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Overview
I'm a pianist who plays the NJ, PA, DE area mostly. I play for hotels, restaurants and private functions both solo and with group.
*Currently I play periodically at
Stone House - Warren NJ
Logan Inn - New Hope Pa.
Ryland Inn - Whitehouse NJ
The Albion - Summit NJ
Liberty House in Jersey City NJ
Other establishments I’ve played as a regular are ….
Oldestone - New Hope Pa
Steakhouse 85 - New Brunswick NJ
Sebastian’s steakhouse - Morristown NJ
Bay Point Inn - Atlantic Highlands
*From 2005 to May 2008 I played at Nordstrom Department Store in the Menlo Park Mall in Edison NJ.
Dean Barolia - bass
Bill Bang - drums
* other drums - percussion
Kathy Goff
Rik Johnson
16 Reviews
Had Scott McAllister and his trio for a speakeasy-themed surprise birthday party this past weekend. They were excellent! They were all very nice, very communicative, accommodating, and their set list was great! All the guests loved their music. They created the perfect atmosphere. Will definitely hire them again! Highly recommend.
Jazz Band
Scott exceeded my expectations, came early set up and was playing when my guests arrived.
played continuously and only took a brief break .
I would highly recommend him to anybody looking for enjoyable dinner music during there party.
Thank you again.
Jazz Pianist
Scott added the perfect touch of elegance to my moms 90th birthday party. His piano talent was was amazing, songs were perfectly appropriate, and my mom loved the completeness he brought to her party. Highly highly recommend! Excellent performer ❤️
Pianist
Scott was terrific!
Jazz Pianist, Pianist
We had 50 people for an outdoor party. Temperature at the start was 97 degrees, under a tent. Scott started to play and for the next four hours no one went into the house except to use the bathroom -- they were having too much fun, and Scott was instrumental, you might say, to their enjoyment.
He knew and played all our favorite songs, played beautifully and from memory. He was wonderfully accommodating of all our requests, arrived when he had said he would and was ready to play at the party's start. The musicians among our guests were impressed with his technique and mastery of the material.
Scott was a great addition to our party and I would say that it wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable for our guests and us without him. I would recommend him highly, and hope to have him again at our next big party.
Pianist
Scott played at my father in law’s Celebration of Life. He was incredibly professional, prompt in his responses, accommodating of song choices, and he played wonderfully. I whole-heartedly recommend Scott.
Pianist
Scott played a combination of jazz standards, show tunes, and patriotic songs for our 4th of July supper picnic. While most guests were outside in the garden, his playing carried out from the living room and he kept the pieces coming without pause for two hours. It really added to the mood of the party - upbeat and fun! Seems like he could play anything.
Pianist
Amazing job at my wedding and cocktail hour. Scott was professional and excellent with the guests.
Pianist
Response from Scott McAllister:
Thank you, Christina. All the best to you and Sergio.
Regards,
Scott
We had 60 people for a party at our home. We had a chef, servers, bartenders, and the music was made by Scott. He is simply an awesome pianist and entertainer. Every single guest asked for his information for their parties. The kids were dancing, elders singing and everyone in between was swooning.....Beyond Great Soriee!
Pianist
Scott played all types of music. Everyone enjoyed. Would highly recommend him. A great addition to any party
Pianist
Scott exceeded expectations and made my rehearsal dinner one to remember! Guests were so impressed by his talent, and all of the songs he played. He showed up early, he stayed late, and we will recommend him to all friends and family!!!
Jazz Pianist, Pianist
In one word..... GREAT!!!
Pianist
Scott was absolutely wonderful. He was professional, friendly, and a great keyboard player. We received many compliments on his playing. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a piano and/or keyboard player. He was set up before we arrived, and you didn't even notice him breaking down and leaving. Very, very professional. We enjoyed his talents immensely.
Pianist
Will be hiring Scott again to play Piano at the restaurant.
Each table of diners were delighted to listen to him and were still able to hold their own conversations. He performed a nice range of song stylings for all musical tastes. Well done Scott.
