There is an abundance of Jazz pianists throughout the Phoenix-Metro area, but none like the following in the Phoenix Examiner’s Top Five Jazz Pianists! :
5. Kristin Moran
An up and coming pianist to the Phoenix Jazz scene, (though Jazz isn’t all she plays) is not only a well established and professional pianist, but a singer and songwriter as well. She performs and events such as Anniversaries, Private parties, Weddings and has a repertoire of over 20 songs, and can even adjust to your musical taste or song preference. You’ll find she is quite easy to work with, and a delight to have her as entertainment.
4. Anthony P. Calisi
Lawyer Anthony P. Calisi, having been a successful trial attorney for almost 30 years, has in his spare time played piano at major clubs and big venues in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas until deciding to rock the clubs of Phoenix with his reknowned professionalistic and moving music. The base for the music he plays are standard, classic songs like “Fly Me to the Moon”, “Moon River”, and “Stardust” with influences such as Emily Pandolfi Henry Mancini and others. Like most local pianists, he can be hired to entertain at weddings, casinos, and many types of celebrations.
3. R. William Kaye
Having played over 30 years at prestigious clubs and events, R. William Kaye is hitting 3rd place. Mr. Kaye attended the Oberlin conservatory of Music which classical foundations have served him well over his performance years. He has numerous Jazz pieces ranging from the roarin’ 20’s all the way to today’s modern Jazz and has influences such as Bill Evans, Chick Corea and Dave Brubeck. He is willing to work with Weddings, elegant parties, and even studio sessions. As he himself says, “Music from the 1920’s to contemporary is all treated with taste, respect, and love.”
2. TALIA
Talia, is one of the younger pianists, composers, songwriters in Phoenix and one of the most successful at that. She has played at many well-known clubs throughout the Southwest, as well as radio shows, has had the change to work with widely known producers and opened for the legendary Linda Ronstadt. She has over 100 songs to choose from, including some of her original compositions and timeless standards as well as more modern pieces. She has and is willing to be booked at Clubs, Weddings, Anniversaries, formal parties, coffee shops and many more. Talia’s music is currently available on iTunes, Napster, and other internet-based music stores.
and finally..
1. Nicole Pesce
an Arizona native, and according to Arizona Republic “One of the Top Ten musicians to hear in Phoenix” has been performing since a young age and has had the privilege of playing for celebrities and other jazz artists as well as the chance to work with important producers. As a composer, she has written over 300 songs and 12,000 songs committed to memory. She has appeared in many prime time AZ TV shows and radio talk shows. In 2003 she was asked to contribute one of her songs to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation and play at the biggest clubs and events in Arizona’s Jazz scene. While very professional, she is still seen having some fun whilst playing or “multi-tasking” by texting during intricate pieces. (she’s that good!) She can be booked for any event, many would say that she is the way to go when looking for “classy, but fun.”
If you ever have the need to hire one of these wonderful people for a special event, you can view further information on them at gigmasters.com, and nicole pesce at her website linked to her name.
Adieu for now!