Critically acclaimed audience favorite Bishop of Jazz, Rio Clemente, will appear at the Watchung Arts Center on Sunday, May 7th at 3PM .

A native of Morristown, NJ, Clemente is New Jersey’s own jewel of the jazz world. He is a member of the Morristown Hall of Fame, has been named Outstanding Professional Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of the Morris Area, New Jersey Monthly Magazine has named him among its “Top 40 New Jersians” and the New Jersey Jazz Society has named him Musician of the Year.

Anyone who has listened to Rio Clemente play piano, comes away in awe. This master pianist mixes a strong classical background with a rich knowledge of jazz history, then adds an amazing sense of creativity and interpretation intertwined with classical themes. The result is music that is different from others, and nearly always produces a standing ovation and cries for “more.” When reviewers stumble for words to describe his work, it’s because words fail to convey the rich depth of character, nimble facility of play and ease with which his music is crafted and performed.

Rio’s career began with a BMI scholarship for musical theatre and subsequent studies at Juilliard School of Music. A grant from Broadway Tomorrow for new composers followed. Along with his classical training, Rio developed a style embracing a diversity of music that makes him one of the most expressive and versatile pianists anywhere. After several television appearances, Rio advanced professionally to playing at many distinguished concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center, Manhattan’s famous Birdland and the Oak Room at the Algonquin Hotel, as well as the Newport and JVC Jazz Festivals. Rio also performed at the White House representing the United States Coast Guard and all Auxiliaries. He regularly appears with groups such as The Morris Choral Society and Orchestra and at jazz venues from Manhattan to Cape Code and from Florida to California.

Rio Clemente has recorded for well-known labels and has published twenty CDs under his own label, Etnemelc Music Productions. Rio in collaboration with Carmine Lombardo has written a number of pieces ranging from gospel to Latin, including orchestral arrangements. A children’s song was nominated for a Grammy and this past October his original musical “VIZHON” had its world premiere performance in Florida. As a music educator, and teacher, he has served as music director for the Generations of Jazz program of the New Jersey Jazz Society, and has presented customized programs in schools, including Viva La Musica Latina with the late percussionist Russ Moy. Rio will be accompanied by Gene Perla on bass and Vernon Mobley on percussion.

Gene Perla was born and raised in New Jersey where he studied classical piano and trombone. After attending Berklee School of Music he moved to New York and began his musical career as a jazz bassist.

He has performed and/or recorded with Chick Corea, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Elvin Jones, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Chuck Mangione, Joni Mitchell, Buddy Rich, Sonny Rollins, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Stone Alliance, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, and others.

Vernon J. Mobley has been a musician for over three decades. During that time, he has worked tirelessly to craft an unmistakable drumming style and sound. Often playing multiple rhythmic patterns while playing additional percussion instruments, Vern’s sound often gives the illusion of multiple drummers and percussionists playing the drum kit simultaneously.

This performance will have a special guest appearance by Marty Eigen on woodwinds, introducing his alto flute!