Ray Porrello started playing his father's drums at age three, and a love of jazz began with a record collection of drumming artists like Louie Bellson, Buddy Rich, Shelly Manne, Art Blakey, Max Roach, and Jimmy Cobb. Ray started studying formally at age 13 with local teachers Eddie Bobick and Bob McKee. Soon Ray was introduced to world-renowned jazz drummer Louie Bellson, who would become a mentor and inspiration. On Bellson's recommendation Ray soon did a short stint with the Count Basie Orchestra.
Shortly following and again on Bellson's recommendation, Ray auditioned for and was hired by Sammy Davis Jr., becoming his personal drummer. Ray played with Sammy on all of his TV appearances, including The Tonight Show, Merv Griffin, and Mike Douglas, as well as on Sammy's own show, Sammy and Company. Sammy took Ray on the road to Japan, New Zealand, Europe, and Australia, and to famous theatres including Carnegie Hall, the London Palladium, and the Sydney Opera House for the live recording of Sammy (available as a compilaiton of Sammy's greatest hits).
During his time with Sammy, Ray worked with great jazz artists like JJ Johnson, Doc Severinsen, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Ray Brown, Paul Smith and Al McKibbon. Ray eventually settled in Las Vegas, where he played in the Mickey Finn Show and in the house band at Ceasars Palace.
Upon returning to Cleveland, Ray began teaching in the Jazz Studies Program at Cuyahoga Community College. More recently he has worked with noted locals Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday Big Band, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, the Dave Banks Big Band, Helen Welch, Evelyn Wright, Laura Varcho, After Dark, the Joe Hunter Trio, Dave Sterner, The Avenue, and many others. He also leads his own group, The Ray Porrello Trio. The Ray Porrello Trio.
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The Land In Silence Stands..... I'm playing a tribute to Syd Barrett at the CSU Student Art Show (In the Gallery) on April 3rd. It starts at 5, goes til 9. Hope you can make it out!
Thanks for the opportunity to work with you guys, looks like you are satisfied with the photos. I have placed you guys in my top friends, hopefully you get some more traffic on your MySpace. Take care!
This profile was made at www.myspace.si
