Kevin Hays
Grammy-Winning Pianist
Contemporary jazz pianist blending harmonic sophistication with lyrical expressiveness across multiple genres.
About
Kevin Hays is a Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, composer, and singer-songwriter born May 1, 1968, in New York City and raised in Connecticut. He has recorded over twenty albums as leader or co-leader for labels including Blue Note Records and SteepleChase, establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz since the late 1980s. Known for his linear style, strong harmonic sense, and collaborations with leading jazz artists, Hays has received critical acclaim from major publications and won awards including the 2019 Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album (Steve Gadd Band) and the 2020 Independent Music Award.
Music Style
Hays employs a linear style with strong harmonic sense, using the pedal to produce a clipped sound reminiscent of early Paul Bley. His approach blends melodic serenity with rhythmic interplay, moving effortlessly between jazz standards, American Songbook interpretations, and original compositions.
Background
- Hometown
- New York City, New York (born); Greenwich, Connecticut (raised)
- Education
- Manhattan School of Music
- Instruments
- piano, vocals
- Active
- 1985-present
Similar Artists
If you like Brad Mehldau, Bill Stewart — you'll love this artist
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
TJG Signature Series Presents QUATERNION
The Jazz Gallery
Piano
TJG Signature Series Presents QUATERNION
The Jazz Gallery
Piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Miles Davis 100th Celebration with the Eddie Henderson Quintet feat. Gary Bartz and Billy Hart
Smoke Jazz Club
piano
Past Events
Charles Owens Quartet
Smalls
piano
Charles Owens Quartet
Smalls
piano
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Kevin Hays Trio
Village Vanguard
Piano • Headliner
Showing 10 of 16 past events