In January 1996, Rhode Island lost one of our finest performing musicians. His name was Arthur Pelosi and he was only 67 years old. Artie began playing tenor saxophone at age 14 and developed a special tone that attracted other quality performers. Artie joined the Billy Collins Orchestra, then broke away and formed the Artones. […]
The late Clay Osborne was one of Rhode Island’s finest male jazz singers. He passed away in 2006, at age 79. His brother Billy, who is considered one of the west coast’s veteran pianists and arrangers, said many years ago, “If my older brother Clay had chosen to leave Providence for New York, Las Vegas […]
One of the world’s greatest jazz saxophonists hails from little ol’ Providence, Rhode Island. Scott Hamilton was born here, grew up and made his name locally. He was to become the premier swing and mainstream jazz tenor saxophone player in the United States, and his style would remind us of the late Ben Webster or Coleman […]
Portsmouth’s Rick Wells is truly one of New England’s top jazz drummers. Rick separates himself from other drummers, smartly choosing to be more of an accompanist, rather than a showman soloist. He wisely recognizes that he is hired to complement other members of the group, not to take away from other talents during performances. His softness […]
Portsmouth’s David Zinno is one of New England’s premier jazz string bassist. He studied at the University of Rhode Island and Berklee College, then began his long professional career in 1980. Dave moved to Seattle, Washington, for a year where he accompanied Grammy Award winning vocalist and pianist Dianne Schuur and many other West Coast […]
Within the last decade, Barbara Slater became a quality female jazz singer in Rhode Island. She had previously earned a law degree and published several books to her credit. As a professional executive she paid her dues at media stations in Boston for many years. Returning to Providence, Barbara decided to become a jazz singer, […]
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, […]
Warwick’s Yvonne Monnett is a much sought-after jazz pianist accompanist throughout southern New England. Her Rhode Island musical roots began in Providence, beginning private piano lessons at age five. Young Yvonne wanted to become a seasoned jazz pianist. She improved her skills with important lessons obtained from the multi-talented Diamond Centofanti. Yvonne worked hard practicing […]
Newport’s Alan Bernstein is a lifetime music teacher and performer. His resume includes long stints as a school leader, teacher and as a jazz performer. While growing up in Newport, he began his love for music that included singing, guitar playing, stand-up bass playing and a sundry of other musical interests. He attended University of […]
The current pride in the music world of Woonsocket is the talented Daryl Sherman, whose headquarters is centered around New York City these days. She has replaced the late spectacular jazz pianist Dave McKenna, who enjoyed the title for most of his long career before he passed away in 2010. Daryl is the daughter […]