The Flying Horse Big Band presents Florida Rays
Available September 1, 2020
Orlando’s own Flying Horse Big Band celebrates the legacy of Ray Charles.
On their 7th album, The Flying Horse Big Band, joined by a host of distinguished guest artists, stands on the shoulders of genius.
Ray Charles spent his formative years in Florida and went on to forge a long, successful career unique and stunning musical interpretations. His songs were hits on R&B, pop, country and jazz charts. The Flying Horse Big Band follows Charles’ lead with fresh takes on classic, melodic tunes.
Stream It Purchase About the Band Collaborators
Preview
Stream It!
Beginning September 1, listen to Florida Rays on your favorite streaming platform.
Own the Album!
All proceeds benefit the Jazz Studies program at the University of Central Florida
Purchase Digital
The album is available for sale as a digital download from a variety of retailers.
About the Band
Florida Rays is the seventh album from The Flying Horse Big Band, composed of students in UCF’s jazz studies program.
Their previous album, Good News! (2019), hit the top three national jazz radio airplay charts, reaching #27 on JazzWeek where it has been on the chart for more than a year. Good News! hit #3 on both the Roots Music Report and #6 on the North American College and Community Radio chart.
Director Jeff Rupert
Jeff Rupert is an accomplished composer, saxophonist, record producer, and recording artist who has been a featured soloist with artists including Sam Rivers, Mel Tormé, Maynard Ferguson, and Benny Carter.
He is the leader of The Jazz Professors, director of The Flying Horse Big Band, and conductor of the Florida Symphony Youth Jazz Orchestra. Rupert is a Yamaha artist and founder of Flying Horse Records.
Collaborators
Special Guests
Rob Paparozzi, vocals & harmonica
Vance Villastrigo, vocals & piano
Khristian Dentley, vocals
DaVonda Simmons, vocals
Marty Morell, percussion
Richard Drexler, piano
Additional Arrangements
Michael Philip Mossman
Harry Allen
Mark Taylor
Per Danielsson
Richard Drexler
