Guitarist Frank Piombo was born in 1950 to Italian parents and grew up in North Africa. At the age of six, the family moved to Rome, where Frank was inspired by his father's accordion music. Two years later the family emigrated to the USA, where Frank started taking guitar lessons.

The music of The Beatles inspired him to do so. During his teenage years he played at wedding parties, and later in jazz clubs. He graduated from Barringer High School in 1968, then attended William Paterson College, earning his BA in education. He then received his Master’s in Mathematics and began working for the Office of Mathematics in Newark.

In 2010 he retired. Frank brings contemporary jazz, with influences from jazz, Latin, smooth jazz, soul, jazz funk, R&B and easy listening.

This new album is a collection of new and old favorites that he has written over the years. With the opener 'Luca's Groove' you hear guitar music that reminds me of cheerful smooth jazz. 'Dancing in Barcelona' follows the same pattern, while the sensual 'Middle of the Night' is sung by Doreen Arminio.

On ‘Shining Star’ (not the Earth, Wind & Fire cover) you hear guitarist Sandy Renda, and that song is dedicated to him, his mentor. This is followed by 'Love's Paradise', incidentally the only cover here, a tribute to his idol, the late Joe Sample. Donnie Harrell plays the piano here.

'As Smooth As It Gets' is a relaxed track, and saxophonist Michael Mahadeen can be heard on 'Our Love'. 'Island Dance' is reminiscent of exotic places, and was written during the Covid pandemic to cheer him up. Flautist Kim Scott is a guest on the last track 'Dusk to Dawn'.

A fun and mostly relaxing smooth jazz album!



 
   
  

 

Tracks:


Luca’s Groove
Dancing In Barcelona
Middle Of The Night
Shining Star
Love’s Paradise
As Smooth As It Gets
Our Love
Island Dance
Dusk to Dawn




Frank Piombo

 


Copied with the permission of the author from culturmania.