Today I will write about one of my favorite christian jazz musicians: Ray Lyon. This keyboardist and pianist is originally from Virginia, USA, and began play the piano at six years old. He studied classical piano with argentinean pianist Raul Spivak, and jazz piano with Vince Maggio and another known christian jazz pianist, Chuck Marohnic. He studied at Palm Beach Community College, Eastman School of Music, University of Miami (FL), and Florida Atlantic University where in 1982, he got his B.F.A. in Music.
Ray Lyon's music reflects many influences, from contemporary jazz musicians as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, Pat Metheny to classical composers as Claude Debussy, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Igor Stravinsky. Also it's important the influence of popular musicians as Tom Jobim and Gino Vannelli.
Ray also is a engineer and producer with its own studio called Balsam Pillow. In it, he has recorded his four christian jazz projects, and he has produced, mixed and and mastered in projects of another artists as Erin O'Donnell, Jackson Bunn, Randy Bernsen, Nestor Torres, Abaco Music, among others.
The label of "atmospheric" jazz fusion for Ray's music is very precise, because his compositions are an exquisite mix of contemporary jazz sounds with new age and ambient elements. His style is like Pat Metheny Group which transmits delicate textures and relaxing soundscapes. In relation to its inspiration, all Ray Lyon's christian jazz projects have a very strong theological background, from smooth songs for meditation, to compositions that transmit true biblical images. No doubt that to listen his music is a truly inspirational experience.
Ray Lyon's official website: http://www.balsampillow.com
