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Ray Anderson

"If I ever had a home, it was the slide trombone" says Ray Anderson. Although the perennial poll- winner (6 times in Down Beat's Critics Poll!) is indeed at home with the "slip-horn", his unique music is now being heard all over the world. Anderson's innovative and influential style is technically awesome but straight from the heart. He shatters musical categories but remains personal, emotional and accessible. He is often humorous but never predictable. He has given the trombone a whole new sound and also developed a trombone-like way of singing.

Born in Chicago in 1952, Ray Anderson started playing trombone when he was eight. "The music I remember from my parent's house includes many Dixieland records (which inspired me to select trombone as my instrument) as well as Mahalia Jackson, Broadway shows, Mozart concertos and various folk singers. I played trombone in the orchestra and jazz big band at the University of Chicago Lab School. I was introduced to everything from John Cage to the Blues, from Archie Shepp, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Bird to Motown, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Sly and the Family Stone; I also heard some of the early AACM concerts. Thus I developed an omnivorous taste in music which has only grown over the years."

After three years in California, playing in funk, R&B and jazz groups, Ray Anderson moved to New York City in 1972. He picked up a wide variety of musical experience, played in the booming loft scene and spent important periods with Barry Altschul's trio and Anthony Braxtons' quartet. "Playing with Braxton (during 1978-81) really ended my period of apprenticeship and I've led or co-led my own groups ever since." These bands have included the wild funk unit Slickaphonics and a trio with bassist Mark Helias and drummer Gerry Hemingway called BassDrumBone. Now Anderson can be heard leading his quartet (piano or guitar, upright bass and drums), his Wishbone Ensemble (which adds percussion and violin to the quartet), his Alligatory Band (electric bass and guitar, drums, percussion and trumpet) his Bonified Big Band (classic big band instrumentation) and Ray's latest incarnation, The Pocket Brass Band featuring Jack Walrath on Trumpet, Bob Stewart on Tuba and Charli Persip on Drums. Ray is also a member of Slideride, a four trombone cooperative featuring Craig Harris, George Lewis and Gary Valente.

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Album Review

Jon Irabagon's Outright!: Recharge the Blade

Read "Recharge the Blade" reviewed by Mark Corroto


As with nearly all of saxophonist Jon Irabagon's music, the matter for debate is whether the listener needs to be as caffeinated as the musician. His brand of performance, going back two decades, has been one of constant motion and a bottomless cup of ideas. We heard this in Irabagon's contribution to the band Mostly Other People Do The Killing, his I Don't Hear Nothin' but the Blues series, and his collaboration with Joe Fonda in Barry Altschul's 3Dom Factor. ...

7
Liner Notes

Christy Doran: in The Corner Of The Eye

Read "Christy Doran: in The Corner Of The Eye" reviewed by Ian Patterson


For forty years, Irish-born, Lucerne-based guitarist Christy Doran has recorded prolifically for numerous labels. Inevitably perhaps, many of his earlier works are out of print, so it's cause for celebration that this release brings together the very best of Phoenix (hat Art, 1990) and What a Band (hat Art, 1992), two long-neglected yet essential Doran recordings. The majority of Doran's releases have been with bands, from the seventies jazz-rock/free jazz group OM to New Bag, his main working ...

Album Review

Ray Anderson Pocket Brass Band: Come In

Read "Come In" reviewed by Vic Albani


Con tutto il rispetto per il quartetto di musicisti titolare di questa incisione, questo disco potrebbe essere velocemente destinato alla casella “bello anche se non fondamentale." Ma c'è una storia da raccontare che forse rende giustizia alla “necessità" di volerlo pubblicare e dargli un valore comunque non indifferente. L'11 marzo 2020 è una data certamente particolare. I telefoni di Ray Anderson, Steven Bernstein, Jose Davila e Tommy Campbell (arrivati da poco a Cottbus, borgata ad un tiro di ...

5
Album Review

Ivo Perelman: Molten Gold

Read "Molten Gold" reviewed by Hrayr Attarian


Saxophonist Ivo Perelman is a restless innovator, and his recorded output is as inventive as it is prolific. On the exhilarating Molten Gold he explores a new sonic texture by playing with the equally idiosyncratic trombonist Ray Anderson. In addition to Anderson, the quartet includes another Chicago native, drummer Reggie Nicholson who developed his unique sound with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). Frequent Perelman collaborator, guitarist Joe Morris, here playing double bass, completes the ensemble. The ...

