Description
…singable melodies, strong, infectious grooves and a strong understated optimism connect this piece of art into a very well done jazz recording.
Darren Litzie – piano
Chris DeAngelis – bass
John Riley – drums
This is catchy, infectious music…very well done! Play “Up, Up and Away” and you’ll GET IT!!!…Extremely ENJOYABLE listen!!…superb, fresh arrangements combine with passionate originals.
Pianist/Composer Darren Litzie has been performing in a wide variety of settings for over fifteen years. He holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies Degree from The Hartt School’s Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford, and a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance Degree from Western Connecticut State University. While completing his graduate studies, Darren was nominated by The Hartt School faculty for membership in the Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society for achieving musical and academic excellence.
Darren has studied with Javon Jackson, Jim McNeely, Mike Holober, Dr. Rex Cadwallader, Jimmy Greene, Peter Tomlinson, and Jamie Begian. He has performed and recorded with many world-renowned artists, including John Riley, Dave Santoro, Jeff Fuller, Marlene VerPlanck, Mike DiRubbo, Andrew Beals, Chris Morrison, Dave Livolsi, Nick Biello, Harvie S, Phil Palombi, Thierry Arpino, Tom Melito, and many others.
From 2009-2010, Darren was the touring keyboardist for singer Andrew Strong of the band/1991 film The Commitments. Stops on the tours included The Regatta Bar in Boston, B.B. King Blues Club in NYC, and Anthology in San Diego.
An avid composer and arranger, Darren completed a three-year stint as a member of New York’s prestigious BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, where he had several of his works premiered in concert by the BMI Jazz Orchestra.