Ray Vega

Ray Vega, a native of the South Bronx, made up his mind at twelve that the saxophone would define his future after witnessing Machito & His Orchestra perform in Central Park. Once enrolled in his school’s music curriculum, he learned no saxophones remained and therefore took up the trumpet instead, though without enthusiasm. Within a year, lessons from Down Beat poll winner Jerry Gonzales transformed his view of the horn completely. Persistent study through high school equipped him with the technique to secure sideman work alongside Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Mongo Santamaria, Paul Simon, and Tito Puente. Independently he sharpened his abilities on trumpet, composition, and percussion, issuing his debut recording, the self-titled album on Concord, in 1996. Two further sessions for the same imprint followed, including Boperation in 1999, before he moved to Palmetto and delivered Pa’Lante in 2002. After completing a year-long artist-in-residence post with Dayton’s Cityfolk program, Vega returned to Palmetto for the 2004 album Squeeze Squeeze. He maintains an ongoing role with the Bronx Council of the Arts.