Award winning songwriter, singer and musician Brian Ray, best known as the ultimate sideman guitarist/bassist for Paul McCartney, takes a step out front in the spotlight to release a new solo album This Way Up. Brian's second solo album, following Mondo Magneto released in 2005, can be described as rich, fun rock with hooks galore and lots of guitars supporting a classic yet modern writing style. Brian Ray has been an in-demand session/touring musician and hit songwriter for acts such as Etta James, Smokey Robinson, Rod Stewart, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Cornell to name a few. But for the past decade Brian has been touring the world's largest venues and stadiums in Paul McCartney's band.
Ray says, ''I have been on one hell of a ride with this band. The last 8 weeks alone have been amazing, with 110,000 screaming fans in Mexico City, playing IN the White House for President Obama and the First Family, then performing at the Isle of Wight Festival, to name some big moments for us recently. Paul continues to inspire a new generation of writers and bands. I find myself in a catbird seat with a great view from ringside. It is a joy to now share some of my own music.''
I Found You was written by Brian and Oliver Leiber (son of Jerry Leiber of the legendary songwriting team, Leiber & Stoller). ''It is a rambunctious, upbeat song, an expression from the best part of me, looking in every possible place for the love and peace we all want... finding it right before my eyes, where I least expected it!'' The song features a guitar marching band with approximately 40 guitars having a guitar tantrum, along with a big marching drum beat. Notably the song also features some of Ray's rock star pals: Scott Shriner (Weezer), drums and bass by Pete Thomas, Davey Faragher (Elvis Costello's band), Adam MacDougal (The Black Crows) on wild Wurlitzer piano. The second single Happy Ending (also penned by Ray & Leiber) is a ''modern rock post-sexual revolution, where the hell are we now? kind of song'' according to Brian. ''It's about a guy trolling the internet, hooking up, finding her, then finding that HE wants more than just a casual fling, while SHE smiles and slips out the door.'' The song also features Shriner of Weezer, Russ Irwin of Aerosmith, and Jason Page. Both songs were recorded and mixed by Joe Zook (Weezer, One Republic, Pink, Leona Lewis) and were produced by Brian Ray.
Each song on This Way Up is stellar in its refreshing diversity. Brian's new CD is a Deluxe Limited Edition package with a slip cover, revealing great photographs and art direction by fine artist Glen Wexler. This Way Up features a 16 page booklet in a digipack with the finest musicians, mixing, and mastering available today. Brian can be seen on tour with McCartney for more high octane shows at various stadiums and arenas throughout the world. ''Playing alongside Paul McCartney is a privilege beyond description. It isn't a job, it s a way of living and I'm more than a little bit addicted to it'' says Ray. ''He is an inspiration to me and to the band at every show. Besides singing like a deity, his music is right at the top of my favorite songs ever written. He sings with so much passion, grace and abandon...pure rock & roll nitro with just the right amount of glycerin.''
Brian Ray probably wasn't thinking of the volume knob when he titled his album "This Way Up."
But it makes a lot of sense. Ray, who's one of the guitarists in Paul McCartney's band, shows an affection for a forceful guitar wall of sound that really calls for keeping "This Way Up" cranked up. And even better -- there's nary a down moment on the entire album.
Ray's guitar work on the album ranges from moody guitar lines, like on "Happy Ending" and "Hello Lonely", to the metal feel of "Saturday in the Sun," "Rearview" and "Camouflage. Ray evokes several guitar influences on the album, from David Gilmour to Jimi Hendrix. One of the best songs on the album, "I Found You," takes off at a supersonic pace and doesn't quit.
The backup band includes Pete Thomas and Davey Farragher from Elvis Costello's band, Scott Shriner from Weezer and Paul McCartney bandmate Abe Laboriel Jr., who plays drums on four songs.
But most of all, it's Ray's guitar work and singing that sustains "This Way Up." This is one kicking good album. And don't forget to turn it up.
McCartney guitarist Brian Ray releases new single, prepares for CD release show September 29th, 2010 9:22 pm ET
Brian Ray, Paul McCartney guitarist and a great axeman in his own right, has released a new single on iTunes. It's called "Les Paul Tribute" and features Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen and rock guitarist Orianthi. The track was recorded live at the halftime show at a Miami Dolphins/Houston Texans halftime show. It's a spectacular wall of sound between the three guitar masters. Proceeds will benefit the charity MusiCares.
Ray's CD release show for his "This Way Up" album Oct. 8 at the Roxy Theater in Hollywood will also benefit MusiCares. The album, which we reviewed here, features contributions from Davey Faragher and Pete Thomas from Elvis Costello’s band on bass and drums, McCartney bandmate, Abe Laboriel, Jr and keyboardist Adam MacDougal from the Black Crowes. Raffle prizes at the show, will be a Marshall Amp, a Les Paul guitar and Voyage-Air folding acoustic travel guitar.
