Long Way To Gois a collection of original songs written by Katy and friends (Ted Lindsay, Noah Slater, Dave Ray), the album explores themes of the solo traveler longing for adventure and new horizons, the ups and downs of relationships and moving on. A rocking, upbeat country vibe featuring lots of electric guitar drives the music forward. Jack Miele leads production and his Dream Team form the backbone of musicianship. Check out the terrific review in OffBeat Magazine.
Long Way to Go was produced and engineered by Jack Miele and recorded at JMP Studios, New Orleans and Studio In The Country, Bogalusa, La. Additional Engineers: Kassie Netherland, Graham Robinson, Jay Wesley, John Fohl. Mixed by Jack Miele. Mastered by Joe Causey for Voyager Mastering.
Musicians
Jack Miele – Guitar, Bass, Piano, Percussion, Backing Vocals Kassie Netherland – Backing Vocals John Fohl – Guitars Graham Robinson – Guitars, Rhodes, Mandolin Sean Carey – Bass, Harmonica Jimmy Messa – Bass Doug Belote – Drums Woody Dantagnan – Drums Darrin Triay – Drums Emily Zeisler – Cello
Folk Rock/Americana album is cowritten by Katy and husband Dave Ray.
I Dream of Water, a collection of original songs written by Katy Hobgood Ray and Dave Ray, is now available on the Out Of The Past Label. Inspired by events in coastal regions and cities along the great rivers of the USA, the album is both social commentary and personal reflection on how increasingly intense storms and rising waters are affecting daily life, futures, hopes, and dreams.
Produced by Greg Spradlin and recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock and Marigny Studios in New Orleans, the album incorporates elements from the Delta blues, gospel, country, and jazz.
Dave and Katy met in 2001 at a songwriter’s night in Shreveport, Louisiana—their hometown. Both write songs in the Americana/folk rock/country vein. In 2003, the couple moved to New Orleans, and over the years they’ve continued to perform at coffeeshops and small venues, collaborating in various bands.
Dave and Katy are members of Friends of Leadbelly, a group of musicians dedicated to promoting the legacy of north Louisiana songwriter Huddie Ledbetter. And over the last few years, Katy has become known for her work in children’s music with Confetti Park, and has performed at numerous festivals including French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest.
Katy also sings with Steve Howell & the Mighty Men out of the Ark-La-Tex area, who perform country blues and early jazz standards. This musical friendship was first established in 2002. (Both Dave and Katy sing on their album Good As I Been to You.) These are the musicians behind the new release, I Dream of Water.
In 2018, Dave and Katy took jobs based in Memphis, and are currently living between Memphis and New Orleans. They wrote this album with perspective and reflection on their experiences in their beloved Louisiana.
I Dream of Water is Katy & Dave’s first official release together.
About the Album
About the Album
Musicians: Chuck Dodson – piano, organs Scott Frock – trumpet Dave Hoffpauir – drums Vikki McGee – background vocals Katy Hobgood Ray – vocals Dave Ray – vocals Greg Spradlin – guitar, background vocals Dylan Turner – percussion Brad Walker – saxophone Jason Weinheimer – bass, percussion
Produced by Greg Spradlin
Engineered by Zachariah Reeves and Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas
Horns recorded at Marigny Studios, New Orleans, Louisiana,
by Paul McDonald
Mixed and Mastered by Jason Weinheimer at Fellowship Hall
Sound, Little Rock, Arkansas
Louisiana Oranges is a new digital album from Katy Hobgood Ray featuring eleven tracks of original compositions and a few country blues covers. Available on Amazon, iTunes, and other digital music services.
While Katy lately has been performing songs of joie de vivre in the genre of children’s music (as director of the Confetti Park Players in New Orleans), this album features compositions from Ray’s early singer-songwriter days. Never before released, the songs are somewhat confessional in nature, exploring themes of unrequited love, awkward relationships, loneliness, and existential wonder.
