Wright of Way Music
Overview
I've spent decades performing as a pianist, musical director, arranger, and educator, including 2 years working professionally in Hollywood. My career has taken me from theaters, churches, and cruise ships to weddings, corporate events, private parties, senior living communities, and performing arts venues across the country. I create the perfect musical atmosphere with a repertoire spanning jazz, pop, R&B, Broadway, light classical, gospel, and inspirational music. Whether performing solo piano or with my trio, I tailor every performance to fit the mood, theme, era, and audience of your event, helping create memorable experiences your guests will enjoy long after the final note.
Reviews
23 reviews
Deborah L. P. . W. F. D. L. P.
August 8, 2019Jay Jazz is Awesome
Jay was fabulous, we hired Jay to play the piano for my daughter’s wedding ceremony and it was beyond perfect. Jay is warm, friendly, and went above and beyond to make our day go beautifully. He has amazing talent and truly is one of the best pianist i have ever heard. Thank you Jay Jazz for all you did to make our day perfect!
Hired as: Pianist
Sarah C.
October 15, 2025Hire him!
Don't bother reading more reviews - this is the guy you want! He's talented, enthusiastic, caring, adaptable, thoughtful, and just plain kind. He'll be as excited for your event as you are. The crowd loved him!
Hired as: Keyboard Player, Pianist
Bethanne D.
April 9, 2025Jay goes above and beyond, made our day extra special!!
Since beginning to work with Jay, my husband and I have not stopped raving. It all began when we had an eclectic hand picked list of songs we wanted included in our day. As music lovers we wanted to include several film scores, classic American Songbook tunes, the Beatles, Oasis, Beach Boys and even Keane. Jay DELIVERED. He found every piece of music we requested and made sure it was exactly what we wanted for our day. He went above and beyond, he sent us Mp3 recordings of our chosen processional songs so we could practice our timing, traveled out of town for our wedding, and gave us the most special moments on our day as music means so much to us. Jay was enthusiastic, professional, and the amount of PURE TALENT is hard to describe with words. He helped us feel confident, was flexible, and accommodating. We cannot say thank you enough!! I will forever cherish listening to Jay play as I anxiously awaited my walk down the aisle and his music helping me feel calm and comfortable. He provided that special touch, that elevated element we were seeking. He is worth every single penny and MORE! Cannot recommend highly enough!!!
Hired as: Keyboard Player
Michael B.
March 24, 2025Awesome!
JR did a great job playing the piano during our wedding. He was responsive, flexible and attentive and played what was asked perfectly!
Thank you JR!
Hired as: Pianist
Nina S.
December 26, 2024Wonderful!
Jay was perfect! Terrific pianist and a kind soul! Will hire him again!
Hired as: Pianist
Booking information
Price range: $200 and up
Languages: English
Gig length: 60 - 300 minutes
What to expect
When you hire me, you can expect professionalism, reliability, and a customized musical experience. I work closely with clients to understand the mood and style they want to create and tailor my performance accordingly. Whether you need elegant background music, cocktail hour entertainment, worship music, or a featured performance, I arrive prepared, appropriately dressed, and focused on helping make your event memorable.
About
I am a professional pianist, musical director, accompanist, arranger, and educator with decades of experience performing throughout North Carolina and beyond. My musical background includes jazz, pop, R&B, Broadway, light classical, gospel, and sacred music. I have performed in concert venues, theaters, churches, corporate events, weddings, private parties, senior living communities, and special events of all types. My goal is simple: create the perfect musical atmosphere for every audience and occasion.
Additional booking notes
I perform a wide variety of musical styles and can accommodate special song requests with advance notice. I provide professional keyboard equipment and amplification suitable for most venues. Outdoor events may require weather protection and access to electrical power.
Services offered
Upcoming booked events
July 2026
30
Thursday
Corporate Event
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
Past booked events
January 2026
09
Friday
Cocktail Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Durham, NC
October 2025
10
Friday
Cocktail Party
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
September 2025
28
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
June 2025
10
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Fuquay Varina, NC
March 2025
23
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Wrightsville Beach, NC
22
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 8:00pm
•
Cary, NC
December 2024
22
Sunday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 8:30pm
•
Raleigh, NC
May 2024
25
Saturday
Wedding Reception
3:30pm - 5:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
04
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
December 2023
22
Friday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 10:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
02
Saturday
Corporate Event
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
September 2023
23
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Roseboro, NC
January 2023
07
Saturday
Birthday Party
7:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Durham, NC
December 2022
26
Monday
Dinner Party
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Cary, NC
October 2022
20
Thursday
Corporate Event
6:00pm - 9:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
July 2022
09
Saturday
Personal Occasion
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
June 2022
24
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
4:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Raleigh, NC
18
Saturday
Wedding Reception
4:30pm - 6:00pm
•
Cary, NC
12
Sunday
Concert
2:00pm - 4:30pm
•
Durham, NC
December 2021
21
Tuesday
Christmas Party
11:00am - 2:00pm
•
Durham, NC
14
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
10:00am - 12:30pm
•
Chapel Hill, NC
09
Thursday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Durham, NC
February 2021
27
Saturday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Durham, NC
December 2020
18
Friday
Corporate Event
11:30am - 2:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
November 2020
28
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
12:30pm - 1:30pm
•
Creedmoor, NC
21
Saturday
Weekly/Recurring Performance
1:00pm - 6:00pm
•
Roxboro, NC
October 2020
02
Friday
Nonprofit Event
5:00pm - 9:30pm
•
Smithfield, NC
December 2019
19
Thursday
Christmas Party
11:30am - 2:00pm
•
Durham, NC
November 2019
08
Friday
Funeral/Memorial Service
4:00pm - 4:45pm
•
Hope Mills, NC
September 2019
07
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Wake Forest, NC
August 2019
03
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:30pm - 5:30pm
•
Apex, NC
September 2017
15
Friday
Cocktail Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
June 2016
26
Sunday
Campus Event
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Raleigh, NC
Set list
My repertoire includes hundreds of selections from:
• Jazz Standards
• The Great American Songbook
• Frank Sinatra
• Tony Bennett
• Nat King Cole
• Broadway Favorites
• Pop Classics
• Motown & R&B
• Contemporary Favorites
• Light Classical Music
• Hymns & Gospel Music
• Holiday Music
Customized playlists and special requests are welcome.
Influences and inspiration
Primarily Solo Piano. Trio performances featuring piano, bass, and drums are available for larger events. Additional vocalists and horn players may also be added when requested. Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Dave Brubeck, George Shearing, Chick Corea, Vince Guaraldi, Ray Charles, Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, The Great American Songbook, Broadway composers, traditional gospel music, and contemporary worship music.
Setup requirements
For solo performances, I typically require a level space approximately 8' x 8', access to a standard electrical outlet within 50 feet, and adequate lighting if the event is held in the evening. Setup and sound check are generally completed 30 to 60 minute