Russell Kranes is the consummate professional musician.

An accomplished ballet accompanist, church director and freelance jazz pianist, Russell can be seen performing throughout NYC on a daily basis. He plays all styles of contemporary music and works with a vast network of incredible musicians. Highly soulful and virtuosic, Russell simply loves music and wishes to impart spirit and truth to his listeners.

Russell is a former student of the late, great piano master, Geri Allen.

Born in Queens, NY and raised in Connecticut, Russell was drawn to music as a baby. After seeing the Beach Boys perform at Jones Beach at the age of 2, Russell began studying violin via the Suzuki Method. Violin really wasn’t for him and at the age of 9 switched to piano. Upon attending the Berklee 5-week summer program, Russell truly found his calling in life and began steadfastly practicing piano 5-6 hours/day. At the University Of Michigan he continued intense study, and won the piano chair (of 500 contestants) with the All-American College Band at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. Graduating from college, Russell worked for two years as an apprentice baker, developing a lifelong love for pastry and culinary arts. However, in 2013 Russell decided to follow his true passion and moved to NYC to dedicate himself fully to music.

Russell is an extremely in-demand NYC musician. He currently serves as the musical director at Salem Missionary Baptist Church. He works at Hunter College as a ballet accompanist alongside one of the most eminent choreographers of our time, Nina Goldman. And most importantly, he co-runs an RnB/Funk/Soul band alongside his best friend, acclaimed singer/songwriter, Sol Liebeskind.

Russell regularly tours throughout the United States and Latin America with his project, as well as with other band leaders. Russell has performed at some of NYC’s most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center, Smalls Jazz Club, 55 Bar, Arthur’s Tavern, Owl Music Parlor, NuBlu and Fat Cat. He and his band currently hold residencies at Saint Tuesday, Arthur’s Tavern, Ned Nomad, Apotek Nomad, and Penn One. In addition, he works with one of the top wedding/event bands in the country, Hudson Horns.