Ray's distinctive playing of the 5-string banjo combines bluegrass finger-picking techniques with musical styles from a wide range of traditions, including Irish traditional, English morris, European dance, classical and contemporary.

He has also developed authoritative playing styles on the English concertina, the flute & piccolo, the bodhrán and various bagpipes. His vocal excursions include old-time religious songs, drinking songs and modern ballads.

He is currently one half of the duo The Rude Mechanicals, with fellow multi-instrumentalist and singer Barry Ruffell.

Both as a solo performer and in various bands, Ray has been featured on local and national radio, television, commercial recordings, in professional theatre and in folk clubs and concerts throughout Europe.

He has twice been the featured guest on the Andy Kershaw show on BBC Radio. 

Ray's musical interests are wide and certainly not confined to folk. He has played in, musically directed and conducted modern concert bands and has been involved in various jazz and classical projects.