RAY CARRION:
Born in Lorain,Ohio on March 21,1962 moved to Los Angeles in Sept. 1982 Attended The Musicians Institute In Hollywood from 1983-1984. Studying under well known guitarist Howard Roberts, Don Mock, Robben Ford & Joe Pass.At M.I Ray was able to meet & play with many great musicians from all over the world.Soon after graduating from M.I Ray starting playing with the late percussionist Victor Pantoja who introduced Ray to so many great artist.Playing in Victor's Latin Jazz Band & also with him in Azteca II which was loaded with many well known artist like Thurmond Green,Jose Martinez,Jose Papo Rodriques,Octavio Figueroa etc. touring with Pantoja all over California Ray quickly made a name for himself in the LatinRock scene.In 1986 Ray joined up with the late Bobby Espinoza & Rudy Regalado who were with EL Chicano touring with E.C all over the U.S..26 years
with E.C Ray has been to so many city's meeting so many fans.In 1992 between touring with E.C Ray recorded & toured with Rock-n-Roll hall of fame drummer Peter Criss of KISS touring the U.S & Canada also sharing the stage with KISS guitarist Ace Frehley.
Through the years Ray has backed up & recorded with many artist in all styles of music & has shared the stage with many like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Al Wison, Friends Of Distinction, Malo, Tierra, Thee Midniters, Kool & The Gang, Coke Secovedo, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E.,Paris Escovedo, Steve Salas, Willie G & so many more.Keeping Ray so busy is his five bands that he plays with all the time East Los a Classic Rock & Blues Band, The Let's Dance Band that caters to weddings & corporate party's & events playing all styles of music also Ray Carrion & The Latin Jazz AllStars that features many of L.A's top Latin Jazz musicians.His two tributes bands Ray Carrion & Los Rumberos a tribute to the late Tito Puente & The Band Europa The Ultimate Santana Experience which features former Santana members in the group, Ray say's it's been such a joy to play along side with former Santana members Walfredo Reyes Jr., Keith Jones, Alex Ligertwood who was the lead vocalist with Santana for over 16 years also Alberto Salas who recorded with Santana. Ray's quote "This band is the next best thing to the real Santana band",..Ray always says, "I just love playing Music, it's my gift from GOD."
