Newswise — Jazz lovers around the world are mourning the loss of Ray Charles, who passed away Thursday, June 10 at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He was 73.
The University of Maryland's Director of Jazz Studies, Chris Vadala, was lucky enough to have performed a number of times with Ray Charles. He is available to talk about his experiences and the impact Charles had on jazz music.
Chris Vadala - associate professor and director, Jazz Studies Program, University of Maryland School of Music
Expertise - one of the country's foremost woodwind artists, Chris Vadala is both a jazz/classical performer and educator. He has appeared on more than 100 recordings to date, as well as innumerable jingle sessions, film and TV scores, performing on all the saxophones, flutes, and clarinets. Ray Charles was one of the greats he has performed with.
Credentials - a worldwide traveler, Vadala performs with and is a conductor for both student and professional jazz ensembles, symphonic bands, and orchestras. Within the past six years alone, he has appeared with over 200 groups across the nation and Canada, and has conducted 28 All-State Jazz Ensembles. He served three terms as President of the Maryland unit of the International Association of Jazz Educators, and is now a member of its Executive Board (College Faculty Representative). Vadala writes a column for the Saxophone Journal and has written for many othe magazines.
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