Ray Spiegel

Japanese-American percussionist, composer. As a child, studied clarinet, drums, piano, guitar, electric bass, and saxophone. Composer John Cooper was a major influence. He taught Ray piano, and introduced him to Indian classical music. Cooper had collaborated on a Sarod Concerto with Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, and helped arrange for Ray to begin formal training in tabla drumming at the Ali Akbar College of Music in San Rafael, CA under Sri Shankar Ghosh in 1970. Studied with Sri B.S. Ramanna in New Delhi in 1971 and 1972. He studied vibraphone and jazz theory with Bobby Hutcherson from 1972-74 in San Francisco. Subsequently a disciple of the late tabla master Ustad Alla Rakha from 1975, specializing in Punjab Gharana tabla. Received training and guidance from Ustad Zakir Hussain from 1973 to 1980. Also plays vibes, marimba and other percussion. Collaborated with Armando Peraza, Carlos Federico, Karl Peraza, Rebecca Mallon, Gilbert (Gibby) Ross, Dallas Smith, Pete Perringer, and Mickey Hart while in the Bay Area in the 70's. Has performed with Alla Rakha, Sultan Khan, Aashish Khan, Buddhadev Das Gupta, Manilal Nag. Ragunath Seth and Danilo Perez among others.