Posted: Monday, October 4, 2010 | View Video Below Article

Brian Ray, Paul McCartney Guitarist To Donate All Event Proceeds To The MusiCares Foundation

Source: Brian Ray
Location: HollyRock, California

Brian Ray, who has been touring the globe with Paul McCartney since 2002, will kick off his new release, This Way Up with an album release party on Friday, October 8th, at Hollywood’s famed Roxy Theatre. This Way Up is Ray’s second full-length to be released on ICON Music Group/Whooray Records. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the MusiCares Foundation. The release party will also host a raffle for a Marshall Amp, a Les Paul guitar and Voyage-Air folding acoustic travel guitar. 

Ray, a native Californian, cut his teeth early on as musical director for Etta James, a career move that would last for 14 years, sharing stages with the likes of Keith Richards, Santana, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker and Bo Diddley. Ray, and 13-year songwriting partner Steve LeGassick penned what would become an award-winning mega-hit—“One Heartbeat,” the title track of Smokey Robinson’s 1987 album . The song is now nearing 3 million airplays. 

Underscoring his talent, Brian cemented his position as one of the top contemporary guitarists in the world today when he began touring with Paul McCartney in 2002. Hailed as “Paul’s best band since the Beatles” playing with McCartney is literally a dream come true for Brian. With Sir Paul, he has appeared on several DVDs and TV specials including two Super Bowl appearances, one in the White House and participated in such meaningful collaborations as Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Project.

Ray’s contributions to other artists albums, including the aforementioned Etta James, Shakira, The Bangles, Chris Cornell, Kelly Clarkson and Adam Cohen, and Paul McCartney’s most recent projects that spawned his own creative endeavor,writing, producing and releasing his first solo album, Mondo Magneto (2006). For the album, Brian spearheaded a record label and got together with friends,collaborators and bandmates Abe Laboriel, Jr., Wix Wickens and Rusty Anderson, as well as Scott Shriner (Weezer), Davey Faragher (Elvis Costello). Etta James also made a rare special guest appearance singing with Brian on the rocking song “Soft Machine” as a symbol of their continued respect and affection for one another. 

This Way Up promises more of the same attributes. Straight-up perfect pop,boasting an enviable host of players and collaborators such as previously mentioned, Davey Faragher and Pete Thomas on bass and drums, from Elvis Costello’s band, Aaron Sterling and Paul Bushnell on several songs, not to mention returning McCartney bandmate, Abe Laboriel, Jr and keyboardist Adam MacDougal from the Black Crowes, as well as songwriting collaborations with Oliver Leiber and Tonio K. 

In addition, a new single, coinciding with, (but not included on) This Way Up,entitled “Les Paul Tribute,” featuring Cheap Trick guitarist, Rick Nielsen and rock goddess, Orianthi will be released on iTunes tomorrow. The proceeds of the single will also benefit MusiCares. 

The MusiCares Foundation, Inc., was established in 1989 by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Meant for musicians to have a place to turn, in times of financial, personal, or medical crisis, its primary purpose is to focus the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues which directly impact the health and welfare of the music community. The foundation’s programs include emergency financial assistance, addiction recovery, outreach and leadership activities, and senior housing. 

Brian Ray on the recording of This Way Up - Part I