Ted Ray - Soprano, Alto, & Tenor Sax, Flute, Wind Controller

TR has been playing sax and flute in bands since junior high school. Studied with Jerry Coker in college, performed in various rock, jazz, and soul bands, either with horn sections or as solo instrumentalist. Played with Gary US Bonds backup band during the 70's, including Don Kirshner's "Rock & Roll Review" television show at Capital Center, DC, and backup for many "Rock & Roll Revival" groups and shows, including Madison Square Garden in 1975.

TR is a solo studio project featuring Ted Ray on soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones, flute, and wind controller. The project started in 1991 from a call for projects in the music trade from Michael Morrick, President of the New Adult Contemporary Network, seeking something different from the Kenny G style soprano saxophone that had become so popular. We presented a demo, Michael liked it, and so we returned home from Nashville to complete the project, with Michael's suggestions and input. We thought we had a record deal! For reasons we'll never know, the deal never came. The music was not heard until July 1999 when the CD was released on mp3.com. During its first month, "Loving You Is The Best Thing" made it to the TOP TEN and was mp3's FEATURED SMOOTH JAZZ SONG for more than a week. "Linus and Lucy"  made it to the #2 for the General Jazz genre October 2003. The project was finally finished, as no musician can fully express his art until his music is heard. Thanks for listening!  And, I sincerely thank all of the musicians who played on tracks of the CD  (and congrats to Cedric Thompson for the two 2010 Grammy awards and the six other 2010 Grammy nominations!).

Press reviews:
"Definitely a smooth groove," mp3 review of LOVING YOU IS THE BEST THING as Featured Smooth Jazz Song, Summer 1999.
"On Fire," mp3 review of LINUS AND LUCY, number 6 on mp3 for general jazz genre January 2000--second time in mp3.com top ten.

Music style:
Jazz/Pop Jazz/Smooth Jazz/Blues/Easy Listening

Musical influences:
Jerry Coker, John Coltrane, Junior Walker, Bobby Keys