And the band news just keeps swirling…

We just got a note from Russell Moore of IIIrd Tyme Out with the news that Ray Deaton, original member, bass player and singer – and primary booking agent for the band – will be leaving at the end of 2007. Russell said that the band will take their customary month of December vacation – though somewhat truncated this year – and reemerge in January with the new bass player in tow.

Ray is leaving to work full time with The Anita Fisher Band, with whom he has been performing on a part time basis. Anita and Ray are engaged to be married, and it seemed that this move was inevitable. They have completed a Gospel recording that is expected to be released in May 2007.

Russell said that Ray gave his notice a few weeks ago, and that he is sorry to see his friend and band mate leave.

“Ray has been standing beside me on stage for over twenty years and he will be missed by myself and all the other members of IIIrd Tyme Out. We look forward to the rest of this year’s show dates, where our friends and fans can expect to hear the songs they’ve come to know and love over the past fifteen years. We all wish Ray the best in the future and in everything he does. The rest of us are committed to continuing on and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, and to sharing those opportunities with everyone across the country.”

Russell also mentioned that they are hard at work completing the edits for their live concert DVD, and hope to have it ready for the table this spring.