“I admire (…) your congenial stage presence”

Below is a special message I received from the late John Colianni. We spoke by phone and corresponded by email, though we never had a chance to move forward together creatively due to his sudden passing in the Fall of 2023.

My very best wishes to those whom he leaves behind. -JR

 Hi Jeremy,

I'm John Colianni, I'm a pianist-arranger. I have been listening to your recordings and clips online, including "One More For The Road", "The Lady Is A Tramp",  "A Foggy Day", and some other things. Very enjoyable.  I admire your pitch, rhythmic skills, and nice phrasing - and your congenial stage presence.  Kudos.

You might know me (or maybe not).  I'm a pianist and arranger, and used to be Mel Torme's accompanist, also toured and recorded with Anita O'Day, Cleo Laine, Les Paul, Steve Miller, and other notables. I continue playing for various singers these days, as well as appearing  with my own instrumental Jazz groups. And as I said, I very much enjoyed seeing and hearing you for the first time.

Have you done any touring on the concert circuit, singing standards? You would do quite well out there - where people like Norah Jones, Michael Feinstein, Rod Stewart, and Michael Buble are doing their thing. It would be a pleasure to perhaps work with you in some capacity, as accompanist, conductor, what have you. Please get in touch, if you're inclined. (watching and hearing you brings some thoughts to mind that could be of interest)

Thanks, Jeremy.

Best,

John Colianni

www.johncolianni.com