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Customs House welcomes Ray (MAY 2007)

On May 18th the Customs House was host to The Ray Chester Big Band for the first time. The bands of Count Basie and Stan Kenton toured Britain in the autumn of 1956, the first American bands to do so since before World War II. This long gap had been the result of disagreements between the American Federation of Musicians and the British Musicians Union. The 50th anniversary of these tours, in 2006, seemed to have gone unnoticed so, to mark the occasion, the music of Basie and Kenton formed a large proportion of the programme.
The house was very appreciative of precise playing....and they didn't go away disappointed. A selection of popular tunes and big band numbers showing the band off to its full potential. Mia Webb, the band's vocalist, had the vocal cords in fine trim. It was Don Fairley's first gig since he came out of hospital

40 years and still going!

On Saturday 23rd September,2006, Ray Chester celebrated his 40th Year of the Big Band with a special concert at the Caedman Hall. A special appearance by Mark Nightingale,undoubtedly the best British Trombone Jazz virtuoso, kept a packed audience thrilled accompanied by the big band. It is a great feat to have achieved forty years of band leading.....not only to have the stamina and determination to keep a band together but also to score a full library of arrangements and to cap it all..........have 2 BBC awards under your belt as well .
Having had Ray's work recognised with BBC awards and and a line up of excellent musicians, it is easy to understand why the band has been successful for this long.

Ray wins BBC Awards 2002
The annual competition ran by the BBC (BBC Big Band Competition) has proved to be a useful venture into gaining some fame for Ray and the RCBB,although Ray needs no introduction to some as he has written some highly acclaimed arrangements. Entering the contest in 2002 Ray Ray picked up prizes for the band coming second in the competition and also the Musicians Union Trophy for outstanding musicianship. (MYJO) Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, along with Ray, played and broadcasted his arrangement of 'Alone Together'

2005 BBC Big Band Competition
RADIO 2 Arrangers Prize for best arrangement.................. Hoagy Carmichael's 'Skylark'