In the fall of 1972, I received a call from a guitarist who wanted to know if I would consider joining a band called "Eddie Ray & Company". The lead singer was the leader and he already had a good start on a decent rhythm section. He wanted to fill it out with someone who could sing and play keyboards. He was writing some material and was interested in recording it soon. He was also willing to pay the costs of the recording sessions. The group was being geared toward private functions and nightclub work.

I think probably the most memorable (if you can call it that) gig with this group was in Indianapolis. We were booked at an upscale restaurant and go-go club. It opened at 11 am with lunch and dancers. Live music began at 5 pm and went 'til 3 am. Dinner was served from 5 pm 'til midnight. 2 bands performed live every night of the week, alternating sets. Amazingly, the dressing room was shared by everyone! Musicians, dancers and waitresses all changed their clothes and/or took their breaks in this one room! "It's no big deal" the dancers would say, running around half naked. Since it didn't bother them, it was certainly fine by me! That was my first experience with a unisex dressing room.

Late in 1972, while I was with "Eddie Ray & Company", I started composing instrumental music. One of my most memorable melodies came to me in a dream. I was actually writing the ballad in my sleep. Suddenly, I woke up, went to the big upright piano in the living room of my apartment and started playing the melody just as I had written it in my dream. I am sure I did not make the neighbors very happy because it was about 4 am.

The next morning I recorded a very rough version of the composition in what was then, my very first recording studio. The 'working title' for this piece was "Theme From A Motion Picture Not Yet Made". Fortunately, I had the sense to dedicate the song to my mother thus changing the name to "A Song For Viola". 29 years later, the composition still has a special place in my heart which is why it is on my 2001 CD.
 
 

Early in 1973, "Eddie Ray & Company" recorded a 45 rpm single called "I Want Your Love" but nothing resulted from the recording. In the back of my mind I always had the feeling that this group would not be together long. Although everyone got along okay, I felt there wasn't enough dedication to keep the group going for a long period of time. We broke up in February, 1973.