Born: September 30, 1970 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
Al Maniscalco has been making strong contributions to the East coast jazz scene since 1993. Born in Staten Island, New York and raised in Hollywood, Florida, Al migrated north to Maryland after receiving his Bachelor of Music degree in 1992 from the University of North Florida. In 1994 he completed studies to earn a Master of Music degree from Towson State University. Now hailed as one of the regions top saxophonists, Al has achieved a substantial resume, including performance with Branford Marsalis, Tony Bennett, Bunky Green, Valery Ponomarev, George Colligan, Curtis Lundy, Billy Hart, John Hicks, Ronnie Mathews, Larry Willis, Eddie Henderson, Marcus Printup and Chuck Mangione. He has shared the stage with such popular favorites as The Temptations, Hal Linden, The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, and has appeared on international Cruise Lines. In 1992, Al Maniscalco was selected WINNER of the Jazz Category in the Great South Florida Sound Search, sponsored by the Miami Herald, competing with over 600 contestants. In 2004 he was among 12 winning finalists in the “Search For A New Jazz Star” competiton hosted by EuroClubdeJazz.com and sponsored by Sony Jazz, competing with hundreds of musicians from all over the world. Since its inception in 1994, the Al Maniscalco Quartet has developed a reputation as one of the regions premier jazz groups, performing at jazz venues across the eastern seaboard. This continued success led to the production of the group’s first major recording project, and the release of their first CD, Altitude, in 1997. The year 2000 was marked with the second recording by this ensemble. Al Maniscalco: Live at Tidings Park captures the musical growth and camaraderie of the Al Maniscalco Quartet in a live outdoor concert setting. The third recording, More in My Heart (2003) was quoted as “a triumph of emotionalism over intellectualism” by Jazzreview.com. One Blessed Day (2006) is the latest release by this esteemed ensemble and proves to be the strongest recording to date. As the liner notes by legendary saxophonist Bunky Green state, “the music has groove and swing…and creates great passion”. Al Maniscalco is expanding his audience worldwide, as recent performances in Hong Kong and Italy have proven his appeal to an international audience. As his popularity in the U.S. grows, plans to return to Europe and Asia are eminent. Al Maniscalco currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida. He is an active clinician for Buffet Crampon and endorses Keilwerth Saxophones and Buffet Crampon U.S.A.