Pianist
Scott played the cocktail hour at our wedding reception, and every guest was blown away by how beautiful the music was. Not just that, but the song selection was spot-on. It added SO MUCH to the experience. ALSO, I made a few last minute song requests (which weren't exactly mainstream choices!) and he LEARNED THEM and played them BEAUTIFULLY! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Scott. As far as I'm concerned, if you're looking for a pianist for your event, I can't imagine anyone providing a better, more pleasurable experience than Scott. THANK YOU!
Jazz Pianist, Pianist
Booking Info
Price Range: $150 - $1500
Gig Length: 60 - 300 minutes
Languages: English
What to Expect
I try to play a bit of everything for people if they are ok with it. Light classical pieces, the great standards, Broadway, ragtime, jazz, 60'-70' music as well as some hits of today.
Depending on what type of room I'm playing I will generally offer a bit of everyting mentioned above. I'm also open to taking requests or even having a sing along if the people so desire.
I like to play a combination of upbeat tunes followed by something along the lines of a ballad but that will change depending on the mood of the audience. Many times folks enjoy a few more upbeat tunes.
My style of play is along the lines of pop with elements of jazz and classical interspersed. I enjoy all types of music from classical to rock so I've picked up these influences along the way.
About
My introduction to music started with my father who played the Hammond organ for enjoyment. At the age of 7 I became interested in it as well and began to learn the fundamentals of music through the instrument. I became familiar with the great standards as well as what was the "rock & roll" era of the 60's and 70's.
Around the age of 12 I became interested in the piano and started playing thanks to my parents.
I started playing restaurants a little bit in the late 1990's and just kept going. I have had the opportunity to play all over the tri state area. I've played functions in many places such as the Waldorf Astoria, the Kitano Hotel and the Water Club in NYC as well as the Somerset Palace in NJ and Penn Ryn Mansion in Pennsylvania. In 2003 I played solo piano at the Cornerstone Cafe for a year in Metuchen NJ as well. I continue to play all over the northeast for all types of functions.
Services Offered
Past Booked Events
| October 19, 2024 • 7:00pm - 10:30pm | Birthday Party |
| August 17, 2024 • 12:00pm - 3:00pm | Bridal Shower |
| January 20, 2024 • 7:30pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| June 03, 2023 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| May 28, 2023 • 11:00am - 11:30am | Birthday Party |
| October 15, 2022 • 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 24, 2022 • 4:00pm - 8:00pm | Birthday Party |
| July 09, 2022 • 5:00pm - 6:30pm | Wedding Reception |
| September 25, 2021 • 2:00pm - 5:30pm | Children’s Birthday Party |
| September 18, 2021 • 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| February 23, 2020 • 1:00pm - 3:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| July 04, 2019 • 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Holiday Party |
| June 29, 2019 • 3:00pm - 6:00pm | Wedding Ceremony |
| February 16, 2019 • 4:00pm - 9:00pm | Birthday Party |
| January 05, 2019 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Birthday Party |
| August 17, 2018 • 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Dinner Party |
| December 31, 2016 • 9:30pm - 11:00pm | House Party |
| December 23, 2016 • 1:30pm - 3:30pm | Holiday Party (Christmas) |
| December 02, 2016 • 6:00pm - 9:00pm | Dinner Party |
| October 22, 2016 • 6:30pm - 9:30pm | Weekly/Recurring Performance |
| August 20, 2016 • 6:00pm - 7:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
| April 02, 2016 • 6:00pm - 11:00pm | Wedding Cocktail Hour |
Set List
Moon River
All of Me
It's Impossible
Ain't Misbehavin
Theme from "Chariots of Fire"
Just The Way You Are
Satin Doll
All The Things You Are
Josie
For Once In My Life
That's Life
Something About The Way You Look Tonight
Dream
Crazy
You and I
Misty
Basin Street Blues
Hey Jude
Can't Help Lovin Dat Man of Mine
I'll Be Seeing You
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Lately
Moonlight Serenade
Ebb Tide
Nowhere Man
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
The Entertainer (Scott Joplin)
Only You
Piano Man
Hello Dolly
Song in the Sand
Blue Skies
Ben
Somewhere My Love
Our Love Is Here To Stay
Bennie and the Jets
Manhattan
Here's That Rainy Day
Captain Jack
I Can't Get Started
The Lady Is A Tramp
Love Letters
Harmony
They Can't Take That Away From Me
People
Hotel California
Little Girl Blue
I Got Rhythm
Take the A-Train
I Want Love
Theme From "Laura"
If I Loved You
Stray Cat Strut
Third Man Theme
Blue Moon
Tiny Dancer
Surrey With the Fringe On Top
Lover
September Morn
10th Avenue Freezeout
Hundreds of others!!!!!
