“Bakersfield native Michael Raney, a lifelong trumpeter who has shared his talents in jazz, R&B, rock and of course for years as principal trumpet in the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, will play his last solo at his last concert with the BSO on Saturday,” writes Steven Mayer in Thursday’s (11/4) Bakersfield Californian. “ ‘People ask me, “Are you going to stop playing?” ’ Raney said. ‘Emphatically not.’ As a trumpet player, Raney … has performed … in groups as various as the … the Blue Deacons (a Steely Dan tribute band), the Foster Campbell Band … classical ensembles, and more…. You’re not likely to find many highly disciplined classical musicians who also happen to be leather-clad motorcyclists racing at Ontario International Speedway. Unless you’re talking about Michael Raney.… He [joined the Bakersfield Symphony] in 1990…. In 2006, he was elevated to principal trumpet…. Mike Stone, a longtime musician … [performed with Raney] in Brass a la Carte, a brass quartet…. Playing principal trumpet is a continual challenge, Stone said…. ‘I think he’s got nerves of steel … There’s a little bit of daredevil in Mike.’ ” Saturday’s concert will include Purcell’s Sonata for Trumpet and Strings, with Raney as soloist.
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