Disney played trumpet with the Towson State Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Hank Levy. He later went on to work with Stan Kenton.
In the mid-70s Disney’s group was the house band at the Gridiron Club on Bowley’s Lane featuring vocalist Bobbie McCleary. The group performed in the Jazz on the Plaza series on August 13, 1974.
Disney and his group released the album “Lonely Night” in 1985. The LP featured Disney (trumpet, flugelhorn), with Mark Mitchell (sax, flute), Wade Beach (piano), James King (bass), and Mel Hardy (drums).
Disney, once a member of the Drifting Sands, formed the Baltimore Philharmonic Orchestra, and played trumpet with the Admirals in the ‘80s and again in the ‘00s.
He formed Sonority Records based in Springfield, Virginia. The label reissued the “Ray Disney Group” album and a second solo Disney album “Night Moves” (Sonority NM1002), as well as live recordings of the Hank Levy Alumni Band.
McCleary performed as vocalist on the Charm City Orchestra’s 1983 single “Preakness” (Harp 15341), and in ‘00s is vocalist with the Zim Zemarel Big Band.
1985(LP) Sonority 1001 Lonely Night
19**(LP) Sonority 1002 Night Moves
