He is considered one of the world’s finest Jazz Composers, Lyricists, and
Pianists. This reigning "Lord of the Keyboard." recently returned from
a triumphant week in Europe where he astounded and enthralled audiences of 300
to 400 a night. His long-time notable bassist, Kenny Davis, and the outstanding
jazz chanteuse Ella Csircsu accompanied him. He was well received by the
European press and broadcasting media. "Father John" was chosen as
(10/13//95) Jazz Instrumentalist of the week on BET's Jazz Discoveries, as well
as National airplay on BET’s Jazz TV Station. "Father John" was a
1989 recipient of the John Coltrane Award for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz,
and was a featured artist in the National Public Radio's "At the
Bride" series 1989-1990. He is an active board member of the Trane Stop
Resource Institute (John Coltrane). July 1994, "Father John" was
distinguished with a biographical segment "The Jazz Man," that
aired on Larry Kane's "The Bulletin" (KYW-TV,)
"Father John" has been playing classical piano since he was six years
old. Rock & Roll from 16 to 19 and jazz since he was 17. When "Father
John" was 19 he made the decision to enter St. Charles Seminary, placing
his jazz career on hold. He continued his love of music at St. Charles by
conducting and arranging for the Borromeans Chorus, and by playing the part of
Howard Hill in the Seminary's production of "The Music Man."
While he was a practicing priest he renewed his studies in jazz piano. A
career decision had to be made. "Father John," at the age of 29,
traded in his pulpit for a piano.
Since then, "Father John" has performed with major Jazz Greats:
Lionel Hamptom, vocalist Etta Jones, bassist Charles Fambrough, and
saxophonists, Jimmy Oliver, Bootsie Barnes, and Lou Tobakin. The great drummer,
"Philly Joe" Jones, was a featured member of The "Father
John" D'Amico Trio.
The Trio has performed at the West End Cafe, and the Village Gate in New
York City, and all of the well-known clubs and major hotels of Philadelphia and
the surrounding area. "Father John" D'Amico has been featured as a
solo performer, as well as with his Trio, on the major Philadelphia Television
Stations’ morning and Sunday shows, and Public Television.
He performed for "Spotlight", produced by Public Television,
featuring a medley of music written by Philadelphian, Joe Burke.
"Father John" has performed and composed for several independent films
and documentaries produced by local film makers, and production companies.
Shirley Road Productions’, "Waterfront Philadelphia," WHYY was aired
January 4, 1994 with original compositions by Father John, and used a new
compositions "Voyaging Home" in a new 1999 documentary "Aid to
Friends."
He has also had numerous concerts broadcast live on radio stations WRTI,
WHYY, and WPEN. He has participated in several Philadelphia area based Jazz
Vespers, including Old Pine, and Haddonfield Presbyterian and The Philadelphia
Art Museum's Wednesday evening series. He is no stranger to the
Presidential Jazz Weekend (PECO Jazz Weekend) or the Mellon Jazz Festival.
"Father John" has been the subject for many newspaper articles
in the tri state area in the last fifteen years. Nels Nelson interviewed him in
a 1985 two page Sunday Inquirer feature. The most recent being "Winery’s
jazz strikes mellow note, The former priest on the keys hadn’t strayed that
far from his roots." Anne Bernard, The Inquirer, Sept. 3 1996, and
"One of Us" the Daily News September 1993.
In 1993 the "Father John" D’Amico Trio was the first group
outside the classical venue to perform at the highly acclaimed Woodmere Art
Museum series "Music at an Exhibition". The concert was such a
success that they were immediately asked to return in April 1994.
In 1975 the Painted Bride Art Center commissioned a Jazz Mass, which
"Father John" composed and performed with his trio and Father MacNamee.
Since then the Painted Bride Art Center has hosted numerous concerts for
"Father John," which always debuted his original compositions. So it
was only natural to record his debut album "Live at the Painted
Bride." The second recording, "Street Blues," a CD, is a
compilation of Concerts performed at the Painted Bride and Tyler School of Art.
Local singers of note have recorded several of his songs. "Carino",
(Barbara Montgomery, "Barbara Montgomery", 1994-Mr. Bean Bumpy Music,
Inc.) "Daniel’s Song" and "Josephine," (Ella Csircsu,
"Rare Breed", 1995-Csircsu Productions)
As a priest,
and even today as a social worker and a probation officer "Father
John" has been involved with the Latin Community. He speaks fluent
Spanish and loves the Latin Culture. One of his endeavors reflects the
Latin influence on his music, (His Latin Jazz Orchestra,) WRTI Live at the Nite
Owl Broadcast, 1990. He also has written a musical "Daniel’s Song,"
semi biographical with artistic liberty, that has a Latin Jazz or pop flavor.
His third CD,
"Darius Walk" is a father's loving tribute to his first born son. As
he pursued the process of organizing this CD, he realized how felicitous the
titles of the compositions and their musical substance reflected moments that he
and his family have shared in Darius' life; from the love that created him to
hopes and dreams, his first steps, the tribulations of stepping aside and
letting go, and standing behind him when he needed love and support.
"Father
John’s" latest CD, "Father John and his Ladies," is a
compilation of original music and standards accompanied by three distinct
"Divas" from the East Coast. This unique album is a step away from the
traditional instrumental emphasis of "Father John’s" music focusing
on outstanding performances from all Philadelphia born artists.
He is a
consummate musician and composer whose style contains elements of Count Basie,
Bill Evans, and early Keith Jarret, but he is definitely his own man. He
has one of the lightest fingered styles and plays the tightest standard cool
keys around. . . He doesn't let technique get in the way of style.
No ego trips for "Father John," he loves what he performs. . .Jazz! It
is indisputably classic trio jazz, and he and his trio do it exceedingly well.
Discography:
"Live at the Painted Bride"-1986-LP Re-release-1999-CD, EAR-1006:
Kenny Davis, bass & Larry DiTommaso, drums, and "Street
Blues"-1988-89-CD & Cassette-EAR 1010, Re-release-1999: Kenny Davis,
bass & Ron DiStefano, drums (Encounter Audiophile Records Services) and
"Rare Breed"-1995-96 Ella Csircsu, CD & Cassette-CP1122 (Csircsu
Productions) "Darius Walk" "Father John" D’Amico
Enterprises-1999 Kenny Davis, bass & Butch Reed & Ron DiStefano
drums. "Father John and his Ladies" 2000-CD (Lady Day International)
LDI- 1001, Kenny Davis, bass & Butch Reed, drums, and vocalists Ella Csircsu,
Miss Justine, and Zan Gardner. "Dakini Land" Barbara Montgomery
January 2001.
Web site: http://www.voicenet.com/~damico/fatherJohns.html
Click here for his venues: fj_venue.htm
