GARY RAYNOR
BASS
After finishing a Master’s degree in Classical Bass, Gary Raynor moved from New York to the Twin Cities and began playing local jazz jobs and theater, primarily the Guthrie and Chanhassen theaters. He joined the Sammy Davis Jr. Show in 1981. After three years on the road, he joined the new-concept Rupert’s Orchestra at the number one trending spot in the Cities. Raynor was also busy playing and recording for local jazz artists such as Rio Nido and Debbie Duncan as well as touring with jazz artists. From the late 1980’s thru 2000, Gary was a first call bassist for dozens of Broadway touring shows, including the first performances of The Lion King. From 2000 through September 2014, Gary was the bassist for the Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band on “A Prairie Home Companion.” Through all of this there have been jazz concerts and clinics, State Fair Jazz Bands, a faculty position at the University of Minnesota (1990-2000), and McNally Smith College of Music (2000-2017).