Bill Edwards Keys
- Ashburn, VA
- Jazz Pianist
- 13 Verified Bookings
Sandy G. said “Bill Edwards has the most incredibly informative website I’ve ever seen. His playing was exactly as anticipated after sampling his music online. His wonderful…”
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Thinking of booking jazz for your next event? Cocktail piano is what you need. I play jazz standards with a few pop favorites thrown in. I can play light dinner music or provide a swinging background for your classy event. I can also play throw in a few pop and rock tunes if you'd like! Winchester, Leesburg, Loudoun County, Northern Virginia, Washingon DC?
Cocktails before dinner? Wedding reception? Rehearsal dinner? Retirement party? Dinner music before the DJ starts? It's perfect!
Solo piano is also available from $250.
Caleb provided piano music for our wedding ceremony and after-party and played with a band for the cocktail hour and reception. Everyone RAVED about the band and they were fabulous. He also made a piano version of a pop song for me to walk down the aisle and provided accompaniment for a sing-a-long at the after party. He was very flexible with our unconventional sing-a-long request and was helpful in talking through our options for ceremony music. 100% recommend and hope to be able to see him play when we are in town again.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Hi Aubrie,
What an amazing day! Thanks for having us as part of your celebration. Congratulations, and best wishes!
Do not hesitate to engage Caleb and his fellow artists. Caleb, along with bass player Jeff Cuny and vocalist Ariana Harkin were a very special addition to our client's private event in Washington DC in February 2024. We aimed to create an intimate jazz/supper club vibe - Caleb, Jeff and Ariana fit the bill PERFECTLY.
Went to Travinias for dinner and they just happened to have a jazz pianist playing there who was AMAZING!!! That was four years ago and now we are dedicated followers of his!!! He has become a friend and is the kind of guy you wish everybody was like!! He is wonderful!!! Loves people and playing the piano which makes him a great entertainer!!! I would hire him in a heartbeat for any event!!!!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Wendy, thanks! Love seeing you at Travinia. Every. Single. Time. You and Brian are the kind of people I wish everybody was like! Also, thank-you for the excessive use of exclamation points. You're the best!!!
We began being entertained by Caleb at Travinia's Italian restaurant in Leesburg about four years ago and have become fans of his and in a larger sense, the Loudoun Jazz Society as well. Caleb knows almost every great Standard and if he doesn't, he will learn it just for you! He is a joy to listen to but even more so he is an upstanding, intelligent, and pleasant individual... an all around Good Guy! You can often find him playing with a bassist (Kevin!), drummer (Dominique!), and sax (Richie!). In a sometimes dark and dreary world, Caleb brings music and joy into our lives.
Caleb is a fantastic pianist! I hired him to play at our cocktail hour wedding reception in DC. He played beautifully and really added a sophisticated and enjoyable vibe to the atmosphere. All of our guests were complimenting his playing. He even agreed to play a special song for our entrance, which I thought was very kind of him. We were so honored to have him as our pianist for our wedding. Thank you Caleb, it was a joy having you!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Christine, thanks so much! Congratulations—it was amazing to be part of such special celebration. I appreciate the kind words. Best wishes!
I hired Caleb to play for my father’s birthday, as my father had seen him play before and loved his music. Caleb communicated promptly and arrived early to set up. Everyone commented at how much they enjoyed his music. He is awesome and we will hire again !
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Kristy, it was awesome to play for your dad's 80th! Thanks so much for having me. Looking forward to next time. Caleb
Caleb brings laid-back cool, beautiful melodic ideas, a rhythmic beat to the date. We paired Caleb's piano with an acoustic bass and the sound swelled nicely throughout the neighborhood. A five-star selection.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Hi , Elliot! Thanks for the five stars It was a joy to play for your party! You're a five-star party-thrower. (Let me know where to leave that review. I'm happy to do so.)
Caleb is a Huge hit by the residents at our retirement community. We bring him a few times a month to grace us with piano during happy hour and special events. His solo and duo performances with bass are both superb! Also, check out his Beautiful Christmas album on Amazon!
Caleb was lovely. His music was divine. And his presence made the party a fete!
Caleb played for us at a celebration dinner party and was fabulous in every way. He transformed our party into something special with his medley of jazz and classical pieces. We recommend him highly!
