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RAY VEGA: Guestbook

Ulysses Colon

May 1, 2008

I had a great time during our brief lunch and it is always a pleasure just to sit and chat. Seems like that is the least we do. Saludos a la familia y que Dios te bendiga

Daniel Rutkowski

April 29, 2008

your purchase latin jazz orchestra is pretty killin'.

-LaGuardia Senior Jazz member

MIKEY Schmidt

April 8, 2008

Ray your trumpet playing is outstanding!
Mikey
www.myspace.com/thetrumpetofthelord

Victor Suarez

April 8, 2008

Saludos, I am Victor Suarez and my beginnings in music was introduced to me by my uncle Mike Collazo in 1972. I plan to go to the DCINY venue on 4/23/08 the Town Hall. Perhaps we can say a quick official greeting. I have also operated the Sports Plus Cafe on Castle Hill Ave. for the past 11 years. Look forward to meeting you.

tom meyerer

April 5, 2008

Great show at the Smithsonian last night. Thanks for your autograph and the jazz history lesson on Buddy Bolden.

Chiko Mendez

April 4, 2008

Hey Ray...hope to see ya at the west gate...peace..chi

James Perales

April 3, 2008

Ray,
Happy Birthday! God bless you! Hope you are having a wonderful birthday celebrating with all your friends and loved ones. Que Dios te conceda las peticiones de tu corazon. All the best in Christ - James

Secret Squirrel

April 3, 2008

Today is a special day for someone.....
Feliz cumpleanos a ti!
Feliz cumpleanos a ti!
Feliz cumpleanos a Ray Vega!
Feliz cumpleanos a ti!
And many, many, many more !!!
Enjoy your day !!!
Enjoy San Diego !!!

nina rosen

March 25, 2008

hey ray. so exited about the move. i can not wait to meet your family and kids!!!!!! i hope that you are feeling better! peace!!!

Diane Esser

March 22, 2008

Howdy Partner !
Just checkin' in. 4:20 AM and I'm up coloring Easter eggs. I With my schedule, I should have been a musician..if only I could sing, or play an instrument, or wasn't tone deaf. HA...you've gotta go with what you have and I'm a very good Easter egg painter.
Especially in the middle of the night, when everyone is asleep and I'm wearing my big pink bunny costume!
So how are you ? How is life? How are THINGS? Haven't looked at your calender to see where you'll be, but I'm guessing not Chicago. Check in Ray Vega-Ray Vega and fill me in on the latest scuttlebutt.
Happy Easter to you and the Family!
Your Pal, Diane

alberto restrepo

March 14, 2008

greetins ray! your site is linked by www.klavelatina.com

MARIO CELIK

March 1, 2008

FANTASTIC-IN PARTICULAR
HUB TONES WITH STEVE KHAN!!!!!
HOW GOOD WAS THAT?!?!?!?!?!
ALL THE BEST
I AM HOPING TO SEE YOU IN PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA THIS YEAR

MARIO CELIK

Rosie from Florida

February 28, 2008

WOW - Fantastic Website. I so proud of you!

Give my best to the family.

P.S. How do I get a signed pic of you???

Love, Rosanna Vasquez

William W. Craig, III

February 25, 2008

Greetings Ray!

I trust all is well with you and yours. Still waiting to get together!

All the best,
William

Diane Esser

February 21, 2008

Did I say 49...I'm such a ditz,I meant 39.

Diane Esser

February 21, 2008

Ray....
My birthday is April 19. I think I should be celebrating it in Cape May N.J. HA !
Better yet, I think you should be singing Happy Birthday to me in Chicago.
Hope you're well and HAPPY. Ditto for your family.
All the Best, Diane
(Crap, I'm turning 49 this year...lets just forget about the b-day stuff!!!

"SKETCH!"

February 20, 2008

GREATGODINHEAVEN...my beloved brotha'in brass.
We miss your beautiful soul and shinin'light around the Pacific NW.
During these dark and dank days of winter...its always uplifting to dig out n' listen to one of my favorite RV CDs that never fails to brighten my spirit.
Brotha'Ray, I'm still saving you that brand new "Dreamliner-Hat" in my studio, just awaiting your return to our Seattle's Tula-Tula land.

