I Bless The Wounds (2019, Self) CDN