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Ray Gallon's impressive CV does not indicate an artist "of the tradition," or "from the tradition", but rather an artist who embodies the tradition, one who is a modern-day, current, active jazz artist of the highest order. It includes appearances and recordings with the likes of Ron Carter, Lionel Hampton, Art Farmer, T.S. Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Wycliffe Gordon, Les Paul, Benny Golson, Frank Wess, Lew Tabackin George Adams, and The Mingus Big Band. Gallon has also been called upon to accompany many vocal greats (often indicative of a pianist's elevated musicianship), including Jon Hendricks, Sheila Jordan, Grady Tate, Nnenna Freelon, Gloria Lynne, Dakota Staton, Joe Williams, Chaka Khan, Jane Monheit and others.

So, the looming question is, why now? What took Gallon so long to unleash his debut? ''I needed to feel ready - that I had something special to offer, with a personal identity and a refined concept in terms of my playing, repertoire, and overall trio conception, all while being steeped in the classic tradition of swing and blues. What struck me most when I was coming up, spending countless nights at the Village Vanguard, Sweet Basil, and Bradley's, seeing/hearing Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan, Cedar Walton, Kenny Barron, Ahmad Jamal, Bill Evans, Jimmy Rowles, Steve Kuhn (and many other masters), was how they each sounded uniquely original while remaining grounded in the tradition. These values were also instilled in me by my teachers, John Lewis, Jaki Byard and Hank Jones - who all stressed the importance of 'finding your own voice','' explains Gallon.

''Welcome to the world of the music of Ray Gallon...extraordinary pianist...college professor...talented composer and arranger...and my dear friend......the arrangements are compact, complex, and slick...''
Ron Carter (excerpted from the CD liner notes)

Track Listing

Press Quotes

There are echoes of Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Hank Jones and more, but the end result is thoroughly original. Gallon is an inventive improviser, and his mates shine on their solos, too . . . the professor provides a tutorial on how music rooted in traditional jazz can still delight in 2021.

     —Steven Wine, Associated Press

Ray's music unfolds like dancing black dots that come alive in long, sculpted phrases, and lines that leap off the page, pirouetting in soaring, airy balletic maneuvers . . .

     —Raul da Gama , Hot House Magazine

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to listen to your art!!! WOW!!! . . . Love your work. . .

     —Ahmad Jamal