Maria Pia de Vito is an Italian vocalist, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, who is as well known for her improvisational work as she is for interpreting jazz standards and international folk songs. Born in Naples, she began vocal studies at the age of six, learning opera, classical music, and Neapolitan folk traditions. In 1976, she began performing, first singing in various workshops, then playing the guitar and later playing piano. Her first work was in ethno and non-ethnic music and folk music related the South American, Balkan and Mediterranean countries. De Vito started working with world-renowned jazz musicians, including Paolo Fresu and Bruno Tommaso in 1980. Joe Zawinul and Michael Brecker, Miroslav Vitous and Uri Caine were among her many guests. De Vito sang all styles, from classical and neoclassical to the post-bop Great American Songbook interpretations and free singing. She was the Tino Tracanna Sextet’s first recording, Mr. Frankenstein Blues in 1987. She was a leader for Hit the Beast 1989, her first time. She toured the world and was featured on many recordings by Italian jazz musicians, including Piano.
