A Living Bridge Between Cultures – Joe De Gregorio and the Universal Language of Jazz
A Living Bridge Between Cultures – Joe De Gregorio brings people together by using jazz, a universal language. Born in Rome, Italy, he is a jazz pianist, composer, vocalist, producer, as well as an educator. His music combines cultural sounds across Europe, Africa, and the United States, resulting in a style that reaches listeners worldwide.
Joe is a two-time award-winning jazz pianist. He earned first prize at the Luca Flores Jazz Piano Competition in Florence in 2009. Moreover, he won the Monte Carlo International Jazz Soloist Competition in 2015. Since then, he has performed at important events like the ONA Foundation in Morocco, Parco Della Musica in Rome, the Detroit Jazz Festival, plus Saint Peter’s Jazz Vespers in New York.
During his career, Joe has collaborated with many famous jazz artists. These include Ari Hoenig, Greg Hutchinson, Joel Frahm, Jonathan Blake, Ike Sturm, alongside David Reinhardt, nephew of Django Reinhardt. Together, these partnerships helped him become a well-known figure in the jazz world.
Joe is also a prolific composer and recording artist. He has released five albums as a bandleader. Earlier this year, he recorded a special project at the legendary Van Gelder Studio. This studio was recently listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The session featured jazz legends Ron Carter, the most recorded bassist ever, and Peter Erskine, a world-famous drummer. Therefore, this project represents a major milestone in Joe’s path as a leading international jazz musician.
Award-Winning Jazz Pianist – A Global Ambassador of Jazz
Joe’s remarkable talent has earned him global recognition, winning the Luca Flores Jazz Piano Competition in Florence (2009) and the Monte Carlo International Jazz Soloist Competition in Monte Carlo (2015). Since 2004, he has led his own jazz trio, performing as both a sideman and bandleader worldwide, spreading his influence across the international jazz scene.
Collaborations with Renowned Jazz Artists and Masters of Jazz
Throughout his career, Joe has collaborated with some of the most celebrated jazz musicians from around the world. He has shared the stage with international jazz icons in both Paris and New York, including:
David Reinhardt Ari Hoenig Jonathan Blake Ray Brown Jr Ike Sturm Joel Frahm Yoni Zelnik Philippe Soirat Denis King Greg Hutchinson Ron Carter Peter Erskine
Performing at Iconic Jazz Venues Worldwide
Joe’s music has graced some of the world’s most prestigious jazz venues, captivating audiences at:
🎶 Gregory’s Jazz Club (Rome)
🎶 Parco della Musica (Rome)
🎶 Jamboree Jazz Club (Barcelona)
🎶 Sunside Jazz Club (Paris)
🎶 Bravo Jazz Club (Brussels)
🎶 Princesse Grace Theater (Monte Carlo)
🎶 Villa des Arts (Rabat & Casablanca, Morocco)
🎶 Rock-wood Music Hall (New York)
🎶 Bonafide Jazz Club (New York)
🎶 Saint Peter’s Jazz Vespers (New York)
🎶 Rick’s Cafe (Casablanca, Morocco)
🎶 Detroit Jazz Festival (Detroit)
🎶Smalls jazz Club (New York)
A Prolific Independent Artist – Five Albums of Cultural Fusion
In addition to his live performances, Joe has also carved a niche as an independent recording artist. His five albums showcase:
Original compositions influenced by global cultures Innovative jazz arrangements offering fresh perspectives Pop classics reimagined with a unique jazz twist
Joe De Gregorio – A True Jazz Ambassador Bridging Cultures
Joe defines jazz as more than an art form—it’s a way of life. He believes it promotes social awareness, encourages a global perspective, and bridges diverse cultures. “I see myself as a true jazz ambassador—a bridge between cultures,” he says.
His career has spanned three continents, allowing him to embrace a variety of musical landscapes:
North Africa (2009–2019) – Led his jazz trio in Morocco, blending North African influences with jazz Parisian Jazz Scene (2012–2015) – Performed with top European musicians, expanding his creative horizons New York Jazz Scene (2016–2019) – Collaborated with Ari Hoenig and Jonathan Blake, shaping his evolving sound
A Living Bridge – Joe De Gregorio’s Multicultural Jazz Vision
Joe’s music is deeply influenced by his culturally diverse background. His compositions and performances reflect a global sensitivity, showcasing his unique ability to sing in Italian, French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese. This multicultural approach has allowed him to carve a niche in the jazz world with no direct competitor on the international scene.