We hired him for a 50th dinner birthday party for my wife. He perfectly fit our needs and made the event memorable. I would definitely hire him again and will recommend him to all my friends. Thank you, Caleb.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Hi John! I had a great time as well. Thanks for the kind words. See you next time. Caleb
My wife and I wanted a jazz trio for our reception dinner and Caleb delivered! We had a small party in a small venue on a small outdoor covered patio with his band just 5-10 ft from our banquet table. They played expertly and with the right amount of volume so we could talk easily to one another. And they played our requests from La La Land! I knew Caleb from his piano bar gigs and trusted he could pull this off and make our wedding day a truly wonderful event to remember, and many guests said so afterwards.
Caleb was very professional and talented. His music selection was great and matched the event very well. People were even singing along to his songs as he was playing!
Amazing! Caleb provided an atmosphere full of magic. He was surprised with some difficult requests by me (the bride), and he championed each of them. I could not be more pleased. I would definitely drive a few hours to hear him play again with pleasure.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Awwwww. Thanks, Anne! You're wedding is one I won't forget! Thanks for having me.
Guests were extremely pleased... will definitely book him again! He worked with us to ensure the party was a great success...thank you again, Caleb!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks, Nikki! I had a great time. See you next time!
Caleb played the piano for my boyfriend's 50th birthday party and was absolutely wonderful. Really, I can't imagine the party had he not been part of it. All I told Caleb was that I wanted something "upbeat" and he took it from there--providing the perfect musical selections for the atmosphere and mood. Furthermore, he was easy and pleasant to work with and entirely professional.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks, Angela! It was a joy to be part of such a momentous occasion! (And anytime you're booking a party with a Steinway B as party of the deal I'm even more excited to be there.) Thanks for finding me and I'll be looking forward to our next celebration together.
Caleb contributed background instrumental piano for the cocktail hour of my daughter's wedding reception last weekend at Rosemont Manor. His elegant, effortless music was completely appropriate for the venue and the event, and was exceptionally well-received by our guests. He was a pleasure to deal with during planning, even learning a special song to play as our guests departed. He arrived early and the transition from the ceremony to the cocktail hour was seamless. I give an enthusiastic two thumbs up and highly recommend him to any prospective bride or anyone else looking for a consummate professional for a special event.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Hi Deana, Thanks for the kind review. It was my pleasure to play for your daughter's reception. As always, Rosemont has such well-planned events that's it's easy to make everything flow seamlessly. Thanks for the two thumbs up (and all of the stars)!
Along with the guests, we enjoyed the sophisticated and celebratory environment Caleb created during dinner at the 60th Celebration we held in a Cabaret room. He was a perfect fit for the event and we were impressed with his long list of songs that he knew. The honoree was pleased and delighted and couldn't give him enough compliments. He was a pleasure to work with and was very professional. We will definitely keep Caleb in mind for future events!
Caleb and Kevin and Lydia are top-notch. I had had Caleb play his keyboard at my Christmas party a few years ago (so I knew he was good) and booked his trio for after-dinner dancing at our church's annual dinner/auction. At the last minute, we decided on cocktail music; Caleb and Kevin came straight from another gig in Oakton to accommodate. They were excellent musicians and can read a crowd, playing exactly what is needed. So pleasant and easy to work with. If there were more stars, I would award them!!
Our library hired Caleb and two band members as a Jazz Trio: Keyboard, Saxophone, and Upright Bass for our Winter Holiday Open House. The first hour was a concert that many of our youth patrons attended. The band did a "show and tell" with their instruments and even a sing along to a few popular holiday tunes! They were great with our young patrons and did an excellent job making them feel comfortable. For the last two hours, the band played background music during a well-attended gingerbread making event. Not only were they professional and personable, they are also versatile. The gentleman that played the sax also played a snippet of the flute for us! I would recommend Caleb Nei Jazz for your event as well.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks Lauren! The horn player was Dr. Adrien Re. And yes, he's pretty amazing! Kevin Johnson joined us on upright bass. (Credit where credit is due.)
We booked Caleb's jazz trio to play during a reception/vendor expo at the end of our annual industry conference. He was really easy to work with leading up to the event and at the event which made my job much easier. They arrived promptly on time to setup. The trio was very talented and we all enjoyed the lovely ambiance the trio created during the reception. I would highly recommend Caleb and would hire him again for future engagements.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks Jennifer! We had fun. Looking forward to next time...
