As anticipated, there was a good turnout for the funeral of Trombonist, Arranger, Band-leader Composer and All Round Good Egg, Ray Chester. Too many musicians present to single any one out.
It was a service that told us volumes about the man and there was an atmosphere of love and respect in the air.
We entered to a recording of the Ray Chester Big Band playing You Don't Know What Love is. Members of Ray's family spoke and read poetry, a recording of the band's vocalist Mia Webb singing The Folks Who Live on the Hill kept the mood musical before Graham Hardy, trumpet, and Colin Haikney, keyboard, gave a poignant rendition of What's New?
This was, I guess, a Humanist ceremony conducted by a lady whose name I omitted to get. She spoke eloquently and beautifully and I'd like to book her for my last gig!
Afterwards, everyone was invited back to Ray's for refreshments and a jam session. Unfortunately, en route to the church, my exhaust had blown and my main priority was getting it fixed before I felt a hand on my collar.
I'm sure the session back at the house was the perfect ending to Ray's inspiring time on Earth.Lance.
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