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Ray Draper

Ray Draper was an influential American jazz tubist known for his work in the mid-20th century. Born on February 7, 1931, in New York City, Draper was a pioneering figure in jazz who helped elevate the tuba from a primarily orchestral instrument to a prominent role in jazz. His playing style was innovative and energetic, contributing significantly to the development of modern jazz.

Draper played with several notable jazz musicians and bands, including John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner. He was also a member of the Jazz Composers Orchestra and worked with a range of other artists throughout his career.

Despite his promising career, Draper’s life was cut short when he died at a young age on August 15, 1963. His contributions to jazz, particularly in expanding the role of the tuba, left a lasting impact on the genre.

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Max Roach: Deeds, Not Words

Read "Deeds, Not Words" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci

by Richard J Salvucci
January 29, 2025

Sometimes, someone listens to a recording mostly for one track. This is such a recording. Quite naturally, it involves drummer Max Roach. If he had to stake his reputation on one extended solo, some might say Roach on “Conversation" is the one. Not all drummers, suffice it to say, are melodic. But a first-time listener can be pardoned for being slightly overwhelmed by “Conversation"--and, perhaps, slightly underwhelmed by the remainder of the recording. In a way, ...

186

Album Review

Ray Draper: Tuba Sounds

Read "Tuba Sounds" reviewed by Derek Taylor

by Derek Taylor
February 1, 2001

“A Promise Derailed.” Such of phrase could easily have been etched on Ray Draper’s tombstone to describe the tubaist’s trials in life and music. Killed in a botched robbery at the tragic age of 42 his troubles both personal and musical hounded him for much of his life. But reading the original liners to this reissue penned by Ira Gitler it’s difficult to prognosticate such a future for Draper. Member of the All-City High School Symphony, a budding playwright and ...

126

Album Review

Ray Draper: Tuba Sounds

by Derek Taylor
February 1, 2001

155

Album Review

Ray Draper: Tuba Sounds

by Derek Taylor
February 1, 2001

209

Album Review

Ray Draper: The Ray Draper Quintet Featuring John Coltrane

Read "The Ray Draper Quintet Featuring John Coltrane" reviewed by Douglas Payne

by Douglas Payne
July 1, 1998

What makes this fairly typical bop outing unique is that the leader plays tuba. Ray Draper (1940-82) was only 17 when he recorded this quintet date in 1957, his third of three for Prestige, and, as much as possible, he makes the clunky instrument swing. As Ira Gitler's interesting notes point out, the tuba was a pretty common rhythm instrument in the early days of jazz. Then the string bass came along and took its place. Draper, who was featured ...