Ray Pizzi

Ray Pizzi is an American jazz musician primarily known for his woodwind playing, especially his work on bassoon and saxophone. He is also proficient on flute, clarinet, and other reed instruments. Pizzi has a diverse career spanning performance, composition, and education.

Pizzi has performed with a wide array of artists across various genres, including Frank Zappa, Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach, and Sergio Mendes. He has also contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks. His versatility and skill have made him a highly sought-after session musician.

In addition to his performance work, Pizzi has released several albums under his own name, showcasing his compositions and improvisational abilities. These albums often blend elements of jazz, classical, and world music. He is known for his innovative approach to the bassoon in a jazz context, exploring its potential for melodic improvisation and rhythmic complexity.

Ray Pizzi has also been involved in music education, teaching and conducting workshops on woodwind performance and improvisation. He has shared his knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians, contributing to the development of future generations of woodwind players.