Ross Valory, the former co-founding bassist of Journey, continues to showcase his musical prowess with the release of his fourth video, a vibrant cover of War’s 1975 hit “Low Rider.” This latest offering comes from Valory’s debut solo album, All of the Above, which dropped in April. The track, styled “Lowrider” on the album, follows previous releases “Tomland,” “Wild Kingdom,” and “Windmill,” further solidifying Valory’s solo career.
From Santana to “Lowrider”: An Organic Evolution
The decision to cover “Low Rider” arose spontaneously after recording the basic tracks for a Santana cover, “Incident at Neshabur/Senior Blue,” in 2018. Valory shared his desire with his band, and they enthusiastically embraced the idea, leading to a smooth and enjoyable recording process.
Valory’s All-Star Ensemble Brings “Lowrider” to Life
Valory assembled a stellar lineup of musicians for the recording, including drummer Gregg Errico (Sly and the Family Stone), keyboardist Eric Levy (Night Ranger), guitarist Vernon “Ice” Black (Herbie Hancock), and percussionist Karl Perazzo (Santana). Josh Ramos, who collaborated with Valory, Gregg Rolie, and Steve Smith in the ’90s band Storm, lent his vocals to the track. The song also features the talents of harmonica player Led Stroud and saxophonist Marc Russo, adding their own unique flair to the iconic lines originally played by War’s Lee Oskar and Charles Miller.
Valory describes the recording experience as “fast and easy,” perfectly capturing the laid-back vibe of the song. The collaboration with Errico, Stroud, Ramos, Black, Russo, and Perazzo brought a dynamic energy and skillful interpretation to “Low Rider.”
A Visual Feast: Michael Cotten’s Directorial Vision for “Lowrider”
The music video for “Lowrider,” directed by Michael Cotten, pays homage to Mexican-American car culture. Cotten, who also directed the previous three videos from All of the Above, aimed to capture the vibrant aesthetic of lowrider cars and bikes, celebrating their ornate decorations and candy-colored paint jobs. The video showcases these automotive works of art as they glide down the freeway, transforming into a mesmerizing stream of light.
A Collaborative Synergy: Valory and Cotten’s Creative Partnership
Valory praises Cotten’s work on the videos for All of the Above, emphasizing their shared artistic vision and seamless collaboration. He describes their creative process as being “naturally in sync,” with Cotten intuitively understanding and translating Valory’s musical ideas into compelling visuals.
Exploring Journey’s Live Album Legacy: A Comprehensive Overview
While Journey is renowned for their extensive touring history, their live performances haven’t always been extensively documented. This section delves into a comprehensive retrospective of Journey’s live albums, examining the evolution of their live sound and the captivating energy of their stage presence.
From Studio to Stage: Capturing the Essence of Journey’s Live Performances
Journey’s live albums offer a glimpse into the band’s dynamic stage presence, capturing the raw energy and musical interplay that define their concerts. From early recordings to more recent releases, these albums showcase the band’s evolution and their ability to connect with audiences on a visceral level.
“Low Rider” and Beyond: Valory’s Solo Journey Continues
With the release of “Low Rider,” Ross Valory continues to explore his musical horizons and establish himself as a solo artist. All of the Above showcases his versatility and passion for music, offering a diverse collection of songs that reflect his influences and creative vision.
Conclusion: A Vibrant Celebration of Music and Culture
Ross Valory’s “Lowrider” is more than just a cover; it’s a vibrant celebration of music and culture. From the spontaneous decision to record the song to the meticulous attention to detail in the music video, Valory’s passion shines through. The collaboration with his talented band and Michael Cotten’s directorial vision has resulted in a captivating visual and auditory experience.
Do you have any fond memories associated with War’s “Low Rider”? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Ross Valory and “Lowrider”
Q: What is the inspiration behind Ross Valory’s decision to cover “Lowrider”?
A: The idea arose organically after completing basic tracks for another cover. Valory expressed his long-standing desire to cover “Lowrider” to his band, and they enthusiastically supported the idea.
Q: Who are the musicians featured on Valory’s version of “Lowrider”?
A: Valory’s all-star ensemble includes Gregg Errico (drums), Eric Levy (keyboards), Vernon “Ice” Black (guitar), Karl Perazzo (percussion), Josh Ramos (vocals), Led Stroud (harmonica), and Marc Russo (saxophone).
Q: What is the significance of the “Lowrider” music video’s focus on Mexican-American car culture?
A: Director Michael Cotten aimed to pay tribute to the rich tradition of lowrider culture, highlighting the artistic expression and craftsmanship involved in customizing these vehicles.
Q: How does “Lowrider” fit into Ross Valory’s solo album, All of the Above?
A: “Lowrider” is the fourth video release from the album, following “Tomland,” “Wild Kingdom,” and “Windmill.” It showcases Valory’s musical versatility and his ability to reinterpret classic songs with his own unique style.
We encourage you to submit your own questions about Ross Valory, “Lowrider,” and his solo album. We’re here to provide insightful answers and foster a vibrant discussion around this exciting musical journey. Share your thoughts and questions – let’s explore the world of music together!
