Oct 4, 2015
Ray Blue started out on Clarinet, but the Saxophone was calling, and I needed to respond, I was hearing ideas early on in my career and improvised. Mixing R&B, Soul, and Jazz, led me to eventual compositions. Rhythm is so important, and Hugh Masekela was a big influence.
Music started in Eclectic diverse places such as Africa, Europe etc, and America is a Hybrid of sounds. Classic, Jazz, R&b, Folk, and Jazz.
The Cross Culture Connection is celebrating our 10th year designed to promote Jazz Education through a 501C3 and performance through Schools, colleges and Communities. All ages are welcome, open to all who are interested. Promoting the education of Jazz and music in general. People come to work on their skills, their chops and it is an endless learning process. Last summer we were in France, amongst other places in Europe. I am here to teach, and grateful to be teaching some many.
John Glimore, Dr. Art Davis, Benny Powell, Kirk Lightsey, Bernard Purdie, Patience Higgins, Danny Mixon etc. Played with many of the greats in Jazz.........I like to Fish, mostly "Blue Fish" both Fresh and Salt water. I like to read biographies, Coltrane, Duke Elingtons career, Ben Webster, I like sax players. Traveling, Performing, and teaching is the best. Not overburdened by traveling, I really like it.
The classic B3 Hammond Organ appears again! Two different music projects coming up that will have release dates coming out soon. I have gratitude about my health and all of the things I am doing and workshops. I am also doing a music therapy course a few hours a week and teaching people "music experience" took people to Jazz at Lincoln Center to embrace the vibe.
* Barry Harris still giving up the Jewels at 80+ years young!