Famed keysmith Jeff Kazee takes center stage for a new piano residency at The Club Room. He’ll be playing this January from 6:30PM-8PM, Wednesday thru Saturday nights!

 

From his longtime tenure with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, to stints with Bon Jovi, Roger Waters snd beyond, this Ohio native lights up every room he appears in.

 

Get to know this keyboard titan.

 

WHY PIANO?

I grew up in a musical household where Classical Piano lessons were mandatory. My older brother and I were drafted to play piano for our church, where our father was the Choir Director. And I still stuck with it, LOL. Playing the piano is my passion—it feeds my soul.

 

WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR EARLY MUSICAL INFLUENCES GROWING UP IN OHIO?

Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett, Tony Bennett, The Band, Crowded House, Squeeze..

 

TOP 3 LIVE GIGS OF YOUR CAREER?

1) A sold out Paradiso in Amsterdam for my longtime band, Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes. For me, The best place worldwide to play Rock and Roll and we always pack it. 2) The first time that I subbed for Paul Shaffer on The Late Show with David Letterman. It was my favorite show through high school and college, so you can imagine how surreal it was to be playing that Hammond organ with that fantastic band, for The King of Late Night. I had finally arrived in NYC, baby. 3a) performing my all-time favorite song “God Only Knows” with its genius composer, Brian Wilson. 3b) Playing Madison Square Garden a couple of times with Bon Jovi. A hometown gig (I’ve had a house in Astoria, Queens for many years), so it was nice to see so many familiar faces. Factor in that I regularly attended (still do) Rangers and Knicks games—well…what a life.

 

WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT AT YOUR NEW CLUB ROOM RESIDENCY?  

They’re gonna hear great songs from all eras, all filtered through my love and pointed style for the music. From Ellington, Gershwin, McCartney through Green Day and The Police—I’m intrigued to find both the sophistication and simplicity in each song. I enjoy seeing someone in the audience nodding their head to an unexpected choice that I’ve made.

 

TELL US ABOUT THAT FANCY KEYBOARD YOU’RE PLAYING ON?  

A great choice by the Club Room to feature a Vintage Vibe electric piano, hip as hell–and a nice twist on the classic “cocktail piano” configuration. The Vintage Vibe really fills the room with a warm and inviting tone, extremely musical, and is a perfect vehicle to bridge the seemingly eclectic group of songs that I choose.

 

BEATLES OR STONES?

Really? It’s a push.  I’ll take Abbey Road AND Exile on Main St.

 

BILLY OR ELTON?

Leon Russell. Now, to your specific query: Joel’s “Summer, Highland Falls” is in my top 5 fave songs. With that being said, Elton’s material from the first 3-4 years is as fine as any artist’s out there.

 

YANKEES OR METS?

Cincinnati Reds!

 

VODKA OR GIN?  

Vodka. It’s clean—and highlights my cheekbones.

 

WEIRDEST SONG REQUEST?

A guy hired me, solely to play and sing Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” for his wedding day march down the aisle, proving that both bride and pianist had a price.

 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE CLUB ROOM?  

A modern turn on an elegant and timeless New York City drinking establishment. Exceptionally comfortable for eating, drinking, conversation and listening to great music. What else do you want from the city?