John Colianni's Quintet June 15, 2008

John Colianni grew up in the Washington, D.C. metro area, and first heard Jazz on swing-era LP re-issues (Ellington, Goodman, Jimmie Lunceford, Count Basie, etc.) in his parent's home. A performance by Teddy Wilson in Washington attended by John when he was about 12 years old also left a strong impression, as did a Duke Ellington performance (more later).

Piano Instruction

Showing keyboard aptitude, a suitable teacher for John was sought out by his parents. Local musicians recommended Les Karr, who, in addition to teaching , was well known as an outstanding pianist. Weekly lessons with Les Karr began in the 8th Grade, when John was 14. Les Karr himself studied under Teddy Wilson at Juilliard in NYC. Les was also the first cousin of pianist Dick Hyman.

For John's lessons, Les emphasized technique, and introduced studies of the Mathe' System, a method that advances digital dexterity and maximizes the capacity for speedy, high-velocity piano playing. John Colianni, noted for fleet "chops", cites the important role these exercises play.

Around Washington

Still in High School, Colianni began playing piano professionally on the Washington, D.C. Jazz scene, which, during that period included a number of colorful Jazz clubs like The Pigfoot, Mr. Y's Gold Room, One Step Down, Blues Alley, The Bayou, The Famous Balloom (Baltimore), Frankie Condon's (Rockville), and other establishments.

These were Colianni's first performance venues, and he played among veteran DC musicians like Ella Fitzgerald's bassist Keter Betts (who recruited 16 year-old John for the revue "Jazz Stars Of The Future"), pianist John Malachi (Billy Eckstine/Dizzy Gillespie), tenor saxist Antoine Roney, bassist Steve Novosel, arranger Bill Potts, and others. Jazz Studies Director George Ross invited JC, still in 10th Grade, to play regularly with the University of Maryland Jazz Ensemble.

There was an event that took place years earlier, which perhaps helped set the stage for John's interest and involvement in the music world: Duke Ellington, the most celebrated musician to ever come from Washington DC, passed through town with his Orchestra on a tour during his latter period. Colianni, very young at the time, was mesmerized and electrified by the concert, and afterwards presented Duke a copy of the Ellington autobiography "Music Is My Mistress", which Duke signed with a personalized message.

Touring with Lionel Hampton

The Colianni family re-located to the Jersey Shore during JC's senior year in High School; it was here that John came to the attention of Carlton Drinkard, former accompanist to the one and only "Lady Day" - Billie Holiday. Drinkard toured and recorded with Ms. Holiday for various periods between 1949 and 1958. Carlton coached John in the art of performing with a Trio, playing before live audiences.

Roughly a year and a half after re-locating to Jersey, Colianni visited Lionel Hampton backstage at an Atlantic City New Year's Casino job; this led to a spot in Mr. Hampton's Orchestra, with which JC traveled and recorded on and off for 3 years. Other band members during John's stay included tenor sax great Arnett Cobb; saxist Paul Jeffrey; saxist Tom Chapin; drummers Frankie Dunlop, Oliver Jackson and Duffy Jackson; bassists George Duvivier and Arvell Shaw, and other greats.
Please go to the Press page for Lionel Hampton's personal account of his association with John Colianni.

Monk Competition

Not too long after the Hampton gig, John entered and won a cash prize in the 1st annual Thelonius Monk Piano Competition in 1987.

With Mel Torme'

In the 1980s, John played a variety of gigs, including a stint with the New Orleans-inspired band of movie director/clarinetist Woody Allen. Allen's band played steadily at Michael's Pub in NY, and it was here that John came to the attention of Mel Torme', who was appearing concurrently at the same club. Hearing one of JC's recordings through the venues' system between sets, Mel promptly hired John as his pianist (without an audition). John worked for Torme' for 4 and 1/2 exciting years, touring and recording 6 albums.

Les Paul

Les Paul offered the piano spot in his group to John in August of 2003. Les has not used a pianist in his combo since the '50s, and, in looking for suitable candidates, sought the advice of players like guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, who recommended Colianni. As of this writing, John is still with Les Paul.

Event submitted by Eventful.com on behalf of clmgarage.