Brian Ray Archived
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It WAS an amazing show, wasn't it??? I loved "All I Know" with the added instruments of Rusty and Wix! It sounded even better than the cd! Longer guitar solos, Caro, and more improvisation, I thought. You'll have to get someone else to tell you about the guitars. You know I'm hopeless at paying attention to those details!!! Made some "new" "old" friends and managed to actually order and EAT dinner before Brian took the stage. That was quite the accomplishment! Food was wonderful, as usual. The crowd was great! Not just in the size, but in the attitude as well. Jake Labotz and the Mojo Monkeys put on great shows as well. All in all, I think the night was just about perfect! Sure hope Brian feels the same way!!!
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corinne:
So I was gonna go, really. Had finally sorted it out Was gonna go see Constantine at HOB in Anaheim on Wednesday (I do not drive up to LA on a weeknight unless, say, David Lee Roth would rejoin Van Halen), but had this thought that just maybe it would have left me wiped on on Thursday and did not go ... ...which is a good thing, because at 12:45 on Friday a.m., I was right there when my little niece Annika was born! Got home at 2:30 on Friday a.m. and went to work anyhow that day. Had to go to LA on Saturday a.m., then drive back and do the horses, and then was going to go back up for the show, but I gotta tell ya, I was wiped out. I never would have made it back on Saturday night, I'd have fallen asleep right there, facedown on the table. Hope you guys had a blast - Dawn and Fiona, sorry I missed you!
Yeah, yeah, Corinne...........we've heard it all before....... You missed a really, really, really great show!!!! Congratulations on your new niece! Hope she shares your love of horses and music!
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Trust me, I was so completely exhausted by the time Saturday rolled around, even if DLR had rejoined Van Halen, you'd still have had to prop me up on a luggage cart to keep me upright. After getting back from LA on Saturday afternoon, I still had to get all the horses exercised, so by that time I was Extra Specially Wiped Out. Glad you guys had a good time! Can't wait to see photos!
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Dreamseer:
It WAS an amazing show, wasn't it??? I loved "All I Know" with the added instruments of Rusty and Wix! It sounded even better than the cd! Longer guitar solos, Caro, and more improvisation, I thought. You'll have to get someone else to tell you about the guitars. You know I'm hopeless at paying attention to those details!!! Made some "new" "old" friends and managed to actually order and EAT dinner before Brian took the stage. That was quite the accomplishment! Food was wonderful, as usual. The crowd was great! Not just in the size, but in the attitude as well. Jake Labotz and the Mojo Monkeys put on great shows as well. All in all, I think the night was just about perfect! Sure hope Brian feels the same way!!!
I'm sure he does!!!! Sounds like a great evening....oh I wish I could have been there!! I was trying to imagine how All I Know would sound with a accordian. Can you remember if Brian played an acoustic at all?
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beatlesrock:
Dreamseer:
It WAS an amazing show, wasn't it??? I loved "All I Know" with the added instruments of Rusty and Wix! It sounded even better than the cd! Longer guitar solos, Caro, and more improvisation, I thought. You'll have to get someone else to tell you about the guitars. You know I'm hopeless at paying attention to those details!!! Made some "new" "old" friends and managed to actually order and EAT dinner before Brian took the stage. That was quite the accomplishment! Food was wonderful, as usual. The crowd was great! Not just in the size, but in the attitude as well. Jake Labotz and the Mojo Monkeys put on great shows as well. All in all, I think the night was just about perfect! Sure hope Brian feels the same way!!!
I'm sure he does!!!! Sounds like a great evening....oh I wish I could have been there!! I was trying to imagine how All I Know would sound with a accordian. Can you remember if Brian played an acoustic at all?
I wish you could have been there too ! I think that when Brian played "If you're leaving me" , he played an acoustic guitar then .But it really did sound beautiful ! And yes , " All i know" sounded great with Wix playing the accordian , and i think ?? that Rusty played accoustic guitar ?