The recordings were made beginning in 2001 in Shreveport, La. and Little Rock, Ark., with various lineups of talented musicians all who hail from the Ark-La-Tex. Among them are Little Rock powerhouses Greg Spradlin (The Skeeterhawks, Imperials), Chris Michaels (Boondogs, The Cranks, Mighty Men) and David Hoffpauir (Ho Hum, Boondogs); East Texas country blues guitarist and singer Steve Howell; legendary Wrecking Crew bass player Joe Osborn; brothers David and Darren Osborn (owner of Sandbox Recording Studio in Shreveport), drummer Lane Bayliss and beloved Shreveport guitarist Danny Wilder. Ted Lindsay, a frequent collaborator on Confetti Park projects, plays bass on several tracks as well. Angela Russell, Katy’s childhood friend and bandmate (Star Eyed Stella), is featured on violin on three tracks.
Track information:
Louisiana Oranges (KD Hobgood Ray)
Cannon River (KD Hobgood Ray)
Followed You Down (KD Hobgood Ray)
I Had a Notion (Thomasina Winslow & Nick Katzman)
Hey Lawdy Papa (Son Reed)
Ragged Old Philosophy (KD Hobgood Ray)
Charlie (KD Hobgood Ray)
Balthazar (KD Hobgood Ray)
Music Carousel (KD Hobgood Ray)
Oh, CJ (KD Hobgood Ray)
Gold Rings (KD Hobgood Ray)
Musicians:
Lane Bayliss, drums (Tracks 1, 2, 7, 9)
Dave Hoffpauir, drums (Tracks 3, 6, 8, 10, 11)
Steve Howell, guitar (Tracks 4, 5)
Ted Lindsay, bass (Tracks 1, 2, 7, 9)
Chris Michaels, bass (Tracks 3, 6, 8, 10, 11)
Darren Osborn, keys (Tracks 4, 5)
David Osborn, drums (Tracks 4, 5)
Joe Osborn, bass (Tracks 4, 5)
Katy Hobgood Ray, vocals and guitar
Angela Russell, violin (Tracks 1, 2, 9)
Greg Spradlin, guitar and keys (Tracks 3, 6, 8, 10, 11)
Danny Wilder, guitar (Tracks 1-3, 6-11)
The cover story for this issue is on Dav Pilkey, author of the beloved Adventures of Captain Underpants series, one of the most popular series of books written for elementary-school aged children. There is also a profile on children’s author and illustrator Liz Pichon, creator of the popular Tom Gates series, and on Linda Dennis, founder of the Team Backpack Journalists program.
The article on Katy was written by Melissa Fales.
“As the host and producer of the New Orleans-based Confetti Park children’s radio show and director of the Confetti Park Players children’s chorus, Katy Hobgood Ray pays homage to the music and culture of her beloved home state of Louisiana. Both projects allow Ray to share her vast musical knowledge and songwriting talent with children and adults alike.”
Thank you so much for the wonderful support, to writer Melissa and to Editor-in-Chief, Cristy Bertini!
Story Monsters Ink is a free, subscription-based magazine that gives parents and educators the latest news about award-winning and debut books, profiles on both renowned and newly published authors, upcoming book events, author presentations and more.
I am so excited to debut this gorgeous animated music video for the song “Feufollet”! This features the brilliant artwork of Gustavo Wenzel and Santiago Germano. Santiago is the illustrator of The Little Mouse Santi, the first children’s book from Confetti Park. They have such a magical sensibility!
I hope the music and the legend of the spooky Feufollet enchants listeners everywhere.
– Katy Ray
“Feufollet” is performed by Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players, from the album “We’re Going to Confetti Park!” available on CD & digitally. It was recorded at Marigny Recording Studio by Matt Aguiluz and mastered by Bruce Barielle.
Featuring: Rick G. Nelson, bass; Sarah Quintana, background vocals and fae giggles; Katy Ray, vocals; Tim Robertson, guitar; Dr. Sick, violin, musical saw, toy piano; Dylan Field Turner, broom and other percussion.
