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[[Image:Ray Reach.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Ray Reach]]
[[Image:Ray Reach.jpg|right|thumb|225px|Ray Reach]]
'''Raymond E. Reach''' (born [[August 3]], [[1948]] in [[Birmingham]]) is a jazz pianist and vocalist, the Director of Student Jazz Programs at the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]], and the CEO of [[Ray Reach Music]] and [[Magic City Music Productions]]. He is also an accomplished guitarist, arranger, composer and educator. Ray is a member of several active performing groups, including the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (formerly UAB SuperJazz), the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]], the [[Night Flight Big Band]], the [[W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars]], [[Cleveland Eaton]]'s [[Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars|Alabama All Stars]], and his own group, [[Ray Reach and Friends]].


'''Raymond E. "Ray" Reach''' (born [[August 3]], [[1948]] in [[Birmingham]]) is a jazz pianist and vocalist, the Director of Student Jazz Programs at the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]], and the CEO of [[Ray Reach Music]] and [[Magic City Music Productions]]. He is also an accomplished guitarist, arranger, composer and educator.  Ray is a member of several active performing groups, including the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (formerly UAB SuperJazz), the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]], the [[Night Flight Big Band]], the [[W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars]], [[Cleveland Eaton]]'s [[Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All Stars|Alabama All Stars]], and his own group, [[Ray Reach and Friends]].
Reach began piano lessons at the age of 6 under [[Giula Williams]] at [[E. E. Forbes & Sons Piano Company]]. He went on to continue studying piano under [[Carolyn Pfau]] and [[Hugh Thomas]] at the [[Birmingham Conservatory of Music]]. He began vocal studies under New York City Opera veteran [[Andrew Gainey]] at age 15 while participating in the [[Birmingham Civic Opera]]'s production of ''The Barber of Seville''. He attended [[Dixie Junior High School]] and graduated from [[Minor High School]], where he learned from [[Tom Pinion]] and [[John Fowler]].


== Early years ==
Reach attended [[Birmingham-Southern College]] (where he studied with pianist [[Sam Howard]]), the [[University of Montevallo]] and the [[University of Alabama]] as he pursued music studies. As a graduate assistant at Alabama's jazz program ([[1977]] to [[1980]]), he worked with [[Steve Sample, Sr]] and was awarded an ASCAP Raymond Hubbell Music Scholarship. In the early 1980s, he performed with the [[Ray Reach Group]] at local venues like the [[Old Town Music Hall]] on [[Morris Avenue]].


Reach began piano lessons at the age of 6 under [[Giula Williams]] at [[E. E. Forbes & Sons Piano Company]]. He went on to continue studying piano under [[Carolyn Pfau]] and [[Hugh Thomas]] at the [[Birmingham Conservatory of Music]]. Later, as a student at [[Birmingham-Southern College]], he studied with pianist [[Sam Howard]].  He began vocal studies under New York City Opera veteran [[Andrew Gainey]] at age 15 while participating in the [[Birmingham Civic Opera]]'s production of ''The Barber of Seville''. He attended [[Dixie Junior High School]] and graduated from [[Minor High School]], where he learned from [[Tom Pinion]] and [[John Fowler]].
[[Image:Ray Reach group.jpg|left|thumb|325px|The Ray Reach Group at Old Town Music Hall in 1980]]
In the 1980s Reach joined the music staff at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. While there he became interested in the use of computers and MIDI, co-founding the American MIDI Users Group and developing MIDI software for Systems Design Associates, Inc. In [[1985]], he toured Europe with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, for whom he arranged works by Gershwin, Ellington, Cole Porter and Thad Jones. He accompanied vocalist Marilyn Walton on piano during the tour.


== College years ==
As a jazz educator, Ray has taught a number of notable musicians, including saxophonist [[Kelley O'Neal]], percussionist [[Beth Gottlieb]], drummer [[Chuck Tilley]], trombonist Ned Holder, drummer [[Mark Lanter]], keyboardist / producer [[Peter Wolf (producer)|Peter Wolf]], trumpeter [[Chris Gordon]], and saxophonist [[Dave Miller]].


