Mike Ricchiuti: The Way I See It (2003)

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, 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.

Tracklist:
1. Forward Motion 5:26
2. Up All Night 6:19
3. Embrace 6:56
4. The Way I See It 5:32
5. Still Standing 5:25
6. Just So You Know 6:07
7. Dogs in the Neighborhood 4:44
8. Changes 6:42
9. Slow Roller 5:54
10. And Then Peace 5:50
The Way I See It
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