This year marks the 70th anniversary of the arrival of people from various Caribbean islands that were then British colonies and part of the British Empire. The name Windrush comes from the name of the ship that brought just under 500 people from the West Indies and symbolises the beginning of mass immigration. They not only brought their hopes and dreams but also their musical culture which has inspired generations of musicians. Join us to celebrate this historic event and mark the occasion as part of Black History Month. It’s Ray Carliss’ Windrush Jazz and Ska part II.
Ray Carless is a talented Jamaican saxophonist whose musical career spans almost 40 years. He started started out on his musical journey working with a wide variety of pop jazz reggae funk and African bands.
Groups like Cymande, ABC, Incognito, Elvin Jones, Jazz Warriors, Jazz Jamaica, Maxi Priest, Billy Ocean, Vin Gordon, Black Roots, Bhundu Boys, Hugh Masakela and Manu Dibango, too many to mention here but more recently with Adele on her massive Grammy winning ’21’ album.
Ray’s still active on the International touring circuit with both Cymande and The Brit Funk Association….He has a modest selection of music released under his own name and in 2017 he released a musical tribute titled ‘Moment In Time’ dedicated to his hero and great Jamaican sporting legend Usain Bolt.
That EP is Ray’s personal tribute to Usain the Jamaican legend who in 2017 decided to stop showing the other athletes the back of his running shoes.
Check out he lead track on the EP ‘Moment In Time’ at www.raycarless.com where you’ll hear his heavy jazz flavoured reggae riddim featuring a rap by UK spoken word artist.
