If you have never heard him perform before you’re in luck because Pray and his band “Soul Jazz Revival” will be playing this Saturday (July 26) at the “Hats Off to Saratoga” Music Festival.
Pray, who has been involved in music for 20 years now, has toured throughout the United States and Europe with high profile musicians like Paul Anka, Benny Golson, The Temptations, Ray Vega, Mark Vinci and Ralph Lalama. He has released three albums and has performed on dozens of recordings including being a featured soloist on the Grammy nominated Entres Amigos by Alex Torres and the Latin Kings. Aside from his live and studio performances, Pray has also appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America, The View and Food Network’s Food Nation.
Today, Pray lives in the Capital Region and performs regularly not to mention he teaches saxophone at SUNY Oneonta, jazz arranging and jazz history at Schenectady County Community College and instrumental music for the Paul Effman Music Service. I sat down with Pray to discuss how he started playing the saxophone, his work as an educator and his upcoming performance at this year’s “Hats Off” music festival.
How did you get into playing the saxaphone?
I was always interested in music growing up and I remember listening to the radio and always enjoying music around my household. When I was in kindergarten they offered piano lessons for free after school and I wanted to take them, but I had to wait until I got in second grade. So I waited until second grade and started taking piano lessons, which eventually led to me trying to learn how to play guitar. I begged to get into the school’s band between fourth and seventh-grade, but I didn’t have any luck until I was in eighth-grade and I went and asked the band teacher if I could join and he said, ‘sure any instrument you want to play?’ So I went down the list in my head and randomly picked the saxophone. When I played my first note on it I new that was what I wanted to do with my life.
How would you describe your music?
It depends on what group I am playing in, but in general I try to play music that is both fun to play and fun to listen to. I try to connect with people who are not really jazz fans by trying to bring them into that side of the music and at the same time still connect with jazz fans.
You teach and give lessons at various higher education institutions. What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy teaching because I like to see the spark when you finally connect with one of your students. I like to share and give back. I figure I had a lot of good advice and good teachers along the way and it’s a good thing to give back to the community.
You have received various honors and accolades throughout your career including ASCAP Louis Armstrong Award and the Essex County Performing Arts Award. What do those accolades mean to you as a musician?
I never was good with what you would call praise. I never thought that awards had meant that I had arrived or anything, but I guess it is a good measure of progress. I have always had the same philosophy since the beginning and that’s to continue forward and try to get better. So I guess if anything it is just a bench mark along the way – like when you get asked to do a concert series or you get a scholarship or an award. I guess it just helps validate in your mind that you are on the right track.
You will be performing at this weekend’s Hats Off to Saratoga Music Festival. What are your thoughts about playing the event?
I am excited because I have played it a couple of times in the past, but I am looking forward to having my own band there and being part of a great weekend of music.
What is in store for the future?
Right now I am trying to record an album with a big band of mine and I am also recording another one with a smaller group. My big band is playing at the Albany Riverfront Festival in September and I am just trying to get back into the regional circuit again and get out and play some music for people.
To learn more about Keith Pray, visit: www.keithpray.com.
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