RAY SANTISI

Ray was my piano teacher at Berklee--a gift to the profession. So grateful for his guidance and influence. The music goes on... Jeannie

I´m remembering Ray today, Jasmine and Santiago family. His speaking voice, his gentleman ways, and his kindness was the soul of his music for me. Thank you, Jasmine for including Ray in my life when the time was right! Karla

I love you Ray, and cherish our Sunday evening dinner memories with Jasmine. I got to to tell Cousin John Bethel all about our time together before he passed less than 2-years ago. He remembered you well and your shared musical gifts throughout Bermuda, NYC and Boston. Enjoy Your Peace!

Raymond taught me for nothing at his studio at BERKLEE College of Music while I was performing on piano at the Sheraton Boston Hotel 1978 - 1979. He encouraged me greatly, and I was privileged just to sit in his copany with Teddy Wilson at KEN's at Copley and in the Copley Plaza Merry-Go-Round, where Ray performed solo piano also. He cn't be replaced and I miss him much. ...Tom Green, Pianist

The first Sunday gig at Ryles continues with your spirit guiding every note and tune. Without you I am finding my new voice after the eleven years we spent together rehearsing for and playing that gig. You led the trio and accompanied me until the month you died and yes, I received the message from Gary Johnson (drums) and Dave Zox (bass) you would be at the November gig. I didn't realize it then but I do now how happy you made my life during those years. Thank you. I miss you.

I sadly just heard of Ray's passing. He was a huge help and inspiration to me when I studied with him at Berklee for a few short years in the early 60's. A rare and generous musical spirit - his music lives on through his many grateful students.

Mike Nock, Sydney, Australia.

I worked at the Copley Plaza bar for 5 years in the late 70s, early 80s (the golden years of Boston's long gone but great piano bars) . Ray was, hands down, my favorite musician. (His drink of choice was an occassional white vermouth in a coffee cup.) I was 21 and thought he was the classiest, coolest person I had ever met. He was so nice to the staff and on slow nights would always ask me what song I wanted to hear. (I learned of the classic jazz compositions from listening to Ray). ...