The Heights May 2023 – Xperience Monthly – Joe Barna

The Heights May 2023.

Let’s Pray…

NO…I’m talking about Keith Pray…Come along and learn about this beautiful man.

In every community there resides a unique crop of exemplary individuals that help elevate the consciousness and enrich the culture that exists within. One such person I have continually looked towards for guidance and inspiration is none other than saxophonist, organist, friend, educator, father and husband, Keith Pray. For the better part of 30 years this gracious man has offered his talent, humility, kindness, generosity, advice and wisdom to so many. Any attempt to list all those lives he has touched would be impossible. However, as one of the many he has unconditionally given his time and talent, I’d like to lend my perspective to the question “Who is Keith Pray?”

Most known for his rich soulful tone on the saxophone, Pray has found himself on nearly every upstate New York bandstand, both as a first call sideman and leader. His ability to seamlessly weave his way creatively through any musical situation challenges restraint and defies the limitations that many others struggle to emancipate themselves from. Whether in a jazz quartet, a big band, funk band, avant garde ensemble, rock band, latin group or otherwise this magician of music finds a way to be authentically himself and accommodating artistically. It’s no wonder why he is beloved on and off the bandstand by both musicians and non-musician.

But wait, there is so much more to this gentle force of nature known as Keith Pray.

Did you know he is a black belt Aikido instructor?

Did you know he has recently developed into one of upstate New York’s first call jazz organists?

Did you know he runs a summer camp for instrumentalists dedicated to furthering their improvisational abilities?

Did you know he has a talented son named after groove master Maceo Parker who is developing into one of the area’s top hip hop beat writers for other artists?

To say Keith Pray is a well rounded man who offers his talents in many varying arenas would be an understatement. His commitment to his family, the music, his martial arts discipline, his friendships and beyond is something to behold. It has been 27 years since this inspiring soul entered into my life. I can honestly say that the joy, camaraderie, ups, downs and musical collaborations with which we have engaged has helped shape my perspectives in ways I might have otherwise never known.

Let’s go beneath the surface a bit, shall we…

I’d like to explore a question that seems never to present an explicitly definitive answer,  “What is greatness?” Here’s my perspective in relation to the subject of this month’s article, Keith Pray.

Please indulge me for a moment…

I define greatness, pertaining to an individual, as one who possesses the characteristics of  integrity, humility, sincerity, honesty, compassion, loyalty and self awareness. When combined in the musical realm with traits such as great tone, reliable time feel, pleasant sound, creative improvisationally, malleable stylistically, versatile, flexible and all around professional I believe this is where a fork in the virtual road meets and one’s label of greatness is warranted. In keeping with this thought, if a combining of these elements is a formula for defining what one might perceive as great then I testify today that Keith Pray is greatness. Why? Because, he is all of these and more.

Too often we overlook the contributions of those in our own communities. We bestow upon them the label of “Local Musician” in an attempt to shackle them down to a level that makes others comfortable, less threatened and equal. However, one must not mix words and convolute meanings. Local is a term that aids in defining one’s geographical location. It’s not meant to define the level as to which an individual contributes, elevates or perpetrates their given discipline. An artist can simultaneously live in a local community and possess within themselves a talent deserving of worldly recognition. I ask you, what if John Mayer, Wynton Marsalis, Justin Timberlake, SADE, Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews or Bruno Mars lived next door to you in Troy? Would you label them as a local talent? The answer is no…Why? Because their talent has earned them the consideration of being great at a craft beyond the constraints of their locality. Labeling them simply as a local act or talent would be nothing aside from a gross attempt at diminishing the value of their contributions. Maybe by viewing artists through a lens of ability and worth, rather than from where they have chosen to set up residence, would offer an opportunity to the listener to see the deeper value in those around them.

Over the years I’ve heard many conversations where those such as Keith Pray get described by others as “Great for a local player.” I’m here to tell you that there is nothing local about the talent of Mr.Pray. Maybe I am biased because I love this cat with every ounce of my being. Maybe it’s because of the sheer joy he has brought into my life. Maybe I say these kind words due to what seems like 1000’s of performances we have participated in together. No…I say these words not because I am biased, but because they are true.

You see, greatness is reserved for those touched men and women with whom have done the work to earn such a confirmation. Across the board they have done so voluntarily while asking for little to no rewards in return. They live honestly and show courage through adversity, never wavering on their mission or surrendering their journey to anyone. Keith Pray, at least from my perspective, is one of the all time greats.

Now onto the show…

On Friday, May 19th the Keith Pray Quartet will be making their first appearance at the area’s newest and hippest joint for live jazz, Alias Coffee Roasters. This show will include some of New York State’s most in demand artists including pianist John Esposito, bassist Otto Gardner and myself on drums. In classic fashion Pray will hold down the sax chair, as he leads the way through an exhilarating 2 sets of exciting repertoire. The shows will be at 7:30 and 9pm.

We invite each of you to come celebrate this engaging group’s inaugural performance inside Alias Coffee Roasters, located at 219 4th Street, Troy NY.

Get Up, Get Out, Get Inspired

Thank You,

Joe