Rio Clemente

Master Jazz Pianist

NEW YORK CITY – Manhattan’s famed Birdland. The Oak Room at the AlgonquinHotel. The West Bank Café’s Laurie Beechman Theater. The New York Friars Club.The Sylvia & Danny Kaye Theatre at Hunter College. The Player’s Club. Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. It’s a New York State of Mind.

Anyone who has listened to Rio Clemente play piano, comes away in awe. This master pianist mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation. The result is music that is different from others, and nearly always produces a standing ovation and cries for “more.” When reviewers stumble for words to describe his work, it’s because words fail to convey the rich depth of character, nimble facility of play and ease with which his music is crafted and performed. The man brings something very special and decidedly unequaled to the piano.

Rio’s career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Julliard School of Music. A grant from Broadway Tomorrow for new composers followed. Along with his classical training, Rio developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere.

After several television appearances, Rio advanced professionally to playing at the JVC Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. He has entertained audiences in Europe, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands and Antigua. He has performed at the United Nations and has appeared with the Jefferson Symphony in Golden, CO, with the Livingston (NJ) Symphony and with ensemble groups like the Morris Choral Society and Orchestra. He has performed from coast to coast for senators, governors, mayors and other dignitaries. He has played jazz clubs from Manhattan to Cape Cod and from Florida to California.

He has recorded under contract for Melody Music, Satellite Records, Riff Records and Holland labels, and published eight CDs under his own Etnemelc Music Productions label. As a composer, he has written a number of selections ranging from gospel to Latin, including orchestral arrangements. In collaboration with lyricist/author, Carmine Lombardo, Rio has composed the music for three musicals including the family musical, “Dobdinob.” As a music educator, he has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society, and presents customized programs in schools, including Viva La Musica Latina with percussionist Russ Moy.

He has recorded with bassist Milt Hinton, performed Dave Brubeck’s mass (To Hope! A Celebration) and prepared a feature CD on Richard Rodgers that led Linda Rodgers to say, “Rio plays my father’s music better than anyone I ever heard – with unremitting style and sensitivity, and always with a technique that is elegant.” Dave Brubeck has written, “Rio Clemente is EXCELLENT!,” and comedian Freddy Roman has said, “I want to open for you!”

A native of Morristown, NJ, Rio is a member of its Hall of Fame. He’s been named Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine named him among its “Top 40 New Jerseyans” and the New Jersey Jazz Society named him Musician of the Year

Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, John came from a musical family where he began to gain “jam experience” with his Dad who played jazz fiddle and brothers Jim (guitar) and Al (alto sax and flute). After graduating high school, John toured Europe with the Concordia Youth Chorale then returned to Boston to study arranging and composition at Berklee College of Music.

In the 1970’s, John left Massachusetts for New York City where he played at the Carlisle, Waldorf Astoria, Jilly’s  and in small jazz clubs in the Village.  John began to expand his music experience by touring with the Joeffrey Ballet (he will tell you “I really can’t dance”!); he did some recording in Nashville, Tennesee; and was also involved in several “rock” recording projects.

Because of his eclectic experiences, the music John plays and composes spans from pieces with a “childlike simplicity” to funky contemporary tunes to jazz standards.  He will tell you “I’m more focused on playing jazz and honing my improvisational skills.  It takes a lot of work and I’m working at it.”   

For the past two years, John has been regularly playing with the Ted Curson Jam Band at Trumpets.  “Playing with Ted, Enrico, Takashi and Gordon has been an incredible journey because the music always takes you somewhere wonderful.”  He is very grateful for the gift of music and for what he has learned and experienced playing with Ted, Enrico and all of the fine musicians who come by at Trumpets.