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Dawn:
beatlesrock:
Dreamseer:
It WAS an amazing show, wasn't it??? I loved "All I Know" with the added instruments of Rusty and Wix! It sounded even better than the cd! Longer guitar solos, Caro, and more improvisation, I thought. You'll have to get someone else to tell you about the guitars. You know I'm hopeless at paying attention to those details!!! Made some "new" "old" friends and managed to actually order and EAT dinner before Brian took the stage. That was quite the accomplishment! Food was wonderful, as usual. The crowd was great! Not just in the size, but in the attitude as well. Jake Labotz and the Mojo Monkeys put on great shows as well. All in all, I think the night was just about perfect! Sure hope Brian feels the same way!!!
I'm sure he does!!!! Sounds like a great evening....oh I wish I could have been there!! I was trying to imagine how All I Know would sound with a accordian. Can you remember if Brian played an acoustic at all?
I wish you could have been there too ! I think that when Brian played "If you're leaving me" , he played an acoustic guitar then .But it really did sound beautiful ! And yes , " All i know" sounded great with Wix playing the accordian , and i think ?? that Rusty played accoustic guitar ?
Yes, he did play acoustic on "If You're Leaving Me." It was wonderful! Sure hope he keeps the ballads in the setlist for all future shows!
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Thanks for the info, Dawn and Ronna.
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The release party was a blast!!! It?s taken me almost a week to gather my thoughts and post about it. First off, it was fantastic to meet so many new people from Brian?s forum and from MySpace. The room was full of familiar faces and I wish we?d all had more time to chat. Maybe next time! Pity you couldn't make it, Corinne, but congrats on your new niece! The party itself was a huge success. The Mint was crowded with people and it looked like they had brought in extra tables and chairs. There were tons of people standing as well. Brian did all the songs from MM as well as Tears of a Clown. He sounded fantastic!!! His voice and playing were perfect and his band, Black Unicorn, sounded better than ever. It was a lovely surprise to see Wix and Rusty come onstage to perform All I Know with him. I had spotted Wix earlier, but was so caught up with Brian?s performance that it didn?t occur to me that he might actually be playing! My favourite song of the evening was If You?re Leaving Me. It started off with just Brian on acoustic guitar, and then Peter came in on the second verse with a haunting electric guitar piece [it sounded very different to the album version, but I love them both]. Soft Machine was fantabulous as always and I Liked You Better got a great response from the crowd. LA was warm and sunny as always and it was a bit miserable coming home to the cold weather. I hope to get back there again someday!
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great review fi, took the thoughts right out of my head ;)) i guess it's time to properly review the evening! it was really exciting to be there with friends that i *never* get to see since we're all from different parts of the country, but i'm pround to say i was there with my girlies: penny from LA, jackie from NY, danni (my twin sis!) from AZ, and dante (my adopted twin sis ) from TX...and me, from delaware. we all came together to see this golden god of rock, our brian ray ;)) http://myspace-863.vo.llnwd.net/00447/36/82/447032863_l.jpg we were the first ones at the door...BBAs like to be nice and early. when we walked into the club sinatra was gracing our ears. the atmosphere was very cool and vibey. perfect venue i think, although since we filled it to capacity some might suggest he would have picked a bigger place, LOL! anyway, after some great food and meeting some lovely people who i've been waiting to see in person for quite some time (yes, that means YOU! ) jake labotz came on and did an acoustic set. he was GREAT!!! such an appropriate opening act. the girls and i loved it and screamed and clapped while we finished eating. and then, we saw peter and john milling about with there guitars and amps etc, hehe...so we knew it wouldn't be long before brian and black unicorn took to the stage! and there they were! http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/thebbas/b48c8ca9.jpg you could see the joy on brian's face as he noticed the PACKED house he was about to play for. now i've never seen them live, so having nothing to compare to i will just have to say that B and the band kicked major ass! rockin' out as i expected them to. i mean, brian wouldn't hire a bunch of deadbeats to back him up...not with all *that* stage presence, right? anyway, i was so ecstatic that he included both ballads in the set. it's impossible for me to pick a favorite song of the night as each one gives a special, distinct feeling when you hear it live. i did however, truely dig that wix and rusty came up to join brian...what a treat http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e21/thebbas/1909385a.jpg after brian's set, he was of course bombarded with all of us trying to give him a bit of love ;)) but he gave it right back, am i right guys? the party wasn't over after his set...the mojo monkeys played after and they were SOOO much fun!!! my girls and i danced the whole time, it was so amazing. i think i even got brian to dance for like half a second *YESS!* LOL. http://myspace-757.vo.llnwd.net/00447/75/73/447003757_l.jpg so there you have my abridged review, the long version (HAHA) is reserved to my journal *performance shots by jackie, shots of us by jackie's mom
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I've got stuff on my mind, I've got somethin' to say.. PETER THORN IS HOT There! I've said it! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ops:
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BloodyMary:
I've got stuff on my mind, I've got somethin' to say.. PETER THORN IS HOT There! I've said it! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ops:
who...this guy??: umm...CHEYEAH. agreed. and a real sweet guy, too
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Wow, what a great reviews. Lovely pix Ash!!!
