Mike Melillo

• Born: June 09, 1939, Newark, NJ
• Active: '70s, '80s, '90s
• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Piano
• Representative Albums: "Bopcentric," "Sepia," "Recycle"

Biography

Mike Melillo is an excellent modern jazz pianist who would be much better known in the jazz world had he not relocated to Italy. After attending Rutgers, Melillo led the house trio at the Tap Room in Clifton, NJ, where he had an opportunity to work with many top jazz musicians. He was part of Sonny Rollins' band from 1965-67, co-led a group with guitarist Harry Leahey in 1967 and then concentrated on composition, living on a farm in New Jersey and, starting in 1973, the Poconos. Melillo began working with Phil Woods later that year and became a member of Woods' Quartet and Quintet, playing regularly with the altoist until Milello went solo in 1980. Two years later he moved to Italy where he has worked regularly as a leader, although outside of the jazz spotlight. After a headlining hiatus dating back to 1988's Recycle, Melillo finally resurfaced in 1995 with Alternate Changes for Bud; Bopcentric followed two years later. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Moonlight on the Gange Buy this CD	Bopcentric Buy this CD	Alternate Changes for Bud Buy this CD	Recycle Buy this CD	Symphonically Buy this CD
Duet Improvisations For Yardbird Buy this CD	Almost Blue Buy this CD