Just moments ago, Kip and Ed finished mixing the National Anthem recording which Jennifer Hudson will be singing over at Barack Obama's nomination tomorrow.
The beautifully orchestrated arrangement (By noted composer/arranger
Ray Chew) comprised 120 tracks of instruments and took about eight hours to mix.
It's a thing of beauty!
We were honored by the opportunity to work with Ray, who's composed for and performed with the likes of James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, The 4 Tops, Barry Manilow, Sting, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin and Alicia Keys.
In addition to these performances, Ray maintains his tenure as Musical Director for the Apollo Theater Foundation, recently acting as co-producer for their annual spring benefit concert. He produced and performed a Tribute to James Brown featuring Wyclef Jean, Jill Scott, Mos Def and Maceo Parker on the World Famous Apollo Theater stage.
Ray’s recording career spans from legendary artists Diana Ross and Donny Hathaway through Alicia Keys’s three Grammy award-winning albums. He has orchestrated for and appeared on many television specials including the 44th, 46th and 47th Annual Grammy Awards, VH-1’s Save the Music Concert, MTV Unplugged, Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the World Music Awards. Ray also performed with Grammy Award winner Rihanna, in six countries as pianist and conductor on her hit “Unfaithful”.
Ray’s most grand orchestrating work to date was for “The Diary of Alicia Keys” farewell tour performance at L.A.’s Hollywood Bowl where he conducted a 63-piece orchestra for a special DVD.
