Kevin Hays Solo Piano

Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist/composer Kevin Hays is internationally recognized as one of the most original and compelling musicians of his generation. His many recordings have received critical acclaim from The New York Times, Downbeat Magazine and Jazz Times, as well as the “Coup de Coeur” award from the Académie Charles Cros (France).

Kevin has appeared on numerous albums as a guest artist, recording with Chris Potter, Bill Stewart, Joshua Redman, Jeff Ballard, Nicholas Payton, and Al Foster, among many others.

Notable collaborations include a piano duo project with Brad Mehldau (Modern Music - Nonesuch), and world tours with James Taylor, Sonny Rollins, John Scofield, Joe Henderson, and Roy Haynes.

In addition to his celebrated work as pianist and composer, Kevin has be- come increasingly known as a gifted and expressive singer/songwriter. In 2015 he released the widely lauded recording New Day (Sunnyside), on which he performed his own songs along with a riveting performance of the Jimmy Webb classic ‘Highwayman’.

Hope, the highly anticipated 2019 collaboration with Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke, was released on Edition Records. The music on Hope seems to move effortlessly between melodic serenity and rhythmic interplay, high- lighting the beauty and intimacy of the piano/acoustic guitar format.

Hays co-wrote several compositions on Steve Gadd Band’s eponymous album which garnered the 2019 GRAMMY Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. The album also features Kevin’s own ‘Spring Song’, the sole vocal track.

Kevin’s most recent trio recording ‘Bridges’ with bassist Ben Street and legendary drummer Billy Hart features new Hays compositions and songs by Hart, Milton Nascimento, The Beatles, Wayne Shorter, and Bill Frisell. 2024 will see the release of a new solo piano album on Eden River Records.

“There are plenty of talented pianists... but few have Hays’ melodic charms and sense of style.” - The New Yorker 'Best of the Year' list

“A jolt of joy.”

- The New York Times

“He’s all encompassing. Phenomenally so!”

- John Scofield

“Kevin Hays is a true original. Everything he plays has a deep intelligence and swing.”

- Brad Mehldau

All shows at Sam First are 21+ (no one under the age of 21 will be permitted)

Show Times: 7:30pm & 9:30pm, and a separate ticket is required for each show.

Notice of Recording: Sam First live streams and records all concerts. By entering Sam First, you understand that your image and/or voice might be included in those recordings. Sam First reserves the right to use any photography, video or audio recording taken at this event, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.