Enrico Pieranunzi

One of Italy’s top jazz pianists, Enrico Pieranunzi has worked with a who’s-who of American and European jazz for decades. Born in 1949, Pieranunzi began playing piano when he was 5, inspired by his father, who was a jazz guitarist. He became a professional pianist when he was 19 and played early on with trombonist Marcello Rosa’s quartet. Since then, Pieranunzi has played with a remarkable series of top jazz musicians including Chet Baker, Art Farmer, Franco Ambrosetti, Benny Bailey, Enrico Rava, Frank Rosolino, Curtis Fuller, Kai Winding, Phil Woods, Johnny Griffin, Lee Konitz, Sal Nistico, Tony Scott, Jim Hall, Charlie Haden, Marc Johnson, Kenny Clarke and Joey Baron. Pieranunzi has also led his own trios, done extensive studio work, sometimes performed as a chamber music soloist, and taught at a conservatory. His postbop style is influenced by McCoy Tyner and Bill Evans while sounding quite original within jazz’s modern mainstream. Starting in 1975, Pieranunzi has recorded many impressive albums as a leader, for labels such as Horo, Video Arts, Egea, Enja, Timeless, Soul Note, Challenge and Camjazz. Pieranunzi has long retained his position as one of the giants of jazz from Europe.