Joey Calderazzo Trio (le pianiste de Branford Marsalis) ⎥Pianissimo Vol XXI

He is Branford Marsalis' preferred pianist for over 20 years and rarely performs under his own name. Not to be missed under any circumstances!

Counting among the finest pianists of his generation, Joey Calderazzo has come a long way, from child prodigy to highly sought-after session musician, before becoming an elite member of the finest jazz ensembles.

He has accompanied the greatest geniuses of music, from Michael Brecker and Branford Marsalis to Jack DeJohnette and Dave Holland. Throughout his journey, Calderazzo has boldly explored his own psyche and his place in the world, as composer, improviser, band member and leader.

"In my early days, I wasn't able to play so freely and be inspired by different eras, because I didn't think it was acceptable" recalls Calderazzo. I was too cool to do that because "I'm in" and "I gotta stay myself". So what does that mean?

Can't I play a medium tempo jazz tune, swing a little, have fun and blow? " Experience brings knowledge, patience and wisdom. Calderazzo embodies swing blues and post-bop, traditional jazz and improvisation that pushes boundaries.

"I play "I've Never Been In Love Before" with my trio in a slower, more settled swing style", he explains. "When you play a standard like that faster, it lets you move away from the traditional style and use modern lines.

When you play it slower, those same lines don't sound good at that tempo. So with my trio, I let loose and have fun. People tap their feet and love it. As I get older, the musical message I'm trying to convey is: "I know how to play a little of this and a little of that.

I have my own style. I'm inspired by other things and I'm having fun. I hope you enjoy. Have a good evening!