Hal Weary’s quintet has been in high demand since the release of his new album “A Rendezvous with Déjà vu.” Maxwell Chandler, music critic for Jazz Police.com writes, “The new album by pianist/composer Hal Weary is the fully realized work of a hard‐bop aficionado using components of the music he clearly has an affection and deep understanding of while seamlessly mixing it with contemporary influences and the cadence of his own musical voice.”
Owen Cordle, music critic for the New York NewsOberserver writes, “Weary exhibits a light touch, funky harmonies and a take‐your‐time exposition of firm ideas ‐ the work of a secure, tasteful pianist. Avotcja (pronounced Avacha) of KPOO & KPFA‐FM San Francisco, CA writes, “Hal Weary is the real deal. A jazzman that's dependable as daybreak and as surprising as a sun‐shower. This is music to heal whatever ails you & make you smile inside.” The quintet is comprised of some of the hottest musicians currently on the New York Jazz scene and they encompass a “take no prisoners” approach everytime they take the stage.
Personnel:
Kenyatta Beasley – Trumpet
Stantawn Kendrick – Saxophone
Corcoran Holt – Bass
Jerome Jennings – Drums
Hal Weary – Piano
Hal Weary is an American pianist and composer who was immersed in a musical family, which cultivated his passion for music. Owen Cordle, music critic for the New York NewsObserver writes, “Like Ray Charles, Horace Silver, Richard Tee, James Williams and Cyrus Chestnut, Hal Weary has the gospel sound in his piano playing and writing.” Weary began formal lessons at the age of 10, but gained his earliest professional experience playing gospel in his hometown at the age of 5.
Weary won numerous awards and high recognition at festivals and competitions around the world. Weary received a B.A. in Music degree from San Jose State University and Master of Music degree from William Paterson University where he studied with jazz legends Harold Mabern, James Williams, and Dr. Billy Taylor, among other great jazz innovators.
Currently, Weary is performing with world‐class musicians from round the globe. Possessing a strong foundation in stride, bebop, hardbop, post‐bop he has also explored Afro‐Cuban rhythms, World music, and other directions with various ensembles. Hal Weary brings a distinctly artistic touch to his jazz compositions and piano playing.
His feathery keyboard touch is coupled with a lot of power and passion, a complete understanding of the blues and improvisation. Not content at any time to rest on his laurels, Weary has been involved in quite a few important musical projects, and his musical curiosity has never dimmed. Despite his peripatetic activities all around the musical map, his piano style is ever evolving into tougher, even‐more‐complex forms.
