The Ray Abrams Big Band
under the direction of Ervin Simpson
in concert on Roosevelt Island
Fourth of July 2000
produced by Robin Russell of River Music
Trumpets
Denny
Wilson, Ron Scott |
Trombones
Ulysees
Corbett, Bob Trowers, Don Robinson |
Leader
Ervin
Simpson |
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Baritone sax
Percy
Brown |
Alto sax/flute
Don E.
Conway |
Lead alto/clarinet
Sidney
Richards |
Tenor sax
Pritchard
Cheesman |
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Drums
Frank
Berlbozza |
Keyboard & bass
Ron Thompson,
Theodore Wilson |
Vocals
Lil Phillips |
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Trumpets
Ron Scott, Dave
Simpson |
The Ray Abrams Big Band is a virtual living history of the
Brooklyn jazz scene, one of three New York jazz orbits that
dominated local music at mid-20th-century. The band was
originally led by trumpeter Hank Dougherty and the late arranger
Ray Abrams. Abrams played on the first be-bop
record ever cut. Currently led by saxophonist Ervin
Simpson, the 18-piece orchestra was once the performing home of
many first-line players, some of whom later became leaders of
their own groups. They included Vocalist Pat Spann of the
Cleftones, pianist Joe Knight, trombonist Jimmy Buxton,
trumpeters Eddie Preston of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Red
Conners and Irvin Stokes (who has played on Roosevelt Island with
Jazzmobile), Dave Simpson, alto and baritone saxophonist Marion
Davis, and Calvin Lynch, tenor sax, who is the senior sideman in
the group today.
Contact information:
Ervin Simpson 914-428-0391 The Ray Abrams Big
Band
Robin Russell 212-929-8343 River Music
The Main Street WIRE 212-826-9055
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