Posted by Bryan on August 13, 1999 at 16:07:09:
In Reply to: Ray Draper posted by Steve Lamb on August 11, 1999 at 10:39:22:
I've been following this thread for awhile and now have decided to add my two cents. I have this CD, mostly because I was curious and also I figured you couldn't go wrong with Coltrane being on it. When I first popped it in, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a joke - I still have to say that it is probably some of the worst tuba playing I have ever heard in my life.
Now some people have chastised others about putting Ray Draper down because he didn't have any role models at the time and was a trailblazer, etc., etc. Okay, who was Don Butterfield, Harvey Phillips, and Bill Barber's role model? Nobody! These were the pioneers of the tuba jazz field (along with Draper) and all three of these guys could seriously play their butts off. I'm sorry but Ray Draper just sucks. You can feel sorry for him or whatever, but the guy had no technique. You go buy the CD and tell me if you can keep a straight face while listening to it.
Bryan