I hired Caleb to play outside on our patio during dinner on a Saturday night. He arrived early and was very pleasant to work with. Would highly recommend him.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks much Jordan! Looking forward to the next time we work together!
Caleb was awesome! We had a great time celebrating our 1st Anniversary at Potomac Falls Health & Rehab Center ... Caleb welcomed our guests, wowed them with his music and was fantastic. He played background music but it filled the area with beautiful music...it was the perfect atmosphere!!
Working with Caleb was so easy and we would definitely ask him back for future events!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks so much Zoie! I had a great time playing at Potomac Falls. What a great facility! The staff was very kind too. It was an honor to be part of your celebration. I'd love to play for you again sometime soon.
See you next time!
We booked Mr. Nei to play at a birthday party for a small gathering of family and friends in the Washington, DC, area in June of 2015. Mr. Nei is a consummate professional: he responded quickly to our inquiry and provided us with a detailed contract, which we quickly returned and he acknowledged receiving; he double-checked the date, time, and location of the event and sent a follow-up email a couple days in advance of the party; he arrived on time with his own keyboard; he was appropriately dressed; and he treated both our guests and us with incredible kindness. We also thought his rates were quite reasonable.
Most significantly, the music he provided was exactly what we wanted. He played sophisticated jazz standards as our guests gathered for drinks and appetizers; he played soothing background music for dinner; and he played music that invited our guests to dance after dinner (i.e., swing, foxtrot, waltz, and rumba). He also responded beautifully to a special request to learn in advance the music for a traditional folk dance.
Without any prompting on our part, many of our guests commented on the high quality of Mr. Nei's performance. Based on our experience, it is hard to imagine another pianist in the area who could do a better job in providing music for a special event or family celebration. We will definitely turn to Mr. Nei again, should we plan a similar event in the future. We wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Nei to others, as he is simply excellent.
Caleb played the piano for our wedding ceremony and so kindly put together a jazz trio for our cocktail hour. Not only was he a pleasure to work with as we were planning the event but he is a brilliant musician. Everyone was impressed by him and the trio! They really created a classy, fun, positive atmosphere at the reception. I would recommend Caleb to anyone for any event.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thank you Teresa. Your wedding was beautiful. The venue was beautiful. The whole evening was beautiful. Thanks for letting the trio be part of your big day!
Caleb Nei was our jazz pianist for my mother's surprise 60th birthday celebration at Lightfoot restaurant. He was very professional throughout and punctual for the event. Prior to the party, we were able to discuss what we had in mind and he took song requests. Having Caleb as our pianist was the perfect addition to the party and made the event extra special for all the guests, especially my mother. We are looking forward to having him for future events.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks Mallory! It was a great party— and you pulled of the surprise. That's impressive.
I'm looking forward to playing at future events. See you next time!
Caleb was reliable, professional and a talented musician. We had a 2-piece duo - keyboard and bass. The music gave the event an air of sophistication. We loved the atmosphere he created and would hire him again!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks Ellen! We had a great time. Hope you raised lots of money!
Caleb met and exceeded all of my expectations when he performed for my Mother's surprise Birthday Party on 11/22/14. He is a consummate professional who pays close attention to details. His ability to perfectly match his repertoire to the mood and tempo of the party was impressive. Caleb took the time to research and prepare a list of titles and artists that were favorites of the guest of honor. His kind demeanor, etiquette and professional attire were all highly appropriate for this gathering. I would hire Caleb again for any celebration or engagement, and I fully endorse his work.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks, Rob. It was wonderful to be at your Mom's celebration. Best wishes in the new year.
This is the first time we have included live entertainment at a dinner party and we were more than pleased. Caleb is a talented and versatile artist. He is professional, easy to work with and a very nice guy. We highly recommend him.
Caleb's music was a wonderful highlight to our son's rehearsal dinner. From our first conversation, to the last note (sadly) that he played, he was completely professional from start to finish. He was very willing to work with our special requests, helpful in planning and carrying out ideas, and his music is absolutely beautiful. It was such a pleasure to work with him. He truly added that memorable touch we wanted for our special night. We wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend Caleb!
Caleb was on time, selected the perfect music for my step-daughters wedding and didn't play too loud. Everyone loved his music. I will book him again without hesitation and would recommend him highly. An absolute professional.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Wow, Doris! You're quite kind. Thanks so much. I look forward to playing for you in the future!
