Biography

The Quotes :

'A jolt of Joy!'
~ The New York Times

'Kevin Hays is a true original. Everything he plays has a deep intelligence and swing'
~ Brad Mehldau

'He's all encompassing. Phenomenally so!'
~ John Scofield

Composer/Jazz Pianist/Singer Kevin Hays has recorded over a dozen CDs as a leader and is featured on dozens of recordings with a variety of leading Jazz artists. His critically acclaimed recordings for Blue Note Records, have been praised by The New York Times and recognized among the 'Top 40 Jazz Releases of the Year' by Musician Magazine.

Kevin has performed and recorded with some of the most prominent and influential musicians in Jazz. These include Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, Benny Golson, Roy Haynes, Chris Potter, Al Foster, Joe Henderson, Buster Williams, Art Farmer and Joshua Redman.

Born May 1st of 1968 in New York City, he began studying piano at the age of 6 and was playing professionally by 15. At 17 he began playing with baritone saxophone great Nick Brignola. After spending a year at The Manhattan School of Music, he began traveling in the U.S., Japan, and Europe with various bands including The Harper Brothers, Benny Golson, Joe Henderson and Eddie Gomez. In 1995 Sonny Rollins invited him to join his group; a year and a half later he began touring with guitarist John Scofield in his celebrated 'Quiet' band.

Today, Kevin continues to perform worldwide in Solo concerts, with his Trio which includes bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Bill Stewart, and with The Sangha Quartet which features Seamus Blake, Larry Grenadier, and Bill Stewart. He also conducts Master Classes in the U.S. and overseas.

Kevin's recent recording activity includes a new Solo Piano CD 'Open Range' on the ACT label; the launching of PinonDisk Records, his own label on which he has released his latest Trio CD 'What Survives'; and a new CD 'The Dreamer' (featuring his vocals) with the groundbreaking web-based company, ArtistShare.com