Laranah Phipps Ray and La Funkalicious display their evil genius on their latest single Jazz Crimes — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Embodying a spirited mix of high-energy jazz, R&B, funk and Afrofuturism, the multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, producer and influencer continues to bend boundaries and break barriers with her deeply rooted musicality and explosive execution.
Written by Joshua Redman, Jazz Crimes finds Laranah scatting alongside trumpeter Arnetta Johnson. Produced by consummate hitmaker, guitarist, and Instant Fun co-founder Kym Miller, the track serves as a prime preview to Ray’s upcoming album Game Changer — set for release in January 2023.
On the forthcoming release, Laranah brings her distinctive sound, phrasing, and storytelling to the table. Noted for her dynamic scatting, five-octave range, improvisational facility, and volcanic grasp of groove, Ray has a voice laced with a certain ancient richness, an instrument that soars with a distinct yet familiar soul and power.
Laranah has penned several powerhouse songs as a recording artist, including the singles I Rule the Night, Love in Santiago, Sudden Love and Save Me Now. She is married to renowned trumpeter Michael Ray (Sun Ra Arkestra, Kool & The Gang, Cosmic Krewe). Affectionately dubbed the Cosmic Couple, they recently collaborated with famed saxophonist Marshall Allen of Sun Ra Arkestra on Mayan Temple, and teamed with Kevin Hearn of Barenaked Ladies on Hello Hello.
Between her prolific career fronting La Funkalicious and her collaborations with A-list musicians, her impossible-to-ignore talent is no surprise. Ray was born to jazz royalty — as the daughter of pioneering New Jersey saxophonist Gene Phipps, Sr., she received an unparalleled musical education.
Check out Jazz Crimes below and get more information at the Cosmic Krewe website.
