With nearly twenty years performance experience both nationally and abroad, Ernest Turner is an in demand pianist of the highest caliber. From concert halls and festivals to small intimate events, no event is too big or too small for this exceptional artist.
Ernest was just perfect for our event, a retirement party. We wanted some lovely background jazz music for people to mix and mingle. Ernest's playing was excellent and he really understood what was needed--the musical selections, volume, his placement in the room, everything. He was incredibly professional--arrived early, set himself up, and was a lovely but unobtrusive presence at the celebration, just what was needed. We would all recommend him highly and several people asked for his card afterwards.
Price Range: $200 and up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Ernest Turner has been an active performer and educator since 1999. Studying piano from the age of 4 - first with his mother and later with Mrs. Barbara Cooke - he went on to receive his B.M. and M.M in jazz studies from Loyola University of New Orleans and University of New Orleans, respectively. It was here in New Orleans the young pianist learned the commitment necessary to sharpen his craft, and encountered two of the strongest influences of his early musical career, jazz pianist Michael Pellera and classical pianist John Murphy.
For nearly twenty years he has had the pleasure of performing with many great jazz musicians, including Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis, Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Adonis Rose, Ron Westray, the Heath Brothers, Paul Jeffrey, John Brown and Nneena Freelon, Christian Scott and many others. He has also toured nationally and internationally, and is a featured sideman on Stephen Riley’s “El Gaucho” and “Lucky Seven”, and Brian Horton’s “ A Brand New Day”. He has also been active in education, doing numerous music clinics/educational performances and serving on the faculty at East Carolina University from (phone number hidden).
Ernest is involved in various projects in the North Carolina area, including an upcoming debut album for his acoustic piano trio and quartet.
| October 14, 2017 • 4:00pm - 7:00pm | Corporate Event |
| September 15, 2017 • 7:00pm - 9:00pm | Cultural Event |
| December 16, 2016 • 7:00pm - 9:30pm | Wayne County Jazz Showcase |
| November 18, 2016–November 19, 2016 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Jazz Room - Charlotte, NC |
| November 11, 2016–November 12, 2016 • 9:00pm - 1:00am | C Grace |
| November 04, 2016 • 8:00pm - 11:00pm | Franklin Hotel |
| October 24, 2016 • 3:00pm - 5:00pm | Anniversary Party |
- Great American songbook (Cole Porter, Gershwin, Ellington, etc)
- a la Stevie Wonder, pop R&B, etc
- New Orleans Music (When the Saints go Marching, Bourbon St. Parade, St. James Infirmary, etc)
- Classical Music (wedding ceremonies, etc)
Some contemporary pop (Sam Smith, Michael Jackson, Eurhythmics, Norah Jones, etc)
Raleigh, NC 
Singing Pianist
4 Verified Bookings Teresa T. said “Craig was a great addition to our event. He is professional and polished, a great look for any event. He knows how to take the spotlight when needed or…”
Raleigh, NC
Pianist
32 Verified Bookings John S. said “This was a great choice for our reception. The music was lovely, and brought lots of compliments. Clear communication made for a great experience. Cheers!”
Philadelphia, PA
Jazz Band
229 Verified Bookings Kiki M. said “Absolutely amazing ensemble! I am so thrilled with this group. It was everything that I could have hoped for. They go above and beyond and made it an…”
Raleigh, NC
Jazz Band
3 Verified Bookings We can customize a combo to your event. We can make the group as small as you want or as large as you want.
List your services
Log In
