Saxophonist, Singer and Songwriter, Ray Boyland is a native of Memphis, TN.

As a young child, Ray developed a true love for music.  He grew up hearing his father, a blues guitarist, singer and harmonist, connect with other musicians to blend a mixture of blues and spirituals that reached deep inside your soul. 

At the age of 11, Ray was inspired to join the elementary school band where he developed a sincere love for the saxophone. As a teenager he played in his church choir and high school jazz band.  Ray performed thru out metropolitan Memphis which included churches, gospel music events, TV shows and private and public functions. 

After high school, Ray took on private studies at the well-touted Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. While in Boston he experienced a whole new world of music.  Because of his love for inspirational music, he connected with a gospel choir consisting of many Berklee students and began playing around metropolitan Boston.  Some of his friends have gone on to become very popular artist and producers thru out the country, Drummer Dan “Zorro” Donnelly, Saxophonist, Walter Beasley, Writer and Producer Nicholas Sansano just to name a few. After a short stay at Berklee, Ray returned to Memphis to be near his mother after the recent passing of his father.

While back in Memphis Ray continued to thrive among the Memphis scene.  He was introduced to a powerful instrumental ensemble called the Magnificent Sanctuary Band, a group of spirit filled and talented musicians who attended the University of Memphis.  Ray put his solo career on hold to join the ensemble fulfilling a dream and desire to inspire with great music and talent.

MSB became popular thru out Memphis with their unique style of play, performing festivals, theme parks, telethons, gospel concerts and musical stage productions. MSB also shared the stage with such music notables as Karen Clark-Sheard, Dr. Bobby Jones, Jerry Butler, The Manhattans, The Blackwood Singers, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, James Moore, Al Green and many others. Their big break came when Savoy/Malaco Records producer Milton Bigham heard the ensemble practicing with a gospel choir that he was about to record. Bigham instantly fell in love with the ensemble and asked MSB to provide horn arrangements for another live recording the following night.  The rest is history. MSB went on to provide horn arrangements on several Savoy/Malaco recordings including such artist as Richard “Mr. Clean” White (Richard Mr. Clean White and Friends) Cassietta Baker George (Jesus the Miracle Man) James Dewitt Johnson and the Johnson Ensemble (Nothin’s Gonna Hinder Me) and O’landa Draper and the Associates.

After a successful stint with the ensemble. Ray decided it was time to resume his solo career.  He attended several music conferences in Atlanta and immediately felt Atlanta provided an opportunity for growth for his career. In 1992 he relocated to Atlanta.  As he networked with other great talents in Metro-Atlanta, Ray’s music style became more diverse showing hints of smooth jazz, fusion, funk and soul.  He prefers not to be labeled, but to inspire listeners by catering his playing style to his audience.

In November 2000, Ray released his debut recording “Because of You”.  The CD featured soulful renditions of “Oh Happy Day” and “Amazing Grace.” The CD’s title track “Because of You” features Ray’s sultry vocals and a stirring saxophone solo. In its first year the CD was voted # 1 distributed jazz recording in a 12 month period by Red Eye Distribution. The title song grabbed the attention of TV Host Dr. Bobby Jones and very quickly garnered the # 8 spot on his syndicated “Top 20 Count Down” show “The Light.”

In 2003, Ray released Reflections under his own label, Tresboyz Entertainment Inc.”  The CD featured mostly originals and displayed a more contemporary side of Ray’s inspirational jazz style.   That same year, Ray was invited by EMI Capital Records to be a part of a compilation project entitled “Gospel Jazz Volume 1” featuring great talents as Ramsey Lewis, Najee, Everett Harp, Eric Darius, Moses Tyson Jr and many others.

In September 2007, Ray released his latest recording “Small Talk” produced by multi-talented Brian Nesbitt of the famed funk band, The BarKays.  Small Talk takes us back to Ray’s Memphis roots featuring a bit of Funk and Fusion with a twist of old school jazz.  Spice, Diversity and an intense pull to be different better defines this body of work.  It features such classics as Sailing, Neither One of Us, The World is a Ghetto and originals Samba Nights and Small Talk just to name a few.

Europe was Ray’s stage in July 2011 and most recently, August 2015. He performed thru out Finland in Kaskinen, Turku, Naantali and Tampere to eager crowds of fans and jazz enthusiasts!

Providing great music is not only Ray’s passion, it’s his calling.  He can be seen and heard across metro Atlanta and throughout the country, performing with the Loose Chain Band. 

Come experience the man, the music, the excitement and you will see why Ray Boyland is called one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets!