Double Bass John Ray Trio

[Don Kasper]

Chuck,
I noticed you mentioned "Ritchie Vitale" and his brother (John, saxophone) in the above Awesome Showbiz Story. There is a 3rd brother, "Daniel", who stayed in their hometown of Rochester, NY, and gigged around town. Great jazz bassist, though a bit of an "eccentric", and not at all approachable by a young punk like me at the time. The one conversation I remember consisted of Danny V. telling me he was working on Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D on the doublebass, and that I should be doing the same, ASAP.
I think he was serious, but it was difficult to tell...3 Very Intense Brothers!
Thanks.

 

[ChuckCorbis]

I ran into Richie years later in the late 90s in the City at a club. He was at the bar. I was visiting from L.A. Hadn't seen him since the mid 80s. I introduced him to my wife and he pulls me aside and says......"Honestly brother, I don't who the .... you are but cool.......good to see you. I gotta go." He then ran off after these 3 Japanese ladies and hailed a cab........disappeared into the night. Lol

 

[ChuckCorbis]

Here's Richie Vitale and John Ray together. Nice track.

 

[jay440]

I came across this thread while trying to find out more about the Bassist who played with the Fusion band "Flight" in the '70s.

This has got to be the same John Ray who played on this over-the-top MF-er of a record...

 

[ChuckCorbis]

Pretty sure that's John.

 

[Admiral Akbar]

I took lessons from John Ray for almost 2 years (2011-12). He was and is a great teacher. Still runs jam sessions. John knows every tune by heart, and has perfect pitch. He is a warm and humble person, and a monster of a bass player. His favorite bassists are Paul Chambers and Christian McBride. Love the guy!

 

[Kenny Chipkin]

Chuck. Many Shitstains here. Enjoyed your John Ray material. Came up with him in the 70s-80s Thought you might want to check on this:

Best,
Kenny Chipkin

I used to play freelance club dates in the New York City area on guitar back in the 80s. One of the bass players who stands out in my mind as being a great musician and really not well known was John Ray. He grew up in Douglaston, New York a few blocks from me. He had a quintette with Ralph Lalama, Jerry Sokolov, Fred Lite and Keith Saunders that was at Pat's in Chelsea every Thursday. This is all I could find of John searching the web. Sorry the video's so dark.


John Ray Trio - YouTube