While this young man's primary influence on his horn is clearly Freddie Hubbard, there are also discernible stylistic resemblances to Lee Morgan and Woody Shaw, giving him a well-rounded approach that is both spirited and intelligent.
— Russ Musto, jazz critic/journalist (Village Voice, All About Jazz)
Callender's trumpet solo is especially impressive; a thematic solo that is the definition of spontaneous composition.
— John Kelman, senior editor for All About Jazz
Ray Callender represents the cutting edge of trumpet playing.
— Bunky Green, alto saxophone legend
Ray Callender was born in Winfield, Illinois. The son of Charles Callender, a retired trumpeter and craftsman at Schilke Music, his love for the instrument began at an early age. However, his love for the music didn't develop until early high school, sparked by a double-sided tape of Kind of Blue and Jazz at Massey Hall. He was hooked. Callender began to study the masters, especially Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, Miles Davis, and Woody Shaw, and his diligence earned him numerous honors while still in high school, including “Best Soloist†at the Chicago Area Jazz Festival, “Outstanding Soloist†at the Rolling Meadows Jazz Festival, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Callender is a graduate of the University of North Florida jazz program, headed by legendary alto saxophonist Bunky Green. He actively performed and composed for the top jazz ensemble and combo and was the featured trumpet soloist on UNF's last three Down Beat award-winning albums, Things To Come, Second Thoughts, and Through His Eyes, as well as recording with notable pianist/educator Dr. Keith Javors on his 2004 Zoho Records release, Mo' City Jungle. In 2001, Callender was one of only 23 young musicians nationwide invited to attend a week-long residency at the Steans Institute Program for Jazz at Ravinia, where he had the opportunity to work with such venerable mentors as Dr. David Baker, James Moody, Rufus Reid, Danilo Perez, and Nathan Davis. He was recognized twice by Down Beat Magazine for Best Collegiate Jazz Group (UNF Jazz Ensemble and Combo 2002-2003). He was also one of 3 trumpeters nationwide selected to perform at the 2003 Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Program at the Kennedy Center where he worked with esteemed artists including Curtis Fuller, Winard Harper, Carmen Lundy, Jimmy Owens, and John Clayton. Callender has performed in concert with such artists as Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis, James Moody, Antonio Hart, Benny Green, Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Billy Childs, Pat Martino, Dennis Mackrel, Steve Nelson, John Lee, Jimmy Heath, Billy Kilson, Dave Brubeck, Ignacio Berroa, Bobby Shew, the River City Band, Bruce Paulson, and Bob Mintzer. Groups featuring Callender have performed at such venues as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Vienne Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase, the Velvet Lounge, the Rockefeller Center, the International Association of Jazz Educators conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the Notre Dame Jazz Festival. Callender continues to perform regularly in Jacksonville and throughout the Southeast.