I hired Caleb to play solo piano for my wife's 60th birthday in our home. We hired Caleb based on past experience (he also played her 50th birthday). He does a wonderful job. He plays a wide range of music tailored to your request, and he plays it all beautifully. Not only is Caleb an exceptional musician, but he is a fine person. We consider him part of the extended family and plan on using him often as musical entertainment needs arise. We highly recommend Caleb for your entertainment needs.
I was the coordinator for a wedding both myself and Caleb were hired for. We were each hired separately by the wedding couple. Caleb arrived on time and promptly checked in with me with the wedding day timeline in hand. He confirmed when he was to play and pause. He did a beautiful job on the piano. Caleb was scheduled to play for the duration of the dinner (which ended up being longer than scheduled on the timeline). Caleb was nice enough to stay later than he was scheduled to finish playing through the dinner. Suberb!
Caleb Nei's instrumental quartet was a fantastic addition to the ambiance of our mother's 75th birthday celebration. The multi-generational crowd was 'wowed' by the group's unique ability to choose music to create a festive party mood that we could all enjoy! I would highly recommend this versatile quartet to anyone interested in hiring for a talented, professional musical occasion.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks for the very kind review! This was one of the best gigs I've had recently. It's always fun to play, but playing with the quartet is even better. To play for such an appreciative crowd is more enjoyable still. Can't wait for the next time you gals throw a party!
Caleb played during the cocktail hour of our Northern Virginia wedding at the Tyson's Corner Tower Club. Leading up to our event, Caleb was easy to reach and flexible with all of our requests. On the day of our event, he showed up on time and ready to play. We got lots of compliments from our guests about his professionalism and talent! I would definitely recommend Caleb for any social or business event!
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thanks so much Katie! I enjoyed playing for your wedding. Congratulations! (I'd recommend you as a client too!)
Caleb was fabulous to work with ! The rehearsal dinner was a huge hit because of the fabulous music he played. Highly recommend him! Very professional and easy to deal with - Caleb is a very talented piano player!
Caleb was terrific. Very talented and personable. He plays a wide variety of music and takes requests. We will certainly have him back again.
As we celebrated my mother's 95th birthday, Caleb Nei provided the perfect blend of tunes that appealed to all ages. Caleb was professional and personable and it was a pleasure to work with him. He went the extra mile to find and perform new songs and even provided accompaniment when our four-year-old grandson sang an impromptu song for his great grandmother. We would not hesitate to recommend him or hire him again.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Looks like this is a duplicate review to the one above. Sometimes figuring out how to post reviews can be confusing. (Or maybe the review system freezes up at times.) Thanks again, Debbie! I had a great time as well!
Caleb’s love and mastery of the jazz keyboard catches fire as the quartet takes off. Doug Harrison’s amazingly sweet tenor sax embroiders the tunes Caleb launches. Together they tangle and untangle the great jazz standards, keeping the melody firmly in place, yet inventing beautiful sounds as they go. Dan Zarcone is far more than a journeyman bass player. He adds zest and an elegant force to the music. Lydia Lewis is unobtrusive yet masterful. Her percussion playing in “Ipanema” brought the piece to a stunning high point. Two listeners said it was the best rendition of this classic they’ve ever heard.
This jazz is as good as it gets. Several in our audience said this was the best jazz they’ve heard since the 1940s. Others said it was the best concert of any kind they’ve heard in the Winchester area in years. The evening ended with three standing ovations.
The quartet deserves a name, and it deserves to be heard by those who love jazz done well.
Response from Caleb Nei Jazz:
Thank you, Bob! This might be the kindest review I've ever received. At least, it's the most beautiful. Thank you so much. The quartet had a wonderful time playing for your Bistro Concert Series at Westminster-Canterbury. Can't wait to do it again someday.
We booked Caleb Nei as a pianist for our son's rehearsal dinner. He was a consummate professional, arriving early to make sure everything was in place before the start of the evening. Caleb played a wide variety of great songs that appealed to guests whose ages spanned three generations. We were very pleased with his music and his professionalism.
