Post by yerblues1968 on Nov 28, 2008 4:11:15 GMT -5
Brian Ray, bass guitarist for Paul McCartney
BRIAN RAY
Brian Thomas Ray (born January 4, 1955) is an American session musician, musical director, rock guitarist and songwriter.
EARLY LIFE
Brian Ray grew up in Southern California. His elder sister Jean's (born 1940) record collection spurred his interest in rock music. In the 1960s, she sang in the folk group the New Christy Minstrels, then continued in the folk duo "Jim and Jean", with Jim Glover.
CAREER
EARLY YEARS
In 1973, shortly after graduating high school, Ray became the guitarist and musical director for blues legend Etta James, a predecessor for other impressive jobs, such as musical director for Rita Coolidge, and guitarist for Johnny Hallyday. In addition to these accomplishments, Ray co-wrote Smokey Robinson's hit One Heartbeat (1987), which to this day has received over 2,000,000 airplays.
"One Heartbeat" written by Smokey Robinson and Brian Ray. (4:12 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AdSyGb4gyg
PAUL McCARTNEY
In 2002, Ray's friend and fellow Johnny Hallyday band mate, drummer Abe Laboriel Jr., told him that Paul McCartney was in search of a guitarist who could easily switch to bass between songs, a talent that Ray possessed after professing to learn a new instrument as a New Year's resolution. After meeting with McCartney's producer David Kahne, Ray joined McCartney's band for the tour in support of his McCartney's Driving Rain album.
Brian Ray performing with Paul McCartney in Quebec, Canada on July 20, 2008
The My Band of Paul McCartney continued on to tour Mexico and Japan as part of the Driving tour. They continued after the Back in the US 2nd leg in 2002, and made their way to Europe, playing the legendary concert in Moscow's Red Square. The Back in the World tour concluded with a show at the Glastonbury Festival in Britain.
Brian Ray performing with Paul McCartney in Tel Aviv, Israel on September 25, 2008
McCartney's US Tour 2005 was a major success. My Band had a sell-out in all venues in a matter of minutes, a new record.
Ray continues to tour with Paul McCartney.
Brian Ray interview by Ram57 Productions posted June 11, 2008. (9:39 minutes)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcBiBs1J6qU
Brian Ray's Official Website. You may also sign up to join his mailing list to receive his monthly newsletter.
www.brianray.com/
Brian Ray's MySpace Website.
www.myspace.com/whooray
BLACK UNICORN
Ray's own band, Black Unicorn, includes Peter Thorn on guitar, John Button on bass, and Matt Laug on drums. The band perform their music in Los Angeles clubs, such as The Viper Room and The Mint.
MONDO MAGNETO
In 2006 Ray released his first solo-record, Mondo Magneto through his own independent label, Whooray Records. With guest appearances from Ray's former boss Etta James, Davey Faragher from Elvis Costello's band, Scott Shriner from Weezer, and other Paul McCartney band mates. His record release party was held at the Mint in L.A. on January 21, 2006, where he was joined up on stage by Black Unicorn, as well as My Band band mates Rusty Anderson and Paul "Wix" Wickens.
Meet Brian Ray
www.photos.mccartney.net/brian.htm
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Ray