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John di Martino

John 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" Mr. Di Martino 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.

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4
Album Review

Judy Niemack - Jay Clayton: Voices in Flight

Read "Voices in Flight" reviewed by Katchie Cartwright


While veteran vocal improvisers Judy Niemack and Jay Clayton have known each other since the '70s, Voices in Flight marks their first time together in the studio. They have performed some of the album material in live shows since the early 2000s, including their medley of “Body and Soul" and Idrees Sulieman's gorgeous contrafact of it, “Orange Blossoms" ("With You"). Niemack sings the Sulieman tune, highlighting her craft in writing texts for instrumental jazz tunes that match the melodic inflections ...

5
Album Review

The Harry Allen Orchestra: With Roses

Read "With Roses" reviewed by Pierre Giroux


Harry Allen is a tenor saxophonist's tenor saxophonist with an elegant tone and swinging style in the manner of Scott Hamilton, Lester Young or Ben Webster. He has a well-rounded discography of over 70 releases as a leader and many others as a sideman. Over the course of his prolific career, Allen has appeared with the likes of Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, James Taylor and guitarists Bucky Pizzarelli and John Pizzarelli. In this release, With Roses, Allen applies his considerable ...

4
Album Review

Mary Foster Conklin: These Precious Days

Read "These Precious Days" reviewed by Pierre Giroux


Mary Foster Conklin is a New York-based singer with an eclectic approach to the choices she makes in deciding upon a repetoire for her fifth release, These Precious Days. Unafraid to step outside the nine dots, she has focussed the project on lesser-known jazz and popular compositions by predominately female songwriters. Joining Conklin are a number of top shelf New York musicians including pianist and arranger John Di Martino, violinist Sara Caswell, bassist Ed Howard, drummer Vince Cherico, guitarist Guilherme ...

5
Album Review

John DiMartino: Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

Read "Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn" reviewed by Dr. Judith Schlesinger


Pianist/composer/arranger/producer 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 which also enhance any instrumentalist he accompanies or arranges. All of these talents inform DiMartino's splendid Billy Strayhorn tribute, Passion Flower, where he is joined by his ever-superb colleagues: Eric Alexander on tenor saxophone, drummer Lewis Nash and bassist Boris Kozlov. The wonderful vocalist Raul Midon sings ...

1
Multiple Reviews

Composer Tributes: Strayhorn, Shorter, Monk and Sam Jones

Read "Composer Tributes: Strayhorn, Shorter, Monk and Sam Jones" reviewed by Jerome Wilson


There always seem to be albums coming out that pay tribute to accomplished jazz composers. Here are some newer ones, three on very familiar names and one on an often overlooked musician. John Di Martino Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn Sunnyside Records 2020 Pianist John Di Martino leads a tribute to the work of Billy Strayhorn that captures the composer's sense of elegance and playfulness. A lot of that ...

4
Album Review

John di Martino: Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

Read "Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn" reviewed by Jack Bowers


Composer / arranger Billy Strayhorn was barely twenty-three years old when he first met bandleader Duke Ellington, an encounter that would lead to a collaboration that lasted more than half of Strayhorn's life. During that time, Strayhorn wrote some of the Ellington orchestra's most acclaimed and enduring songs including “Lotus Blossom," “Chelsea Bridge," “Isfahan" and, most notably, the jazz classic “Take the 'A' Train," as well as others for which Ellington claimed partial credit ("Daydream," “Something to Live For") and ...

6
Album Review

John Di Martino: Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

Read "Passion Flower: The Music of Billy Strayhorn" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


When esophageal cancer took Billy Strayhorn's life in 1967, his work and legacy rested squarely in the shadow of Duke Ellington's world. More than half a century later, though the two figures remain inextricably linked, Strayhorn's genius has moved past the penumbra of his legendary collaborator and employer, occupying its own clear place in the jazz firmament. Through biography and documentary film, his own lush life has been illuminated. And of equal importance, Strayhorn's compositions continue to bloom in others' ...

