So.. thanks for your patience and for not calling the police on us, we’re doin’ the best we can and appreciate your trust and your friendship. It’s pretty much a homegrown operation as you might have guessed, and I like the contact, so stay in touch. The comment section on my site has been really cookin’, so keep the cards and letter coming. Soon I will post some lil video blogs from rehearsal, soundchecks and shows so don’t change that channel, ok?

Photo shoot for my upcoming album

The photo shoot for my upcoming album, “This Way Up” went VERY well.. I’m super pleased.. in the following days and weeks I’ll show some video from that as well.. Glen is a genius. Go to http://www.glenwexlerstudio.com and look at his “improbable realities” to have a look at his work.

My thread on PaulMcCartney.com

Also, I just saw my thread at Paul McCartney.com.. Can you believe it??? My 8 year old thread there has been viewed nearly 115,000 times, with 6,499 responses!

WOW.. So.. who is going to be responder # 6,500?? C’mon! if you want to, join the discussion there too.

On to 2 more days of rehearsal, then Phoenix and the Hollywood Bowl. See you there… and here.. and everywhere.

Yowza!

All the best,
Brian

Ah, never mind, why give it away..

All of us on the set today really put everything we had into it. Great staff, good laughs, creative and cool people. I think it’s a really cool design for those of us who want something to hold and to look at as we listen to an album.

T-Shirt contest

The first five people sending photos to Fiona at fiona@brianray.com wearing the new T-shirt will receive a second T shirt free and a signed picture of me! I will add a page to my site for all of us here in this community to be involved in, “Fans and Friends”.

I want all sizes, shapes and ages too, ok? You don’t need to be a model, baby!

all the best,
Brian

Oh, BTW, I didn’t pay him, cajole him, twist his arm, hold his kid for ransom or otherwise elbow him into writing one word of this..

The final mixes are done, too! Read on and stay tuned, ok?

Review of the song “This Way Up” by Christopher Martin

Christopher Martin is a musician/home recordist living in the SF Bay Area who had the unique opportunity to hear a Brian Ray solo track, well in advance of its official release, from his soon to be released album This Way Up!!  Christopher is not a journalist, nor has ever attempted to pen a musical review, as you will soon see.

My email at work pinged, alerting me to the arrival of an email from Brian Ray (bassist/guitarist for Paul McCartney, and all around reluctant rock god) containing a special treat; an advance mix of the second single to be pre-released from his upcoming sophomore solo effort This Way Up!!. It was immediately clear that I was about to hear the title track as I clicked on the MPEG attachment, and out from the computer speakers on my desk jumped a pumping double time drum beat and crisp clear opening guitar riff, soon joined by a bubbling bass and diving guitar and keyboard textures. It was underway.

If the opening sequence is analogous to the Space Shuttle thrusting up and leaving the launch pad, then the power required to reach escape velocity is echoed in the first lyric “let’s go driving in my car… just hit the gas, and we’ll outrun the past.”  The song is only seconds old, and we already are treated to that classic California theme of cars and girls (and guitars, of course), which makes sense since Brian’s early memory of Neil Young showing up at his house to visit sister Jean is anchored by the car Neil drove; a White Mini Cooper with tinted windows. 
I am not the best equipped to make pronouncements on Brian’s lyrics or their meaning,  so I will not try to sound highbrowed about it.  The singer is confident they can “turn this thing around…the whole world’s upside down” and as the intro beat returns, now as the chorus, we learn that this is his “great escape”. So my escape velocity analogy was not too far off the mark.  This song exudes confidence that this is the time to break through into a new paradigm; a future unencumbered by a bleak present and past.

Back to the music, which I AM equipped to opine on.  This track, overall, is a case study in guitar mastery, a tapestry of tones and riffs, spread across the stereo spectrum, propelled by an incredibly energetic drum beat.  Anybody who is familiar with Brian’s solo work is aware that he has friends and collaborators who are world class; providing Brian an embarrassment of riches.  From his website, we learn that the engineer/mixer on the sessions was Joe Zook, so I took a side trip and read up on HIM to increase my understanding of this track and how it came together. 

