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Ray Riendeau

Ray Riendeau

Guest Columnist

Ray Riendeau is a highly sought after bassist whose versatile style and dedication to the instrument has earned him world tours and many major CD recording projects. His musical expertise and knowledge of the instrument keeps him busy as a composer, teacher, clinician and a touring/recording artist. As a clinician, Ray has performed and demonstrated his concepts to students throughout the United States and Europe.

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Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Gary Willis

I would be remiss to get to do a column where the great people at No Treble let me “rave” about anything I want to not write about one of my all time favorite bass players, Gary Willis. Since first hearing Gary with Tribal Tech years ago I was an instant fan. He is a master of groove, melody, soloing...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Evan Marien’s “Between Worlds”

One of my current favorite bass players to hit the scene is Evan Marien. Voted one of 2009’s “Most Exciting Players” in July issue of Bass Player magazine, Evan has already accomplished a lot at age 23. A recent graduate of the Berklee College Of Music, Evan has already worked with some amazing musicians such as David Fiuczynski (he is...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society

Secret Society is an all-star 18-piece big band led by composer Darcy James Argue. This is not the usual music you think of when you hear the words “big band”. Darcy mixes minimalism, contemporary classical, indie rock and jazz styles. The music has great complexity and beauty and I really enjoy all the musical styles and how Darcy blends them...

Ray’s Raving About… Kenny Werner’s “Effortless Mastery”
Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s Raving About… Kenny Werner’s “Effortless Mastery”

Effortless Mastery by Kenny Werner is a book I never keep far from my reach and I recommend to EVERYONE. The subtitle to this book is “Liberating The Master Musician Within”. Although the applications of this book could benefit to any profession it is so refreshing to have something like this written by a musicians perspective. Kenny Werner is a...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Konnakol

Konnakol is the comprehensive language of rhythm which allows the composition, performance or communication of rhythms in any style. Konnakol uses syllables that are aimed at optimizing vocal performance and allow you to create seemingly endless amounts rhythms. Konnakol is something I’ve studied for many years now. Whereas Western music puts more emphasis on harmony, Eastern musicians start with rhythm...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Eldar Djangirov and his newest CD

Eldar Djangirov’s CD, Virtue, has been spinning in my car for weeks now. I unfortunately had never heard of Eldar until reading a review about this new CD and when I checked it out I was instantly a fan. At first I was drawn by his amazing technique and angular lines but the deeper I got into the music I...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s Raving About… NPR Music

I am a big fan of talk radio and I especially like the programs on NPR (National Public Radio). In this “rave” I wanted to spotlight the music section on the NPR web site. NPR Music has so many cool things to offer including concerts, studio session, interviews, reviews, etc. There is something for everyone found here and countless hours...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s Raving About… Modal & Contemporary Patterns

As a player/teacher I have collected many books over the years, in fact I have two big bins in my garage full of various music books of all kinds. There are a hand full of books though that I find myself coming back to time and time again for reading studies, concepts and inspiration. One such book is Modal &...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s Raving About… Twitter

This week’s rave is all about the social networking site, Twitter. For musicians “networking” has always played a big part in our lives. It helps us share information, ideas and hopefully get’s us gigs (lol). I have to say I’m really impressed with the bass community as a whole and one look at a site like Twitter shows how we...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about: Nat Janoff’s “Looking Through”, with Matthew Garrison

Matt Garrison is one of my favorite bass players… EVER. I was fortunate enough to share the bill with him at a 2001 NYC Bass Day and was blown away with his playing and became a fan for life. Matt is one of those players that has created his own unique voice on the instrument and has changed the way...

Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Janek Gwizdala Podcasts

Janek Gwizdala is a very accomplished bass player who’s skills have him wearing many hats as a musician. He has played with some of the most respected players in the business and rightfully so. Janek is one of my personal favorites because he has a way of playing what feels right for whatever musical situation he is in, not to...

Ray’s raving about… Tony Grey’s Chasing Shadows
Columns, Ray's Raving About...

Ray’s raving about… Tony Grey’s Chasing Shadows

The latest CD by bassist Tony Grey, called Chasing Shadows, is something I’ve been spinning for months. If you have not heard this guy play, do yourself a favor and check him out! The CD to me is a perfect blend of musicality with some insane playing. I really love the writing and how every song has cool twists and...