Ray Reach

Pianist / Guitarist / Vocalist / Arranger / Composer / Producer/Educator

About Me

Professional musician for 49+ years. Studio musician, vocalist, pianist, guitarist, arranger, composer, producer. Produces classical and jazz recordings notable clients, including: choral composer K. Lee Scott, saxophonist Lou Marini, Jr., trumpeter Lew Soloff, pianist Ellis Marsalis and guitarist Eric Essix. Has taught music on elementary, high school and college levels for over 25 years. Holds undergraduate degree in music education (double major: voice and piano). Graduate study in composition. Music faculty member and Director of Jazz Ensembles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (1998-2005). For several years, was Director of Student Jazz Programs at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (www.jazzhall.com). Creator and Director of the “Fun With Jazz” Program, which originated at the Alys Stephens Center for the Performing Arts, and was later offered through the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame. Directs the Magic City Jazz Orchestra. CEO of Magic City Music Productions. Featured performer at the W. C. Handy Music Festival. Faculty member of W. C. Handy Jazz Camp.

My Jazz Story

I have been a professional jazz and classical musician for over 49 years. I have recorded with, produced recordings for and worked onstage with a number of notable musicians, including: pianist Ellis Marsalis, saxophonist Lou Marini, Jr. (Blood, Sweat and Tears, Saturday Night Live band, The Blues Brothers Band, Buddy Rich Big Band, James Taylor, Tom Bones Malone (Blood, Sweat and Tears, Saturday Night Live band, The Blues Brothers Band, The David Letterman Show), guitarist / vocalist Jonathan Butler and many others. You can find my website at www.RayReach.com.