I don't know what Ray was using back in the day but, it sure as hell worked!! As I started growing as a player, His tones did not go un-noticed by me and his plaing was always an influence.
I can tell you that he used a wah wah pedal and tube amps of the day. I don't know what he used for time based FX but, I bet we can find out. I'll see what I can do for you. Perhaps Ray himself could post about the rig he used back then.
I've not been able to hear The Funk Brothers yet but all reports are his tone is just great as always.
OVER ALL THE YEARS I USED RIGS BY MARSHALL,ACOUSTIC,AMPEG,AND EVEN A SOLID STATE CRATE.THE EFFECTS THAT I USED WERE MINIMAL.ONE OF THE FIRST FUZZTONES TO COME OUT WAS THE FENDER BLENDER.I USED IT FOR A WHILE.THE ECHOPLEX WAS A MAINSTAY IN THOSE DAYS,AS WELL AS A WAH-WAH PEDAL,AND EVEN A LESLIE SPEAKER.
THE ECHOPLEX WASN'T ROAD WORTHY AT ALL.I MUST HAVE PURCHASED AT LEAST 7 OR 8 OF THEM OVER THE YEARS.THE SOUND YOU HEAR ON THE FRONT OF "CELEBRATE" IS AN ECHOPLEX TURNED UP TO THE FEEDBACK POINT.THE LESLIE WENT THE WAY OF THE DINOSAURS WHEN A COMPANY CAME OUT WITH A SMALL UNIT YOU COULD HOLD IN YOUR HAND.UP UNTIL THAT TIME,WE WERE CARRYING A FULL SIZE WOODEN LESLIE ON THE ROAD.
MOST OF THE STUDIO WORK WAS ACHIEVED BY OVERDRIVING THE AMP TO GET SUSTAIN.
SOME OF THE EARLIEST STUFF WAS FUZZTONE.
THESE DAYS,WITH THE FUNK BROTHERS,I'VE GONE BACK TO TOTAL SIMPLICITY.I PLAY A CUSTOM STRAT THROUGH A TWIN WITH NO EFFECTS AT ALL.
IVAN.......THANKS FOR THE GOOD WORDS,AND KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!
Ivan-Let me start by saying how dissapointed I was when I first read of Ray's departure from the band after three plus decades of service. However, I must say that you stepped right up to the plate and informed us who you were and how you felt about this new gig, and last but not least how you would try to continue the legacy of Rare Earth as their newest member. To me this was comforting to hear, but on the other hand I was skeptical and did not know what to expect.
I've been a fan since hearing Get Ready on the radio back in 1969. My first concert was during the Ecology era, and shortly thereafter I remember being skeptical of another new guitar player in the band, but that sure faded fast after seeing this new kid and the rest of the band blow Sly off the stage at the garden in 71. By the way, the other new guy on keys did quite a job himself at this show. We all know about the trials and tribulations that followed these glory days so let's move the clock ahead somewhat.
I thought the band had come full circle in the years that Wayne was holding down the lead vocalist duties. After the passing of Eddie and the departure of Wayne I felt that this was truely the end, but the band labored on. Then came 2004 and Ray's announcement. I'm sorry to say I had the nail in the coffin as far as Rare Earth was concerned, that is until I read your post. I owed it to you and the band, as well as myself to give it one last go. If Rare Earth were to appear in my area, I would make every effort possible to attend the show.
I was lucky enough to catch the last show of the summer nights tour in Westbury,NY. Although the set was limited to around 30 minutes or so, I enjoyed every second of every minute. Up until this point I had not seen the band for some time, and there were now three new members in the band since the last time I saw them. The band as a group was excellent, and each and every member excelled in their duties. Ivan, when I first read your post I pictured a twenty-something kid just getting his chops wet, but I sure had it wrong. Your guitar playing was truely excellent, and you definitly carry on the tradition of outstanding guitar playing that has always been associated with the name Rare Earth. And I must add that Floyd also won me over with his cyrstal clear vocals, so you guys really proved me wrong, and I'm greatful for it.
If anyone had some doubt such as I did about the current line up of the band, you can put it aside and rest assured that Rare Earth is still alive and well, and if they happen to come your way, please don't miss the chance to see this group of musician's that play with all the power and passion that we have come to know and love from Rare Earth for decades. Just wait to they blow you away with "Papa was a Rolling Stone" and you will surely understand. I know this post may be long and dragged out for some, and for this I am apologetic, but it's been a long time coming from me. Rock on, and fill your heads with dirt. JockoD
JockoD.I want to respond to your beautiful post about Ivan and Rare Earth.You really made my day with what you had to say and im sure Ivan appreciates it also.Yeh it was hard on us when Ray decided leave but we understand that sometimes a person needs a change in life.We all are still close friends and that will never change.We feel blessed with Ivan joining Rare Earth as it feels like he was meant for the group.He idolized Ray and he is great at taking his place.We are in the process of recording new internally written material that we are real excited about.We will introduce some of the songs on the Rare Earth web site soon.Being such an all time fan of Rare Earth I would like to send you the latest Rare Earth Cd.It's of the show as we play it today.It includes Pa Pa was a rolling stone.I really appreciate you saying how you feel the band as it is today still rocks out as good as the past.I think the band is as strong as ever.If you post your address ill send you that CD.
