John Di Martino
piano
USA
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” aired on Europe’s Arte Channel, and 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.
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 CDs ”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 “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.
“John’s soul and being come straight through to his music, the jazz world needs him! ” – Sheila Jordan ( NEA Jazz Master )
“John Di Martino is one of my absolute personal favorite pianists of today. His music is an honest outpouring of light! “- Benny Green ( Jazz Pianist )
“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 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 that also enhance any instrumentalist he accompanies or arranges. DiMartino is a fine musician who sounds less interested in technical pyrotechnics than in mining a melody for its original intent—whether he’s arranging or playing, he lets the essence of a song speak for itself. “- DR. JUDITH SCHLESINGER ( All About Jazz )
Artist on GAM Records
Voices in Flight – New Release! Out Now!
“Voices In Flight" is the result of the collaboration between Master vocalists Judy Niemack and Jay Clayton.
This marks their debut recording, with tracks featuring their voices together as well as in varied combinations with three internationally known jazz musicians. Accompanied by guitarist Jeanfrançois Prins, bassist Jay Anderson, and pianist John Di Martino, who create a brilliant and solid backing, they explore creative interplay in this musical mix, offering a diverse range of songs from the likes of Thelonious Monk and Kenny Dorham as well as poems, originals and re-arranged standards.
Using both lyrics and abstract sounds, the two vocalists communicate with ease while exploring the music's beauty and emotional depths. Their seamless collaboration is a testament to their mutual respect and admiration for each other.