Reach attended [[Birmingham-Southern College]], the [[University of Montevallo]] and the [[University of Alabama]] (and others) as he pursued music studies. As a graduate assistant at Alabama's jazz program ([[1977]] to [[1980]]), he worked with [[Steve Sample, Sr]] and was awarded an ASCAP [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Hubbell Raymond Hubbell] Music Scholarship.
From [[1998]] to [[2005]], Reach was the Director of the [[UAB Jazz Ensemble]] (at the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] aka [[UAB]]). He is also a faculty member of the [[W. C. Handy Jazz Camp]], a member of the [[W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars]] and a regular featured performer at the [[W. C. Handy Music Festival]] in Florence, Alabama. In addition, Reach is founding director of the "[[Fun With Jazz]]" educational program, which was originated through the [[Alys Stephens Center]], and is now offered by the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]].
 
== Years in Dallas, Texas  ==
 
In the 1980s Reach joined the music staff at the [http://www.fairmont.com/ Fairmont Hotel] in Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas, he became interested in the use of computers and MIDI, co-founding the American MIDI Users Group and developing MIDI software for Systems Design Associates, Inc. In [[1985]], he toured Europe with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, for whom he arranged works by Gershwin, Ellington, Cole Porter and Thad Jones. He accompanied vocalist Marilyn Walton on piano during the tour.
 
== Jazz education ==
 
From [[1998]] to [[2005]], Reach was the Director of the [[UAB Jazz Ensemble]] (at the [[University of Alabama at Birmingham]] aka [[UAB]]). He is also a faculty member of the [[W. C. Handy Jazz Camp]], a member of the [[W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars]] and a regular featured performer at the [[W. C. Handy Music Festival]] in Florence, Alabama. In addition, Reach is founding director of the [[The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program]], which was originated through the [[Alys Stephens Center]], and is now offered by the [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame]].
 
== Performing, arranging and producing ==
Reach cites Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson and Chick Corea as influences in the development of his piano playing. He has been influenced by Frank Sinatra and Johnny Hartman on his vocals.


Reach has performed with and arranged for numerous notable jazz musicians, including Clark Terry, [[Lou Marini]], Ellis Marsalis, [[Cleveland Eaton]], Lew Soloff and Chaka Kahn with the [[Lionel Hampton]] Orchestra. He has produced recordings for choral composer [[K. Lee Scott]], jazz guitarist [[Eric Essix]] with the [[Night Flight Big Band]], [[Lou Marini]] with the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]], and Ellis Marsalis with the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (co-produced with [[Henry Panion]]).
Reach has performed with and arranged for numerous notable jazz musicians, including Clark Terry, [[Lou Marini]], Ellis Marsalis, [[Cleveland Eaton]], Lew Soloff and Chaka Kahn with the [[Lionel Hampton]] Orchestra. He has produced recordings for choral composer [[K. Lee Scott]], jazz guitarist [[Eric Essix]] with the [[Night Flight Big Band]], [[Lou Marini]] with the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]], and Ellis Marsalis with the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (co-produced with [[Henry Panion]]).


In [[1989]] the song "Mr President", composed by Michael Loveless, Joe Sterling and Ray Reach was recorded by various artists in Dallas to benefit the homeless in that area. A new recording of the song was made in Birmingham in [[1993]] with choral students from [[Jefferson County Schools]], [[Chuck Leavell]] (keyboards), [[Charlie Hayward]] (bass), [[Chuck Tilley]] (drums), [[Kelley O'Neal]] (saxophone), [[Wayne Perkins]] (guitar) and help from [[Front Row Productions]] and [[Airwave Productions Group]].
In [[1989]] the song "[[Mr President]]", composed by Michael Loveless, Joe Sterling and Ray Reach was recorded by various artists in Dallas to benefit the homeless in that area. A new recording of the song was made in Birmingham in [[1993]] with local musicians and choral students from [[Jefferson County Schools]].
 
