Dr. Chris Mello is an active performer, artist, and educator based in the Los Angeles area. Originally from Boston, his love of both jazz and other world music genres began at any early age and has blossomed throughout his career. As a player, Mello's astoundingly singular artistic sensibilities have rendered him a high profile contributor to numerous recordings and performances. His diverse list of performing credits runs the gamut from Vanessa Williams and Norah Jones to Cafe Tacuba and the Latin Grammy Awards. A committed educator, Mello holds a Doctoral Degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar from the University of Southern California, and serves on the faculty at many Los Angeles-area colleges. He has authored texts for Mel Bay publications and has been a featured contributor for Just Jazz Guitar Magazine. JazzIz magazine describes his playing on his latest release "The Global Village": "On both Nylon and Electric guitars, his carefully woven melodic ideas, innovative harmonies, passion for vibrant global music cultures, and mastery of a multitude of "local guitar dialects" define him as a "unique musical voice" in a sea of modern guitar clones. His music speaks well beyond his years!" www.ChrisMello.com
Pisano's Guitar Night is probably one of the longest running jazz guitar traditions in the United States. Los Angeles jazz fans should consider themselves fortunate to play home to a 12-year guitar tradition that few other jazz communities in the U.S. can compare with. For well over a decade Pisano has been inviting jazz guitar luminaries to the stage on a weekly basis; much to the benefit and delight of L.A.'s jazz audiences. A quick listing of those who have shared the stage with Pisano on Guitar Night reads like a "Who's Who" of the last 40 years of jazz guitar. This January, Pisano and Co. embarked on a new leg of their jazz journey with their Red Carpet Opening Night at Vitello's in Studio City.
Pisano's new home focuses on establishing an intimate and cozy atmosphere in the downstairs lounge of Vitello's. Both Pisano and Vitello's music coordinator April Williams emphasize the overall importance in choosing this particular setting. "Its unique. When John saw the room he remarked how perfect it was. It allows listeners to experience the music close-up, watching the musicians interact together, all while feeling as if they were in their own living room." Williams also points out that the larger upstairs venue will be utilized for certain larger events in the future. Given its long tenure in L.A. at clubs such as Dante's, Rocco's, Spazio's, and now Vitello's there is no doubt that the high level of musicality will remain as always. Williams and Pisano have spoken about creating an even more unique experience for fans of jazz guitar. "We really want to create a community. A community of listeners, players, jazz fans, aspiring students, and everything in between." Williams credits the success of jazz at Vitello's with a creative vision for establishing a jazz community in the city. She remarks on how supportive everyone at Vitello's has been in establishing a place where both listener and musician alike feel at home.
The plan includes a Happy-Hour Hang prior to the show affording the opportunity for guitar students and fans alike to meet the guest performers, ask questions, share ideas, and interact. Williams believes strongly in the importance of embracing the next generation of jazz guitarists along with continuing to highlight the careers of some of the best veteran six-stringers in the land. "We want to reach out to the younger audiences as well. Its so important to continue to cultivate and educate our audiences of the future. That's the future of jazz. We offer special student ticket prices to encourage everyone to come out. It's a great example for them to see these great musicians who have established successful careers and have maintained such a high level of musicianship since the start of this thing."
Photographer Bob Barry has been one of those who have been there from the start. He's been documenting Guitar Night "through the lens" since its early days (and can count on one hand the nights he's missed). He's amazed at how its grown and developed over the years. "I can remember the days when you'd turn your head and see Larry Carlton at one table, Herb Elis at another, Joe Pass, everyone would come out to listen and play. It's still the same today. Some of the faces have changed, some haven't, but the audience continues to grow -- along with the music". A visual history of the night can be seen at Bob's site: www.jazzography.com.
New Decade, New Home: John Pisano's Guitar Night at Vitello's (1/21/10)
Jazz Guitar's Perfect "Matchmaker" - Frank Potenza (Part One of Two) (6/5/09)
Jazz Guitar's Perfect "Matchmaker" - Frank Potenza (Part Two of Two) (6/5/09)
New Jazz Club Pays Homage to a Career in Jazz Guitar: Bob Bain (4/27/09)
My creed for art in general is that it should enrich the soul. It should teach spirituality by showing a person a portion of himself that he would not discover otherwise ... A part of yourself you never knew existed.
– Bill Evans
Adagio fromaggio: to play in a slow and cheesy manner.