The second time the chorus comes around, the “great escape” theme is enhanced with a reference to Steve McQueen “crashing the gate”, which hit buttons with me as a HUGE fan of WWII films. The film The Great Escape features McQueen’s character stealing a german motorcycle and vaulting over prison camp gates at high speed in an effort to break out allied prisoners.  Of course “prisoners” could be said to be those stuck in the Upside Down past waiting to be “released” by the singer and his passenger who are on a mission to break out into a brand new world. 

In addition to the extremely talented collaborators Brian brings to bear, technically and musically, it is also true that he is able to spend quality time with his overdubs in his home studio, Bad Manors.  How fantastic it must be to record basic tracks (as can be seen on a video Brian has posted on his website) at a world class studio, then add layers of guitar, keyboard and vocals at home, then have Mr. Zook distil the product into a finely crafted mix!  There is NO substitute for the feeling of playing in a room with people, in eye contact, and feeding off each other, as the tape rolls.  I can only imagine the smiles in the room as This Way Up!!  had her basic tracks laid down.

Perhaps it is my imagination, but when the double time intro/chorus beat returns near the end of the song/CODA,  I distinctly hear the bass (and guitars) growling and throbbing like the engine on Steve McQueen’s hijacked bike as he revs up to make his run on the prison camp gate.  And the song ends quite abruptly, coming in at around 3:15… a PERFECT single length.

This track comes into the world pumping and breathing and stops on a dime at the end. 
Brian Ray is the quintessential California guitar slinger.  He also has a solo career that is in no way a “vanity press”; there is serious substance there. The first single he released years ago, “Tears of a Clown” still ranks amongst the best covers I’ve ever heard, and his first full length record, Mondo Magneto is full of the themes that define him and which appear to be present (and evolved) in the current material.  A song on that first CD was a tribute to his record collection; Vinyl a theme which is reprised subtly in the first single from This Way Up!!  called “I Found You”.  Having only heard two songs from This Way Up!! it is hard to know what lays in store for us, but based on the first two tracks, I think Brian’s fans are in for a Wild Ride.  Hold on Tight.

The reason that some of you are still experiencing the problems is most likely because the JavaScript code that the comment system is built with has been cached by your browser. Clearing the cache should hopefully fix the problem (if you’re unsure how to do that, just tell me what browser you’re using and I’ll post instructions).

If you’re still having difficulty posting after clearing your cache, let me know and I’ll try and find out more.

Also if you have any other problems with the site or see something you don’t like, you can post that here too!

********************************************

This is Fiona, Brian’s webmistress. Hello! Brian has just told me that some of you have been having problems posting comments on this site. It seems that comments are just disappearing for no apparent reason… I’m sorry that this has been happening and I want to try and fix it as quickly as possible.

The comments here are powered by a system called Echo (http://js-kit.com) so I need to reach out to them for technical support. It would be a great help if those of you who are having problems could answer a few questions below (if you can actually post a comment… haha!):

1. Could you describe exactly what happens when your comment disappears? Does it disappear while you are typing it, or after you’ve clicked on the “post” button?
2. What browser are you using, and what version? To find this, click on “help” then “about [browser name]”.
3. Have you logged into the comment form using your Facebook or Twitter accounts (or any of the other login options)?

If you can think of anything else that might help, please mention it - the more information I can pass on to technical support, the better.

Hopefully we’ll get this fixed quickly. It’s cool that so many of you are joining in on the conversation here. Brian and I both want this to be a fun experience for everyone. I’ll keep you posted on the problem.

...wait for it…...

drum roll…..

Mr. Christopher Martin !!!

yea!! poppers, parades and dancing girls!!

The answer to #3 could have been a number of other titles, lyrics, albums or band names. But this was the first correct for all questions.

Here are the answers…

1. Scott Shriner
2. Hurry Hurry, Step Right Up. See the FAT Lady.  See the man with the funny face, we’ve got thrills chills all kinds of fantastic things. don’t be afraid.. bring the children, hell you can bring your dog in here if you want to hahahahaahah
3. something new satisfaction no direction home black and blue magic bus

Thank you ALL so much for playing.. I got a huge kick out of hearing them all.. the best lyrics are sometimes ‘mis-heard’ lyrics!! hahaha!!

