Ray Moore is perhaps best-known as a lead alto saxophonist and woodwind doubler, having worked with such groups as the The John Mahoney Big Band, The CAC Jazz Orchestra, and working in the house orchestras at the Saenger Theatre and the Blue Room at The Fairmont Hotel since arriving in New Orleans in 1975. He also plays tenor and soprano saxes, and his doubling extends to clarinet, flute, alto flute, and piccolo. A capable improviser on all of these instruments, Ray is a sought-after sideman for Big Bands, show bands, small groups, blues bands, and recording sessions; his recording credits include Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Ruth Brown, The Al Belletto Big Band, and has even recorded on two Cajun music records! A 1985 trip to Brazil infected him with a deep love for the country, its culture and its music. Since that time, Ray has worked at better understanding and performing the different musics of Brazil.
Currently, Ray leads two significant projects centered on the idea of a New Orleans/Brazil connection. Based in New Orleans. Trio de Janeiro is a trio (1/2 of the group Brasilliance!, currently on hiatus) that plays a wide variety of Brazilian music, and in Brazil, Ray leads the quartet RiOrleans, composed of Rio residents. Their CD is called Paralelepípedo.
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