4
Album Review

Ivo Perelman: Molten Gold

Read "Molten Gold" reviewed by Mike Jurkovic


A tactile, umbilical cord tension binds you to the slithery movements advanced on Molten Gold, the umpteenth in a slew of hard-core free jazz releases, one of them being the twelve disc set Reed Rapture In Brooklyn (Mahakala, 2022), from the generative mind and horn of saxophonist Ivo Perelman. Recorded at ParkWest Studio by Jim Clouse, Perelman, in full form and fever, assembles fellow rogues trombonist Ray Anderson, bassist Joe Morris and drummer Reggie Nicholson for over eighty minutes of ...

3
Album Review

Ivo Perelman / Ray Anderson / Joe Morris / Reggie Nicholson: Molten Gold

Read "Molten Gold" reviewed by Chris May


Lovingly described by one critic as “a leather-lunged monster," reviews of saxophonist Ivo Perelman's albums typically attract words such as honking, squawking, squealing and apocalyptic. Perelman is not interested in the current vogue for creating safe spaces. He is not the sort of free-improv player one would, in the normal course of things, recommend to AAJers wanting to dip a neophyte toe in the genre. But Molten Gold is recommended. And not just to newbies, but to ...

Extended Analysis

The Boyé Multi-National Crusade For Harmony

Read "The Boyé Multi-National Crusade For Harmony" reviewed by Stefano Merighi


Che trionfo per Julius Hemphill! A dispetto delle poche pagine--o righe--che le recenti storie del jazz dedicano al maestro di Fort Worth, Hemphill emerge da questo cofanetto di inediti come sassofonista-improvvisatore-compositore tra i più profondi della musica afroamericana nei decenni compresi tra gli anni '70 e '90. E questa preziosa edizione non solo torna a far luce su repertori e organici già conosciuti dai cultori, ma porta in superficie una gran mole di musica fresca, sorprendente, che ...

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165

Recording

Ray Anderson, Han Bennink & Christy Doran: ABD on hatOLOGY

Ray Anderson, Han Bennink & Christy Doran: ABD on hatOLOGY

Source: Werner Uehlinger

Listening to Anderson's four compositions, Doran's piece, four free improvisations, and an Ellington tune, from the two sessions strike me as collages of a sort, bringing together very different aesthetics, directions, and materials, for a direct confrontation. Not a confrontational confrontation, mind you. A very amenable comparing, contrasting, and combining of sensibilities, the very thing that makes creative music tick. —John Corbett Originally released as Azurety and Cheer Up. Recorded in 1994-1995. Personnel: Ray Andeerson (trombone, tuba); Han Bennink (drums); ...

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Radio

The Jazz Session #236: Ray Anderson

The Jazz Session #236: Ray Anderson

Source: AAJ Staff


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Performance / Tour

Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson: Canadian Tour

Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson: Canadian Tour

Source: All About Jazz

03/July/09 Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson, Alexandre Ct (as, ss), Bruno Lamarche (ts, cl), Ray Anderson (tb), Flix Stssi (p), Clinton Ryder (b), Isaiah Ceccarelli (d), Yardbird Suite, Edmonton Jazz Festival.

04/July/09 Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson, Alexandre Ct (as, ss), Bruno Lamarche (ts, cl), Ray Anderson (tb), Flix Stssi (p), Clinton Ryder (b), Isaiah Ceccarelli (d), Vancouver Jazz Festival.

05/July/09 Felix Stussi 5 & Ray Anderson, Alexandre Ct (as, ss), Bruno ...

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Performance / Tour

Soul of the Blues (Wed) Wap3 + Maria Cangiano (Thu) Joe Fiedler Trio (Fri) Reut Regev + Ray Anderson Trio (Sat) This Week at Cornelia Street Cafe

Soul of the Blues (Wed) Wap3 + Maria Cangiano (Thu) Joe Fiedler Trio (Fri) Reut Regev + Ray Anderson Trio (Sat) This Week at Cornelia Street Cafe

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

CORNELIA STREET CAFE 29 Cornelia Street, NYC, New York 212-989-9319 between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, V, F to West 4th St. Wed Dec 26, 8:30PM SOUL OF THE BLUES Orb Mellon; Robert Ross Thu Dec 27, 7:00PM WAP3 Will McEvoy, bass; Andrea Rose, piano; Poul Weis, trumpet 9PM MARIA ...

102

Performance / Tour

Last Licks Cafe Presents Ray Anderson's Pocket Brass Band Saturday, February 24th at 8PM

Last Licks Cafe Presents Ray Anderson's Pocket Brass Band Saturday, February 24th at 8PM

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

LAST LICKS CAFE Proudly Presents RAY ANDERSON'S POCKET BRASS BAND

Saturday. February 24th at 8PM

Celebrate Mardi Gras season with The Pocket Brass Band, featuring five-time DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE Trombonist of the Year, Ray Anderson. The Trombone, Tuba, Trumpet and Drum line- up of this band will transport us to a New Orleans street party for the night featuring funk, blues, jazz and boogie.

