Craig Raymond

Craig Raymond & The Next Generation Big Jazz Band: Straight Ahead

by Edward Blanco
June 15, 2006

This seasond big band has been around for decades, previously under the direction of the current leader's father, Al Raymond; it has recorded over twenty albums, the last several under Craig Raymond. The aptly titled Straight Ahead features tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna. Boasting some of the finest East Coast musicians from the Philadelphia, Atlantic City and New York areas, this working swing-dance band has earned a following on the wedding, ballroom dance and university circuit. However, this extraordinary session is ...

Craig Raymond and the Next Generation Big Band: Let's Dance Band Stand

by Jack Bowers
March 3, 2005

When big bands were king, the impetus behind their success was as much about dancing as it was listening. People thronged to see and hear bands led by Miller, Goodman, the Dorsey brothers, Harry James, Charlie Barnet, Artie Shaw, Chick Webb, Andy Kirk and their peers but listened for the most part while dancing cheek-to-cheek with someone near and dear to them. The most popular songs were those that best adapted to that delightful manner of exercise.

Trumpeter Craig Raymond, ...