== Notable students ==
 
As a jazz educator, Ray has taught a number of notable musicians, including:  saxophonist [[Kelley O'Neal]], percussionist [http://www.dannygottlieb.com/ Beth Gottlieb], drummer [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Tilley Chuck Tilley], trombonist [http://www.jazzbeat.com/html/nedholder.html Ned Holder], drummer [[Mark Lanter]], keyboardist / producer [[Peter Wolf (producer)|Peter Wolf]], trumpeter [[Chris Gordon]], saxophonist [[Dave Miller]].
 
 
 
== Recent Performances ==
 
In January of 2008, Ray performed as guest artist with the [http://www.sevenstringjazz.com/biohowardpaul.html Howard Paul Trio] at the famed [http://www.thejazzcorner.com/ Jazz Corner] on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 
 
Ray was recently asked by [[Chuck Leishman]], publisher of [http://www.bhamweekly.com/ The Birmingham Weekly], to direct the house band at the 2008 [[Birmingham Area Music Awards]] (the "BAMA" awards).  The house band, known collectively as The [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars]], accompanied noted BAMA Award recipients [[Chuck Leavell]] and [[Peter Wolf]].  To read an article about Peter Wolf and the BAMA Awards, click [http://www.bhamweekly.com/archive_article.php?article_id=699&issue_id=106&vol=11#article here].
 
'''From July 20 through July 26, 2008''', Ray performed at the [[W. C. Handy Music Festival]], alongside noted jazz players such as guitarist [[Mundell Lowe]], drummer [[Bill Goodwin (jazz drummer)|Bill Goodwin]], trumpeter [[Ken Watters]], guitarist [[Lloyd Wells]] and saxophonists [[Kelley O'Neal]] and [http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Rick_Bell Rick Bell]. This was Ray's sixth year to perform at this annual festival, which this year hosted almost 300 events in a 7 day period.
 
'''On August 21, 2008''', Ray was featured on the "Tapestry" radio show, hosted by Greg Bass on [[WBHM]] Radio 90.3 FM in Birmingham, Alabama.  The show airs every thursday at 6:30pm Central Time.  To listen to Ray's interview on Tapestry, click [http://www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/Aug21-08.html here].


'''On September 27, 2008''', The Ray Reach Quartet, featuring saxophonist [[Gary Wheat]], drummer Steve Ramos, Count Basie bassist [[Cleveland Eaton]], with guest, New York trumpeter [[Lew Soloff]], appeared at the [[Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival]] in Birmingham, Alabama.
In January 2008, Ray performed as guest artist with the Howard Paul Trio at the famed Jazz Corner on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The [[Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars]], under Reach's direction, served as the house band for the 2008 [[Birmingham Area Music Awards]]. He performed alongside several artists at the [[W. C. Handy Music Festival]]. The [[Ray Reach Quartet]] appeared at the [[Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival]] in September 2008. And in October his trio returned to the Jazz Corner on Hilton Head.


'''On October 3rd and 4th, 2008''', The Ray Reach Trio appeared before very appreciative crowds at [http://thejazzcorner.com/calendar-profile.php?ID=399 The Jazz Corner] in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
In April [[2018]] Reach was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of child pornography.


== Partial Discography ==
== Recordings ==
'''As pianist / keyboardist, arranger, vocalist and producer:'''
'''As pianist / keyboardist, arranger, vocalist and producer:'''
* Ellis Marsalis and the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (2001) ''"UAB SuperJazz, featuring Ellis Marsalis"'', co-produced by [[Henry Panion]] ([http://www.amazon.com/UAB-SuperJazz-featuring-Ellis-Marsalis/dp/B001B8D5M0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1253114694&sr=1-1 Amazon])
* Ellis Marsalis and the [[SuperJazz Big Band]] (2001) ''"UAB SuperJazz, featuring Ellis Marsalis"'', co-produced by [[Henry Panion]]  
* [[Ray Reach and Friends]] (1994) ''"Especially For You"'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayreach CD Baby])
* [[Ray Reach and Friends]] (1994) ''"Especially For You"''  
* Ray Reach and Friends. ''"Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas"'' (2005)
* Ray Reach and Friends. (2005) ''"Have Yourself A Jazzy Little Christmas"''  
* [[Joylight]].  "Let There Be Love"  (1990), co-produced by [[Michael Loveless]]
* [[Joylight]].  "Let There Be Love"  (1990), co-produced by [[Michael Loveless]]  
* Ray Reach, Steve Gadd, et al (2024) ''Rhythm and Salvation.''