[dt_sc_button type=”with-icon” link=”https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/were-going-to-confetti-park!/id1057427046″ size=”medium” target=”_blank”]Buy Track on iTunes[/dt_sc_button]
LYRICS:
In a boat, in a swamp, in the darkness
All around you is the night
Creatures jumping, night birds calling
When you see a flickering light
You think it could be a lantern
On some friendly neighbor’s trawl
Or the porch light on a swamp house
But it’s not friendly light at all
Chorus:
Don’t follow the Feufollet
Don’t follow the Feufollet
Lest you both should fade away
Pawpaw gave a warning to me
Don’t follow the Feufollet
Don’t get tricked by those lights in the sky,
They will lead you far astray
The swamp has many dangers
Use your wits, you’ll be OK
Trust the rats, the snakes and the gators
Before you trust the Feufollet
How will I know it Pawpaw?
What shall I do when I see?
When those flickering lights start to call to you
Do not follow, ma cherie.
It’s a will o’ the wisp, a trickster
Gives false comfort in the night
Stay close to the course you know in your heart
Or do not move ’til morning light.
The Confetti Park Players were recently profiled in the Spring 2016 issue of “Main Street News,” the newsletter of the Old Algiers Mainstreet Corporation. Thank you, Valerie Robinson, for the profile! We are very proud to represent our community through music.
Katy Hobgood Ray moved to New Orleans from Shreveport in 2003, but she really started to find her groove after moving to Old Algiers in 2007. Today, she works with Confetti Park Players, an all-ages children’s choir that just received a Parent’s Choice Approved Award for its first CD.
“I’ve always been active in music, writing and performing folk, country and jazz,” explained Katy, who holds a Master of Arts degree in musicology from Tulane University and has hosted radio shows since her college days.
“I started writing kids’ songs when my son, Louis, was born in 2011,“ she said. “I got involved with Confetti Kids (an organization that supports children’s activities in the area) after I became a mom, and started doing music circles in Confetti Park. After a while, these became more formal, and we started calling it a choir.”
The first performance of the Confetti Park Players was at Charles Gillam’s Folk Art Fest in October 2014, and they’ve been going strong ever since. The group meets weekly to sing, make rhythms, learn traditional New Orleans songs, and practice the craft of songwriting. Katy described the songs as “a mixture of fun and whimsical originals by contemporary Louisiana songwriters, classic folk songs, nursery rhymes, jump rope jingles, fairy tales, and natural lore.”
A CD that came out in November 2015 titled “We’re Going to Confetti Park!” with songs about pirates, frogs, sno-balls, and Candy Land balls, featured a star-studded lineup of New Orleans musicians, including Johnny Vidacovich, Jon-Erik Kellso, Evan Christopher, Matt Perrine, Patti Adams, Beth Patterson, Tom McDermott, Roger Lewis, David Rosser, Brian Coogan, Tim Robertson, and others. Old Algiers folk artist Charles Gillam created the cover art for the CD.
Momentum for the choir continues to grow, Katy said. The kids have recorded some music videos and special sessions with AJ Loria and Ginger and the Bee, and the group will be appearing at Jazz Fest for the first time on Saturday, April 23, at 12:40 pm at the Kids Tent.
Other upcoming events include the following:
April 16, 2016 – The Confetti Park Players will give an in-store performance at Euclid Records in the Bywater, 3301 Chartres St., 4 p.m., for International Record Store Day.
April 23, 2016 – The Confetti Park Players will perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival! 12:40 – 1:25 p.m. in the Kids Tent.
May 22, 2016 – 10:45 a.m. – The Confetti Park Players will perform at Algiers United Methodist Church, 637 Opelousas Ave.
May 22, 2016 – 3:30 p.m. – The Confetti Park Players will perform at Mid-City Bayou Boogaloo. (NBC Kids Stage)
June 11, 2016 – 12:30-2:00 p.m. – Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players at the Creole Tomato Fest! French Market. (Kids Stage will be located at the U.S. Mint, on the front lawn, Esplanade side)
NEW ORLEANS-CREATED CONFETTI PARK CD WINS A 2016 PARENTS’ CHOICE APPROVED AWARD CD featuring world-class New Orleans musicians collaborating with kids on Louisiana-inspired songs is honored for its wholesome entertainment value.