I have been booking music collectively for over 20 years as Dancing Beagle Events (House Concert Planner/Producer) and recently in the capacity as Executive Director at Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville VA. I have had the pleasure of hiring the Caleb Nei Trio for nearly a year now. I was so impressed with their first performance here that I created a monthly Sunday Jazz Series for Caleb's Trio and for him to hire additional talent to perform during the series. The audience has continued to grow each time they perform and many of our patrons ask how they can "book" them for private events. Hiring this trio will be a win-win no matter what kind of event you plan to host.
I have heard this trio at a couple of different venues and have enjoyed their performance every time. They are a professional, yet friendly, group who are excellent at what they do. I would highly recommend them for weddings, parties, and concerts.
The Caleb Nei Trio has performed at multiple venues and weddings I have attended. They also played for several formal dances and dinners I have put on. Caleb and his musicians are prompt, professional and courteous when working with brides and restaurants. They play such a wide variety of jazz tunes and ballads that your guests will have no problem with special requests. High energy and amazingly skilled performers. Great for dancing or dinner music alike. Tons of finesse. Love hearing them every time!
Price Range: $250-400 for solo piano. More for lager groups.
Gig Length: 60 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
Insurance: $1,000,000 - Business Pursuits
I play live music for 170+ events each year. I’d love to provide music for your classy event too. I can play solo piano cocktail music for your wedding reception, or put together a jazz quartet for your festive holiday party. Whatever your event, I’ve got the jazz! I work with some of the best singers, sax players, bassists & drummers around!
I played live music for 200+ events last year in Loudoun County, Washington DC and beyond.
I’d love to provide music for your classy event too. I can play solo piano cocktail music for your wedding reception, or put together a jazz quartet for your festive holiday party. Whatever your event, I’ve got the live jazz! I work with some of the best singers, sax players, bassists & drummers around!
#livejazz #livemusic #loudounjazz #pianojazz #jazzpianist #leesburgva #cocktailmusic #cocktailpiano
Don't need a lot of space...a piano, or if you don't have that, room to set up a keyboard and an outlet. (And space for any additional musicians.)
December 10, 2024 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
March 25, 2023 • 4:30pm - 6:30pm | Cocktail Party |
February 21, 2023 • 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Restaurant/Bar Event |
October 17, 2022 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Reception |
August 21, 2022 • 11:30am - 12:30pm | Birthday Party |
July 03, 2021 • 5:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
August 15, 2020 • 11:00am - 12:30pm | Wedding Ceremony |
November 24, 2019 • 6:30pm - 8:00pm | Christmas Party |
October 05, 2019 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | House Party |
December 22, 2018 • 12:00pm - 2:00pm | Holiday Party |
December 07, 2018 • 6:00pm - 7:30pm | Corporate Event |
July 14, 2018 • 10:30am - 1:00pm | Birthday Party |
October 01, 2017 • 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
May 20, 2017 • 5:30pm - 8:00pm | House Party |
April 09, 2017 • 1:30pm - 4:00pm | Nonprofit Event |
March 18, 2017 • 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Birthday (Adult) |
March 11, 2017 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Cocktail Party |
December 30, 2016 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Wedding Engagement |
November 12, 2016 • 6:00pm - 8:30pm | Cocktail Party |
July 01, 2015 • 3:30pm - 5:30pm | Corporate Event |
January 10, 2014 • 8:30pm - 11:30pm | Restaurant |
January 04, 2014 • 1:00pm - 3:00pm | Birthday Party |
Top requested songs: Fly Me to the Moon, L-O-V-E, At Last, Girl From Ipanema, Summertime, Moon River, The Way You Look Tonight, They Can’t Take That Away From Me, It Had to Be You, I Love You, What a Wonderful World, My Funny Valentine, Georgia on My Mind, My Favorite Things, All of Me.
But I play 100s more. See this list below.
(link hidden).
Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Miles, Ella, Tord Gustavsen, Jack DeJohnette, Vijay Iyer, and so many more...
Piano (Unless we're providing a keyboard.)
8x12 Area
AC Power (If we're providing a keyboard or sound reinforcement.)
Sandy G. said “Bill Edwards has the most incredibly informative website I’ve ever seen. His playing was exactly as anticipated after sampling his music online. His wonderful…”
Katie L. said “We loved having Alfred here for our event. The music selection was perfect and received nothing but compliments.”
Ally K. said “We had a wonderful event and are so grateful to Jesse for joining us!”
Ramon said “I recently had the pleasure of experiencing a truly remarkable jazz performance. The artist delivered a captivating mix of positive, relaxed, and swinging…”