Here's to keepin' that music in your soul...and love in your heart.
Don (the ol'Boeing Wind Tunnel toot.)

Juliette from Music and Art!!!

February 12, 2008

You are awesome baby!!!

Janet

December 31, 2007

Blissfull Music..So mellow and full of Soul....

Janet

December 31, 2007

Smooth Latin Soul....

Eli Cruz

December 30, 2007

Ray, I just found out about your website. Sorry that it took me this long. It is great and I love to see your pictures. email me or call me when you get a chance. I would like to stay in touch. Tell cookie to call me so that we can bla bla bla for a while. Say hello to the kid and you have in your website my info. Love you dude and wish you well. eli

Raymond Bacon

December 25, 2007

Thank you for the wonderful,beautiful tune I'm trying to find "Contemplation" 1st time I've heard you..want to fear(feel & hear)smile more Ray in Milw.

Dan Klug

December 20, 2007

Hey Ray,
I met you in Burlington this summer and I wanted to thank you for exposing me to the scene that is Latin Jazz. I haven't been able to get those rhythms out of my head since we were at the Flynn! My kit playing changed for the better after that workshop and I have you to thank.
Take care,
Dan Klug

Víctor

November 28, 2007

Hola Ray, mi nombres es Víctor y soy chileno, yo también soy trompetista y me dedico a la enseñanza de este instrumento y a la vez soy profesor de musica, me encanta tu estilo, ese sonido latino y ese sabor me gustaría que por favor le dieras un vistazo a este video donde estoy tocando http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MyArbTicWg

Bueno un gran abrazo desde Chile y que viva la música

Steve Martinez

November 28, 2007

Just thought I would look you up... Fabulous!!!

Hello to Cookie and the kids

Steve n Liz

eddie resto

November 9, 2007

just a shout, proud of you brother,
siempre tu pana, eddie resto

Lou Torres

November 5, 2007

Yo Ray whazup! I hope all is well! How you been? I proud of you bro! Keep up the good work! The me know when is you next gig. I would love to pass by! Here is cell number (917) 208-8170

Palante
Lou

Diane Esser

October 31, 2007

Ray,
I loved meeting you in Cork. What a blast it was to spend time with you,Cliff, Jeanie, Coleman and the band. The shows were brilliant to say the least and on a personal note, I thought you were one of the funniest guys I've ever met. It was a trip I'll never forget !!! I'm crossing my fingers that you bring this Dizzy tribute to Chicago.
Absolutely great to meet you....give your family and yourself a "Squeeze, Squeeze" from me! I won't forget you.
Love, Cliff's Auntie Diane

James O Flynn

October 27, 2007

Hey Ray, it was great to meet a Jazz great on the street without knowing it and just have a good chat. I hope you found the third volume to the set you were looking at in Cork, Ireland today. Best of luck at tonight's Guinness Jazz Festival. I'll be there to cheer you and Jeanie on. Hope the rain stops for a while though.

chef Jesse Jones

September 8, 2007

Hey Ray,
Great bio, please stay in touch.

Chef Jesse

David "Jazzman"...? :)

September 3, 2007

Thanks for taking the time, with so much to do and so little time. Enjoyed brunch at the Blue Note.
Blessing to you and your family.

John Adams

August 15, 2007

Shouting you out...lol

Peace, Love & Strength

JA

Jocelyn

August 1, 2007

awesome trumpet player!!

Ignacio Munoz

July 8, 2007

I'm a trumpet player...and let me tell you..You're ny hero

In a couple of years you'll probably hear from me.

Keep the good work!

Modesto Briseno

June 28, 2007

Hi Ray.

My buddy, Lorenzo Perez, says he saw you in San Jose. I appreciate the kind words you had for my recording, Dulcinea. I dig your web-site. I want to get it together like you and the other cats that have such a nice offering. It's nice that you represent your child and the challange autism presents. I will come to see your show at the San Jose Fest.

Keep swing'in, Moe.

