Ulf Wakenius Project, Featuring Ray Brown: Ray’s New Funk

Ray Brown was the king of jazz bass, but he also had a funky side. Besides playing on some James Brown tracks, he penned a few funk and soul-jazz songs that stood out in his repertoire.

We’re celebrating the bass titan’s birthday with this video of his tune “Ray’s New Funk.” The performance comes from a 2000 concert at the Jazz Baltica Festival with the Ulf Wakenius Project, which also includes saxophonist Michael Brecker, drummer Terri Lynne Carrington, pianist Niels Lan Doky, and guitarist Wakenius.

Ray lays down a sparse and tasteful groove for his bandmates before a little back and forth with his fellow rhythm section players to close it out.

Happy birthday, Ray.

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