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Joe Locascio

Joe LoCascio, a native New Yorker, has resided in Houston since 1977. A prolific performer/composer, he has twelve recordings to his credit, many of them having attained prominent radio airplay nationally and abroad. He has performed and/or recorded with jazz luminaries such as Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, Dave Liebman, Randy Brecker, Ernie Watts, Tim Hagans, Conrad Herwig, Marvin Stamm, George Coleman, and George Mraz among others. Jazz critics nationwide have acclaimed him as one of the finest artists on the contemporary scene.

He is currently Assistant Chairman of Jazz Studies at Houston Community College where he teaches Piano, Jazz History, Jazz Ensemble and Improvisation Theory (follow this link to view syllabi).

LoCascio performs and records with his trio. He also performs and records with saxophonists Woody Witt and Warren Sneed.

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4
Album Review

Joe Locascio: Book of Days

Read "Book of Days" reviewed by Geannine Reid


Pianist and composer Joe LoCascio has released his seventh album, titled Book of Days. The album was recorded in Houston's famed Wire Road Studios and featured his long-time collaborator Woody Witt on saxophone, bassist Richard Mikel and drummer Daniel Dufour. The project was initiated by Witt, who asked LoCascio to play a few gigs with these two dynamic musicians. As a result, LoCascio composed these specific compositions for this group and this recording. “Fantomas" opens the ten-song set ...

230
Album Review

Joe Locascio Trio: In The City Of Lost Things

Read "In The City Of Lost Things" reviewed by Glenn Astarita


Houston-based jazz pianist Joe Locascio has performed with many luminaries over the years. As a solo artist, he's released some of the more distinctive albums steeped within the piano trio format. In The City Of Lost Things may signal his finest recorded hour. Simply stated, Locascio plays all the right notes. Consisting of swirling chord clusters, fluid single note runs and tuneful melodies, the pianist and his crack rhythm section skirt that rather opaque division between mainstream and progressive jazz ...

96
Album Review

The Joe LoCascio Trio: Close to So Far

Read "Close to So Far" reviewed by Jack Bowers


I must have reviewed too many piano trio albums recently. Here’s another one, led by pianist Joe LoCascio, and I’m thinking as I test the water, yeah, it’s nicely played so why am I unmoved by it? But wait a minute; here’s a number with promise — the title track, “Close to So Far.” That one really swings! Inspired playing by LoCascio, inflexible support from bassist John Adams and drummer Tim Solook. Things may be looking up. The folk–like “For ...

90
Album Review

Joe LoCascio Trio: Close To So Far

Read "Close To So Far" reviewed by Mark F. Turner


Amidst an ocean of sparkling musicians it’s refreshing to find solitaires that have an inner glow. Joe LoCascio’s accomplished voice shines through with keen light on his latest recording entitled Close to So Far. The now resident Texan with New York roots has recorded with the likes of Chet Baker, Freddie Hubbard, and Hank Crawford and is still creating music that is of the here and now. He posesses a lyrical voice on piano that swells with musical depth. His ...

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Joe plays how he is: generous, passionate, intelligent, and warm. This sincerity, as well as his devotion to the music, is never in question when listening to him perform. Joe LoCascio is a poet on the piano, as well as a painter.

-- Art Lande

"If you are a piano trio fan and you like to listen to new original music, then "Close To So Far" is a recording not to miss. He combines many styles within his playing from stride to bebop to modal. In general his approach is very modern utilizing bitonality, dissonance, and extended harmonies. LoCascio has a thorough sense of harmony as well as rhythm and it is a pleasure to hear all three musicians work with such artistry. This is a very flexible recording as the new jazz fan can enjoy its listener friendly quality while the experienced listener can enjoy traveling inside the music with its various twists and turns. Tastefully done!"

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Book of Days

Self Produced
2023

buy

Close To So Far

Heart Music
2002

buy

Sleeping City

Kedar Entertainment Group
1989

buy

Sleepless

Kedar Entertainment Group
1986

buy

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