Luis F. Rivera

June 20, 2007

I love your music and am a long time fan. I had the opportunity to meet you when you played at Kavahaz's a while back. You were nice enough to sit with my wife and I as we discussed family matters in P.R. and Fajardo. Well ... My question is ... is there any way of purchasing sheet music from your CD's and if you do lessons? I have been playing for a few years now ... but I need a good Latin Trumpet teacher. Please write me and let me know.
Sincerly ... another Boricua Fan.

Mario Gonzales

June 11, 2007

Ray
Hope all is well.
Had a wonderful time playing alongside you in Atlanta.
Great website, Hope to see you soon.
Tu Amigazo
Mario Gonzales

Don Shultz

June 7, 2007

Hope-n-ah-prayin Ray that you'll be back with us here in the Pacific NW sometime soon.
In the meantime---Keep, keepin that love in your heart and jazz in your soul!"

your bro-in-brass Shultzie from Gig Harbor,Wa.

Kiku Collins

June 7, 2007

Ray, so nice to meet you last night! I'll see you around town - you rock!

xo,

Kiku Collins
www.kikucollins.com

Erick Hallgren

June 4, 2007

Raymond, you probably don't remember me, but anyway here goes, It's erick from 414. you, I and Joey used to hang out a little bit. Things happen and we kinda went in different directions. One day I heard about this Ray Vega guy something said to me that's Raymond. One day I asked Edwin Is that your brother and he confirmed my hunch. I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of you. Also I am especially happy about your link from the past tothe present. You are shaping up to be one of the young premier jazz historians. Way to go! I work two jobs but am looking foward to diggin one of your gigs! Peace, love and blessings your old friend Erick!

Carlos Abadie

June 4, 2007

I'm feeling your music. Good luck in all you endeavors.

Los

Linda Ardigo

June 3, 2007

HEY RAY!
great SITE!
Love all the links, Jazz info and your personal touch! Linda

Eliel Rivero

May 30, 2007

Hola!!!!! mi amigo Ray un saludo caluroso desde Venezuela espero que estes bien en unión de tu familia y sigan los triunfos como musico y como persona un abrazo....

Luis Rivera

May 21, 2007

Hey Ray,
Great playing w/ you at Manhattan Grace. You sounded great. You can check me out at www.luisbass.com
Peace
Luis

Thomas Perez

May 15, 2007

i'm an up and coming latin jazz player and it does me good hereing of great talented people like your self, keep the spirit going Amigo

Carol Grilletto

March 23, 2007

Hey, Ray. this is Carol (remember the Lions' Den Cafe at the church in New Jersey) and then I saw you in Warwick, NY (you called it the sticks), after your 3rd CD release.

Living in Ft. Lauderdale now.

How grows the family?

Love in Him,
Carol Grilletto

Joe Francisco

March 17, 2007

Keep latin Jazz alive brother.

Thank You.

WIto Rodriguez

February 7, 2007

Ray,
Nice to hear from you always. Just to let you know that I have together with a great percusionist friend of minds put together the Wito Rodriguez legion. I will be available soon and hope to be on the streets playing what I know best ans that is Good Salsa and good Salsa Jazz. Keep me in mind when you see something for me. Next month Poncho Sanchez will be in my little town of Chambersburg, PA in a theater here. I will go to see him play. Great Guy. Keep in touch Mi Bro!!!

Wito

Angelina Medina

February 4, 2007

Querido Ray,que gusto encontrar
tu pagina web que esta excelente,asi podemos seguir mas de cerca tu carrera musical
porque eres un gran musico y
bella persona,te deseo lo mejor
y muchas bendiciones para tu familia y te esperamos pronto
en mi pais.Angelina Medina
Lima-Peru.

Randy Gilmore

January 24, 2007

Nice site. Maybe you can help me develope mine. Don't have much of a discography and hardly any photos but I need to start somewhere. Actually when I look at yours I'm intimidated. I guess my strong ponit will be any audio I have of my work. Any help or advice you can give will be appreciated. Maybe we'll talk when I come by for dinner next Saturday, January 27th. Deal?

MIke Vax

January 17, 2007

Hi Ray. Wonderful website!

