Russell Kranes

Russell Kranes is the consummate professional musician. Born in Queens and raised in Connecticut, Russell studied jazz piano under masters Bob Hurst and the late, great Geri Allen at the University of Michigan. Upon graduating college, Russell worked in pastry arts for two years before ultimately deciding to tenaciously pursue music.

He moved to NYC in June of 2013 and began performing immediately. Eleven years later, Russell currently works as a ballet accompanist, a church director, a bandleader, a freelance jazz pianist and piano teacher. He is a ballet accompanist for Hunter College’s Dance department. He is the musical director for Salem Baptist Church. Russell freelances with a vast array of incredible musicians throughout New York and beyond, performing a multitude of styles and venues. His own band recently released their debut record, Aries Son, and will be touring Latin America this winter. They currently hold residencies at Arthur’s Tavern, the Ned Nomad, Ned Apotheke, Saint Tuesday, the Belfry, Nexus, Penn One, and So & So’s Neighborhood Piano Bar.

Russell is passionate about imparting his knowledge to like-minded students of music.