Biography
Bassist Larry Gray demonstrates his formidable technique and rare adaptability throughout Appassionata, the 1999 autumn release by the Ramsey Lewis Trio on the Milwaukee-based Narada Jazz imprint. A foremost figure among Chicago’s jazz community, Gray served as house bassist at the city’s flagship venue, the Jazz Showcase. He has appeared alongside such masters as Clark Terry, Joe Henderson, and Bobby Hutcherson. His performances have graced international stages including the Umbria Jazz Festival, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Montreaux Detroit Festival, and the Chicago Jazz Festival. Gray trained on drums, guitar, flute, guitar, and piano before completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violoncello performance. On Appassionata, the track “Nessun Dorma” juxtaposes Lewis’ lush, romantic trills with Gray’s melancholy bow strokes. He has given solo recitals at Northern Illinois University, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University, where he holds a position on the distinguished jazz faculty. This breadth of experience has placed him among the premier first-call session musicians, resulting in recordings with former Styx member Dennis DeYoung, Willie Pickens, Buddy Childers, and Ira Sullivan.
Albums
