Yesterday's Sunderland Echo (Wednesday March 27) published a two page spread on the late bandleader, pianist, trombonist, arranger, composer, educator, Ray Chester.
Ray, who died in January this year, is given a well-deserved write-up (including photographs) detailing his career and achievements - achievements that reached out from his hometown of Sunderland to the hallowed portals of Broadcasting House where he won several Big Band Awards. It also includes tributes from friends and fellow musicians taken, mainly, from the pages of Bebop Spoken Here. Unfortunately, the Echo have not posted the article on-line so ask your newsagent to get you a copy.
A further tribute will be paid to Ray on Sunday June 23 at the Customs House, South Shields when the Ray Chester Big Band with Mia Webb will give a concert in his memory. Tickets are £10 and all proceeds go to St. Benedict's Hospice, Sunderland. A worthy cause and a chance to remember a fine musician and a gentleman.
Tickets can be obtained from the Customs House or on-line here.Lance.
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