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Recording

Requinte Trio 'The Northern Sea' With Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Nanny Assis!

Requinte Trio 'The Northern Sea' With Janis Siegel, John Di Martino & Nanny Assis!

Source: Scott Thompson Public Relations

A pianist from jny: Philadelphia, a singer from Brooklyn and a percussionist from Bahia walk into a bar... Fingers, voices and rhythm. A lingering sweetness on your lips from the night before, and a quick inhale the morning after. The richness and passion of The Northern Sea. Pianist/arranger John di Martino hails from the City Of Brotherly Love, had learned his licks with the great Lennie Tristano and is one of the most in-demand accompanists for singers. Man, got some ...

168

Interview

Pianist John Di Martino Interviewed at AAJ

Pianist John Di Martino Interviewed at AAJ

Source: All About Jazz

John di Martino is a New York area based pianist, composer, arranger and Venus recording artist. He is a sought after musical director and is in demand by many singers as an accompanist, having accompanied such singers as Jon Hendricks, Sylvia Sims, Diane Schuur and Billy Eckstine. His talents as a pianist and arranger can be heard on recordings with Freddy Cole, Gloria Lynne and Grady Tate. Noted for his versatility, di Martino has also performed and recorded with such ...

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Performance / Tour

Barbara Fasano with the John Di Martino Trio Friday, October 5 ~ Sets @ 8PM & 9:30 Enzo's Jazz Room @ Jolly Hotel Madison

Barbara Fasano with the John Di Martino Trio Friday, October 5 ~ Sets @ 8PM & 9:30 Enzo's Jazz Room @ Jolly Hotel Madison

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

BARBARA FASANO with THE JOHN DI MARTINO TRIO FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 ~ SETS @ 8PM & 9:30 ENZO'S JAZZROOM@ JOLLY HOTEL MADISON 22 East 38 Street @ Madison Avenue / Whaler Bar Barbara Fasano, vocals John di Martino, piano Sean Smith, bass Tim Horner, percussion $15 music charge, 1 drink min. 212.802.0600 “Taste, built-in dramatic chops, the ability to manipulate ...

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Performance / Tour

Barbara Fasano an Intimate Evening of Voice/Piano Duets with John Di Martino, Piano Sunday, March 18 @ 7PM at the Metropolitan Room

Barbara Fasano an Intimate Evening of Voice/Piano Duets with John Di Martino, Piano Sunday, March 18 @ 7PM at the Metropolitan Room

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

"Taste, built-in dramatic chops, the ability to manipulate time, and, above all, respect for lyrics..." --JazzTimes THE NEW YORK SUN: “a charismatic stylist who effectively channels the living spirits of the great ber-divas Lena Horne and Barbra Streisand." Barbara Fasano 2007 Back Stage Bistro Award Winner returns to Metropolitan Room in a new set ~ “ROUND ABOUT" An intimate evening ofvoice/piano duets with John di Martino, piano Sunday, March 18 @ 7pm Songs by ...

"John"s soul and being come straight through to his music,
the jazz world needs him! "
- Sheila Jordan ( NEA Jazz Master )



"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 di Martino is one of my absolute personal favorite pianists of today. 
I hope that the general public can have more opportunities to savor his music, 
his music is an honest outpouring of light.
- Benny Green ( Jazz Pianist )


Primary Instrument

Piano

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

John is now a faculty member of the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts and the Brooklyn Conservatory where he is conducting workshops.

For information about the Harbor Conservatory call (212) 427-2244 (Ramon at ext. 572 or Soyla at ext. 555).

John is also accepting private students in jazz piano, theory and harmony.

Photos

Concerts

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Drop Me Off

Challenge Records
2024

buy

Wanderlust

Moonflower Music
2024

buy

These Precious Days

Mock Turtle Music
2023

buy

With Roses

Triangle7
2023

buy

Voices in Flight

GAM Records
2023

buy

Requinte Trio - The...

Self Produced
2021

buy

Light Out of Darkness

From: Wanderlust
By John di Martino

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