Mays was a commanding presence at the piano, rolling through lines that raised echoes of Earl Hines and Duke Ellington.
John Wilson, New York Times

After many recordings for the Chiaroscuro, Concord, Discovery, DMP, Palmetto, and Steeplechase record companies, pianist Bill Mays is releasing, on his own No Blooze Music label (released November 28, 2019), Mays Plays Mays: Bill Mays and Friends. The friends include guitarist John Hart, trumpeter Marvin Stamm, drummer Matt Wilson and bassist Martin Wind. Beautifully recorded by Matt Balitsaris, and mastered by Michael MacDonald, this marks Bill's 38th recording as a leader.
The program features 13 Mays originals, a Gershwin classic, and a dedication piece from fellow pianist Chris Cuvier. Over the course of 68 minutes the pianist and his friends take you on a sparkling sonic journey encompassing the blues, a mini-suite dedicated to various family members, a Manhattan neighborhood soundscape," varied trio romps, and the composer himself on two vocals.
Bill Mays and Friends
Jazz at Kitano
Friday, December 20 & Saturday, December 21
Celebrating the music of Gerry Mulligan with Bill Mays, Dean Johnson and Ron Vincent
Featuring Gary Smulyan (December 20) & Scott Robinson (December 21)
Kitano
66 Park Ave, East 38th St
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-885-7000 | Rsvn: 1-800-KITANO-NY
The program features 13 Mays originals, a Gershwin classic, and a dedication piece from fellow pianist Chris Cuvier. Over the course of 68 minutes the pianist and his friends take you on a sparkling sonic journey encompassing the blues, a mini-suite dedicated to various family members, a Manhattan neighborhood soundscape," varied trio romps, and the composer himself on two vocals.
Bill Mays and Friends
Jazz at Kitano
Friday, December 20 & Saturday, December 21
Celebrating the music of Gerry Mulligan with Bill Mays, Dean Johnson and Ron Vincent
Featuring Gary Smulyan (December 20) & Scott Robinson (December 21)
Kitano
66 Park Ave, East 38th St
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-885-7000 | Rsvn: 1-800-KITANO-NY
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.