'''As producer:'''
'''As producer:'''
* [[K. Lee Scott]] (2003) ''"Christmastide"'' ([http://www.kleescott.com/CartCD/product_info.php?products_id=28&osCsid=dba18f74366f55338b00bd07441ca6d1 link])
* [[K. Lee Scott]] (2003) ''"Christmastide"''  
* K. Lee Scott (2006) ''"Requiem"'' ([http://www.kleescott.com/CartCD/product_info.php?products_id=29&osCsid=1762ac8535cd0bbcdf4134f34927972e link])
* K. Lee Scott (2006) ''"Requiem"''  
* [[Roszetta Johnson]] (2008) ''Christmas Songs With a Touch of Jazz.'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/roszetta CD Baby])
* [[Roszetta Johnson]] (2008) ''Christmas Songs With a Touch of Jazz.''  
* Lew Soloff, et al (2024) ''Play Your Soloff'' (live)


'''As keyboardist:'''
'''As keyboardist:'''
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'''As producer, arranger and keyboardist:'''
'''As producer, arranger and keyboardist:'''
* [[Lou Marini]] and the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]]. (2003) ''"Lou's Blues"'' ([http://www.amazon.com/Lous-Blues-Marini-Magic-Orchestra/dp/B0001AP0BI Amazon])
* [[Lou Marini]] and the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]]. (2003) ''"Lou's Blues"''  
* [[Eric Essix]] and the [[Night Flight Big Band]]. (2006) ''"SuperBlue."'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/essixnfbb CD Baby])
* [[Eric Essix]] and the [[Night Flight Big Band]]. (2006) ''"SuperBlue."''  
* [[Amy Drinkwater]] (2005) ''"With All My Heart - A Journey to the Soul."'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/drinkwater CD Baby])
* [[Amy Drinkwater]] (2005) ''"With All My Heart - A Journey to the Soul."''  


'''As producer, arranger, keyboardist, vocalist and guitarist:'''
'''As producer, arranger, keyboardist, vocalist and guitarist:'''
* [[James Clark]] (1997) ''"Count On Me"'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jclark CD Baby])
* [[James Clark (singer)]] (1997) ''"Count On Me"''  
* Dr Dan "Harpdog" Marson (1999)  ''"Blues, Gospel and Jazz Harmonica."''
* Dr Dan "Harpdog" Marson (1999)  ''"Blues, Gospel and Jazz Harmonica."''
* [[James Clark]] (2004) ''"Glory Town"'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jclark2 CD Baby])
* [[James Clark]] (2004) ''"Glory Town"''  
* [[Doc Snow]] (2006)  ''"Pray For Me."'' ([http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/charlesdocsnow CD Baby])
* [[Doc Snow]] (2006)  ''"Pray For Me."''  


'''As keyboardist, arranger and vocalist:'''
'''As keyboardist, arranger and vocalist:'''
* Dave Loggins, Ray Reach and others (1995)  "The New Course Record".
* Dave Loggins, Ray Reach and others (1995)  "The New Course Record".


== "Mr. President" on HBO ==
==References==
 
* Owen, Sarah Day (July 25, 2007) "[http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070725/NEWS/707250311 Easy as 1, 2, 3...]". ''Florence Times Daily''
Following the 1989 Dallas production of the "Mr. President" (See listing above), the song was featured on HBO's ''Comic Relief'' special.  On this show, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, the song was performed by singers Natalie Cole and Al Jarreau, along with New York City public school choral students and a band directed by saxophonist Tom Scott.
* Bass, Greg "[http://www.wbhm.org/Tapestry/Aug21-08.html Interview with Ray Reach]". [[Tapestry]]. [[WBHM-FM]]
 
