Ray is widely respected as one of Sydney's finest trumpet players and jazz educators. and regularly performs with the music industry's leading artists. He is often invited to perform live on national television, most recently playing lead trumpet with Harry Connick Junior on the 2023 live ABC broadcast of the New Years Eve Concert, and on the 2023 grand final or “Australian Idol”.
Other notable performances include appearing as as guest soloist with Vanessa Amorosi at the 2019 Carols in the Domain and playing lead trumpet with "The Voice" house band.
Ray is in high demand as a studio musician, and his trumpet can be heard on recent episodes of Netflix originals “Beat Bugs” and “Motown Magic” alongside first call Los Angeles musicians including Wayne Bergeron and Gary Grant. Other credits include music for "Love Child", "The "Wiggles" and many albums and television commercials.
Ray is proficient on several instruments including trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn and piano. He is comfortable performing across a range of styles including jazz, latin, pop, musical theatre, and orchestral music.
He regularly performs at jazz festivals, jazz clubs, major concert venues around Australia and abroad, with ensembles ranging from small group jazz, to big band and full orchestra.
Ray has appeared with with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra as principal trumpet, where he was a featured jazz soloist at the front of the orchestra. Ray also regularly plays principal trumpet with Sydney Lyric Orchestra for their annual "All You Need Is Love" Beatles Concerts at the Sydney Opera House, where he is featured on the famous "Penny Lane" piccolo trumpet solo.
Ray is an accomplished jazz pianist, and his experience is extensive, ranging from performing and recording in small jazz combos, to performing with musical comedy sensation Tim Minchin at the steps of Sydney Opera House.
Some of the wonderful musicians and ensembles Ray has had the pleasure of working with include;
JAZZ
James Morrison, Harry Connick Junior, Dave Panichi Big Band, Emma Pask, Frances Madden, Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, Ed Wilson, Swing City, Dan Barnett, Hammerhead, Mingus Amongst Us, Tijuana Taxi, Adrian Cunningham, Monica Trapaga, Mucho Mambo
POP/ROCK/SOUL
The Eagles World Tour 2019, Don Henley Solo Tour 2017 (Lead Trumpet), Harry Connick Junior (Lead Trumpet), The Temptations (Lead Trumpet), John Farnham (Lead Trumpet), Olivia Newton John (Lead Trumpet), Jimmy Barnes, Vanessa Amorosi, Mahalia Barnes, David Campbell, Doug Parkinson, Tim Minchin, Percy Sledge, Darren Percival, Jessica Mauboy, Ed Kuepper, Human Nature, Brian May (Queen), Roger Taylor (Queen), Lachy Doley, Clayton Doley, Jeff Duff, Doug Williams, Robbie Williams,
ORCHESTRAL
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (Principal trumpet), The Sydney Lyric Orchestra (Principal trumpet), The Metropolitan Orchestra (Principal trumpet), John Foreman Orchestra (Principal trumpet)
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE
An Americn In Paris, Marina Prior, Liz Callaway, Singing In The Rain, Fiddler On The Roof, Jersey Boys, Fame
OPERA
Dame Kiri De Kanawa, Bryn Terfel, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Cheryl Barker