$15, $13 seniors. Special $5 student ticket for this show

Last Licks Cafe ...

140

Performance / Tour

John McNeil East Coast Cool (Fri.) Mark Helias/Ray Anderson Duo (Sat.) Malaby/Sanchez/Rainey (Sun.) & More This Weekend at Cornelia St. Cafe

John McNeil East Coast Cool (Fri.) Mark Helias/Ray Anderson Duo (Sat.) Malaby/Sanchez/Rainey (Sun.) & More This Weekend at Cornelia St. Cafe

Source: All About Jazz

To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street Greenwich Village, NY 10014 Tel: 212-989-9319 Fax: 212-243-4207 Web: corneliastreetcafe.com between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1,9 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, F to West 4th St. This Weekend at Cornelia Street Cafe Dec 16 - Dec 18 Friday Dec 16 6:00PM PINK PONY POETRY Poez Jackie Sheeler, host This is what the press has said about ...

136

Performance / Tour

Mark Helias/Ray Anderson Duo Saturday, December 17 at the Cornelia Street Cafe

Mark Helias/Ray Anderson Duo Saturday, December 17 at the Cornelia Street Cafe

Source: All About Jazz

To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street Greenwich Village, NY 10014 Tel: 212-989-9319 Fax: 212-243-4207 Web: corneliastreetcafe.com between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1,9 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, F to West 4th St. Sat Dec 17 MARK HELIAS/RAY ANDERSON DUO (Mark Helias, bass; Ray Anderson, trombone) 9:00PM Cover $10 Bass virtuoso Mark Helias and trombone wizard Ray Anderson in a rare duo setting. ...

133

Performance / Tour

String and Bow Festival: Mark Helias & Ray Anderson, John Lindberg; Lindsey Horner & More This Weekend at the Cornelia Street Cafe

String and Bow Festival: Mark Helias & Ray Anderson, John Lindberg; Lindsey Horner & More  This Weekend  at the Cornelia Street Cafe

Source: All About Jazz

August 22, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street Greenwich Village, NY 10014 Tel: 212-989-9319 Fax: 212-243-4207 Web: corneliastreetcafe.com between West 4th and Bleecker Sts, Greenwich Village 1,9 Subway to Sheridan Square; A, C, E, B, D, F to West 4th St. “a culinary as well as a cultural landmark" Mayoral Proclamation, City of New York 1987 This Week at Cornelia Street Cafe August 22 thg 28 Mon aug ...

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Performance / Tour

Ray Anderson Quintet At Sweet Rhythm Friday and Saturday April 29& 30th

Ray Anderson Quintet At Sweet Rhythm Friday and Saturday April 29& 30th

Source: All About Jazz

April 22, 2005 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] Friday and Saturday April 29& 30th Ray Anderson Quintet featuring Marty Ehrlich - reeds; James Weidman - piano; Mark Helias - bass; Dion Parson - drums; Ray Anderson – trombone At Sweet Rhythm 88 Seventh Avenue South New York, NY 212-255-3626 www.sweetrhythmny.com $20. Music Charge + $10.Minimum The mark of a great artist has always been to go beyond technical excellence and impart a personal vision ...

157

Performance / Tour

Ray Anderson Solos & Duos with Bob Stewart at Cornelia Street Cafe Thursday, October 7th 9PM

Ray Anderson Solos & Duos with Bob Stewart at Cornelia Street Cafe Thursday, October 7th 9PM

Source: All About Jazz

Thursday, October 7th, 2004 Ray Anderson Solo Trombone Concert 1st Set: 9:00PM Cornelia Street Cafe 29 Cornelia Street (in Greenwich Village) (212) 989-9319 2nd Set: 10:15PM Featuring: The Heavy Metal Duo: Ray Anderson, trombone & Bob Stewart, tuba Songs from their recent CD: “Work Songs and Other Spirituals" which will be available at the concert. Cover charge: $12 The solo concert is many ways the most challenging of musical forms. There is no support underneath or above, no one else ...

Geoff Mason
trombone

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Recharge the Blade

Irabbagast Records
2024

buy

Molten Gold

Fundacja Słuchaj!
2023

buy

Come In

Double Moon Records
2023

buy

The Boyé...

New World Records
2021

buy

In The Corner Of The...

Hat Hut Records
2016

buy

Being the Point

Intuition
2015

buy

Videos

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