* Robinson, Carol (April 25, 2018) "Tip led to 4-count child porn indictment against well-known Birmingham jazz musician." {{BN}}
== CDs Produced by Ray Reach ==
 
'''Jazz:'''
 
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rayreach "Especially For You"] by [http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Ray_Reach_and_Friends Ray Reach and Friends] at CDBaby.com
* [http://www.amazon.com/Lous-Blues-Marini-Magic-Orchestra/dp/B0001AP0BI "Lou's Blues"] by [[Lou Marini]] and the [[Magic City Jazz Orchestra]] at Amazon.com
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/essixnfbb "Superblue"] by [http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Eric_Essix Eric Essix] and the [http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Night_Flight_Big_Band Night Flight Big Band] at CDBaby.com
* [http://www.amazon.com/UAB-SuperJazz-featuring-Ellis-Marsalis/dp/B001B8D5M0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1253114694&sr=1-1 "UAB SuperJazz, Featuring Ellis Marsalis"] (Co-produced by [[Henry Panion]]) at Amazon.com
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/roszetta "Christmas Songs With A Touch Of Jazz"] by [http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Roszetta_Johnson Roszetta Johnson] at CDBaby.com
 
'''Pop / R & B:'''
 
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jclark "Count On Me"] by singer / songwriter [[James Clark]] at CDBaby.com
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/markdunnmusic "For The Good Times"] by saxophonist [[Mark Dunn]] at CDBaby.com
 
'''Contemporary Christian:'''
 
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/drinkwater "With All My Heart...a journey to the soul"] by [[Amy Drinkwater]] at CDBaby.com
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/charlesdocsnow "Pray For Me"] by [[Doc Snow]] at CDBaby.com
* [http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jclark2 "Glory Town"] by singer / songwriter [[James Clark]] at CDBaby.com
 
'''Classical Sacred:'''
 
* [http://www.kleescott.com/CartCD/product_info.php?products_id=28&osCsid=dba18f74366f55338b00bd07441ca6d1 "Christmastide"] by noted choral composer and arranger [[K. Lee Scott]]
* [http://www.kleescott.com/CartCD/product_info.php?products_id=29&osCsid=1762ac8535cd0bbcdf4134f34927972e "Requiem"] by [[K. Lee Scott]]


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.myspace.com/rayreachmusic Listen to Ray Reach Music] at MySpace.com
* [http://www.rayreach.com Ray Reach] website
* [http://www.myspace.com/rayreachcompositionsandarrangements Listen to Ray Reah Compositions and Arrangements] at Myspace.com
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=1874 Ray Reach] at All About Jazz
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=1874 Ray Reach profile] at All About Jazz
* [http://www.myspace.com/rayreach Ray Reach] at MySpace.com
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Reach Ray Reach bio] at Wikipedia.com
* [http://www.jazzhall.com/education/instructors.htm Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame] website
* [http://www.wchandymusicfestival.org/ W.C. Handy Music Festival] website
* [http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=13887 The "Fun With Jazz" Educational Program] at All About Jazz
*[http://www.timesdaily.com/article/20070725/NEWS/707250311 Ray Reach teaches the "A B C's of Jazz" at the 2007 W. C. Handy Music Festival]


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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Jazz musicians]]
[[Category:Minor graduates]]
[[Category:Music producers]]
[[Category:Music producers]]
[[Category:Composers]]
[[Category:Composers]]
[[Category:Pianists]]
[[Category:Pianists]]
[[Category:Vocalists]]
[[Category:Vocalists]]
[[Category:Minor graduates]]
[[Category:UAB professors]]
[[Category:UAB professors]]
[[Category:City Stages artists]]
[[Category:City Stages artists]]
[[Category:Bandleaders]]

Latest revision as of 12:51, 19 February 2024

Ray Reach

Raymond E. Reach (born August 3, 1948 in Birmingham) is a jazz pianist and vocalist, the Director of Student Jazz Programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, and the CEO of Ray Reach Music and Magic City Music Productions. He is also an accomplished guitarist, arranger, composer and educator. Ray is a member of several active performing groups, including the SuperJazz Big Band (formerly UAB SuperJazz), the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, the Night Flight Big Band, the W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars, Cleveland Eaton's Alabama All Stars, and his own group, Ray Reach and Friends.