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dollierocker:
BloodyMary:
I've got stuff on my mind, I've got somethin' to say.. PETER THORN IS HOT There! I've said it! AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! ops:
who...this guy??: umm...CHEYEAH. agreed. and a real sweet guy, too
Thanks to everyone - BM, DR, Fi, Ronna , Dawn, etc, etc, for your great reviews and more importantly the pics!!! You guys all looked great, and the boys looked good too....and isn't Peter dreamy! that guy should be a movie star so we could see him more often
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Did anyone here go to Brian's show in Santa Barbara ???? So....How did it go ????
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Fiona365099:
The party itself was a huge success. The Mint was crowded with people and it looked like they had brought in extra tables and chairs. There were tons of people standing as well. Brian did all the songs from MM as well as Tears of a Clown. He sounded fantastic!!! His voice and playing were perfect and his band, Black Unicorn, sounded better than ever. It was a lovely surprise to see Wix and Rusty come onstage to perform All I Know with him. I had spotted Wix earlier, but was so caught up with Brian?s performance that it didn?t occur to me that he might actually be playing! My favourite song of the evening was If You?re Leaving Me. It started off with just Brian on acoustic guitar, and then Peter came in on the second verse with a haunting electric guitar piece [it sounded very different to the album version, but I love them both]. Soft Machine was fantabulous as always and I Liked You Better got a great response from the crowd.
Thanks for the report. IYLM is the one I would really like to hear live. Can anyone remember if, on Soft Machine, any of Brian's band sang what would be Etta's part or was Brian singing it as a solo? I can't remember from I heard him play it last year. Thanks for sharing the photos, Dollie - looks like you had a wonderful time....and a great view.
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beatlesrock:
Fiona365099:
The party itself was a huge success. The Mint was crowded with people and it looked like they had brought in extra tables and chairs. There were tons of people standing as well. Brian did all the songs from MM as well as Tears of a Clown. He sounded fantastic!!! His voice and playing were perfect and his band, Black Unicorn, sounded better than ever. It was a lovely surprise to see Wix and Rusty come onstage to perform All I Know with him. I had spotted Wix earlier, but was so caught up with Brian?s performance that it didn?t occur to me that he might actually be playing! My favourite song of the evening was If You?re Leaving Me. It started off with just Brian on acoustic guitar, and then Peter came in on the second verse with a haunting electric guitar piece [it sounded very different to the album version, but I love them both]. Soft Machine was fantabulous as always and I Liked You Better got a great response from the crowd.
Thanks for the report. IYLM is the one I would really like to hear live. Can anyone remember if, on Soft Machine, any of Brian's band sang what would be Etta's part or was Brian singing it as a solo? I can't remember from I heard him play it last year. Thanks for sharing the photos, Dollie - looks like you had a wonderful time....and a great view.
Well..... to be honest Caroline ... i was so busy listening to the song , that i didn't really notice , but it's my favourite song !!!! and it sounded great !!! But wouldn't it be amazing if one day Etta played that song with Brian live .... i would just love to see that !!!!!
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Dawn:
Did anyone here go to Brian's show in Santa Barbara ???? So....How did it go ????
