BRIAN RAY

This Way Up

brianray.com

Although Brian Ray honed his chops backing Etta James, Smokey Robinson and French heartthrob Johnny Hallyday, since 2002 he has been perhaps best known as a member of Paul McCartney’s backing band. Not surprisingly, Ray’s second solo effort reflects a pop sensibility honed by experience and enhanced by long-term exposure to McCartney. Yet his fondness for big beats, vibrant hooks and catchy choruses doesn’t always adhere to the Beatles’ blueprint—“Happy Ending,” “I Found You,” “Hey Miranda,” “Very Happy Song” and “Let’s Fall Apart” are modern rockers primed by a young, ebullient attitude. Ray has a lot more going for him than superstar connections (only drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. from Macca’s band offers an assist here). This Way Up allows Ray to soar on his own.