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Pianist Ray Kennedy was born in 1957 in Maplewood, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis. His father owned a retail music store in town and Kennedy to listened to literally hundreds of albums as a youngster. |
Ray's dad loved jazz music the best -- especially live jazz, and he regularly brought his son to local clubs and concert halls to see national acts when they came through town. As a talented teenage pianist, Ray soon found a way to sit in with many of those artists in halls throughout St. Louis.
Before Kennedy began his decade-long relationship with the Pizzarelli Trio, he was recording with several musicians, including tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, drummer Dave Weckl and trumpeter Randy Sandke.
His collaborations with John, Martin and Bucky Pizzarelli have brought him to the attention of both the discriminating jazz fan and neophyte. The New York Times calls him an "honorary" Pizzarelli, while The Village Voice has compared John's trio to Nat 'King' Cole legendary group.
Before Kennedy began his decade-long relationship with the Pizzarelli Trio, he was recording with several musicians, including tenor saxophonist Harry Allen, drummer Dave Weckl and trumpeter Randy Sandke.
His collaborations with John, Martin and Bucky Pizzarelli have brought him to the attention of both the discriminating jazz fan and neophyte. The New York Times calls him an "honorary" Pizzarelli, while The Village Voice has compared John's trio to Nat 'King' Cole legendary group.
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Ray was the driving rhythmic force behind several Pizzarelli Trio albums, most notably Let There Be Love and Kisses in the Rain which have received praise for their "live session" sound. |
These days Ray keeps busy with the trio but still finds time to perform with his bassist brother, Tom, to packed rooms in St. Louis.
NPRJazz.org Feature: The Pizzarellis
The Official John Pizzarelli Web Site
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