I DID!! I DID!!! How did it go??? How about OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! Doesn't matter where Brian plays..........the show is always FANTASTIC!!!!!! He looked and sounded GREAT!!! The band was awesome too. There were several people I recognized from previous shows, although I didn't know everyone's names. Not the same as a "home" crowd, but the response was wonderful. Afterwards, Brian made his way through the crowd, speaking to everyone and signing a few autographs. Always the inimitable Mr. Ray! Biggest surprise of the evening?? WIX! He came onstage with his accordion and played "All I Know" for a new twist on that ballad. That was really good! The crowd recognized Wix as well, and he got a great reception. That was the only ballad that Brian played, but he did include "Tears of a Clown" and the crowd went wild! Great night, great venue! Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs were terrific as well. Thanks again, Brian, for another fantastic evening!!
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jennywren:
Dreamseer:
scottycatt:
Hey there, guys!! I'll see you all at Brian's show tonight. I can hardly wait!!!
See you tonight! Look for the big table with all the loud people! You know which one that will be................ ops:
Thanks for the heads up, Ronna. I'll bring my earplugs. Hi Beverly, Glad to hear you are coming. See you soon!
HI Beverly! Where in the HECK?? where you seated?? AHHG! I feel like you are the TRULEY the hidden "scotty cat"! :When Infact , I should say..I am sorry Matey! for not contacting you before I left the house! I too was there..BRIAN Played so well!! It was a special nt! Very intimate, yet filled with a sort of BUZZZZZZ. I mean to say electrically! Brian came out on stage so humble, and unsure in a Natural way..I mean if it were me?? Used to playing stadiums with Paul?? OMG!! I know it would be a HEAVY nt for me!! If I were Brian..BUT he hqandled it like a PRO! In the very beginning there were a FEW RUDE people talking away..& then he saw Ronna & his "friends" and it seemed to give him a boost! RIGHTFULLY SO! after that?? HE ROCKED! & Yes Bev..It was so heart-warming to see the "band" play with him. I only wished I could have met you FINALLY BEV! Gees-wiz Maybe someday ey?? Glad to hear YOU TOO where there??? & HAD A great time! Ronna Isn't she a special LADY ??TABUT! Great People! great MUSIC WHAT A PERRFECT NIGHT lol JET ps so sorry I havent posted sooner?? BUT I am on me third ?? Laptop! I will buy a nedw PC soon, as soon as I pay OFF my NEW HOUSE Miss YOU ALL! & Please Brian PLAY Orange County?? I mean your own TURF???? Thanks! for the MUSIC! I love your ALBUM It is YOU IT IS SPECIAL
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Dawn:
beatlesrock:
Can anyone remember if, on Soft Machine, any of Brian's band sang what would be Etta's part or was Brian singing it as a solo? I can't remember from I heard him play it last year.
Well..... to be honest Caroline ... i was so busy listening to the song , that i didn't really notice , but it's my favourite song !!!! and it sounded great !!! But wouldn't it be amazing if one day Etta played that song with Brian live .... i would just love to see that !!!!!
Yes - it would!!!! Thanks, Dawn. Maybe I'll be able to hear it for myself again one day!!!
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Dreamseer:
Dawn:
Did anyone here go to Brian's show in Santa Barbara ???? So....How did it go ????
I DID!! I DID!!! How did it go??? How about OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!! Doesn't matter where Brian plays..........the show is always FANTASTIC!!!!!! He looked and sounded GREAT!!! The band was awesome too. There were several people I recognized from previous shows, although I didn't know everyone's names. Not the same as a "home" crowd, but the response was wonderful. Afterwards, Brian made his way through the crowd, speaking to everyone and signing a few autographs. Always the inimitable Mr. Ray! Biggest surprise of the evening?? WIX! He came onstage with his accordion and played "All I Know" for a new twist on that ballad. That was really good! The crowd recognized Wix as well, and he got a great reception. That was the only ballad that Brian played, but he did include "Tears of a Clown" and the crowd went wild! Great night, great venue! Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs were terrific as well. Thanks again, Brian, for another fantastic evening!!
Wow - that sounds like a great night. Thank you. I think it's amazing what a difference Wix on his accordion can make. I loved Here, There And Everywhere on the '02/'03 Tours.