New Orleans, LA – April 11, 2016 —We’re Going to Confetti Park!, the first musical release from New Orleans-based children’s media workshop Confetti Park, has won a 2016 Parents’ Choice Approved Award. Link to award site
21 tracks include jump rope jingles and whimsical songs about pirates, frogs, snoballs, Roman candy, and other uniquely New Orleans experiences, all to a soundscape created by world-class musicians such as Johnny Vidacovich, Jon Erik-Kellso, Evan Christopher, Matt Perrine, Patti Adams, Roger Lewis, David Rosser, Brian Coogan, Tim Robertson, Sarah Quintana, and others.
The principal performers are Katy Hobgood Ray and the Confetti Park Players, an all-ages children’s chorus who meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, learn traditional New Orleans songs, and practice the craft of songwriting.
“This album sounds like a carefree, sunny afternoon in Louisiana, but it also sounds to me like many months of practice and recording with these kids,” says choir director Katy Hobgood Ray. “They have worked hard and I am proud of them. I am so delighted that the Parents’ Choice Foundation has honored us.”
Parents’ Choice Approved Seals are given on the basis of the production, entertainment, and human values they exemplify. A Parents’ Choice Approved seal indicates a wholesome product that helps children enjoy developing physical, emotional, social or academic skills.
We’re Going to Confetti Park! was recorded by Matt Aguiluz and Jason Rhein at Marigny Recording Studio and mastered by Bruce Barielle. It is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and CD Baby. You can also order CDs from https://confettipark.com or buy them at Louisiana Music Factory, Euclid Records NOLA, Fleurty Girl, and Magic Box Toys in New Orleans.
Musicians featured on We’re Going to Confetti Park! Patti Adams, Matt Aguiluz, Chuck Bee, Evan Christopher, Brian Coogan, John Doheny, John Haffner, Scott Albert Johnson, Jon-Erik Kellso, Chris Lane, Roger Lewis, Ted Lindsay, Tom McDermott, Paul McDonald, Michelle Nelson, Rick G. Nelson, Mr. Okra, Beth Patterson, Matthew Perrine, Sarah Quintana, David Eugene Ray, Katy Hobgood Ray, Jason Rhein, Tim Robertson, David Rosser, Greg Schatz, Dr. Sick, Michael Skinkus, Daniele Spadavecchia, James G. Thornton, Dylan Field Turner, Johnny Vidacovich.
Confetti Park Players featured on We’re Going to Confetti Park! Lily Bell, Luna Bell, Keller Clark, Saura Duke, Dean Foster, Elisa McDonald, Charleston McLean, Millie Moffett, Hrilina Ramrakhiani, Louis Ray, Sadie Strong, Virginia Strong
About Confetti Park Confetti Park is a children’s media workshop, weekly radio program and podcast based out of New Orleans. Our first children’s book, The Little Mouse Santi, was named by Kirkus Reviews among the Best Books of 2015 (and is winner of a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award).
About Parents’ Choice Foundation
Since 1978, Parents’ Choice has been reviewing and recommending quality children’s media and toys. To learn more about the Parents’ Choice Foundation, visit http://www.parents-choice.org/
The February 2016 issue of OffBeat Magazine is out, and it features a review of the Confetti Park Player’s debut CD, We’re Going to Confetti Park!This is our first review to date, and it’s hard to imagine a more wonderful one.
Confetti Park Players director Katy Hobgood Ray was grinning from ear to ear when she read it, sitting at Satsuma’s in the Bywater. And she was a little shiny-eyed, too. We’re more than a little excited, too, that the review comes out during Mardi Gras, when many New Orleanians are feeling light-hearted and joyful. It’s perfect timing for this record to be celebrated.
David Kunian, thank you for listening with an open mind and an open heart, and for giving kids music a shot!
Check out some of the tracks below. You can buy the record at Louisiana Music Factory, Skully’z, Euclid, Magic Box Toys and Fleurty Girl. You can also order it from Confetti Park!
