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).

In The City Of Lost Things by Glenn Astarita
Close to So Far by Jack Bowers
Close To So Far by Mark F. Turner

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