Eliel Rivero

January 15, 2007

Hola mi hermano espero que hayas llegado bien y encontrado a tu familia bien como debe ser,lastima que no pudimos despedirnos pero fué un plaser para mi haber compartido musical y como persona espero que no sea la ultima saludos a la familia y todo lo mejor para este año que comienza mi PANA.

ruswell carpio sanz

January 15, 2007

Querido hermano que chevere poder escribirte estas lineas, y que suerte dar con tu e-mail esta muy bueno felicitaciones, Dios bendiga tu familia y lo mejor para ustedes este 2007 y siempre.Desde Peru con mucho aprecio Angelina y Ruswell.

Paul-Anthony Magadia

January 1, 2007

Ray,
You've come a long way since Mr. Baker's class! Great website! I finally got ahold of your Squeeze Squeeze CD. You've been a great inspiration for me to continue my love of music...

Paul-Anthony Magadia, Esq.,
High School of Music and Art, Class of '79

Bob Covello

December 20, 2006

Ray:
I have been listening to you for years and never made the connection that you were the same guy who used to play drums and suffer through my awful alto playing during many jam sessions in sweaty basements in the Bronx.
You sound Awesome!
Thanks.
Joyfully,
Bob

Juan C Vidal

December 14, 2006

Hey Ray; I am here with Wito Rodriguez and he was talking about you and how good of musician you are. So he told me to go on your site and listen to the great Ray Vega. You make me feel proud of the the great Boricua musician, keep doing the great job. Wito says Hi to you and me as well.

Eva Sanjurjo-Morales

December 2, 2006

Dear Ray,
Thank you and the incredible musicians at last night's performance at LaGuardia College. We had the best time and I danced in my seat throughout. We were there celebrating my youngest sister's 60th birthday with 7 friends. I was a Palladium dancer and so was my late brother Marcial. We look forward to seeing you perform again and will definitely buy your music. We were from El Barrio and ironically now I work part time since I retired in 2000 for a community organization in the South Bronx (149th & third).
Gracias.
Eva Sanjurjo de Morales

Renato Thoms

November 7, 2006

oye Ray tremenda pagina los consejos que le das a los trompetistas son muy buenos y se aplican a cualquier musico. la verdad es que hay que aprender a solear y aprender a tocar en seccion y ademas poder ser versatil y tocar muchos estilos, no es todo el mundo que puede tocar con Nicholas Payton, Tito Puente, Jonny Pacheco y Osvaldo Golijov. Te felicito.

Sharon Davis

October 26, 2006

Okay you devil!!! Love you website. Hope you and your family are well. Please keep me posted when you are gigging.

Kenneth Salters

October 11, 2006

Hey Ray!! Your website looks great. Keep up the great work and hope to see you play sometime soon!!!
ken

Lubin Barahona

September 23, 2006

Saludos desde Costa Rica. Fiel admirador de su talento y maestria en la musica jazz y salsa clasica, principalmente con Tito Puente y Ray Barretto.

Gerry Lopez

September 9, 2006

Hey Ray, nice website and photos. I especially enjoyed reading through "trumpet talk". It's something that most Pro player's websites neglect!
Be well and hello to your family.

Francisco

September 8, 2006

Sr. Ray no me canso de oir su musica,tengo toda su discografia, todos me gustan, pero el disco Boperation lo tengo como una joya dentro de mi Coleccion.
Estoy impaciente por oir su proximo trabajo que espero sea en breve. Como tambien espero sea en breve cuando usted haga una gira por España.
Adelante y mucha suerte.
Un saludo desde España.

William W. Craig, III

September 2, 2006

Greetings Ray!

1. Great site!
2. Hope we can get together while I'm in NYC (9/26-30) - promoting my new book!
3. Can't believe we started together in Mr. Baker's class!!
4. I'm extremely proud of you!!!
5. To God be the glory!

William
M&A Alum - Class of '79

Vince Cantu

August 8, 2006

Hey Ray,
What's up dude? You have a cool website. You rock!! See ya soon.

Mike Keefe

August 4, 2006

Hello Ray,
I bought the Squeeze cd and it is great. I'm going to pick up your other stuff too. You have a beautifull and individual sound on your horn. I wish you a long and prosperous career.