I will do more of this kind of thing.. Would you all be into that? Are we having fun on the comment page, or what?? New album is DONE! yay… so, onwards my friends.. Stay tuned and stay close, watch out for one another, cuz I need you ALL!

Congratulations, Christopher!! You will be the first to hear a brand new song.. this one will hopefully get your attention as the last one seemed to do.

love,
Brian

Additionally, how bout a contest?

So, the first one to comment on this blog post [on my website] the correct answers to the following questions will receive a free download of my next single way before anyone else has it!

1)Who of my great collaborators is singing background vocals on this song?

3) name at least three R&R references you hear quoted in the lyrics of this new song.. They might be a song or album title, band names or well known lyrics of other songs..

Ok, have a great V-Day and share this card as much as you like. Send it to your sweetheart and you will get lots of love in return, I promise.

Thanks for playing along, listening and sharing and Happy Valentines Day to you all,

love,
Brian

From the interview:

“And I just caught the fever. I caught on very early. This was something very magnetic. This was something a little bit dangerous and this was something that was about to change the world,” he says. “I knew all of that at three. And by that age, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. It was the funniest thing. So I owe it all to her.”

Read the rest of the interview here, and look out for parts 2 and 3!

Thanks for the zillions of happy birthday wishes I received.. I truly think I have the best friend/fans anywhere. I dare anyone to show me a list of more cool and devoted followers.

So, after Paul and Band’s sold out “Good Evening Europe, Ireland, London” tour I flew straight to Miami and woke up early for TV interviews on 2 channels click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8x0CNJ3MnU&feature=related. I don’t watch my own interviews but I heard it was ok at least I didn’t fall asleep.

On Game Day for the Miami Dolphins at Land shard Stadium, Rick Nielsen, Orianthi and I met on the field for an early rehearsal.. I was led onto the field and watched as over 100 kids, age 8-16walked on with Gibson Les Paul guitars over their shoulders. I just about lost it. You see, when we were coming up with this idea over the summer over dinner in NYC, I visualized 40 kids with guitars for a charity, [Music in Schools Program thru the Gibson Foundation] but by now it had expanded… 100 kids plus marching band, drummers and cheerleaders.. There it all was, from dream to reality. Wow, brainstorms can be powerful. Run-thru’s were fanTASTIC! Everybody hit their marks.. Big thanks to Scott Lochmus and Dorrie who got all of this together w/production and choreography while I was on tour.

When it came time to take the field again during halftime of the Miami Dolphins/Houston Texans game I was thrilled. Honestly, it was a bit disapponting in a way because the Dolphins getting their butts kicked in the game, so many in the crowd went to drown their sorrows in bad beer and such. We had 30,000 instead of 75,000 watching… ah well, not bad right? None the less, we played with energy, enjoying every minute of it.

Watch Rick Nielsen, father of Power Pop [without whom there would be NO Green Day or Blink 182, et al] and the cool gorgeous ripping new guit phenom, Orianthi tearing it up with all them kids!

PS.. We’re mixing my upcoming album, “This Way Up” in LA. The legend, Joe Zook at the controls. Watch this space!

Bx

So, during my recent stadium tour playing with Paul McCartney, I was invited to dinner with Miami Dolphins owner, Steven Ross, and David Saltz of ABC in NYC. I suggested an idea… “just picture having a big exciting drum line on the field, pounding out a relentless rhythm at a half-time show.. but then… instead of the expected marching band of tubas, trombones, saxes and trumpets…. a big reveal.. 100 kids playing guitars…playing iconic rock riffs together in a celebration of rock and roll.”

