Rachel Nicolazzo BM, New England Conservatory
Pianist
Profile:Rachel Nicolazzo (aka Rachel Z), equally adept at acoustic
straight-ahead and electronic fusion, has performed and recorded extensively
with Steps Ahead and Wayne Shorter , as well as with Bob Moses, Miroslav
Vitous, George Garzone, Najee, Al DiMeola, Larry Coryell, Special EFX, and
Angela Bofill. Vibraphonist Mike Mainieri produced her Columbia Records debut,
Trust the Universe, in 1993. In 1996, NYC Records released her debut album, A
Room of One’s Own. Additional records as leader include an album on GRP, Love
is the Power, and On the Milky Way Express. A close collaboration with Wayne
Shorter included her work orchestrating and performing on his album High Life,
which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album. She also performed in
arena shows extensively with Peter Gabriel Band from 2002-2005 and is featured
on a live CD and the Growing Up Live DVD.
Currently she performs internationally with her co-band
"The Trio of OZ" featuring drum legend Omar Hakim (Miles Davis,
Weather Report, David Bowie, Sting) which was acclaimed as Best Album of 2010
by JAZZIZ and JAZZWEEK. The CD was top
10 Jazz Radio record at CMJ and in JAZZWEEK.