Lester Liburd

July 21, 2006

Just wanted to say what's up! It's always a pleasure to see and play with you. Maybe I'll see you on one of Dave's gigs
Take care!

Priscilla Valentin Colon

July 19, 2006

Hey Ray, It's me, Priscilla from Music & Art! How are you doing? What a great website you have, love the pictures!My son Josh plays the trumpet too, love for you to write back. I live in Florida, and Joseph Castro is in Tampa too. Look us up when you're in town. Remembering good times in M&A. Priscilla

Franklin Cruz

July 5, 2006

I love ya !!!!! Keep on being the coolest CAT on the block...

hector rivera

July 4, 2006

keep me up to date on events and performances...

Evan Tate

July 4, 2006

Peace & Love to you brother!

Love your playing, and hope that we get a chance to "throw down" together again.

Evan

natalie veyvoda

June 26, 2006

Hi Ray: We loved the music last night at Cafe El Dorado in New Rochelle. My daughter Michelle came back to my house afterward and picked up the trumpet for the first time in about five years. She is going to bring it back to her apartment and buy a mute. Ah, you were an inspiration!
The vibes player was quite a gas also, as was your entire group. All in all a fine evening. If you come back to New Rochelle again I'll be there. Say "hi" to your family for me. Thanks, Natalie

Andy & Yolanda

June 21, 2006

Ray, Ray la maleta, la maleta. Ray good to see you're doing good things. Get in touch,

andy & la duke

anthony

June 7, 2006

hey ray great site and love your stuff.been playing for about a year straight and your very inspiring. thanks anthony

Darlene/CheezeCak

June 6, 2006

I haven't seen you in a Long Time. We first met at the Jazz Knights. Your name keeps coming up so I had to do a search and glad I did. Passed the info to a friend and collegue. P.S. Miles Way, took me there! Blessings

Andrew Thomas

May 15, 2006

Hi Mr Vega

I met you at the New York City Brass Conference and you were so kind and signed your cd for me. After witnessing such kindness I decided to transfer to Suny Purchase's music conservatory to with teachers like yourself.

joann coleman

May 13, 2006

i can't wailt to hear your music when you play at the lycian center in june

Manny Rodriguez

April 17, 2006

Hey Ray! Nice site..finally :)

I hope to get see you at the Greater Hartford Jazz Festival. I was there last year and had a blast. If you hear some friendly noise from the crowd, it'll probably be me. Great going man...good to see you growing!!

Keep Jazz Alive!

Manny

Kadid Aguilar

April 1, 2006

Hola amigo Ray Vega, para mi es grato escribirle, ya que soy un admirador de su trabajo.
Estoy haciendo un trabajo sobre Vitín Paz, y me gustaria que me diera algunas experiencia que ud. tuvo con este maestro

Sergio Contreras

March 26, 2006

Hola Ray, mi nombre es Sergio soy trompetista Chileno, actualmente vivo en Barcelona desde hace 4 años, tengo un grupo de latin jazz(con el cual he ganado algunos concursos)estamos sonando cada vez mejor.. tambien siempre estoy escuchando a los maestros como tu y todos los otros grandes que forman parte de mi vida y de mi sonido. solo queria felicitarte por tu buena música y que el jazz latino siga bien adelante. ojala se pueda hacer una mejor conexión con el sur de america digo chile y argentina se hacen cosas musicales muy interesante, lamentablemente no tenemos muchos recusos economicos. bueno ray si lee estas palabras te deseo lo mejor y mucha fuerza con el latin jazz...espero que vengas pronto a españa a tocar..

evan

March 22, 2006

nice page ray! didn't know u had it in you, LOOKS GREAT!

Roberto

March 15, 2006

Ray, I have become a big fan of your music. I'm introducing my new girlfriend to Jazz music so I took her to one of your recent performances at the Nuyorican and we both enjoyed it immensely! Thank you for doing what you do.

