Ray Chew Orchestra, Interview

By Paula Edelstein
THE RAY CHEW ORCHESTRA STRIKES A HISTORIC CHORD WITH MUSIC FANS AT THE 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION

Ray Chew has made his indelible mark in American history in a most unusual way. His real life historic teaming with the organizers of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, has provided a carte blanche entry on his resume and in the history books that will stand out for years to come. As leader of the Ray Chew Orchestra, Chew has expanded his musical focus and knack for genre-unity via his songwriting, producing and band-leading skills. Chew’s team produced and compiled a vast repertoire of music that not only underscored Jennifer Hudson’s amazing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, but also lifted the performances of several guest musicians, introduced speeches made by politicians from the local to the national level, speeches made by members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, speeches made by generals and judges, Civil Rights champions, and former Presidents Carter and Clinton.
There were also video tributes, nominating speeches, musical interludes, cues, and impromptu music composed for last-minute changes in the schedules. Complete with instrumentalists, vocalists, new arrangements, on-the-spot special music cues and a set list like no other, the Ray Chew Orchestra didn’t miss a beat or a cue and provided non-stop music to match the moments at the only major political convention to ever choose an African American as its Presidential candidate.
When Barack Obama and Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden, accepted their political party’s nominations before an internationally televised audience of over 38 million people and a live audience at Invesco Field of over 84,000 people, the Ray Chew Orchestra was right on time! A daunting task by anyone’s standards, especially over the roar of 84,000 people! We caught up with the award-winning orchestra leader during a brief respite from his rigorous schedule to talk about what being the Musical Director for such a major event meant to him. Here’s what he told SOTJ:

SOTJ: Congratulations Ray! Your orchestra and special guests ROCKED at this historic event. Ray, tell our readers, what is was like being the musical director for such a historic Democratic National Convention where Senator Barack Obama, the first ever African-American presumptive nominee for President of the USA, became the official choice of a major political party.
RAY CHEW: Being the Musical Director for the Democratic National Convention was a tremendous responsibility and honor...and one that I took very seriously considering the historic ramifications. In the midst of a lot of chaotic preparation, I was determined to stay centered and focused on the tasks at hand ...and not get caught up in the high wired tension and hype surrounding the event.

SOTJ: Choosing the music for the live performances, the musical interludes, the music cues must have been a daunting task but it was absolutely seamless! What selection process did you use to make sure the music matched the moment?
RAY CHEW: My team and I reviewed a list of the speakers that were scheduled to appear and assigned what we thought to be appropriate songs to play them on and off. However that list changed every morning and also changed during the event itself. We had to stay ready to change songs on the spot. When choosing songs, I initially thought in a musical sense and then made sure that the lyrics and titles were not inappropriate.

SOTJ: How many days of rehearsal did the Ray Chew Orchestra and special guests require prior to the opening night?
RAY CHEW: We did 2 days of rehearsal in New York then took the team to Denver. We rehearsed 2 more times before the event started.

SOTJ: Did you employ local talent there in Denver or was this the working Ray Chew Orchestra?
RAY CHEW: The Ray Chew Orchestra is a national band comprised of musicians and singers from all over the country. I hadn't had any previous contact with any local musicians and singers in Denver. I am not against utilizing local musicians and singers...but, in a situation where you need to dial up your product quickly, you are best advised to go with a support team that you are already familiar with.

SOTJ: With major stars like Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Will i Am, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Wonder, Take 6, Michael McDonald, your orchestra and guests, among others performing, the logistics of getting everyone on their marks in the Pepsi Center Convention Center and then moving everything and everyone over to Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium must have been one major challenge. Fill us in on some of the behind the scenes moments.
RAY CHEW: There were a lot of behind the scenes activities that took place at both the Convention Center and Invesco field. There was a lot of frantic commotion involving getting from one area to another because of heightened security. I encountered several levels of Secret Service who would lock down an area of all movement...no matter who you were, when a high profile figure was coming through. All the artists were very cooperative and expressed their gratitude in being part of these occasions.
Melissa Etheridge was originally scheduled to do an acoustic set. When I heard her at sound check, I approached her and asked if she was open to us broadening the sound with our support. She was very cool and gave an enthusiastic, "Yeah man." At her performance we came in on "Born In The USA" and had a big "arena moment."

SOTJ: Wow! It’s being reported that over 38 million people were watching this Convention!! An amazing accomplishment for everyone involved. Did you have a chance to meet Presidential Candidate Senator Obama, Vice Presidential Candidate Senator Biden, their wives Michelle and Jill or their families?
RAY CHEW: I did not have the opportunity to meet Presidential Candidate Obama or Senator Biden or any of the family members. During the times that we were in close proximity I was engaged on headset with the producer and director and at my station.

SOTJ: Presidential candidate Senator Obama's acceptance speech was like a symphony in itself - resonant, clear, with the highs and lows, melodic and beautiful. His voice is so beautiful. As a staunch supporter, I am confident that Obama and Biden will win in November. In that regard, are you preparing anything for the Inauguration in January 2009!
RAY CHEW: I have not heard any of the planning for the Inaugural event. My guess is that it will start to come together around the final days of the election.

SOTJ: Ray, you, your orchestra, and the producers truly deserve major accolades for this great event. You'd have my vote for a GRAMMY Award!! Will there be an official recording of the music performed at the convention released anytime soon and available for sale to the public?
RAY CHEW: I produced and arranged the Star Spangled Banner for orchestra that Jennifer Hudson sang at Invesco Stadium. The version is now available on ITunes. It smells like Grammy stuff to me. -:)

SOTJ: It sure does! Ray, again, congratulations on such a great accomplishment. You rock! The music helped to make the moments at the 2008 Democratic National Convention even more golden. YES WE CAN AND YES YOU DID!
RAY CHEW: Thank you.

SOTJ: Keep in touch with Ray at www.raychew.com
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