Influences & Inspiration
Roger Williams, Bob Ralston, Erroll Garner, Vladimir Horowitz, Liberace, many others.
Setup Requirements
A piano or if needed I provide a Yamaha electric piano.
Testimonials
Scott did a fantastic job playing the piano at my son's bar mitzvah reception. His piano playing really helped to set the mood! We received many compliments about his music from our guests. I would definitely hire Scott again!
Debra Miller, Livingston NJ
– Debra Miller
Scott McAllister's fluid piano technique and fine selection of 1930s and 1940s standards and light classical music added to the elegance of our wedding reception at the Waldorf -Astoria. The conviviality of our reception was enhanced by Scott's sunny personality and excellent background sound. Scott made a great effort to find, learn and play songs that we had requested, which we appreciate. Our friends and we loved Scott and his music. We definitely would employ Scott again, and highly recommend him to all others who want the perfect pianist at their event.
Robin Arzt, New York NY
– Robin Arzt
Scott was a wonderful addition to our party. Scott was professional, a delight and he played beautifully! His music set the tone for a lovely party. I would highly recommend Scott to anyone having a party. I would have him at every party I have in the future!
Marissa Nono, Mahwah NJ
– Marissa Nono
Scott was a wonderful, classy addition to our Holiday cocktail party. I would invite him back to my home in a heartbeat! He spent a lot of time discussing the nature of my event with me and provided the perfect music for the occasion. He was professional, friendly and accomodating. Scott truly helped make my party a success. I would not hesitate to have him play at any event, we enjoyed his music very much.
Lisa Ford, Cranford NJ
– Lisa Ford
Scott was excellent. He was all set up and ready when my guests started arriving. I had told him we did not want line dances, YMCA type music. He played an excellent selection of dinner music that was also suitable for slow dancing. Several of my guests commented on the excellent music. He really added a nice atmosphere to my reception. If you are looking for nice background "dinner" music where people can have conversations without yelling over the speakers, Scott is the right one for you.
Christine Shine, Wedding - Scotch Plains NJ
– Christine Shine
We hired Scott for my daughters "Breakfast At Tiffanies" theme family sweet 16 party. Scott was amazing. I don't think the party would have been anywhere near a success as it was without him. We just wanted him to play upbeat background music so that our guests could enjoy the music and still be able to hold conversations. Scott did exactly what we asked for. He is extremely talented and couldn't have been more professional. We would absolutely recommend him to a friend and/or use him again ourselves.
Debbie Vaneenennaam, Pompton Plains, NJ
– Debbie Vaneenennaam
My wife and I hired Scott to play ceremony music at our wedding, as well as the cocktail hour. We made him sweat; not because we were demanding, nor because we didn't pay him, but because the ceremony was outdoors on the beach in the middle of July! Scott's performance was fantastic and added the perfect touch to both the ambience and comfort of our guests. Always the consummate professional, Scott accepted any requests we had and was always pleasant to speak with. His talent speaks for itself...listen, watch and enjoy! We would recommend him in a millisecond.
Mike Casale, Wedding - Sea Bright NJ
– Mike Casale
This is the 2nd time we had Scott play and we will ask him again for next Christmas. He knew a variety of music from all age groups, was comfortable with people hovering over him and had no problem staying later than the contracted time.
Nancy D, Basking Ridge, NJ
– Nancy D.