Breaking into the music scene only a few years ago, pianist Roy Assaf has already earned acclaim from jazz masters Kenny Barron and Jason Moran. With appearances on 20 albums as a sideman and co-leader, Roy's first album as a leader titled 'Respect', includes such remarkable players as Reuben Rogers on bass, Greg Hutchinson on drums and special guests Roy Hargrove and Eric Alexander. Roy arrived in New York in 2005 with a dream of pursuing his musical career. Shortly after that, he was invited to join the Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band on piano for an extended European tour consisting of 13 cities, as well as additional performances in Canada, Puerto Rico, and one week at the famed Blue Note in New York City. Since that time, he has been steadily working both with small groups as well as big bands in various venues and festivals around the world and has had the honour of sharing the stage with important jazz figures such as Jimmy Heath, James Moody, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Antonio Hart and many more. Personnel: Roy Assaf (piano), Rueben Rogers (bass), Greg Hutchinson (drums) Special Guests: Roy Hargrove (flugelhorn), Greg Gisbert (trumpet, flugelhorn), Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone), Vanderlei Pereira (percussion) and others
