Joshua Ray Summey

On May 17th, the world lost the Voice, and quiet as it’s kept, one of the finest, most unique, and artistic songwriters we humans have known. I, like many, lost a hero, The Hero, in Chris Cornell.

On May 18th, New Orleans and, more personally, Lonely Eskimo Productions lost a film editor, core member, and friend in Bryan Stewart.

I did not know either of these two gentlemen.

However, Chris’s “Euphoria Morning” taught me my craft and saved from myself when I was too stubborn to let any person do it. Soundgarden ’s “Superunknown” along with Incubus’ “Science”, Pearl Jam‘s “Binaural” and “Vitalogy” made want to be in bands. And three bands (South End, Chase, & Hazy Ray) have kept me alive and happy about it for 20 years. His positive influence on me cannot be overstated.

Bryan, unknown to me, edited every last one of Hazy Ray’s LEP videos. Those videos have been crucially instrumental in garnering necessary attention, booking gigs, gaining airplay, getting interviews, and receiving love I am sure I am not aware of. His work, quite literally, has put food on Linda’s & my table.

Releasing “Fell on Black Days” first was always the plan because Ryan & I love performing our arrangement of it.

This video, as well as all subsequent releases from “Farewell New Orleans: Joshua Ray & Ryan Patrick Live at Marigny Studios”, is dedicated to the memory of Bryan Stewart.

Every performance of every career songwriter and musician influenced by their heroes is a dedication to those same heroes. In that spirit, my existence as a career musician, however meager, is a dedication to Chris Cornell and all the other creators whose work has shaped me.

Too soon for both. Two lives extremely well lived. Rest in Peace fellas.

Please mourn, or enjoy. Whichever you prefer.”**************************************