Brian Ray

Brian Ray, born November 1955, is a musician.

Brian Ray grew up in Southern California, where his music loving sister Jean played him some of her vinyl records, exposing him to the glory of mid 20th century rock, and spurring his interest in music. Fresh out of high school, Brian spent several years as guitarist and musical director for singer Etta James, musical director for Rita Coolidge, and guitarist for French popsinger Johnny Hallyday. In addition to his accomplishments with playing guitar and musical directing, Brian co-wrote Smokey Robinson's hit One Heartbeat, which to this day has received over 2,000,000 airplays. More recently though, the pop group The Bangles recorded a song of Brian's called Nickel Romeo, originally written as a mash up of Led Zeppelin riffs.

In 2002, Brian's friend 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 Brian not only possessed, but executed with the utmost precision. After meeting with McCartney's producer David Kahne, Brian joined Sir Paul's touring band for the new, long awaited tour in support of his "Driving Rain" album. Although Brian did not take part in the recording of "Driving Rain", he was a great addition to the band. The "My Band" of Paul McCartney continued on to tour Mexico and Japan as part of the "Driving" tour. They continued touring after the "Back in the US" 2nd leg in 2002, and made their way to Europe, playing the legendary gig in Moscow's Red Square. The Back in the World tour concluded with a show at the International Glastonbury Music Festival in Britain, where "My Band" stole the show.

Paul 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.

Brian Ray recently released his first solo-record "Mondo Magneto" through his own independent label, "Whooray Records". Mondo Magneto has gathered numerous raving reviews, and some consider it one of the best albums to come out in the past five years. Brian continues to tour with Paul McCartney, and performs Mondo Magneto in well known Los Angeles clubs -- such as The Viper Room and The Mint -- in his spare time. Brian's own band, Black Unicorn, instigates the theory that he is constantly surrounded by talented musicians; bandmates include Peter Thorn on guitar, John Button on bass, and Matt Laug on drums. His record release party was held at the Mint in L.A. on January 21st, 2006, where he was joined up on stage by Black Unicorn, as well as old friends and "My Band" bandmates Rusty Anderson and Paul "Wix" Wickens.

Brian Ray's Official Site - http://www.brian-ray.com
Whooray Records - http://www.whooray-records.com
Maccareport's Brian Ray page - http://www.photos.mccartney.net/brian.htm

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