The amazing Mr. Les Paul. Performing at the Techie Awards, NYC. Les Paul rose to fame as the guitar-playing-and -producing scruffy half of a great recording duo, his wife, Mary Ford, was an extraordinary singer. Les was dissatisfied with the guitars on offer and proceeded to invent the modern electric guitar. He also saw the need to be able to multi-track and was THE mid- century architect of same.
© Catherine Sebastian/ CSP Images

Steven and David were so taken with the idea that more ideas started flowing and within 15 minutes they set a date.. Dec 27th, halftime show, Texans at Miami!

David suggested we might ask Gibson Guitars to be involved in a tribute to the late great Les Paul, master inventor and incredible guitarist/artist, in the spirit of Les’s muli-track recording techniques. I set about choosing, arranging and making a demo of my concept the moment my summer tour wrapped up.

So, here we are. for the first time ever, a ‘guitar marching band’ all performing under the umbrella of the Gibson Foundation of charities, The Foundation has a site at: http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Lifestyle/GibsonFoundation/

We will be celebrating the spirit of inventiveness which made Les Paul the leader in guitar making and in inventor of modern recording techniques.

When I was a 19 year old kid, I got the job as Etta James’ music director and guitar player.. It’s interesting that all these years later I’m a musical director for a guitar marching band on the field at Miami Stadium.. It’s funny how this world turns around and around, isn’t it?

It’s an honor to be able to bring my idea of a tribute to so many people, in celebration of a true genius, Les Paul.. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Les Paul, his life and accomplishments.. What did he mean to you?

Joining me on the field at Miami Stadium December 27th will be the great Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick and amazing guitarist, Orianthi Panagaris who was set to play on Michael Jackson’s tour, “This Is It”..

I will lead a marching band of 100 local kids from the Gibson Foundation benefiting music in school programs for children all over the USA. Look out for a video of my crazy guitar marching band on my youtube page soon!

I wish each and everyone of you a good holiday season and will see you in the new year! And to each one of you beautiful people who came out in the cold of winter to see us play on our “Good Evening…” tour in the EU/UK and Ireland… THANK you all from the bottom of my heart!

To hear where I first came up with the guitar marching band, please listen to and download “I Found You” here.. It’s free.

Happy Holidays to you and yours,

Love,
Brian

I want to thank you, my core viewers, fans and friends for making this amazing time meaningful to me.. Without all of you, I’m just a fish in a bowl, you know? The best way I can thank you all for your energy and feedback is with my new music. Merry Christmas, Kwansa, Hanukkah and Feliz Navidad!I

A little about the song…

It is a fun rocker featuring Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher [Elvis Costello] on drums and bass, Adam MacDougal [Black Crows] on crazy Keys, Scott Shriner [Weezer] on background vocals and me on about 40 guitars…

That’s right.. 40 guitars.. you’ll see, I went totally MAD in the middle section. It was tracked and mixed by Joe Zook [Pink, One Republic, Weezer] and I hope you dig it.

Get The Widget

“I Found You” is also available as an mp3 widget so that you may share the song with all of your friends.

I would love it if you can spread the joy and send it to as many friends as you like! Post it on your Twitter, Facebook or MySpace pages (and many other places), or email it to some friends who might like it.

oh….. and CRANK it up!

My new supercalifragilistic website

With that, I am launching my brand new supercalifragilistic website today, as well!! My new site, [like the last one] was designed by Fiona.

I now have a blog where you will be able to comment and talk to each other (and to me) about my posts sent from home and on the road. I plan on being part of the conversation there, and will interact with my friends and fans more than I was able to before.. It is you guys make this journey matter.

Again, if I were doing this alone, just a guy onstage with this legend and friend, Paul, it would be amazing, but not as fulfilling as it is with each of you participating. So, please stay tuned, stay close and we’ll ride this new year where it leads us.. and we’ll do it together. I will always post my new blogs and info here and I want to have your feedback, more than ever as I get set to release my new album, “this way up”.

Good Evening Europe!

We just finished our first 2 dates for the Good Evening Europe tour, ‘09.. Wow.. what a great bunch of people came out to see us in Berlin! One of my favorite and surprisingly loose shows in recent memory. Paul and band were on FIRE!!! almost literally, the pyro is getting way outta hand!

all the best,
Brian