[dt_sc_testimonial name=”OffBeat Magazine” image=”https://confettipark.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/cover.0216.offbeat.lores_-300×384-234×300.jpg” role=”Record review David Kunian rating=”0″]Often children’s records suffer from two problems: They are either too cute and cloying or too hip. This new kids’ record from the Confetti Park Players and director Katy Hobgood Ray mostly maintains a good balance between the two. Lyrically it is earnest and easy to sing along with. Musically it is simple enough for children to follow. What stands out on this record is Ray’s pretty voice supervising the children’s chorus, the Confetti Park Players, who handles their singing with a great combination of enthusiasm and skill. The songs are all originals with New Orleans subjects. They serve well both to educate kids about New Orleans history, characters and traditions while joining in with the record. There are great songs that caution about not following the Feufollet, chasing the Roman Candy Man and deciding which snowball flavors to try. Of course, a New Orleans–based kids’ compilation is not complete without a dose of the Okra Man, who sings on the track with his name. These songs are marches, waltzes and ballads with modern touches like the easy going hip-hop of “Choctaw Choo Choo” and the second line chant perfect for hand jive, jump rope or hopscotch of “The Clapping Song.” Ray culled musicians from the best New Orleans has to offer, including baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis, drummer Johnny Vidacovich, sousaphonist Matt Perrine, keyboardist Brian Coogan, and clarinetist Evan Christopher. Greg Schatz (whose songs sometimes sound like kids’ songs for grownups) contributes a track. But forget about what I think. My kids were singing along by the second time they heard this CD, with their favorites being both odes to pirates. So the kids will like it and the adults will not get sick of it. In that, the existence of the Confetti Park Players’ new CD makes this a more perfect world.[/dt_sc_testimonial]
PRESS RELEASE: New Orleans musicians collaborate on kids album We’re Going to Confetti Park! Album features Katy Hobgood Ray, Mr. Okra, a chorus of New Orleans children, and world-class musicians such as Johnny Vidacovich, Jon Erik-Kellso, Evan Christopher, Matt Perrine, Patti Adams, Roger Lewis, David Rosser, Brian Coogan, Tim Robertson, Sarah Quintana, and others.
Contact: [email protected] or 504-650-1238.
We’re Going to Confetti Park! ftg. Katy Hobgood Ray & the Confetti Park Players
NEW ORLEANS, LA, NOVEMBER 16, 2015 — A carefree, sunny afternoon in New Orleans is now available in song format on We’re Going to Confetti Park!, an album of whimsical songs about pirates, frogs, snoballs, Roman candy, and other uniquely New Orleans experiences.
21 tracks include original songs, jump rope jingles, and fresh takes on a Lead Belly folk song and a Lincoln Chase hit featuring New Orleans’ renown drummer, Johnny Vidacovich. There’s also a special guest performance by beloved produce vendor Mr. Okra, who sings with the children on “Have You Seen the Okra Man?”
This album is the first musical release by New Orleans-based children’s media workshop Confetti Park. An award-winning children’s picture book, The Little Mouse Santi, was released earlier this year.
The principal performers are Katy Hobgood Ray and the Confetti Park Players, an all-ages children’s chorus. Their name comes from a small playground in the heart of their neighborhood of Algiers Point, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River. Led by singer-songwriter Katy Ray, the Confetti Park Players meet weekly to sing, make rhythms, share Louisiana traditions, and practice the craft of songwriting.
“The album is inspired by the joyful characters, the colorful sights and sounds, the magic moments we are lucky enough to experience every day in New Orleans,” says Katy Ray. “Some of the things a NOLA kid might experience at the park, such as playing clapping games with friends, pretending to be pirates, catching frogs and ladybugs, eating snoballs and buttermilk drops—these moments are all represented in song.”
The album was recorded by Matt Aguiluz and Jason Rhein at Marigny Recording Studio and mastered by Bruce Barielle.
“I think the songs will appeal not just to kids, but to anyone who loves Louisiana music and culture,” says Katy Ray. “Who outgrows snoballs?”
We’re Going to Confetti Park! is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and CD Baby. You can also order CDs from https://confettipark.com or buy them at Louisiana Music Factory, Fleurty Girl, and Magic Box Toys in New Orleans.
We’re Going to Confetti Park! begins with a call and response between jazz trumpeter Jon Erik-Kellso and clarinetist Evan Christopher. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich, sousaphone player Matt Perrine and ace guitarist Tim Robertson fill out the opening title track, backing a chorus of children at play.
