Ray’s Music Exchange returned to the live recording scene with “A Live Family Rayunion 2025,” released on August 30th, 2026. Captured during a sold-out performance at Cincinnati’s historic Woodward Theater, the six-track album marked the collective’s first live recording in 15 years. Celebrating three decades of musical exploration, the release brought together the group’s seasoned musicians and a younger generation of instrumental talents, creating a vibrant showcase of progressive funk, jazz fusion, and improvisational energy. More than a commemorative project, the album captured the enduring connection between a band and the musical community that has grown alongside it.
At the heart of the record is Ray’s Music Exchange’s distinctive approach to live performance, built around spontaneous interaction, sophisticated musicianship, and expansive instrumental arrangements. Drawing from the improvisational spirit that shaped their late-1990s sound, the musicians created a performance driven by rhythmic momentum and a powerful collective presence. The album’s explosive wall of sound reflected the group’s ability to combine intricate musical ideas with the infectious energy of progressive funk. Its jazz-fusion foundations allowed room for exploration, while the underlying grooves maintained a strong connection to the dance floor, embodying the exchange of energy that has long defined the collective’s identity.
A Live Family Rayunion 2025 Album Track Reviews:
Furley’s Comet:
“Furley’s Comet” bursts into motion with a punchy, syncopated rhythm that establishes an energetic fusion sound driven by vibrant brass melodies and intricate basslines. Trumpet and saxophone move together through bright, staccato hooks, creating a unified horn arrangement that rides an infectious double-time groove. Beneath the brass, driving snare patterns and lively percussion maintain the track’s momentum, while clean electric guitar chords add a sparkling melodic texture that balances the richness of the low end. The arrangement moves effortlessly between tightly coordinated melodic passages and expansive instrumental breakdowns, allowing the musicians to explore improvisation while preserving the composition’s rhythmic foundation. The rhythm section provides a steady, hard-grooving pocket that gives the soloists room to exchange expressive phrases. Recorded live at Cincinnati’s Woodward Theater, the performance captures the venue’s natural acoustics, giving the drums an expansive punch and the bass a full, defined presence. Ultimately, “Furley’s Comet” radiates warmth, spontaneity, and collective musical joy, delivering an upbeat highlight from Ray’s Music Exchange’s live album.
Quartalchondriac 12-Tone Jam:
“Quartalchondriac 12-Tone Jam” showcases Ray’s Music Exchange exploring the adventurous possibilities of modern jazz harmony and avant-garde composition. Built around 12-tone serialism and quartal chord voicings, the track embraces unconventional tonal movement while maintaining a compelling rhythmic foundation. Keyboard and guitar establish intricate layers of stacked harmonies, creating a floating sense of tension, while the brass section introduces chromatic melodies that weave through asymmetrical rhythms and polyrhythmic patterns. The result is a richly textured fusion piece that balances intellectual complexity with energetic musical expression. Captured live, the composition becomes an exhilarating demonstration of collective improvisation and exceptional musicianship. The performers respond instinctively to sudden changes in tempo, accents, and harmonic direction, while daring horn solos explore dizzying chromatic runs. Aggressive drum fills and agile walking basslines sustain the momentum throughout. Despite its intricate structure, the performance remains cohesive and engaging, transforming an ambitious theoretical experiment into a vibrant, visceral listening experience that highlights the ensemble’s creativity and spontaneity.
Peruvius:
“Peruvius” introduces a vibrant Latin-fusion character to Ray’s Music Exchange’s live album, combining intricate polyrhythms, syncopated basslines, and layered percussion into an irresistibly danceable arrangement. Hand percussion, shakers, and crisp ride cymbal patterns establish an inviting rhythmic foundation, setting the stage for soaring trumpet and saxophone melodies. Their expressive lines glide across smooth chord changes, balancing the elegance of Latin jazz with the muscular energy of progressive rock. Rich electric piano passages and swelling synthesizer chords add warmth and depth, creating an expansive backdrop for the track’s lively instrumental interplay. As the composition develops, “Peruvius” opens into an exhilarating display of improvisational virtuosity. Delicate breakdowns gradually give way to powerful brass crescendos, building dramatic tension through seamless dynamic shifts. The soloists exchange fiery, syncopated phrases, exploring modal scales and chromatic runs while the rhythm section sustains its hypnotic Latin groove. Captured live, the performance radiates spontaneity, technical precision, and infectious stage energy, making “Peruvius” a compelling showcase of the ensemble’s adventurous musical chemistry.
Dancing About Architecture:
“Dancing About Architecture” delivers a punchy rock-fusion experience that highlights Ray’s Music Exchange’s heavier, more aggressive musical side. Inspired by the famous phrase about writing about music, the track thrives on sharp contrasts, forceful instrumentation, and tightly coordinated arrangements. A heavy, driving bass riff establishes its foundation, while distorted electric guitar motifs bring a progressive rock intensity. The brass section adds tremendous impact through explosive horn stabs that reinforce the bassline and accentuate the downbeats. Abrupt rhythmic stops and sudden transitions introduce an unpredictable quality, keeping the arrangement lively and engaging throughout. Despite its compact structure, the track packs considerable energy and instrumental precision. The live production captures the electric guitar’s biting tone and the snare drum’s crisp, cutting presence, allowing each element to retain its character within the powerful mix. The musicians navigate challenging accents with remarkable unity before opening brief spaces for expressive solo passages. Ultimately, “Dancing About Architecture” showcases the ensemble’s ability to transform intricate musical coordination into exhilarating, groove-driven power.
The collaboration with members of Ernie Johnson from Detroit added another exciting dimension to the performance. Known for their Afrobeat and dance-oriented instrumental sound, the group contributed a dynamic horn section that complemented Ray’s Music Exchange’s established musical language. Saxophonist Josh Kline and trombonist Spencer Merk also joined the wider gathering of Cincinnati musicians, while keyboardist Jackson Steiger and horn players Colin Thompson, Wayne Kilgard, and Jonathan Wiseman expanded the ensemble’s instrumental palette. These collaborations brought different generations and musical perspectives together, reinforcing the album’s celebration of Cincinnati’s thriving instrumental scene.
Founding keyboardist Paul Hogan’s compositions remained central to the album’s character, providing challenging musical foundations for the ensemble’s improvisational explorations. The core lineup of Brad Myers on guitar and vocals, Michael “Maddog” Mavridoglou on trumpet, keyboards, and vocals, Nick Blasky on bass and vocals, Jason Smart on drums, and Matthew Hawkins on percussion demonstrated the chemistry developed through decades of shared musical experience. Recorded by Nicholas Radina and mixed and mastered by Ashley Shepherd at Audiogrotto, the album preserved the scale and excitement of the Woodward Theater performance.
A Live Family Rayunion 2025 Is A Vibrant Celebration Of Musical Chemistry, Blending Progressive Funk, Adventurous Jazz Fusion, And Explosive Improvisation Across An Electrifying Live Performance
~ Faithfulness (Dulaxi Team)
Ray’s Music Exchange began in Cincinnati in 1996, drawing early members from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music before developing a devoted following through touring and independent releases. Following an indefinite hiatus in 2006, the group returned for a celebrated reunion in 2010. “A Live Family Rayunion 2025” continues that tradition, presenting the collective as a living force within the city’s musical landscape. With a limited edition of 300 hand-numbered, hand-stamped vinyl copies featuring concert photography and liner notes, the release offers a tangible celebration of its legacy. Ultimately, the album captures the spirit of a musical family whose creativity, collaboration, and connection with audiences have remained vibrant across three decades.
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