Jazz Insights: Paul Del Nero

Rhode Island’s Paul Del Nero has been a jazz bass player’s jazz bass player. He has been more than just the example;  he has lived that life.

For three decades he has accompanied some of the most important jazz soloists ever to perform. That list includes Mel Torme, Dave McKenna, Junior Mance, Buddy Tate, Mike Renzi, Phil Wilson, Mose Allison, Dakota Staton, Donald Byrd, Benny Golson, Tai Farlow, Nick Brignaola, Scott Hamilton,  Hal Crook, Greg Abate,  Ken Peplowski, Greg Hopkins, Alan Dawson, Herb Pomeroy, Richie Cole, Byron Stripling, Grady Tate, Duke Robillard, Claudio Roditi, Maxine Sullivan, Bob Brookmyre, Ray Santisi, The Smothers Brothers, The Four Freshmen, Vic Damone, Diahann Carroll, Robert Goulet and many more.

He is quick to mention his tour with the Artie Shaw Orchestra, under the direction of Brockton’s Dick Johnson, and his long list of national and international jazz festivals that he has played. Most important, he is often seen in our local clubs, accompanying most jazz greats that grace our area today. He has a list of 16 recording credits to go along with his many Broadway musical gigs.

Paul received his undergraduate degree from Berklee College and his master’s degree at New England Conservatory of Music, just down the street. Since 1993 he has been teaching at Berklee and now holds a full professorship there. In addition to all this, Paul has published several books on bass-playing and guitar. He is happily married and resides in Bristol.