Martin Pizzarelli of the Martin Pizzarelli Trio
MARTIN PIZZARELLI TRIO feat. Greg Caldarone
With Guest Speaker, Author Nancy Triggiani
A showcase of the Italian immigrant influence on the American Songbook.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music, showcasing the vibrant influence of Italian immigrants on the American Songbook. The Martin Pizzarelli Trio (Martin Pizzarelli, bass, Hyuna Park, piano, and David O’Rourke, guitar) with vocalist, Greg Caldarone, and author and musician, Nancy Triggiani, will take you on a musical journey exploring the contributions of Italian-American artists to jazz, popular music, and film.
The evening opens with an overview of the Italian immigrants’ impact on the American musical landscape, including that of the Pizzarelli family legacy, and is accompanied by a short video. The Martin Pizzarelli Trio brings these stories to life, performing, "That’s Amore," "Fly Me to the Moon," and many more!
Discover the fascinating origins of beloved Italian songs that became American and international favorites, and hear iconic tunes written or performed by Italian American Artists that graced the silver screen.
Celebrate Italian heritage, music, and culture in a show that honors the past while delighting today’s audiences.
Martin Pizzarelli (band leader/bass) – Bassist Martin Pizzarelli is the son of legendary guitarist and New Jersey Hall of Famer Bucky Pizzarelli, who performed with icons including Frank Sinatra, Benny Goodman, and Tony Bennett. For 25 years, Martin toured internationally with his brother, John Pizzarelli. He now leads his own trio, which has performed everywhere from Jersey City to Rio de Janeiro.
Hyuna Park (piano) – Winner of International Women in Jazz, Hyuna Park is one of the most sought-after pianists in the Tri-State area. She has performed with a wide range of artists across the United States and Europe. Hyuna joined Martin’s Trio, touring extensively in Brazil, and has brought the American Songbook to festivals and jazz clubs worldwide.
David O’Rourke (guitar) – Born and raised in Ireland, guitarist David O’Rourke fell in love with jazz at an early age. One of his mentors, the great Louis Stewart, encouraged him to move to New York and gave him a list of musicians to contact—among them, Bucky Pizzarelli. Since relocating to the U.S., David has never looked back, building a career performing and arranging for artists including Cassandra Wilson, Jeremy Pelt, and even Morgan Freeman.
Greg Caldarone (feat. vocalist) – Recipient of the Universal Jazz Coalition’s Dakota Staton Award, Greg Caldarone brings his own unique sound to jazz, pop, romantic, and Italian standards. He has performed and recorded with jazz legends including Les Paul, Bucky and John Pizzarelli, Lou Palla, and Dakota Staton. Greg has also performed live with legendary entertainer and radio personality Jim Lowe on the “Jim Lowe and Friends” program on Saturday mornings on WVNJ radio.
Nancy Triggiani (guest speaker) – A true modern-day Renaissance woman, Nancy Triggiani brings her passion for life into her writing, music, and art. A graduate of William Paterson University, she and her husband, Vincent Musco, founded Westwood Music Studios, a private music school in Westwood, NJ.
In addition to teaching, Nancy is also a composer. Her original Christmas song, “Dominooch”—a sequel to “Dominick the Donkey”—featured Martin Pizzarelli and a surprise vocal cameo by legendary guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli. Released in 2018, the song was spotlighted by CBS TV News NYC and later premiered on iHeart Radio New York as well as major streaming platforms.
An accomplished author, Nancy has published two books: Daughter of Two Worlds: The Face of My Father and Never Give Up: A Journey from Bully to Brave. She is currently writing her third, A Suitcase and a Song, which explores the profound role Italian immigrants played in shaping American music—spanning over 100 years of influence on jazz, classical, and popular music.