Ray Brinker

Ray Brinker

Tierney Sutton Band, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, Independent

RAY BRINKER is a professional drummer based in Los Angeles, CA. Ray received a Bachelor Of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. Upon graduation from UNT, Ray toured worldwide with jazz high-note trumpet player Maynard Ferguson before moving to the West Coast, where he has become a staple in the Los Angeles studio and performance scene.

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS:

As a founding, 25-year member of the Tierney Sutton Band, Ray has co-arranged and recorded 11 CDs. The band has garnered 6 consecutive Grammy Nominations for œBest Jazz Vocal Album, and Ray has received a Grammy Nomination as co-arranger for œBest Arrangement Accompanying A Vocalist. Ray is also a member of the Grammy winning Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band.

PERFORMANCES/RECORDINGS:

Maynard Ferguson, Tierney Sutton Band, Pat Benatar, Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole, David Lee Roth, Cinderella, Woody Herman, Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, Christian Jacob Trio, Brian Setzer, Jack Sheldon, Anita ODay, Randy Brecker, Wayne Bergeron Big Band, Tom Kubis Big Band, Claire Fisher, Mitch Forman, Johnny Mandel, Michel LeGrand, Chris Walden Big Band, Frank Gambale, Arturo Sandoval, Lea Salonga, Veronique Sanson, Kristin Chenoweth, Paul Anka, Engelbert Humperdinck, Grant Geissman, T Lavitz, Steve Morse, Seth MacFarlane, and Ray Charles, including his 8-time Grammy Award winning Album Of The Year œGenius Loves Company, featuring James Taylor, Norah Jones, Bonnie Raitt, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Dianna Krall, and Willie Nelson.

TV/FILM CREDITS:

American Hustle, Ray: The Ray Charles Story, Shrek, Chicken Run, Dear God, The Alamo, Brother Bear, Lilo & Stitch, Pluto Nash, Assault On Precinct 13, Americas Got Talent, The 15:17 To Paris. Ray and the Tierney Sutton Band co-wrote, arranged, and performed the score for Clint Eastwood's 2016 film, "Sully".

Ray Brinker'S SETUP:

  1. Studio/Big Band: 14" K Constantinople Hi-Hats
  2. 17" K crash
  3. 17" K Fast Crash
  4. 22" K Constantinople Medium Ride
  5. 20" Crash of Doom with rivets Small Group: 20" K Constantinople (medium)
  6. 20" K Constantinople with rivets (light)
  7. 22" K Pre-Aged with rivets

* May be prototype

Ray
Brinker's
IN 3

Ray Brinker's
IN 3

  • WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

    Hearing any music performed at a very high level. I'm also inspired by creating music with other musicians. Music is the universal language, and it's creation and performance can reach anyone from any culture. It's the ultimate uniting force, and a source for constant inspiration and joy.

  • WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

    Always play to serve the song. Hear the other musicians first, before hearing yourself. Study the greats who came before you. Love what you do!

  • FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

    My collection of K Constantinople cymbals is always an inspiration.

BEHIND THE KIT

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER ARTISTS