Joey Calderazzo
One of the finest pianists of his generation, having recorded thirteen albums as a leader, Joey Calderazzo has traveled the road from child prodigy to in-demand session musician to elite member of the finest ensembles in jazz. He’s accompanied the music’s geniuses, from Michael Brecker and Branford Marsalis to Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland. Throughout his journey, Calderazzo has boldly explored his own psyche and his place in the world, as a composer, improvisor, band member, and leader.
Calderazzo’s long running trio, which recently recorded Live From The Cotton Club Tokyo, Volume I, is his place of relaxation and exploration, where improvisation is key, freedom is the norm, and swing is absolute. Joined by bassist Orlando Le Fleming and drummer Donald Edwards, Calderazzo examines original material and choice cover renditions in a live performance inspired by his prodigiously broad approach to jazz.
Early in his career, after groundbreaking records with saxophone legend Michael Brecker and solo recordings on Blue Note Records, Calderazzo experienced an epiphany that affected his piano playing and compositional direction.
Calderazzo, originally a classical pianist who turned down a scholarship to Berklee College of Music and dropped out of Manhattan School of Music, dove headfirst into the history of jazz piano and its heroes.
Calderazzo’s perennial trio has recorded multiple albums, including 1993’s The Traveler (with John Patitucci and Jay Anderson (bass); Peter Erskine and Jeff Hirshfield (drums)), 1997s Simply Music (Sylvain Gagnon, bass; Jeff "Tain" Watts, drums); 1999’s Joey Calderazzo (John Patitucci, bass; Jeff "Tain" Watts, drums); 2011’s Live (Orlando le Fleming, bass; Donald Edwards, drums); and 2015’s Going Home (le Fleming, bass; Adam Cruz, drums). Live from The Cotton Club Tokyo, Volume 1, extends Calderazzo’s relaxed persona and focused musicality.
Micheal Brecker produced Calderazzo’s 1990 Blue Note debut, In The Door, and enlisted the young pianist for every recording thereafter until his untimely death. In 1998, Branford Marsalis asked Calderazzo to join his quartet. Their association continues to this day.