Ray Gallon
Tradition Keeper
Experience a commanding pianist whose swinging, bebop-and-blues-rooted trio performances bring both vintage warmth and modern edge — music to move your soul and feet alike.
About
Ray Gallon is an acclaimed New York City–born jazz pianist active since the 1980s, whose expressive playing has roots in bebop and blues. He has toured the world, recorded with legends including Ron Carter, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and accompanied vocal greats such as Jon Hendricks, Sheila Jordan, and Chaka Khan. He teaches jazz studies full time at CCNY and leads critically praised trio recordings like Make Your Move (2021) and Grand Company (2023).
Music Style
His sound melds swinging rhythms, strong blues inflection, and inventive harmony, balancing respect for jazz tradition with his own fresh voice. Notably precise yet emotionally charged, his trio work showcases clarity, interplay, and expressive storytelling.
Background
- Hometown
- New York City, New York, USA
- Education
- The City College of New York
- Instruments
- piano
- Active
- 1980s-present
Similar Artists
If you like Bill Charlap, Cedar Walton, or Tommy Flanagan — you’ll love Ray Gallon.
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
Ray Gallon's next NYC show is Thursday, July 9 at Ornithology Jazz Club.