Ray Marchica is one of New York City’s most versatile and accomplished drummers. Drawing from his extensive musical world he will be bringing Eddy’s Chemistry Set, the smaller ensemble from the renown Ed Palermo Big Band, to join him on the Birdland stage. "Marchica exemplifies the well-rounded modern drummer. Over the years he has held steady gigs at Radio City Music Hall, on Broadway, on television and on tour with various theatrical and pop stars. His chops are impressive, but so is his taste in working toward a group and groove." ...Jazz Times Ed Palermo is "One of the greatest musicians and arrangers in the world"...Christian McBride As a bandleader, Ray has released two albums: In The Ring and A Different View. He has been the drummer of the Ed Palermo Big Band for over 30 years. Marchica has recorded with legendary artists including James Brown (Gravity, 1986) and Barbra Streisand (One Night Only: Live at the Village Vanguard, 2010). He has also performed and recorded with a wide range of acclaimed musicians and ensembles, including the Birdland Big Band, Mike Longo, Rodney Jones, Oz Noy, Little Richard, Dan Hartman, Earl Klugh, the Gatlin Brothers, guitar greats Roy Buchanan and Johnny Winter, and celebrated vocalists Marilyn Maye, Nina Hennessey, Betty Buckley, Leslie Uggams, Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli, Donna McKechnie, Tommy Tune, John Llloyd Young, Joel Grey, Jimmy Webb, and Michael Feinstein. Marchica served as the drummer in the house band for The Rosie O’Donnell Show during its entire six-year run. During that time he performed with guest artists including Phil Collins, Tony Bennett, Bette Midler, Cher, Marc Anthony, Robert Palmer, Jennifer Holliday, Chaka Khan, and Neil Diamond, among many others. His Broadway and theater credits include performances at Radio City Music Hall and productions of A Chorus Line, Starlight Express, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Damn Yankees, The Will Rogers Follies, Mamma Mia!, and the Broadway revival of Miss Saigon. Ray is married to vocalist Nina Hennessey, who will be featured in this performance along with their daughter, singer-songwriter Maddy Ruff.   The Band Ed Palermo — Saxophone Phil Chester — Saxophone, Flute Paul Adamy — Bass Bob Quaranta — Piano Ted Kooshian — Keyboards Ray Marchica — Drums Nina Hennessey — Vocals Maddy Ruff — Vocals   Websites: raymarchica.com palermobigband.com