1965 Ray’s family migrates to Spain and at age 15, he joins the number-one instrumental group in Spain, “Los Pekenikes,” and wins the reputation of a being a young prodigy.
1971 At age 18, Ray’s band, "The Pop Tops," has an international hit, “Mamy Blue,” with three million copies sold worldwide, making it to number-one in Europe, South America and Israel. 1973 After meeting George Harrison, he is invited to England where he frequents the hangouts of the leading progressive musicians of the day, including Keith Emerson, Jon Anderson (“Yes”), Patrick Moraz, Mike Rattledge (“Soft Machine”), Bob Tench (“Jeff Beck Group / Van Morrison”).
After a jam session with Carmine Appice (“Beck, Bogart and Appice” / “Vanilla Fudge”) and Rick Gretsch (“Blind Faith”), the idea of a forming a group is discussed and he is invited to the USA.
1974 On December 14th, Ray arrives in New York and in the same day, is asked to work with John Lennon. [The group with Appice will see the replacement of Rick Gretsch by Jeff Berlin, and dissolves soon after, to see another formation with Bill Bruford (“Yes” / “King Crimson”), which is also short-lived.]
1975 Under Will Lee’s recommendations, a meeting with Lenny White introduces Ray to the emerging scene of jazz/rock fusion, where he will collaborate with Stanley Clarke, Deodato, Narada Michael Walden, Herbie Hancock & etc.
1976 “Schooldays,” Stanley Clarke’s legendary album, is released; a true bass anthem that will be a memorable moment in the history of contemporary music. The critics recognize Ray as one of the great contemporary guitarists and he becomes known as a “guitarist’s guitarist.”
”Schooldays solo is one of the classics!” – Larry Coryell
”Ray Gomez is a genius…” – Jonas Hellborg
Atlantic Records offers Ray a contract, which is rejected in anticipation of a better offer. Due to the withdrawal of his passport by French authorities for failure to comply with the French military, Ray is unable to perform in France and Spain, and must pass on an offer to participate in a series of international tours and jazz festivals (Juan les Pins, Montreux, Pori, Nothsea…).
1978 Ray signs with Columbia and records his first solo album, “Volume.” The album receives accolades from critics and media, alike, climbing to number-one on the radio, notably, KSHE in St. Louis and BBC-1 in London.
“Everything you wanted in a rock record, but no one would record, is found on the new Ray Gomez. Straight-on rock to jazz to blues, and a little pop. It’s all on this one. Start-to-finish, it’s a winner!” – Charlie West, KMOD
”West Side Boogie erupts like Mount St. Helens spewing volcanic rock-licks, which could make Jeff Beck jealous!” – Peyton Mays, KZEL
Record company problems ensue, and lacking the necessary promotion and support, the record does not reach its deserving commercial success. Disillusioned with the recording industry, and unable to visit his family in France, Ray disassociates himself and takes a long respite from the music business. 1981 Ray engages in a new series of collaborations (Chaka Khan, Hall and Oates, “Scandal”...) and begins a period of teaching.
1984 Wanting a change of scene, Ray moves from New York to Los Angeles, where he remains for the next three years, and collaborates with Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Steve Smith (“Vital Information”), Steve Perry (“Journey”), Aretha Franklin, Tori Amos, Narada, Brian Auger & etc.
1987 Ray leaves L.A. for Spain and the Canary Islands for a period of writing and pre-production of a new album.
1988 Set with new material, Ray returns to New York. The band, ”Steps Ahead” invite him to participate as guitarist and co-writer on the album, “NYC.” During the same period, he plays on Eddy Palmieri’s CD.
With the help of old friends, Tony Smith, Dennis Chambers and Chris Palmaro, Ray returns to live performance on the New York City club scene, with enthusiastic reception from the public and music community, alike. Recordings for new projects begin with the collaboration of Dennis Chambers, T.M. Stevens, Buddy Miles, Will Lee, Andy Newark & etc. top of page1991 Ray does an instructional video for “Starlicks” with Tom Brechtlein (ex Chick Corea, Robben Ford, Eric Johnson) and organist, Willy B. Smith (Robben Ford, Jackson Brown, Linda Ronstadt…), which includes four exciting performances.
1992 Through 1995, Ray is asked to write, produce, sing and play on commercials for Coca Cola, Brut de Fabergé, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, Palmolive, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Molson, Coors, Budweiser, KFC, Pontiac, Gillette & etc.
1993 Ray briefly joins Stewart Copeland (“Police”) and Stanley Clarke in the group, “Animal Logic.”
1995 While vacationing in the South of France, a friend of Ray’s brother, Jean Pierre, organizes a concert in the club, “l’Opéra,” in Cannes. The success of this concert initiates a series of trips to France for concerts with Philippe Chayeb (bass) and Loïc Pontieux (drums).
1997 Ray participates with other great guitarists for the concert, “Palabra de Guitarra Latina” in Palma de Mallorca, featuring Bireli Lagrene, Larry Coryell and Tomatito. A CD is released under the same name.
1998 Through 1999, more concerts in Europe are produced, including the “Festival de Guitar of Astaffort,” and a tour with “Palabra de Guitarra Latina” in Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands.
