Review: Brian Ray Rocks The Roxy

On October 7th, 2010, my husband and I flew from coastal Virginia to coastal California. Los Angeles, to be exact. The occasion: To attend the October 8th album release party for Brian Ray’s second album This Way Up. Many reviews and interviews always include the intro “Guitarist/bassist for Paul McCartney.” In a way this is too bad, although the coolness of such a gig cannot be denied. But Ray is a major talent in his own right (and write). And Mr. McCartney is lucky to have him by his side.

That was evident in his energetic show, which lasted about an hour or so (far too short in the estimation of every female in attendance!). His songs are witty, clever, ironic, and sometimes sad. He had us at the opening chord and we'd have stayed all night if the show lasted that long.

Starting off with Happy Ending, which is on the new album, Ray shows that he’s not only a master with the guitar but also with writing hooky, catchy songs that will long be stuck in your brain. The voice ain’t bad, either.

“I Found You” is another song from Ray’s second album and is, again, hooky and catchy. “Hello Lonely” is one of those achingly beautiful songs that everyone can relate to, and was exquisitely done by Ray and his phenomenal band members.

A personal favorite of mine was Vinyl, from his first album Mondo Magneto. Again, a song many of us who grew up listening to our vinyl albums (the good old days) can relate to. Hearing it live, watching him and the band perform this song, was probably the highlight of the show for me.

Go see Brian Ray whenever you have the chance. You’ll hear wonderful songs from the heart and soul. You’ll hear a band that absolutely rocks. And you just may be lucky enough to meet one of the nicest rock ‘n’ rollers on the planet. Simply put, Brian Ray rocked the Roxy, and he rocked us. Let him rock you, too.

Was it worth the trip to fly all the way across the country to attend Brian Ray’s album release party? All I have to say is I’m ready for the next album and the next party…

Julie Clark

Julie Clark is a freelance writer living in coastal Virginia.