Paul Pines described John di Martino as a musical shape shifter, imagining him in three worlds. He is a jazz pianist who has recorded and performed with many notables such as Pat Martino and James Moody, and Kenny Burrell. He is an admired musical director. He has performed with Jon Hendricks and Diane Schuur, as well as the late Billy Eckstine. He’s active on the international beat scene, working alongside Paquito D’Rivera and South African bassist Bakithikumalo. John’s talents as an arranger/keyboardist can be heard on Grady Tate’s new album “All Love”, which is out on the Sony label. Mr. di Martino continues to enjoy a long association with percussionist/musicologist Bobby Sanabria. They collaborated on “Live And In Clave”, a Grammy-nominated CD on Arabesque, as well as three instructional videos on Warner Bros., and many educational clinics and seminars. John is a long-standing member of Ray Barretto’s “New World Spirit”, and he is the featured pianist/arranger for several recordings, including the Grammy nominated “Contact”. Mr. di Martino also recorded with legendary percussionist Patato Valldez and Freddie Cole. John appears in the March/April 2001 issue, Piano Keyboard Magazine. He was a Philadelphia teenager who spent most of his nights in Philly’s jazz clubs. There he would often return to work with Mickey Roker, a veteran musician. John has performed all over the world since his days as a student with Lennie Tristano, Don Sebesky and many other musicians.