Vidacovich also leads off Lincoln Chase’s classic 1960s hit, “The Clapping Song.” The Confetti Park version features lead vocals by Keller Clark, son of Dukes of Dixieland bandleader Kevin Clark. Other musicians include trumpet player Chuck Bee, tenor saxophonist John Doheny, Dirty Dozen baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis, and guitarist Paul McDonald.
“Roman Candy Man,” a call to the beloved New Orleans taffy vendor who drives a cart pulled by a mule, features Patti Adams, solo piccoloist and assistant principal flutist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Dylan Field Turner plays field drum.
“Watch Out for the Pirates” and “Louis Lafitte, the Pirate King” feature a large chorus of pirates young and old singing about adventures on the high seas. Michael Skinkus (percussion), Beth Patterson (Irish bouzouki), Dr. Sick (fiddle), Greg Schatz (accordion), and Rick Nelson (bass) are among the featured players.
“Buttermilk Drop” is a sassy homage to the delicious New Orleans breakfast treat, featuring gypsy jazz guitarist Daniele Spadavecchia, accordionist Greg Schatz, and Bustout Burlesque trumpet player Jim Thornton.
Thornton’s excellent piccolo trumpet ability is showcased on “Snoball,” and Pretty Lights keyboardist Brian Coogan plays Rhodes piano. This song explores the existential plight of humankind through ice and flavored syrups. (Otherwise, it’s just a song about snoballs.)
“Feufollet” is a spooky tale about the swamp fires of Louisiana legend. With fae-inspired choruses by chanteuse Sarah Quintana and musical saw and fiddle by Dr. Sick, it’s the eeriest song on the album.
“Dancing on the Moon” is a pop tune written by Ted Lindsay, featuring lead vocals and bass by Jason Rhein of Rotary Downs and kid-music duo Jason & Layla, outer space-inspired electric guitar by David Rosser, and drums by Dylan Field Turner.
Rosser also backs Mr. Okra (Arthur Robinson) on his musical number, “Have You Seen the Okra Man?” with accompaniment by harmonica player Scott Albert Johnson.
Pianist Tom McDermott plays on “Lovely Little Ladybug” (with sweet lead vocals by Elisa McDonald and Charleston McLean) and on “Candy Land Ball,” a classic waltz in the style of Charles K. Harris, and inspired by the colorful children’s ball held every year in Algiers Point. This track also features strings by Rick Nelson and a wonderful sousaphone solo by Matt Perrine.
“Dream Big, Little Santi” features Tim Robertson on guitar (a backbone performer of the album) and mellotron by Katy Ray. This song is a companion piece to the children’s picture book The Little Mouse Santi by David Eugene Ray and Santiago Germano, about a mouse who dreams of being a cat. This first children’s book from Confetti Park is winner of a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, a Kirkus star and the gold award from the Mom’s Choice Awards.
Scattered throughout the album are clapping songs, jump rope jingles, and childhood chestnuts featuring the Confetti Park Players. There is also a call-and-response interpretation of Polly Wolly Wee by Huddie Ledbetter. (Katy Ray is a longtime member of Friends of Lead Belly, a group of musicians dedicated to promoting the legacy of the north Louisiana folk singer.)
Musicians Featured on We’re Going to Confetti Park! Patti Adams, Matt Aguiluz, Chuck Bee, Evan Christopher, Brian Coogan, John Doheny, John Haffner, Scott Albert Johnson, Jon-Erik Kellso, Chris Lane, Roger Lewis, Ted Lindsay, Tom McDermott, Paul McDonald, Michelle Nelson, Rick G. Nelson, Mr. Okra, Beth Patterson, Matthew Perrine, Sarah Quintana, David Eugene Ray, Katy Hobgood Ray, Jason Rhein, Tim Robertson, David Rosser, Greg Schatz, Dr. Sick, Michael Skinkus, Daniele Spadavecchia, James G. Thornton, Dylan Field Turner, Johnny Vidacovich.
Confetti Park Players Lily Bell, Luna Bell, Keller Clark, Saura Duke, Dean Foster, Elisa McDonald, Charleston McLean, Millie Moffett, Hrilina Ramrakhiani, Louis Ray, Sadie Strong, Virginia Strong
