A Return to Roots: Colin and Kathleen Ray Find Lasting Hope in “Somewhere Among the Briars”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The acoustic music scene welcomes back a talented pair of familiar faces with the release of “Somewhere Among the Briars,” the debut single from husband-and-wife duo Colin and Kathleen Ray. Marking their official return to roots music, the track is a beautifully rendered exploration of the enduring search for lasting love—a journey fraught with both joys and heartbreaks, but always guided by resilient hope.
The Artists: A Harmony Forged in Bluegrass
Colin and Kathleen Ray are a duo with deep, authentic roots in the bluegrass and Americana traditions. Their story is a perfect reflection of their music, having met while studying bluegrass at East Tennessee State University.
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Colin Ray is an experienced instrumentalist and performer, lending his skill on vocals, guitar, and mandolin to the duo’s sound.
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Kathleen Ray is a veteran fiddler, known for her work with the acclaimed Burnett Sisters Band and Strictly Strings. Her vocal harmonies are the essential counterpoint to Colin’s lead.
Following their 2021 marriage, the couple temporarily stepped back from performing, settling in Lincolnton, NC, and balancing music with careers in education and fitness. This hiatus, however, seems to have only enriched their artistry. Their renewed focus on music led to recording sessions in the fall of 2024, culminating in this single and paving the way for a self-titled album planned for 2026. This is a comeback founded on authenticity and a deep respect for their genre.
The Track: The Hope That Brings Us Back
“Somewhere Among the Briars” was penned by renowned songwriters Hugh Moffatt and John Scott Sherrill. The song’s theme is immediately relatable, using the metaphor of a search through metaphorical “briars”—the difficult, painful parts of life—to find genuine, enduring love. The lyrics capture the cyclical nature of relationships: the joy of finding connection, the inevitable sting of heartbreak, and the tenacious hope that encourages the search to begin anew.
The song is a showcase for the duo’s combined instrumental and vocal talent, highlighted by their signature harmonies. Kathleen’s harmony vocals are particularly effective, adding a layer of emotional depth that transforms the song from a simple narrative into a moving, shared experience.
Expert Instrumentation
The Rays are joined by an outstanding ensemble of acoustic musicians, ensuring the track’s classic roots sound is executed with modern precision:
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Aynsley Porchak: Fiddle, Harmony Vocals
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Max Etling: Bass
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Justin Alexander: Banjo
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Randy Kohrs: Resophonic Guitar, Percussion
The presence of the fiddle, banjo, and resophonic guitar creates a rich, full-bodied tapestry of traditional American acoustic music. The classic arrangement perfectly frames Colin’s lead vocals and the emotional resonance of the harmonies, making the song feel timeless and immediate.
Conclusion: An Endearing and Authentic Debut
“Somewhere Among the Briars” is a triumphant first step in Colin and Kathleen Ray’s return to the acoustic music scene. It’s a testament to the fact that authentic roots music, delivered with skill and genuine emotion, always finds an audience. The song is a beautiful reminder that even amidst the challenges and heartbreaks of life—the briars—the pursuit of lasting love and connection is a journey always worth undertaking. This single promises great things for their upcoming 2026 album and is essential listening for fans of modern bluegrass and heartfelt Americana.