Special Guest, John Di Martino

Welcome to JazzPianoSkills, I'm Dr. Bob Lawrence. It’s time to Discover, Learn, and Play jazz piano! Today, you are in for a real treat! I am joined by John Di MartinoJohn Di Martino is a composer, arranger, jazz pianist, producer, and educator, based in New York City. He is described as a "shape-shifter", for his creativity across musical genres. John composed the music for the documentary series: “A Glimpse Of Paradise"   (Prospera Medienproduktion) aired on Europe’s Arte Channel, and music for the video games: "Batman: The Telltale Series"John Di Martino's latest CD’s are: “Passion Flower” (the music of Billy Strayhorn ), featuring Raul Midon, Eric Alexander, Boris Kozlov, and Lewis Nash, and: “Mazel” (Yiddish Songs, re-imagined ), with Janis Siegel and Cantor Daniel Krammer (https://mazelthealbum.com/)John has recorded numerous CDs on the High Note and Venus Records (Japan) labels as a leader, and with Freddy Cole, Gloria Lynn, Houston Person, and Nicki Parrott.  John’s discography includes Grammy-nominated CD’S: ”Love" (Issac Delgado), "Freddy Cole Sings Mr. B"  and "Live And In Clave" (Bobby Sanabria). John Di Martino was a long time member of Ray Barretto's "New World Spirit",  He is a featured arranger and pianist on many of Ray Barretto's recordings including the grammy-nominated, CD: "Contact" and "Portraits In Jazz And Clave"  (featuring James Moody, Kenny Burrell, Joe Lovano, Steve Turre, and Eddie Gomez). Born in Philadelphia, Pa in 1959, John studied with Jimmy Amadie, Lennie Tristano, and Don Sebesky.Discogs Artist Page"John's soul and being come straight through to his music, the jazz world needs him! " - Sheila Jordan (NEA Jazz Master)"John Di Martino is one of my absolute personal favorite pianists of today. His music is an honest outpouring of light! "- Benny Green (Jazz Pianist)"John di Martino's middle name should be 'taste', for he conveys that quality in both solo and supportive roles, in jazz as well as Latin music." - Ray Barretto (NEA Jazz Master)"John DiMartino is a first-call veteran of the New York City jazz scene. This multi-recorded artist has long been a favorite of singers for his gigantic ears and intuitive, uncluttered playing—rare gifts that also enhance any instrumentalist he accompanies or arranges. DiMartino is a fine musician who sounds less interested in technical pyrotechnics than in mining a melody for its original intent—whether he's arranging or playing, he lets the essence of a song speak for itself. "- Dr. Judith Schlesinger (All About Jazz)Support the show