Brian Ray takes you home with My Town, spanning decades and styles with more evidence of his rock 'n' roll spirit, and featuring guest appearances from legends like Smokey Robinson and Michael Des Barres.
Brian Ray's journey in music sounds like the stuff of rock 'n' roll myth, but it’s his real life. From his early days playing with Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt Kicker Five at 17 to being named Etta James' guitarist and music director a year later, Ray’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. And his versatility has really been showcased through his long-standing gig as Paul McCartney’s guitarist and bass player since 2002. However, Ray's solo career reveals another side of his musical personality. "As rich as my experiences have been playing and writing for others, there’s nothing quite like writing, producing, and playing for my own solo releases," Ray reflects.
My Town is the culmination of seven years of solo work, featuring singles released since 2017 and four new tracks. From "Here For You" to "On My Way To You," the album is a showcase for Ray's evolution as an songwriter. He credits his creative freedom to his partnership with Wicked Cool Records, saying, “I get to indulge my wildest ideas, knowing I have the full support of Stevie Van Zandt and his label.”
It must be nice to have so many talented friends, because the album’s roster of guest singers adds that little something special to Ray's songs. Smokey Robinson lends his voice to "One Heartbeat," a track co-written with Ray in 1987. Michael Des Barres brings his signature flair to "Spell Breaker," a song the duo wrote together in 2020, and Gia Ciambotti adds her vocals to a cover of Willie Dixon’s "I Ain’t Superstitious." Additionally, Ray’s Paul McCartney bandmate, Abe Laboriel Jr., provides drumming on select tracks, with Scott Shriner (Weezer) and Davey Farragher (Elvis Costello) contributing on bass and backing vocals.
Beyond his solo work, Brian Ray also co-founded The Bayonets with producer and songwriter Oliver Lieber. The band remains active, giving Ray yet another avenue to express his musical creativity. Reflecting on his remarkable career, Ray marvels, “Working with Etta James and then Paul McCartney is like winning the lottery twice in one lifetime. In terms of experiences and memories, I’m a billionaire ten times over.” Ultimately, My Town perfectly encapsulates Brian Ray’s influences, songwriting, and signature style in a way that is uniquely his own.