“Louis Hayes — who has been a force in jazz drumming for more than sixty years, anchoring legendary groups led by Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, Oscar Peterson, John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, among others,” states ALL ABOUT JAZZ. “He kicks up plenty of magic dust throughout via the well-placed crashes, bombs, tom-rolls and snare cracks that have marked his signature swinging style for decades,” says DOWNBEAT MAGAZINE. “His continuing desire to play is once again evident in this spirited release, the usual hard bop template modified to place Nelson’s vibes front and centre…” states JAZZWISE (2023 Album Review of ‘Exactly Right!). “Drummer of choice for several jazz greats…” raves THE GUARDIAN.
NEA Jazz Master & Legendary Jazz Drummer LOUIS HAYES released his new critically acclaimed album 'Exactly Right!' with his Quintet in 2023. Hayes found himself at the age of 18 in New York as a member of the great HORACE SILVER QUINTET (1956-1959), until he joined CANNONBALL ADDERLEY where he propelled the quintet to joyous musical heights & timeless recordings through 1965. Hayes joined piano master OSCAR PETERSON from 1965-67. Hayes has played/recorded with jazz legends such as: John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery, George Benson, John Lee Hooker and many others. "Hayes is on a select list of jazz's most exciting, imaginative drummers," raves JAZZ TIMES. Quintet includes: Acclaimed Pianist DAVID HAZELTINE; Prolific Bassist SANTI DEBRIANO; 5x-GRAMMY Nominated Vibraphonist STEVE NELSON who the NEW YORK TIMES calls "one of the most extraordinary musicians in jazz"; and Renowned Saxophonist ABRAHAM BURTON.