Artist description Ray put together a group of Jazz all-stars for this recordingand subsequent gigs at Tavern On The Green and other venues.

Music Style "classic" jazz

Musical Influences Milt Jackson, Big Sid Catlett, Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton

Artist History Ray started his musical career as a drummer, playing with Claude Thornhill, Bobby Byrne, the Dorsey Brothers, Stan Getz, Joe Venuti, MelTorme, Johnny Smith, Chubby Jackson and many others. He later switched to vibes (the vibraphone) and worked with George Shearing, CharlieBarnet, Bill Evans, Anita O'Day, Mel Lewis; all in all, a "who's who" of jazz. Ray also worked with his own quartet in renowned jazz clubs such asBirdland, the Embers, Basin Street East, etc. In the early '70's he joined with Mousey Alexander to form "Alexanders the Great", a quartetwhich was booked frequently at the new Half Note uptown, as well as many other clubs and concerts. He now plays concerts around the New York/tri-state area, Florida, and the United Kingdom.

Group Members Ray Alexander (Vibes),Warren Vache (Cornet, Flugelhorn), Kenny Barron (Piano), Bob Kindred (Tenor Sax), Harvie Swartz (Bass),Oliver Jackson (Drums)

Instruments Vibes, Piano, Cornet/Flugelhorn, Tenor Sax, Bass, Drums

Albums Cloud Patterns, Rain In June, Vigorous Vibes

Press Reviews Stuart Troup, Newsday: "Alexander is full of inventive patterns that don't diminish to flashiness."Bill Kaufman, Newsday: "...a group which cuts loose with enough good music to satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth for traditional jazz."Sunset News: "The music transcended anything you can hear around here as well as most of what you can hear in most jazz rooms around the city..."Southhampton Press: "Ray Alexander playing fine jazz, tastefully, dazzlingly, lovingly."Birmingham International Jazz Festival: "A melodic, clear-toned player and attractive improviser...a sparkling soloist on vibes."Evening Echo: "The most exciting thing to happen on the Southend jazz scene for years!"Brilliant Corners: "These guys really swung it!"Bruce Crowther, Jazz Journal International: "Straightahead no-nonsense swinging mainstream jazz...enjoyable solos and some slick ensemble work."

Location Bayside, NY - USA

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