About the Band

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Music has always been about more than just the notes on a page; it is about the breath, the heartbeat, and the soul of the person playing. But for many of us, life throws a curveball that makes the music stop. For me, that curveball came in September 2025, resulting in a below-knee amputation and a new life navigated with a prosthetic.

In those early days of recovery, the "fantasy" of returning to my saxophone felt miles away. But as I found my footing, I realized that the jazz I loved wasn’t about physical perfection—it was about resilience. That is why I founded The Silver Keys, an adaptive jazz quintet based right here in Westchester, New York.

The Silver Keys is a unique community ensemble specifically designed for late-stage beginners and returning players (Ages 55+) who are navigating physical "new normals." We are a band of amputees, prosthetic users, wheelchair users, and survivors.

Traditional bands often move at a pace that doesn’t account for the logistics of an adaptive life. We are changing that. We provide a relaxed, fun-first rehearsal environment at Outrage Studios where the "workarounds" are part of the process. Whether it’s a drummer using an electronic trigger for a prosthetic pedal, a bassist who needs to play seated, or a horn player utilizing ergonomic supports, we prove that our instruments don’t care about our limbs—only our spirit.

We aren't just practicing for the sake of a hobby; we are building a foundation of Fellowship and Performance. Our goal is to take this quintet out of the studio and onto stages all over the tri-state area. We want the world to see that when the Silver Keys performs, they aren’t just hearing jazz; they are seeing a visual representation of defiance and joy.

We focus on the "Gold Standards" of the jazz book—classics like Autumn Leaves and Watermelon Man. We keep the arrangements clean and the groove deep, ensuring that every member, regardless of their starting point, can contribute to the "pocket."

We are currently seeking our "Anchor"—a patient, mentoring-minded upright bassist—and our "Crew" of drummers, pianists, and horn players. If you are a musician over 55 who has felt "pushed out" by physical challenges or is simply looking for a supportive space to reclaim your musical dreams, we want to hear from you.

On Saturday, June 27th, we will hold our first meet-and-greet and audition session in Westchester. We invite you to join our haystack of rare needles. Let’s stop dreaming about the music and start playing it.

Let’s live the fantasy together.