2008-10-02 09:21:08 - SRI Jazz announces Ray Brown Jr's new CD, an all-star duets album entitled "Family and Friends" is finally in stores. The album premiered on iTunes and now it has received great reviews there and it has arrived at all major music retailers.

"Just listened to Ray Jr's CD and it's marvelous. He's got the rhythm and feel of his mother and father and the voice to go with it. What a great idea for him to do duets with other great singers. I got a real charge out of Haylee doing Tisket".
Van Alexander (co-writer of A-Tisket-A-Tasket)

Radio stations nationwide have given

this album a very warm welcome. Calls from radio stations have been pouring in to SRI Jazz requesting interviews, station IDs and additional copies.

On 'Friends And Family' Ray is joined by some of his friends and other artists he has admired to create a truly unique album. With veteran producer, Shelly Liebowitz at the helm, the line-up includes Dr. John, Dionne Warwick, Jane Monheit, James Moody, Freda Payne, Melba Moore, David "Fathead" Newman, Sophie B. Hawkins, Paul Williams, Maria Muldaur, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Terry Gibbs, Sally Kellerman, Dave Somerville and Kim Hoyer.

Walking into the studio to work with family and friends seemed like the logical next step to Liebowitz and a foreboding challenge to Brown. "Yeah, I was a tad bit nervous. But it was great fun and very educational", said Brown.

This CD includes a very special version of "How High The Moon" as Ray joins both his mother and father (Ella Fitzgerald and Ray Brown) on an old live track. "It is magical when Ray sings with his parents. In addition to that amazing duet, there is a duet of Ray and his daughter Haylee performing Ella's first hit, ‘Tisket-A-Tasket'. I am thrilled and excited to sign Haylee to her first contract and produce her first session", said Liebowitz.

"This album marks a first in many ways. Original, unconventional arrangements and song choices matched with not only incredible vocalists but also legendary musicians make this CD truly special. When you add that to the talent of Ray Brown Jr. and the legacy of his family, the results are just magical.

To honor our veterans, a portion of the proceeds from all download sales of the duet by Ray Brown Jr. and Dr. Lonnie Smith on 'Everybody's Cryin' Mercy' will be donated to the National Veterans Foundation. (nvf.org).

Ray Brown Jr, the son of legendary jazz performers Ray Brown and Ella Fitzgerald, has been making special appearances along with periodic performances in celebration of Ella's 90th birthday. His energies have been consumed within the last year with memories and remembrances plus touring to promote his current release. Most recently Ray has appeared in the BBC documentary, "First Lady of Song", about his mother. This documentary was so popular it has aired several times in only a few months.

Recently Brown has performed shows to repeated standing ovations. His vocal stylings have been compared to Peabo Bryson or Al Jarreau, and his arrangements have been described as soulful and versatile.