Jazz Insights: Michael Renzi

One of the world’s greatest piano players comes from Rhode Island.

Michael Renzi grew up in Cranston. His early local performance venues included a residency throughout the 1960s at the Kings and Queens Restaurant in nearby North Providence. Other gigs occurred throughout greater Providence.

His amazing capture of the piano ivories caught the attention of the music lovers here in our state. Quickly he developed a following that, to this day, never stopped raving about his talent and skill.

Lately Mike can be heard at Arias, on North Main Street, and other places around the state.

Growing up, his young friends were playing ball games in the streets – while young Mike was totally committed to his piano practicing. It didn’t take long before his effort began to produce excellence.

It became obvious that he needed to be in New York City to become recognized, so he made the move to the Big Apple. Several prominent musicians and orchestra leaders discovered his talent and he was on his way to future stardom. He became a regular accompanist for all kinds of events, individuals and societies throughout Manhattan.

Along the way, the television popular children’s show “Sesame Street” hired him as musical director. He served them for many years, writing and adapting music for their shows. Mike earned eight Emmy Awards, and the statuettes grace his Florida winter home.

Over his long professional career, he performed with many famous jazz players and a list of the biggest names in show business, including long stints with Mel Torme, Lena Horne, Jack Jones, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee. Most recently he spent two years touring the world with the great Tony Bennett as part of the Tony Bennett Quartet.

Mike is an arranger, composer, soloist, consummate rhythmist – and a walking encyclopedia of knowledge about jazz and the entertainment art form.

He recently purchased a home in Middletown, Rhode Island, where he was supposed to be “retired,” but I believe this guy will never retire: He lives to play – and play he will.

Burt Jagolinzer is a jazz critic and former performer. He is the author of Round Newport, a personal account of attending all 59 of the annual Newport Jazz Festivals ever held, the only person other than the founding producer of the festival who can make that claim.