Unique Blend of smooth jazz and soulful jazz fusion with numerous special guests.

10 MP3 Songs in this album (58:55) !
Related styles: JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, JAZZ: Jazz Fusion

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Details:
Keyboardist, composer, Mike Ricchiuti is an emerging artist with a refreshing and contemporary approach to his playing and writing. Mikeâs playing, while grounded in the jazz piano tradition, draws upon a wide variety of influences from pop to soul and funk, giving him a unique voice as an artist. His influences include Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Stevie Wonder, and many others.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Mike grew up on Long Island, and began taking piano lessons by the age of 7. As a young boy he studied classical music but Billy Joel was his musical hero. In his late teens Mike discovered jazz piano and decided to enroll at Berklee College of Music. In the fall of 1986, Mike left for Boston and discovered a whole new world of music. There he studied with Jeff Covell, Ray Santisi, and Herb Pomeroy, among others. In 1991 he returned to NY to embark on his career, while continuing to study with Fred Hersch and Kenny Werner.

Most recently Mike has been touring with singer Patti Austin as her pianist/keyboardist and musical director, supporting her latest CD, âAvant Gershwinâ. This has provided Mike with the opportunity to work with various symphonies around the world, legendary big bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, as well as leading his own trio. He is currently in the studio with Patti, arranging and producing tracks for her new pop/r+b record. In addition Mike has performed and recorded with guitarist Chuck Loeb. On Chuckâs latest Cd, âWhen Iâm With Youâ, Mike is featured as a pianist, writer, as well as co-producer on several of the tracks. Other recent recording credits include âA New Kind of Blueâ featuring Randy Brecker, and work with pianist, Bob James, saxophonist, Eric Marienthal, Gato Barbieri, Michael Franks, Spyro Gyra, David Mann, Kim Waters, and the soundtrack to âState and Mainâ.

Mikeâs talents have also been sought out by a variety of other artists. He toured in the US and Europe with legendary funk saxophonist Maceo Parker, playing organ. Mike was hired to play in the house band for the âI Love NYâ benefit concert held at the Beacon Theater in NYC for victims of the World Trade Center tragedy. On this special night, he backed up artists such as Al Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Phoebe Snow, Jeff Golub, Russ Freeman, and many others. In addition, Mike has worked with Michael Brecker, Chris Botti, Peabo Bryson, Bill Evans, Will Lee, Steve Gadd, John Patitucci, Omar Hakim, Stephanie Mills, David Foster, Jeff Kashiwa, Chieli Minucci, and Nelson Rangell. Finally, Mike performs with his own band in support of his solo CD, âThe Way I See Itâ.