With roots firmly in jazz and funk, Ralph Hale has followed a musical path taking him from Boston to LA and back, developing a sound and playing style that has driven working bands across genres. Now living and playing in Minneapolis, he is applying his unique sound, pocket and groove to the funk-R&B scene.

 

Ralph studied extensively with David Garibaldi of Tower of Power, and has worked with Latin Grammy Award winning keyboardist Francisco Loyo, Latin jazz star Lalo Carillo, and one one Southern CA's finest jazz-R&B saxophonists and composers - J.R. Lewis.

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Ralph drives the groove behind some leading R&B-soul-funk acts in the Twin Cities - Funktion Junction, and Big Mike & SS Express, and has recorded with pianist-composer Dan Moffatt, and saxophonist Kenni Holmen.

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​Gear

 

Drums:

Yamaha Oak Custom 

Gretsch - Bop Kit 

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Snare drums

Ludwig - hand-hammered bronze 

Ludwig - Supraphonic  

Gretsch - Mahogany 

 

Cymbals

Zildjian K Custom Series

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