Roberto Occhipinti and his quintet perform Feb.17 and 18 at the Jazz bistro in celebration of his new CD release Stabilimento.
Joining Roberto Occhipinti on bass are:
Tim Ries on Tenor Sax,
Luis Deniz on Alto Sax
Manuel Valera on Piano
Dafnis Prieto on Drums
2 sets nightly
9:00 pm and 10:30 pm
Admission: $20 at the door.
Roberto Occhipinti
Bassist, composer, producer, Roberto Occhipinti came from a musical family that includes guitarists Michael (his younger brother) and David (a cousin). At the University of Toronto, beginning in 1972, he studied under Thomas Monohan; he was also mentored by David Young and Joel Quarrington. Occhipinti was a member of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (1976-8), Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (1980-5) and Canadian Opera Company Orchestra (1984-9). In the field of contemporary music, he was principal bassist with the Esprit Orchestra (1986-94) and a member of Arraymusic (1979-2000).
One of a small number of musicians who have had successful careers in both classical music and jazz, in 1997 Occhipinti began working with Cuban expatriate jazz pianist Hilario Durán, recording Killer Tumbao (1997), Habana Nocturna (1999), Havana Remembered (2001), New Danzon (2004) and From The Heart (2006). These recordings brought him into contact with saxophonist Jane Bunnett. He toured with her and appeared on three of her recordings: Ritmo and Soul (2000), Alma de Santiago (2001) and Cuban Odyssey (2003).
He also performed with his brother’s band, NOJO; the Toronto-based sextet, Soul Stew; Gorillaz; and Damon Albarn’s Mali Music. His jazz quintet toured extensively in 2006.
In addition to performing, Occhipinti has been a producer for artists including Durán, Dafnis Prieto, The Gryphon Trio, Quartetto Gelato and Shurum Burum Jazz Circus, and a music supervisor and orchestra contractor for films and commercials.