Keyboardist, composer,
Mike Ricchiuti is an emerging young artist with a refreshing
contemporary jazz approach to his playing and writing. Mike's playing,
while grounded in the jazz piano tradition, draws upon a wide variety of
influences from pop to soul and funk, giving him a unique voice as an
artist. His influences include Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Stevie
Wonder, and many others.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Mike grew up on Long Island,and began taking piano
lessons by the age of 7. As a young boy he studied classical music but
Billy Joel was his musical hero. In his late teens Mike discovered jazz
piano and decided to enroll at Berklee College of Music. In the fall of
1986 Mike left for Boston and discovered a whole new world of music.
There he studied with Jeff Covell, Ray Santisi, and Herb Pomeroy, among
others. In 1991 he returned to NY to embark on his career, while
continuing to study with Fred Hersch and Kenny Werner.
In 1995, after playing for a few years in clubs around NYC , Mike met
and started playing in the band of jazz guitarist Chuck Loeb. Since then
they have worked together on a variety of live and studio prodjects,
touring in the US, Europe, and as far as South Africa. Most recently,
Mike has been on the road with Chuck, supporting his current release,
"Love Is All". On this Cd, Mike is featured as a pianist,
writer, as well as co-producer on several of the tracks. Other recent
recording credits include pianist, Bob James (Mike played organ),
saxophonist, Gato Barbieri, vocalist Michael Franks, Spyro Gyra, David
Mann, Kim Waters, Walter Beasley, and the soundtrack to "State and
Main".
Mike's talents have also been sought out by a variety of other artists.
In 2000, Mike toured in the US and Europe with legendary funk
saxophonist Maceo Parker, playing organ. More recently Mike was hired to
play in the house band for the "I Love NY" benefit concert
held at the Beacon Theater in NYC for victims of the World Trade Center
tragedy. On this special night, Mike backed up artists such as Al
Jarreau, Natalie Cole, Phoebe Snow, Jeff Golub, Russ Freeman, and many
others. In addition, Mike has worked with Michael Brecker, Patti Austin,
David Foster, Jeff Kashiwa, Chieli Minucci, and Nelson Rangell. He also
continues to perform with his own band in NYC where he lives with his
wife Cathy and dog, Nicky.