2000+ Work on a new CD, live performances at European festivals, (“Jazz à Vienne,” “La nuit de la guitare” in Agen, 2003 ”Festival de Guitare dans tous ses Etats,” in Nerac), international & local club engagements and teaching round-out Ray’s current musical itinerary. Ray’s new CD project, “Honor,” is underway, and scheduled to be released shortly.
Summer in the City
Ray Gomez Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Summer in the city
Back o′ my neck
Gettin' dirty and gritty
Been down isn′t a pity
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
All around
Walkin′ on the sidewalk
Hotter than a match head
But tonight it′s a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on
And dance all night
Despite the heat
It'll be alright
Hot town
Cool town
Evenin′ in the city
Dressed so fine and a lookin' so pretty
Cool cat
Lookin′ for a kitty
Gonna look in every corner of the city
Till I'm wheezin′ like a bus stop
Runnin' up the stairs
Gonna meet you on the rooftop
But tonight it's a different world
Go out and find a girl
Come on, come on
And dance all night
Despite the heat
It′ll be alright
Hot town
Hot town, hot town...
The lyrics to Ray Gomez's song Summer In The City describe the experience of being in a city during the summertime. The opening line of "Hot town, hot town, hot town" sets the tone for the rest of the song--the heat and the city are the main focus. The second line, "Back o' my neck gettin' dirty and gritty," describes the physical discomfort that comes with being in a hot and humid city. Despite this, the song goes on to suggest that there is still fun to be had: "Been down isn't a pity...come on, come on, and dance all night." The "different world" that the singer talks about is the escape that comes from finding someone to dance with and forgetting about the heat for a little while.
The second half of the song shifts focus from the heat to the singer's search for a romantic partner. He describes himself as a "cool cat lookin' for a kitty" and says he's going to "look in every corner of the city till I'm wheezin' like a bus stop." The rooftop meeting that he describes has a dreamy, romantic quality to it that contrasts with the gritty realities of the city. The line "hot town, cool town" further underscores the contrast between the heat of the day and the relative relief of the nighttime.
All in all, the lyrics of Summer In The City paint a vivid picture of what it feels like to be in a bustling and sometimes uncomfortable city during the hottest months of the year. However, they also suggest that there is still joy to be found, whether it's through dancing or through the possibility of romance.
Line by Line Meaning
Hot town, hot town, hot town...
The city is really hot.
Summer in the city
It's the summer season in the city.
Back o′ my neck
The back of my neck is sweating because of the hot weather.
Gettin' dirty and gritty
The hot and dusty environment is causing my body to get dirty and my clothes to become grimy.
Been down isn't a pity
Even though things are tough, it's not a bad thing.
Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city
The city is so hot that there is no shade to be found anywhere.
All around
Everywhere I look.
People lookin' half dead
People are so affected by the heat that they look tired and worn out.
Walkin′ on the sidewalk
People are walking on the pavement.
Hotter than a match head
It's even hotter than the flame of a matchstick.
But tonight it′s a different world
Despite the heat, the night brings a change in the atmosphere.
Go out and find a girl
I should go outside and try to make a romantic connection with someone.
Come on, come on
Hurry up, let's go!
And dance all night
We could stay out all night long, dancing.
Despite the heat
Even though it's hot outside.
It'll be alright
Everything will be fine.
Cool town
The city seems cooler now.
Evenin′ in the city
It's now evening in the city.
Dressed so fine and a lookin' so pretty
People are wearing fashionable clothing and looking attractive.
Cool cat
A person who is cool or fashionable.
Lookin′ for a kitty
Searching for someone to spend time with, possibly romantically.
Gonna look in every corner of the city
I will search every area of the city.
Till I'm wheezin′ like a bus stop
I will keep searching until I'm out of breath.
Runnin' up the stairs
I am in a hurry, running up the stairs.
Gonna meet you on the rooftop
I will meet you on the roof of the building.
Contributed by Max R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
BV 50
Very rare album, not many copies made. Also bought it on cassette. Like many good albums, it mainly went unnoticed! We got your back Ray!
Christian
The best remake ever of Summer in the City, it has it all! Funk, Beat, Raw vocals & Pure Guitar Power!! A Symphony of Energy! Thank you, DJs Smith & Wesson from Radio 7 (read, SEPT) Paris France in 1980/1981 for playing it and making me discover it at the time!! PS Was so lucky to find this totally at random on a 12". I had been looking for it for years and didn't know the artist's name.
Christian
One of the best-produced tracks ever. I’m in total awe!
Linda Morton
Bought the 7” single at the time and have finally found a digital version! Best version of the track ever👌🏻Thanks for sharing 👍🏻
Tommy Mandel
Fantastic Feel!
Nigel Firth
Back in the day.....great to dance to dance to at Tiffany's...fantastic😀!
TheJampt
underrated giutarrist....
Zephyrus0127
I just remember the guitar solo from years ago
Oda Ivanka Tšupukka
Wow!
Jack Frost
GREAT SONG I GOT WHEN I LIVED IN UK!!!!!
BritboyinUSA