Ray Cheong is Malaysia’s Jazz, Folk, Blues, Rock and Soul Singer-Songwriter/Guitarist; performed over hundreds of venues all over the states in Malaysia and continents of South-East Asia, United Kingdom and Europe;
Ray was the Winner of DiGi Celebriteen 2006, one of the CLEO Bachelor 2009, and also the top 100 finalist of Malaysian Idol back in 2004 and 2005.
His musical journey became more prominent since he started writing and perform his own tunes in 2008, hence the released of two albums, Ray Cheong - Live in London (2011) and Ray Cheong Trio - Live at No Black Tie [promo CD] (2009). Ray is also part of Earth Hour 2013 compilation album with his song “Dark Skies”.
As an accomplish guitarist, he has accompanied and opened for notable artistes in concerts such as:
Yannick Bovy (EUROPE) (2013)
Pixie Lott (UK) (2012)
Tommy Emmanuel (AUS/US) (2012)
Adam Rafferty (US) (2012)
Farid Ali(MY), Az Samad(MY), Nadhira(MY), Salam Musik(MY), Azmyl Yunor(MY), Narmi(MY), Sean Lee-World Top 5 Beatboxer(MY) and many other musicians, local and international in different genres.
Influenced mainly by guitar heroes, singers and bands such as ; Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Joe Pass,John Mayer, John Butler Trio, Incubus, Matchbox 20, Jamie Cullum, George Benson, Jamiroquai, Al
Green, Justin King, Don Ross, The Beatles, Tom Jones and Bee Gees just to name a few.
Ray's show consist of his own compositions such as Afraid, Just a While, Yellow Day, etc; he is also one of the most prominent guitar player in Malaysia with his unique way of approaching the
acoustic guitar with a new-age genre of slapping and tapping techniques similar to the likes of
Justin King, Don Ross, Andy McKee and other new-age guitarist in the music world.
Ray is also regarded as the “Jimi Hendrix” of Malaysia with his rendition of songs such as Little Wing(Jimi Hendrix), Gravity(John Mayer), Ain't No Sunshine(Bill Withers) and others; he blends
it with an urban edge and striking guitar lines which makes his music utterly refreshing to the common
ears.
Ray is no stranger to music festivals and big events such as Penang Jazz Festival 2009, Kitar Kitar Music Festival 2012, Hard Rock Hotel Penang Summerfest 2012-2013, Malaysian International Guitar Festival 2013, many more throughout the past years and also more to come in the future.
Ray Cheong is a definite rare breed of artist who dared to go out of his way to proof himself and beating the odds of radio favoring bubblegum music;
Ray Cheong is all about stepping up and rising up to the challenges.
* Ray Cheong is currently on tour doing solo shows and is also with the band consisting of a
drummer, bassist, violinists and himself on the acoustic / electric guitar and vocals.