Ray Larsen

Ray Larsen

Trumpeter and composer Ray Larsen makes music in Seattle and beyond. He is known for his spirited sound, which critics have called “enchanting”, “life-enhancing” (Seattle Times) and “truly original” (All About Jazz). Ray has released 5 albums of his work across a broad range of instrumentations and styles. His compositions for large ensembles (Starry Skies, How Glass Was Made) and his sketches for his trio Tyrant Lizard garnered national attention, and showcase his affinity for “gorgeously lyrical” melodies, “compelling atmospherics” (Earshot Jazz) and “pitch-perfect sonic backdrops” (Seattle Times). Ray’s forthcoming collection Songs to fill the air is a dynamically orchestrated experiment in song craft. As a major departure from his past work, it marks his first dive into audio production and a return to singing since his childhood.

Ray won the 2014 Earshot Golden Ear award for “Emerging Artist of the Year” and the 2012 award for “Album of the Year” (with Chemical Clock). He has released 10 albums as a co-leader, with bands including psychedelic prog group Chemical Clock, free jazz quartet The Sky Is A Suitcase, trumpet trio Tyrant Lizard, avant-garde collective Tiny Ghost, and more. Ray has also performed as a member of the historic Harry James Orchestra, Michael Shrieve’s Spellbinder, Wayne Horvitz's Electric Circus, the Jacob Zimmerman Quintet, and the Casey MacGill Orchestra. He holds degrees from the University of Washington in Improvised Music (MM), Jazz Studies (BM) and Conservation Biology (BS). During his time there, he co-founded and directed the Improvised Music Project and its annual music festival IMPfest. He also teaches on the faculty of Cornish College of the Arts and runs an elementary band program at the Meridian School.