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Wright of Way Music

Raleigh, NC

$200 and up

Travels up to 60 miles

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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

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Deborah L. P. . W. F. D. L. P.

Deborah L. P. . W. F. D. L. P.

August 8, 2019
Verified review

Jay 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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Sarah C.

Sarah C.

October 15, 2025
Verified review

Hire 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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Bethanne D.

Bethanne D.

April 9, 2025
Verified review

Jay 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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Michael B.

Michael B.

March 24, 2025
Verified review

Awesome!

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


Small thumbnail image for reviewer Nina S.

Nina S.

December 26, 2024
Verified review

Wonderful!

Jay was perfect! Terrific pianist and a kind soul! Will hire him again!

Hired as: Pianist

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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.

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