The evening showcases an intriguing blend of Ray's original compositions and fresh, reimagined takes on classic standards.

UK Jazz News wrote: “ In Gallon’s playing there is amazing melodic clarity and invention and intention. Pure joy. A very special gig.”

“Extraordinary!” Ahmad Jamal

To listen to pianist Ray Gallon is to take a journey through the great lineage of jazz piano from its inception all the way up to the cutting-edge present. Imbued with the vocabulary, sensibilities and soul of the very architects of the jazz artform, Gallon’s sound is right-at-home emanating from the strings of the piano at the iconic Van Gelder Studios - emanating through the very room in which many of the classic jazz albums of yesteryear were recorded.

Grand Company has garnered praise from GRAMMY winning pianist Bill Charlap for its exceptional trio concept. Charlap rhapsodizes in the liner notes of Ray’s recent release with Ron Carter and Lewis Nash: “This is my favorite kind of trio playing - the inimitable and distinctive personal and collective sound has transparency and clarity, where every note and gesture mean something. Ray Gallon’s music is informed, passionate, and personal. He possesses a unique rhythmic imagination and a wrought iron vocabulary.”

He will be joined by exceptional jazz bassist Mike Downes, well-known to Toronto jazz fans.