Ray's Way

Ray Levier | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 20, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Origin Records
• ASIN: B001KEH5YO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #481,352 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

New York drummer Ray LeVier brings together some of the worlds most creative jazz voices for his debut recording as a leader. With guitarists Mike Stern and John Abercrombie, saxophonist Dave Binney, vibist Joe Locke, and Francois Moutin on bass, among others, LeVier has produced a stirring and cohesive album of original music. From the hard-hitting grooves on several of Mike Stern's contributions to the flowing and fresh reading of John Abercrombie's classic Ralph's Piano Waltz, Ray's Way stands as an inspired introduction to a gifted composer, drummer and producer. Besides his freelance work, LeVier has recorded and toured for over ten years with the eclectic and powerful singer/songwriter KJ Denhert.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding jazz set led by a superb and inspiring drummer, August 28, 2009

By 

Duncan Clark (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ray's Way (Audio CD)

Ray's Way is an outstanding set, demonstrating the masterful ensemble jazz drumming of the leader, Ray LeVier, with a superb group in his first as leader. The CD features funky neo-bop, catchy tunes, and excellent improvisations. Ray's Way, written by vibes master Joe Locke, has a memorable hook and proves an excellent vehicle for John Abercrombie on guitar. Manahatta, written by LeVier, is a melodic vehicle for Locke. For the rock - jazz fusion influenced You Never Know, the group includes Mike Stern on guitar and Dave Binney on sax. Song for Nury is a lovely ballad with a sweet solo by Binney. Blues in the Closet, the Oscar Pettiford classic, receives an updated reharmonization by Mike Stern. In Bait Tone Blues, LeVier trades brief solos with Stern and Binney, showing his chops, swing and creativity. Ralph's Piano Waltz, penned by Abercrombie, shows off Locke's rich and unique vibes sound. Echoing features bass phenomenon Francois Moutin, along with prominent parts for Locke, Abercrombie and a great turn by Federico Turreni on soprano sax. Wing and a Prayer finishes this set with a low key trio of Stern, Ned Mann on bass, and LeVier in the background. No reference to Ray LeVier's inspiring story is needed to highly recommend this wonderful music. I assure you, however,that will be amazed by Ray's story ([...]).