Reach began piano lessons at the age of 6 under Giula Williams at E. E. Forbes & Sons Piano Company. He went on to continue studying piano under Carolyn Pfau and Hugh Thomas at the Birmingham Conservatory of Music. He began vocal studies under New York City Opera veteran Andrew Gainey at age 15 while participating in the Birmingham Civic Opera's production of The Barber of Seville. He attended Dixie Junior High School and graduated from Minor High School, where he learned from Tom Pinion and John Fowler.

Reach attended Birmingham-Southern College (where he studied with pianist Sam Howard), the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama as he pursued music studies. As a graduate assistant at Alabama's jazz program (1977 to 1980), he worked with Steve Sample, Sr and was awarded an ASCAP Raymond Hubbell Music Scholarship. In the early 1980s, he performed with the Ray Reach Group at local venues like the Old Town Music Hall on Morris Avenue.

The Ray Reach Group at Old Town Music Hall in 1980

In the 1980s Reach joined the music staff at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. While there he became interested in the use of computers and MIDI, co-founding the American MIDI Users Group and developing MIDI software for Systems Design Associates, Inc. In 1985, he toured Europe with the Dallas Symphony Chorus, for whom he arranged works by Gershwin, Ellington, Cole Porter and Thad Jones. He accompanied vocalist Marilyn Walton on piano during the tour.

As a jazz educator, Ray has taught a number of notable musicians, including saxophonist Kelley O'Neal, percussionist Beth Gottlieb, drummer Chuck Tilley, trombonist Ned Holder, drummer Mark Lanter, keyboardist / producer Peter Wolf, trumpeter Chris Gordon, and saxophonist Dave Miller.

From 1998 to 2005, Reach was the Director of the UAB Jazz Ensemble (at the University of Alabama at Birmingham aka UAB). He is also a faculty member of the W. C. Handy Jazz Camp, a member of the W. C. Handy Jazz All-Stars and a regular featured performer at the W. C. Handy Music Festival in Florence, Alabama. In addition, Reach is founding director of the "Fun With Jazz" educational program, which was originated through the Alys Stephens Center, and is now offered by the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame.

Reach has performed with and arranged for numerous notable jazz musicians, including Clark Terry, Lou Marini, Ellis Marsalis, Cleveland Eaton, Lew Soloff and Chaka Kahn with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra. He has produced recordings for choral composer K. Lee Scott, jazz guitarist Eric Essix with the Night Flight Big Band, Lou Marini with the Magic City Jazz Orchestra, and Ellis Marsalis with the SuperJazz Big Band (co-produced with Henry Panion).

In 1989 the song "Mr President", composed by Michael Loveless, Joe Sterling and Ray Reach was recorded by various artists in Dallas to benefit the homeless in that area. A new recording of the song was made in Birmingham in 1993 with local musicians and choral students from Jefferson County Schools.

In January 2008, Ray performed as guest artist with the Howard Paul Trio at the famed Jazz Corner on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars, under Reach's direction, served as the house band for the 2008 Birmingham Area Music Awards. He performed alongside several artists at the W. C. Handy Music Festival. The Ray Reach Quartet appeared at the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival in September 2008. And in October his trio returned to the Jazz Corner on Hilton Head.

In April 2018 Reach was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of child pornography.

Recordings

As pianist / keyboardist, arranger, vocalist and producer:

As producer:

  • K. Lee Scott (2003) "Christmastide"
  • K. Lee Scott (2006) "Requiem"
  • Roszetta Johnson (2008) Christmas Songs With a Touch of Jazz.
  • Lew Soloff, et al (2024) Play Your Soloff (live)

As keyboardist:

As producer, arranger and keyboardist:

As producer, arranger, keyboardist, vocalist and guitarist:

As keyboardist, arranger and vocalist:

  • Dave Loggins, Ray Reach and others (1995) "The New Course Record".

References

External links

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