Latin Percussion

Beginning to See the Light, Second Chances

E-mail: jazzin_it@yahoo.com

Web Site: http://rayturull.tripod.com/Welcome/welcome.html

Ray was born in New York City's Spanish Harlem where conga jam sessions were a way of life in the surrounding parks.  His parents both were born in Puerto Rico and moved to New York in the early 50's.  His earliest influence was his dad, Angel Turull, who bought him his first pair of bongos at age 11.  By age 14 Ray was already out playing the club circuit.  He is an all around percussionist, at home as much with congas as he is with bongos and many other percussion instruments.  At 15 Ray joined The Gus Colon Orq. playing major clubs and, when school was out, traveling extensively with different groups.  At 17 he did tracks for an independent movie producer and his first two commercial recordings with with Gene Hernandez' Novedades on Vaya Records.  Both of these recordings were produced by Puerto Rico's pride and joy on Trumpet: Mr. Luis Perico Ortiz.  Ray is also featured on one of Wayne Gorbeu's early albums.

In 1982 Ray dropped out of music to take care of his personal affairs.  He returned in 1993 and has been blazing a trail ever since.  He has worked with such artists as the great pianist Hector Martinon (Ray Barretto band), Edsel Gomez, Hector Lavoe, Charlie Palmieri, Frankie Ruiz, Dave Valentin,Charanga America, the world music group "Spirit Ensemble" and has just finished two jazz recordings with Tamer.  He has appeared at Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, The world famous Village Gate and The Cheetah Night Club, COCOMO in San Francisco, Kimballs Carnival in Oakland, Sportsman Lounge In Los Angeles and many other high profile venues too numerous to mention.

Ray is an independent educator for the Board Of Education, teaching the history of congas and percussion.  He sees over 5,000 kids and 3,000 adults per year.  Ray uses 2 Latin percussion (Fiberglass tribal wrap series) congas.