Tears Of A Clown

Paulie & his bass player, Brian

Multi-instrumentalist Brian Ray has had a pretty sweet gig for the last several years. I mean, would you want to play guitar, bass and sing harmonies in Paul McCartney's touring band? Yes, I said you get to play bass in Macca's band. Just learn your parts well, smile a lot and don't pooch it up.

Brian Ray had a fairly decent resume before getting a break with Paul. In the early 1970's, not long out of high school, he was introduced to R&B legend Etta James at a rehearsal at the world-famous Troubadour in Los Angeles, just as James was on the brink of a career comeback. That brief introduction would eventually lead to Ray's 14 year stint as Etta James' musical director and guitarist.

Prior to joining Paul McCartney's band in 2002, Ray was working on tour in France. Abe Laboriel Jr., a drummer who had worked with Brian previously, mentioned that McCartney was in search of a guitarist who could easily switch between bass and guitar. After meeting with McCartney's producer for the album "Driving Rain", David Kahne, Ray joined Paul McCartney for the half-time ceremonies at the NFL's Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005. Nothing like a low key first gig with a new band.

After decades of performing, writing and recording with others, Brian Ray released his first solo album, "Mondo Magneto", in October of 2006 through his own record label, Whooray Records. The digital single, "Tears Of A Clown", a raucous cover of the Smokey Robinson classic, was only available for a short time on iTunes, then withdrawn. It is not included on the "Mondo Magneto" album and remains unavailable. I am delighted to present this rockin' rarity here for your enjoyment!

This is what a quality cover version is all about, my friends. There's a couple of passing sections that pay tribute to other rock classics as well. See if you can identify them. Crank this one up good 'n loud! 

Brian Ray's two solo albums are still available at Amazon. Go get 'em.