Busheikin/Villette Presents: Ray Gallon meets Connor Stewart

Ray Gallon - Piano

Connor Stewart - Saxophone

Kosma Busheikin - Upright Bass

Graham Villette - Drums

The music for this evening has been selected by Gallon and Stewart to create a unique musical experience taking influence from both New York and New Orleans.

“Busheikin/Villette Presents” is a monthly jazz concert series that brings the best in live jazz straight to Nanaimo.

As longtime friends and musical collaborators, the curators of this series, drummer Graham Villette and bassist Kosma Busheikin wanted to create an experience for the community of Nanaimo. As they join forces with local and visiting artists, their mission is to bring great music and unforgettable nights to the many jazz lovers of Nanaimo.

Ray Gallon:

A lifelong New Yorker, pianist Ray Gallon has been a mainstay on the jazz scene for over three decades, with a resume that includes touring and recording with many legendary jazz masters, including Ron Carter, Art Farmer, Lionel Hampton/Dizzy Gillespie, Jon Hendricks, and Sheila Jordan. Rooted in bebop and blues, Ray’s expressive, swingin’ playing melds old and new into a fresh, original style.

Ray’s 2023 trio album “Grand Company” features the illustrious rhythm section of Maestro Ron Carter and Lewis Nash. Recorded at the iconic Van Gelder Studio, the album showcases a mix of Ray's distinctive original compositions along with his fresh perspectives on several classic standards. Bill Charlap, in his liner notes, calls the album “a milestone”.

Ray’s 2021 trio album, “Make Your Move”, was greeted with unanimous critical acclaim and features the stellar rhythm section of David Wong and Kenny Washington.

Both of these albums are available through Cellar Live via Bandcamp and are also available for streaming on all platforms.

Ray lives in Hell's Kitchen Manhattan. He teaches jazz at City College of New York in Harlem, performs frequently in New York City, and tours internationally several times a year.

Connor Stewart:

Connor Stewart is a gifted saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist based in New Orleans, known for his extraordinary versatility and mastery of traditional jazz, swing, and bebop. Connor began playing the saxophone at an early age and quickly developed a style that blends technical brilliance with heartfelt expression. His performances reflect the spirit of New Orleans, drawing from the city's rich jazz traditions while incorporating modern influences to create a sound that is both timeless and innovative.

Over the years, Connor has performed at renowned jazz festivals and venues worldwide, captivating audiences with his dynamic stage presence and virtuosic improvisation. Connor has shared the stage with Irma Thomas, Branford Marsalis, David Torkanowsky, Shannon Powell, Leroy Jones and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.