A NYC-native, pianist Ray Gallon has been a mainstay on the jazz scene for over three decades. Rooted in bebop and blues, his expressive, swingin’ playing and distinctive compositions, meld old and new into a fresh, original style. As a young player, Ray was taken under the wing of piano giants John Lewis, Hank Jones, and ‪Jaki Byard. He has performed at major jazz festivals and venues around the world with such luminaries as Ron Carter, ‪Lionel Hampton, ‪Art Farmer, ‪Benny Golson, George Adams, ‪Les Paul, and ‪Wycliffe Gordon. Ray has appeared at gala events at the White House and Kennedy Center, sharing the stage with jazz legends ‪Dizzy Gillespie, ‪Milt Jackson, Sweets Edison, and Joe Williams. An in-demand accompanist, he has worked with many vocal greats, including Jon Hendricks, ‪Sheila Jordan, ‪Grady Tate, Dakota Staton, ‪Gloria Lynne, ‪Jane Monheit and ‪Chaka Khan. Ray's inventive compositions have been recorded by acclaimed artists T.S. Monk and George Adams. His soon-to-be released trio album, Grand Company, features the premier bassist of our time, Maestro Ron Carter and drummer extraordinaire, Lewis Nash. Ray’s previous trio album, Make Your Move, featuring the stellar rhythm section of David Wong and Kenny Washington, was lauded by none other than Ahmad Jamal. Ray is a full-time faculty member of the jazz program at The City College of NY and has taught at Juilliard and The New School.