Bill Mays

Early Career and Professional Beginnings

Pianist Bill Mays' career as a professional musician spans the last 60 years and includes a multitude of musical endeavors. Following four years as a bandsman in the U.S. Navy, Bill spent 15 years as a session player in the Hollywood studios.

Relocation to New York City

In 1984, he relocated to New York City, firmly establishing himself as an in-demand sideman and leader of his own ensembles. He has worked with jazz legends Benny Golson, Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell, Gerry Mulligan, Bud Shank, Frank Sinatra, Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Sarah Vaughan, and Phil Woods.

Recordings and Labels

His many recordings as a leader (solo, duo, trio, and sextet) are well-documented on the Chiaroscuro, Concord, DMP, Palmetto, Steeplechase, and Sunnyside record labels.

Composer and Arranger

A prolific composer and arranger, Mays has written extended suites for bass, flute, woodwind septet, and pieces for big band and orchestra (New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, Turtle Creek Chorale, WDR Big Band, U.S. Air Force Airmen Of Note).

Recent Works

His latest recordings include "Phil & Bill" (duo with saxophonist Phil Woods), "Front Row Seat" (solo), "Mays Plays Mays" (trio/quintet), and "Autumn Serenade" (trio).

Contributions to Film and Television

His songs have been used in movies and television: "Anamorph," "Burn After Reading," "Hamlet," "Looker," "Succession," "The Fifth Estate," and "Tribeca." His keyboard work has been heard on hundreds of film soundtracks, among them "Fargo," "Fur," "Godfather 2," "Hail, Caesar!," "Jaws 2," "Julie & Julia," "Rocky 2," "Rosaline," "Superman," "The Big Lebowski," "The Good Liar," "The Spanish Prisoner," and "White Noise."

Publication and Reviews

Mays has received rave reviews with the publication of his first book, "Stories Of The Road, The Studios, Sidemen & Singers: 55 Years In The Music Biz."