Alberto Pibiri New CD "NYC" and CD Release Gigs

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Italian Jazz Pianist Alberto Pibiri's first CD is a swinging straight-ahead recording of original music inspired by New York City and features guitarist Dave Stryker, bassist Marco Panascia, and drummer Brian Floody. As a musician who has been on the quest for depth and perfection, music is a sacred thing for me. Even as a listener who is not a musician, music can be very emotional, motivating and rather spiritual. However for the players themselves that have taken on the art form, there is an unwritten code by which we live. That is to do the music justice, and do your very best to serve the art form with new music, and new interpretations of old music. In this debut CD of pianist Alberto Pibiri (Pee-Burr-ee) who hails from Sardina, Italy, you have just that. Produced by one of the music's stronger forces in guitarist Dave Stryker, we have a very genuine, and honest take on just who Alberto Pibiri is. He has assembled a beautiful band with the addition of Marco Panascia on bass, and Brian Floody on drums. When I asked Dave how he hooked up with Alberto he responded by saying, "I met Alberto at the Veneto Jazz Workshop in Bassano del Grappa Italy. My wife and I were knocked out by his enthusiasm and positive energy. He just makes you happy to be around him".

I myself met Alberto at The Orsara Jazz Camp/Festival. He was accompanying many of the young singers at the jazz camp. I was quite taken with Alberto as he is just a great person to have around. He gives off a positive, motivating energy for life, and the music. As a pianist, and musician in general Alberto has great command of the old styles in jazz, as well as the more progressive post bop style as heard on this CD. His multi-style skills give him a great mix of the old school and the new school. It is a magical skill to have.

Right from the jump with "157th and Broadway" a Pibiri 16 bar minor blues original I hear Sonny Clarke, Wynton Kelly, and McCoy Tyner mixed in his playing. "Brighter Days" a beautiful Stryker tune indeed speaks of happiness. The piano solo is just fabulous on this one. One of my favorites is Daves "Bird Flew"- a Bird-like head over Confirmation changes. You can add Thelonious Monk, and Bobby Timmons into the mix in Alberto's playing. He has a beautiful way of grabbing a little of all those influences, and injecting them into his own voice. The CD finishes with "Strikology", a nice up- tempo post bop Stryker line over Lazybird changes. It shows Alberto's great technical proficiency as the melody of the tune sounds like it demands great attention in the practice room. Alberto tears up the changes on this one.

To me it sounds like this recording was swinging hard from the first downbeat to the end. With five of Alberto's compositions, and four of Dave Strykers, this CD is well thought out, and has a great flow from start to finish.

With "NYC", Alberto Pibiri's debut CD as a leader, we have music that stands tall: full of emotion, and credibility. With this project he has clearly established himself as a wonderful jazz composer, and pianist extraordinaire. Without a doubt a voice to be heard!!

Mark Sherman December 2011

Born and raised in Cagliari situated nella bellissima Sardegna, I'm proud to make my first record in New York City, the land of the jazz. I'm honored for the opportunity to record with brilliant musicians and great friends: Brian Floody and Marco Panascia. They are the first people that I met in New York with whom I've had great connections regarding life and music. A special thanks to Dave Stryker, who is a great friend and a wonderful musician, for his support to put my dreams on this first record. "NYC" represents my idea of what everyone should do to be happy… chase their dreams. I dedicate this album to my parents and my dearest friends who have been present with love and unconditional support. A special thanks to Sheila Jordan who helped me attain my visa, Mark Sherman for his wonderful liner notes, and the music itself that is always with me.

Alberto Pibiri

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