Biography Raphael Ravenscroft

Raphael Ravenscroft (born 19?? in Dumfries) is a Scottish professional saxophone player and author on saxophone play.

He is best known for his work with Gerry Rafferty, performing the iconic saxophone solo on "Baker Street". Ravenscroft was paid £27 for the session, with a cheque that bounced.

Other performing credits include work with ABBA, America, Kim Carnes, Marvin Gaye, Mike Oldfield, Pink Floyd, Chris Rea, Robert Plant, Brand X and, Bonnie Tyler.

In 1979, Raphael released the solo album Her Father Didn't Like Me, Anyway (CBS Portrait JR 35683 Stereo).

In 1983, Raphael released the track "Maxine" which gained good airplay, but performed poorly on the chart. His track "A Whole Lot of Something Going On" was sampled by the hip-hop artist Beanie Sigel on his track "Feel It In The Air".

2010 sees Raphael playing on albums and with artists as diverse as Duffy, UB 40, Sam Hare, Mary Hopkin.

Ravenscroft is also the author of several books on saxophone technique including a successful instruction book, "The Complete Saxophone Player" 1990. Until 2004 he was a tutor of music in the UK at York College.

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