- Benedetti began
concentrating on piano from age eighteen after having been introduced
by a friend to some recordings of Thelonius Monk, through which he
first began to learn chord voicings. First professional jazz gig was
in 1964 with saxophonists Pony Poindexter and Booker Ervin.
Left shortly thereafter for Paris, doing a number of extended solo
club dates, thus learning some stride piano "on the fly".
His mentor was the resident American pianist Art Simmons who
proved influential regarding chord voicings and accompaniment
technique. Recorded with Hank Mobley and worked regularly with
Belgian guitarist Rene Thomas. Benedetti subsequently worked in
rhythm sections in the major German clubs, Munich's Domicile
and the Jazz Galerie in Berlin, giving him with the invaluable
experience of accompanying name guest artists on a regular basis.
-
- Benedetti's
principal influences on piano have been Thelonius Monk, Bud Powell
and Barry Harris, later absorbing the trends of Bill Evans,
Wynton Kelly and Ahmad Jamal, as well as keeping abreast of the
modal concept of the mid-sixties. Benedetti has performed with,
among others, Pepper Adams, Chet Baker, Eddie "Lockjaw"
Davis, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Roy Eldridge, Buddy de
Franco, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie, Dexter Gordon, Johnny Griffin,
Scott Hamilton, Slide Hampton, The Heath Brothers, "Philly"
Joe Jones, Hank Mobley, Sal Nistico, Shorty Rogers, Charlie Rouse,
Art Taylor,
Leo Wright and swing jazz vocalist Pina
Simmons. In addition, Benedetti has made numerous
appearances with his own groups, from trio through big band,
including a quintet in 1989 with then-unknown *Diana Krall.
In 1990 Vince Benedetti and todays Grammy Award winner Miss Diana
Krall completed a trio recording with bassist Reggie Johnson
and drummer Alvin
Queen.
-
-
- As a
composer-arranger Benedetti has had commissions for numerous big bands,
small groups and singers, in addition to writing for his own groups.
Has been continuously active in teaching, holding posts in the The
Swiss Jazz School in Berne, The Music Conservatory of Basel, and
as a clinician for big band performance at the Music Conservatory
in Graz, Austria. At present Benedetti instructs piano and
arranging at the Jazz School of Basel, as well as giving
private lessons and workshops in piano, arranging, improvisation and
performance. He organizes The Barry Harris Master Classes for
one week each summer in Baden, Switzerland. Founded Jazzart
Publications in 1996.
-
- Vince is also
to be heard and admired with his 21piece Orchestra; The Vince
Benedetti's
Jazz
Heritage Big Band
- A marvelous
new CD, that of Vince Benedetti and Diana Krall at her
career debut. <vince benedetti meets diana krall-Heartdrops>
released by Montreux-Label TCB Records.
Vince Benedetti Pianist,
Composer, Arranger -Born in Teaneck, NJ (USA) USA Resides
in Winterthur, Switzerland. He Began playing piano by ear at age four,
subsequently having classical piano lessons from age six to fourteen.
Began trumpet lessons in primary school, switching to trombone in high
school at the wish of his band director. First heard jazz through some
swing big band records in his parents home. First experience playing
jazz was in high school, playing trombone with an amateur college
Dixieland band.
