Ray Bonneville calls his music "a gumbo of American roots stylings." Accompanying himself on guitar, harmonica, and footboard, the Montreal-based singer and songwriter offers portraits of conditions he considers human and universal, exploring hope and hidden longing at a visceral level. "My attitude," says Ray of performing, "is, we're together, and I'm thrilled to be here. Sitting in this chair, playing these songs, is where I'm most comfortable. I'm in love with doing this, and my life is geared to getting here. I think people can sense that." Ray won a 1999 Juno Award -- the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy -- for his third album, Gust of Wind. He recently released a live-in-the-studio solo album, Rough Luck (Prime CD).