Ray Gaskins is a singer, keyboarder and saxophonist - who has for
many years performed worldwide (and on many albums) with Roy Ayers,
Jocelyn Brown, the groups "Stuff" and "Fishbelly Black" and Phyllis
Hyman among others before he finally decided to develop his own
career.
He was born in Baltimore - and moved first to New York and later to
London (in 1993).
This is is second internationally available solo-album - and the
first one which was recorded and mixed in world-class studios in
London and Germany. He was joined by ethiopean singer Blaine Paulos
as well as many others including drummer Marque Gilmore and canadian
guitarist Tony Smith.
Since the recording Gaskins has toured Germany, the UK and
Switzerland - as well as co-leading several shows with Roy Ayers and
Jocelyn Brown in the UK, Germany, the USA and Japan.
In fall 1998 he is back in the studio preparing his next album, which will be released in spring of 1999.
(click on the highlighted names to get Realaudio soundfiles.
And here is a Quicktime 3 of Chilli Funk (end of guitar solo going into sax solo):
The songs include funky groove tunes and humorous talk (Mo' Chicken) as well as vocal duos and an unaccompanied ballad ("We had to say goodby") with Ray playing piano and singing alone in a large studio room (at Hansahaus, Studios).
The ballad "Who's Right .." and the funky "Again & Again" are available pre-release on the compilation album "Blue Moves 2 - More Erotic Jazz".
The Band:
Additional Musicians:
Recorded at First Protocol Studios, London, except "We Had To say Goodbye" (recorded at Hansahaus Studios by Klaus Genuit)
Mixed at Hansahaus Studios, Bonn, by Klaus Genuit - assisted by Ray Gaskins himself - on 24" analog tape and a SSL 4048 console. For the recording , most effects used were tube dynamics processors. During the mixing, Lexicon, Roland and Yamaha reverbs were used.
Additional bio info:
Ray has performed and recorded with Stuff, Brand New Heavies, Roy Ayers, Dennis Chambers, Marquee Gilmore, Tony Smith, Jocelyn Brown (his cousin), Phyllis Hyman and many others. He has also worked as acomposer for others - and as a sound engineer in the mid-80s - being one of the first people to learn to work with the -now famous - SSL mixing consoles.
It took him awhile to discover his talent as a showman - but
whoever has seen him perform live during the last years can testify
to the incredible showmanship and entertaining performances that have
build his reputation all over the UK and parts of Europe.
Not only does he really ommunicate with his audience, he also has a
great feel for grooves - and can play piano and saxophone at the same
time.
He was signed to LIP-HOT in spring 96 when Alex Merck saw him perform
live at "Ronnie Scott's" in New York - getting a very mixed (and
usually apathic) crowd to dance and sing with him him within 30
minutes from the beginning of the show.
His first wife died in the early 90s at a very young age, which led to the composition "Love Changes" and some of the other sad tunes he has written. After a period of personal problems including drugs, he has recovered through the help of some friends including Roy Ayers and through hard work touring and composing. He has moved from New York City to London a few years ago - and recently remarried. He has just bought a house - and plans to buy a Jaguar one day when he sells enough records.
He also has a son from a former girlfriend, who is already interested in becoming a musician.