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 and deep groove to the funk-R&B scene.

 

After studying extensively in LA with David Garibaldi of Tower of Power, Ralph 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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Now in the Twin Cities, Ralph is  currently driving the groove behind one of the leading R&B-soul-funk acts in the cities - Funktion Junction, working pop and jazz gigs, and has recorded with pianist-composer Dan Moffatt, and saxophonist Kenni Holmen.

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Gear

 

Drums:

Yamaha Oak Custom  

22" Kick

10", 12" Rack 

14", 16" Floor

 

Gretsch Catalina Club Bop Kit 

18" X 14" Kick

12" x 8" Rack

14" x 14" Floor

 

Snare drums

6.5" x 14"  Ludwig hand-hammered bronze LB552KT

5" x 14" Ludwig Chrome over Brass Supraphonic  

5" x 14" Gretsch Mahogany 

 

Cymbals

Zildjian K Custom Series:

   21"  Dark Complex Ride

   22"  High Definition Ride

   20"  Session Ride

   18"  Session Crash

   16"  Session  Crash

   17"  Hybrid Crash 

   14"  High Definition Hi Hats

   13"  Hybrid Hi Hats

   18" Zildjian A Custom  EFX Crash

   14"  Meinl China

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