RAY BARNARD’s new single “Closer To God” is an original reggae-infused non-denominational gospel song. Or a treatise on the idea that God is Nature and Nature is God. But it’s also about the idea of getting closer to meeting our Maker, whether or not we believe. The modern arrangement and instrumentality of “Closer To God” perfectly combines lyrics and music in an upbeat journey exploring the path of strength and connections via life’s transformative challenges.
Think Bob Marley meets Steely Dan and you’ll start to get the picture. Before Ray Barnard began his solo career, he led the roots-rock group The Copperheads for twelve years. The group released three albums and was known for mixing Country and R&B. The Copperheads also played high profile shows with Junior Brown, Chris Scruggs, Rosie Flores, the Iguanas, Randy Weeks, Charlie Robison, Shooter Jennings, Ty Herndon, Jack Ingram, the Oak Ridge Boys. Barnard also played sideman for Frederick Thomas & Natural Selection, along with Minneapolis-Saint Paul acts such as In2ition, Bill Geezy, Molly Maher, Paul Bergen, the Dan Lowinger 4, Becky Kapell & the Fat Six, and Erik Koskinen. “Minnesota’s best kept secret for 15 years running.” – Frogtown Blogosphere
