Los Angeles Times Reviews

Stephen Hartke, "Sextet" on Für Wolfgang Amadeus CD
" Gary Gray handled the clarinet solos with stunning ease and as mellow and gorgeous a sound as may be possible on that instrument."
—Daniel Cariaga

"The happy peak of this concert was Gray's effortless, elegant and energetic playing of the Copland Clarinet Concerto."
—Daniel Cariaga

"The composer gave a clarinetist of Gray's caliber ample opportunity to float long, limber lines, which he did with effortless poise and eloquent point."
—John Henken

"Mozart's Clarinet Quintet K581 was sparked by Gray's stylish eloquence and technical dazzle."
—John Henken

"In Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, Gary Gray astonished with his liquid clarinet solos."
—Mark Swed

Performance Reviews

Mozart, Concerto K622 with the San Francisco Symphony
" Clarinetist Gray is a musician right to the heart...his inspired phrasing made the music alive with conversation. His performance was an exemplar of superior American wind playing."
—San Francisco Chronicle

Santa Monica Symphony
" Gray proved a lively soloist, technically at ease and affectionately shaping the singing lines. His playing of the second movement of the Weber Concerto had particular beauty, with single-breathed phrasing and hushed legato."
—Los Angeles Times

Aspen Music Festival
" Gray displayed strong control and rich softness of tone in the Poulenc Sonata. Brooks Smith's accompaniment throughout was perfection; his lightness of touch never obscured Gray. The audience loved their Poulenc!"
—Aspen Times

Japan Tour 1990
" Guest Artist Gary Gray expressed the romanticism of the Brahms' E flat Clarinet Sonata with persuasive power at last night's Tsuda Hall Concert. He made an excellent case for his instrument as a solo vehicle and contributed much to the success of the All-Brahms Evening."
—Tokyo Monthly Concert Review

San Leandro Symphony
" Gray seemed one with his instrument during the Clarinet Concerto...his performance was flawless."
—Oakland Tribune

Solo Concerto Album Reviews

"I imagine a talk with Gary Gray would be a rewarding experience. If his clarinet playing is a guide, he would be a perfect conversationalist, as ready to listen as to contribute a well-turned phrase. The jazzy wit of copland and the urbane good humor of Arnold both benefit from Gray's subtle artistry."
—Which Compact Disc Magazine

"Gray's exemplary performance of the Rossini variations is a new B flat Clarinet version...he is a first-rate player!"
—Clarinet and Saxophone Magazine

"A gifted colorist, this soloist exhibits with rare intelligence his instrument's large palette of sonorities, particularly in the Dance Preludes of Lutoslawski. Gray is a musician who deserves our special attention."
—Diapason Magazine, France

"Gray's tender and varied version of the Copland Concerto gives equal prominence to the work's lyric spans and its more obvious jazz element...it's a terrific recording."
—Los Angeles Times

"Gray may have the best sound of any clarinetist in the music business. I recommend this Sonata CD which is a highly-polished piece of work and enjoyable throughout."
—Fanfare Magazine

"An album of twentieth century favorites which received fine performances from this accomplished American artist. His warm round tone is used to maximum effect on works such as the Debussy Rhapsodie and the Saint-Saëns Sonata, whilst pieces such as the Bernstein Sonata and Malcolm Arnold Sonatina are brimming with excitement and display Gray's impressive technique. Clifford Benson's accompaniments are, as usual, superb."
—Clarinet and Saxophone Magazine

American Record Guide Review

Brahms: Clarinet Quintet Op. 115 (for clarinet & string quartet)
Dohnanyi: Sextet for clarinet/piano/french horn & string trio
CENTAUR Records #2745

"Gary Gray, Professor at UCLA and widely heard west coast performer, sounds to me about as close to Reginald Kell (another iconoclast) as I have ever heard."
—Steve Ritter
For a link to the entire review, please click here.