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Keith Pray

Keith Pray is a saxophonist, Hammond organist, composer & educator in NY's Capital Region

About Me

Keith has traveled from the west coast to Europe making music of many styles with hundreds of gifted musicians including some of the giants of the business. For eight years he resided in New York City performing with artists from multiple disciplines including, jazz, experimental, R&B, blues, Latin and big band. He currently resides in New York's Capital Region and has released six albums under his name, ”Universal Blues” on his own label PrayNation Records. Keith has taught saxophone at SUNY Oneonta, jazz history and arranging at Schenectady County Community College and currently directs the high school bands in the Schenectady City School District. Keith is an in demand jazz educator, having conducted many all-counties, masterclasses, clinics, directing the Proctors Summer Jazz Institute for 9 seasons and most recently co-founding All Ears, which develops jazz education workshops. Besides his own recordings, Keith has recorded for dozens of artists, and continues maintain an active performing schedule and has added Hammond organ to his performing credentials.

My Jazz Story

I love jazz because it offers so much variety and can't really be categorized other than its America's original art form. I was first exposed to jazz in middle school by my older cousin who was playing trumpet in high school. We would sit and listen to everything we could get our hands on! My advice to new listeners is to let it wash over you, listen to new music without distraction and with an open mind then think why you like it, dislike it etc so that you can figure out what styles/artists you gravitate towards and enjoy the journey!