Joey Calderazzo News

CD: Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo – Songs of Mirth and Melancholy

Publication: The Arts Desk
Date: June 2, 2011
Author: Peter Quinn

It may have taken just three days to record, but this new duo recording from sax player Branford Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo has 13 years of music-making behind it, dating back to when Calderazzo replaced the late, great Kenny Kirkland in the Branford Marsalis Quartet in 1998. We’ve come to expect a superabundance of imagination from both these players, but in Songs of Mirth and Melancholy Marsalis and Calderazzo seem to tap into even deeper levels of musical empathy and intuition. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on June 2nd, 2011 — 12:25pm

Branford Marsalis / Joey Calderazzo: Songs of Mirth and Melancholy (2011)

Publication: All About Jazz
Date: May 30, 2011
Author: Mark F. Turner

The Swedish proverb “Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow,” is one that perfectly exemplifies Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, from saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianist Joey Calderazzo. Their bond has solidified over time, since Calderazzo took over the piano chair from the late Kenny Kirkland in Marsalis’ ensemble in 1998. While Kirkland’s talent can never be replaced, Calderazzo has proven his own deep abilities as a vital member of the band—and in his own recordings. Marsalis’ voice is commanding in any aspect, whether playing or speaking frankly about the music environment, and continues to resonate as a leader. Together, their rapport illuminates this recording.
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Submitted by Bobby on May 31st, 2011 — 11:31am

Marsalis, Branford and Joey Calderazzo - Songs of Mirth and Melancholy

Publication: The Phantom Tollbooth
Author: Derek Walker
Date: May 26, 2011

Timeless, breezy jazz played with remarkable purity

When the Branford Marsalis Quartet released their last album Metamorphosis, Marsalis – being a democratic kind of bandleader – gave each of his colleagues some space for their compositions. These pieces were fairly varied, but it was the work of pianist Joey Calderazzo that particularly impressed me. His relaxed, lyrical style made listening a real pleasure and some tracks were the sort you could enjoy for hours. So it was exciting to see that he and Marsalis were to work together for this intimate collaboration, free of drums and any other outside interference. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on May 26th, 2011 — 03:13pm

Branford Marsalis and Joey Calderazzo Duo / Songs of Mirth and Melancholy - World Premiere

Branford and JoeyTickets are now on sale for the WORLD PREMIERE of Branford Maralis & Joey Calderazzo’s duo project, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, at the 2011 TD Toronto Jazz Festival. The performance takes place at The Royal Conservatory’s Koerner Hall in Toronto, Ontario on June 29. For more information and to purchase your tickets today, please visit the jazz festival’s website! We hope to see you there.

Born of an evolving love of music and set in the deep focus of serious listening and learning, Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, is full of virtuosity and joy, touching the listener with its expressiveness, melody, emotion; those elements of music that transcend genre and period and speak to us of inspiration and beauty. Comprised primarily of original compositions from each musician, a Wayne Shorter tune paying tribute to that great man and a nod to Brahms, the duo presented here provides the listener with a glimpse into their ever deepening musical journey.

The album is being released on June 7, 2011.
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Submitted by Ben on May 19th, 2011 — 11:10am

Jazz musician combines Beethoven with The Beatles

Jazz pianist Joey Calderazzo will play Dec. 5 at Murry's

 

Publication: MOVE Magazine
By: Angie Andera
Date: December 3, 2010

For jazz pianist Joey Calderazzo, music has always been a part of his life. The piano first struck a chord with the musician when his childhood friend took up the instrument.

“My next door neighbor played the piano and always had to practice, so instead of going home I’d stay and watch him practice,” Calderazzo said. “I thought it was something I could do too, so at about eight I asked to take piano lessons.”

At the age of 17, Calderazzo got his foot in the door of the music industry by sitting in with New York jazz musicians.

“I would go to jam sessions, or I would have a friend that played with somebody and let me sit in with them,” Calderazzo said. Read more »

Submitted by Bobby on December 16th, 2010 — 02:29pm