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Ferdinando Argenti
pianist, vocalist, composer, arranger
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 Ferdinando Alessio Argenti,
Boston-based pianist, keyboardist, vocalist, composer, arranger, was born in Pisa,
Italy, in 1954.
At age 7, this multi-faceted artist began studying piano until he entered
high school, during which time he gained experience playing with rock and GB
bands, even winning a musical contest and appearing in Italian television. He
continued to do so while a student of languages at the University of Pisa.
At age 20, Ferdinando
began working as a full time professional musician, touring most of Europe for
10 years as a pianist, keyboardist, vocalist and small group arranger in clubs,
hotels and on cruise ships. During this time he developed a more
comprehensive understanding of jazz and fusion music and wished to learn more
about it at the "source".
In 1984,
he left Europe for the United States, where he studied piano with Ray Santisi
and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music.
D
uring this period, Argenti returned to his native Italy to perform in
many jazz concerts with both Italian and American jazz musicians, most notably Chet
Baker, Lee Konitz and Kenny Wheeler.
Moreover he has played together with: Charles Davis (ex Count
Basie big band), Gray Sargent (currently with Tony Bennett), Jeff
Stout (ex Buddy Rich, Mel Torme), Greg Hopkins (ex Buddy Rich, Woody
Herman and Frank Sinatra), Tony Lada (ex Woody Herman and Buddy Rich), Matteo
Garrison (before with Gary Burton, now with Joe Zawinul), Martin Ditcham (currently
he ppkays percussions for Sade), Clive Chaman (ex Jeff
Beck, Rainbow, Brian Auger, Ramsey Lewis, Bernard Purdie), Jeff Ballard
(drum for Chick Corea), Pierre Cavalli (guitar
player for Bud Powell, Pierre Michelot, Cannonball
Adderley, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Clarke died in 1984), Massimo Urbani, Paolo
Fresu, Gianni Basso, Flavio Boltro, Nicola Stilo, Marcello
Rosa, Nicola Arigliano, Irio De Paula, Maurizio
Gianmarco, Stefano Cantini, Gigi Cifarelli, Fulvio Sisti,
Alessandro Di Puccio, Alessandro
Fabbri, Marco Volpe, Walter Paoli, Steve Grossman,
Marco Micheli, Lello Pareti, Nicola Vernuccio, Fabio
Morgera, Stefania Rava, Eddy Palermo, Giampaolo Ascolese,
Furio di Castri and Aldo Romano.
Ferdinando Argenti's
brilliant jazz piano sound and improvisational style are a composite of Charlie
Parker's be-bop, Oscar Peterson's blend of bop and swing, the lyrical
approach of Bill Evans and Chet Baker, and some of the harmonic
innovations and rhythmic feel of Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.
 Argenti's sensitive vocal
phrasing and delivery can be largely attributed to his admiration for Frank
Sinatra and Chet Baker.
After a period of music engagements that again involved travelling - this
time to places as diverse as Japan, Scandinavia, the Caribbean and Russia - in 1994
Ferdinando got married
in USA and established himself in New England.
Here he ran all the gamut of gigs
as a solo artist, tasteful accompanist, active member of many small groups and
big bands, most notably the Artie Shaw Big Band directed by Dick
Johnson.
Throughout this varied
forms of entertainment in clubs and concerts, Argenti's ultimate goal has long
been to lead his own ensemble playing his own compositions and arrangements.
This has now become a reality with the release of his own compact disc entitled ARGENTI,
not only his name, but the name of his musical group and his music.
"ARGENTI" CD is a captivating and well blended
collection of Ferdinando's own jazz compositions and his arrangements of
American and Italian standards.
Click here to read the Ferdinando Argenti's interview
Contacts:
Ferdinando Argenti
email: 94Argenti@comcast.net
web:
www.interjazz.com/ferdinandoargenti
FERDI'S MUSIC
165 East Street
Methuen, MA 01844
Phone: ( 978 ) 685-7365
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