-Roberto

Eddie Resto

March 2, 2006

Hey Ray,
Just a shout to wish you all the best, and to say that I look forward to playing with you again. The last time I did, Ray Barretto was on trap drums, a night I'll never forget. Keep up the fantastic work brother.
Tu pana,
Eddie Resto

Flor Marina Yánez

March 2, 2006

I have visited your blog for the first time today. It is fantastic! It was fantastic, too, to share with you La Pasión. Thanks for your art; thanks for the laughter :-)Ufff qué esfuerzzzzooo este inglés. Abrazos amigo y que nos recuerdes en las alegrías que te habrán esperado al llegar a casa.

Hadrian Mendoza

February 19, 2006

Hey, I saw you at La Pasion Segun San Marcos the other day, remember?

All I have to say is that you are one of the most wonderful, insightful, and excellent trumpet players I have heard, and I continue to enjoy your music. I look forward to seeing you play in Atlanta again later this year!

-Hadrian

Spinetti

February 16, 2006

Ray,
Wishing you the most awesome premier and success this evening and coming week.
You are great!
Sharon

James Velez

February 11, 2006

Ray,thanks for playing some of Coltrane's "A Love Supreme"(Since i missed The St.Albans gig the previous Saturday)And thanks for your performance,which brings something special everytime to the table!

Becky Gonzalez

February 10, 2006

Sorry I missed the CAFE...yet I am sure you impacted the souls of all who heard you!...A sweet, silky, and intoxicating horn indeed!
kisses

James Velez

January 30, 2006

Great website for a great performer as yourself! I'm trying to get more people to go see you live at The Nuyorican Poets Cafe! Every "salsero" should experience that night! Specially when you have Chembo,Vince or Wllie and Igor with you:That's an all-star "Band of brothers"!!!

Carlos Jimenez

January 23, 2006

Nice!! Interesting website Ray, I miss those days at the old Kavehaz. Keep Groving...

Sinceramente,

Carlos Jimenez

Miriam Barriera

January 23, 2006

WOW!! fantastic array of photos. Love it...Mimski

Robert Rodriguez, Jr.

January 14, 2006

Great website...

With you the best of everything in this New Year!

Warm regards,

Robert

Dolores

January 13, 2006

To the Ray Vega Jazz Quintet: I saw your performance at The Nuyorican Cafe last night.You are such amazing and talented individuals! Your beautiful souls are evident through the music you make! Your rhythms were so sweet! ;) con mucho amor! un beso! Dolores

Marshall Nichols

January 5, 2006

Hey man, I saw your gig at Kavehaz last friday (12/30) nice!!! i am friends with Art Falbush. I am the bald guy with glasses who plays trumpet too.. see ya around!!! mjn

John L. Worley Jr

January 4, 2006

Great site Ray! I hope to catch you next week at your gig while I'm in town for the IAJE conference. Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing more from you soon my friend .
Peace,
John L. Worley Jr
Mountain View, CA

Stephanie Thacker

January 1, 2006

Very nice site, jazz has always been my favorite type of music. Keep on keeping on!

Much luv, One luv!
M&A 79 Alumni.

Pazcual & Prima Esther

January 1, 2006

Happy New Year my brother, Esther and I want you to know that we had a grand time last night /this morning at the Poets Cafe with you and yours. Your playing was incredible and the passion of your music and group, jumped started my pen. I was in a heavy block. the soul of your trumpet spoke so much, as well as Chembo's hands and We were amazed that it was Elio's first time playing with you. He also pushed my pen. 5 pieces Ray, Gracias. Esther and I were also amazed at your scatting in the finale - Prima says it should be on your next recording.
OK what was the name of the Coltrane piece you did?
Love Paz &Estherr

Joshua Williams

December 31, 2005

Hey Mr. Vega,
Thanks for letting me sit in at the Bistro in St. Louis a few weeks ago it was really fun and your band introduced a whole different and important element of jazz to me which was rhythm. anyways i was wondering about the kind of colloges i should be looking out for in music, so if you have any suggestions please contact me at: auhsoj190@sbcglobal.net. thanks again

Adan Perez

December 31, 2005

Ray, you're the man. Thanks for giving me the great opportunity to play with such a musician like you.

Robert Scott Bostwick

December 29, 2005

Ray,
Love the website! You were missed at Henry's. Best wishes to you and yours this coming year,

Robert Scott
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