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Ray started his musical
career in the heady days of the sixties.At the age of 13 after formal piano lessons (from an even earlier age) he took to the road playing with a ‘beat
group’ as was the term. In those days the piano icons where Russ Conway and Mrs
Mills (YES!)Russ Conway played
10ths with his left hand (one for the musos) and had half a finger missing from his left hand. Ray followed the lead with
the tenths but decided to tacet (for the musos, again!) on the lack of digits. Mrs
Mills? Brilliant! in a class of her own…..but not the way forward for the young Raymond.
His fledging career saw him playing many of the clubs in Manchester, his home town in those days Being a sight reader due to his training he quickly moved into residencies working with bands playing more standards / jazz and accompanying acts of the day in club and theatre venues. The 70’s saw him in the South West working residencies in hotels and clubs before a chance meeting brought him to the North West once again and into the holiday camp regime. An excellent opportunity for a young(ish) musician to play in a dance band environment covering all styles from old time dancing to pops, ballroom to latin. Things moved on once again with the ubiquitous opportune ‘phone call that took him into the magical world of theatre. Ray spent the next 20 years touring with the magic of theatre as Musical Director with a plethora of shows, acts and some of the finest theatres and musicians in England (and abroad). From variety, theme shows, old time music hall, major musicals(Joseph, Little shop of Horrors, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar) and MD / keyboards for major acts on tour such as Linda Nolan, The Bachelors, Ken Dodd, Jimmy Cricket. Plus TV and radio work on a regular basis. Plus all time favourite, pantomime! With everyone from Norman Barrett (best ringmaster ever!) to
Gladiators and soap stars / radio personalities During this time Ray has fitted in cruise ship work as both lounge pianist and resident band member playing for all styles of dancing and accompanying the in house shows etc...plus, playing for the 'CREW NIGHTS' (don't ask!) Before
hanging up his touring shoes Ray travelled in the USA as MD/ pianist doing dinner shows ( a package we don't
have here in the UK) where 10-12 minute shows / playlets are performed between courses. This included restaurants/ hotels
in Connecticut, Atlantic City, New York state and fabulous New York city. Throughout all of this he has run a successful music writing and recording business. Ray remains based in the North West.
email: ray@razzamajazzlive.com
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