Matt Ray

Matt Ray FAQ

Where can I buy your CDs?
Both of my CDs are available on CDBaby.com, as well as jazzbeat.com. Both are on iTunes for download. You can also buy Lost in New York on Amazon.com. Both CDs are available at DiskUnion in Japan. You can also buy Lost In New York at many other places on the internet (napster, musicishere.com, artistdirect.com, passalong.com, etc.).

How old were you when you started playing the piano?
I was three years old. My grandmother gave us an upright piano. I played on that piano until high school, when we had to have it put down due to gimpiness.

Who are some of your favorite pianists?
I love Ahmad Jamal, Red Garland, Gene Harris, Oscar Peterson, Erroll Garner, etc. They are the great trio pianists. Also Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner, Geri Allen, and Monk have all influenced me greatly. Locally I like Aaron Goldberg, Eric Reed, and Mike Kanan a lot.

What is your favorite gig you've ever played?
I'd have to say that was in Nicaragua, when Mike Hawkins, Aaron Thurston, and I arrived in a little colonial town to play a show. We played at a church that holds about 1000 people and there were like 1500 people there. They were literally hanging off the rafters! We signed autographs for two hours afterwards. They told us the last jazz artist to come through had been Duke Ellington in the early 1970s. That was amazing.

Do you teach?
Yes. I teach other professional musicians, with an emphasis on the non-pianist who wants to broaden his/her musical horizons.

Where have you studied music?
Mostly I learned to play by ear -- both from records and other musicians. I also have a Bachelors of Music from Oberlin Conservatory, and I have been fortunate to learn from great teachers like Carl Strommen, Wendell Logan, and Neal Creque. I also once got some training at Eastman School of Music in high school during their summer program.

Where are you from?
I was born in Washington, D.C. At three we moved to Virginia and at eight we moved to suburban New York. I guess New York City is as close to a hometown as I have, since I have lived here the longest.

Why are you so skinny?
There is nothing wrong with me. I was born this way.

What is your favorite food?
Cherries.

Do you ever play other styles of music?
Yes, and I try to incorporate them into my jazz concept. You can probably guess that I like gospel, soul, and R&B. I love rock -- both classic rock and indie. You probably won't see me playing much classical anymore, but i dabble a bit. Please don't request Fur Elise at my gigs.

Will you be touring soon?
Yes, I plan to tour in the fall of 2007. Watch the schedule page for updates.

Who took the pictures on the covers of We Got It! and Lost In New York?
My twin sister Susannah, who is a remarkable photographer and artist.

Where should I go to hear some good jazz in New York?
The Village Vanguard is a must. Also Smoke and Small's are good choices. Check the websites of your favorite NYC artists to find the real underground stuff.

What kind of piano do you play at home?
I have a Kawai GE-3, 5'9" small grand.