Dave Pietro

Originally from Southboro, MA saxophonist-composer Dave Pietro has been on the New York music scene since 1987. From 1994-2003 he played lead alto saxophone and recorded five CD’s with the Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed with the bands of Maria Schneider, Harry Connick Jr., Maynard Ferguson, Lionel Hampton, Woody Herman, Ray Charles and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. As a leader, Pietro has recorded six CD’s for the A-Records/Challenge label with musicians such as Dave Holland, Bill Stewart, Kenny Werner, Scott Colley and Brian Blade. His fifth CD “Embrace-Impressions of Brazil” (2004) was called “one of the most satisfying jazz/Brazil mixes since the first bossa nova tsunami” by Judith Schlesinger of All About Jazz. His tribute to Stevie Wonder “Standard Wonder” was voted one of the top 10 CD’s of 2001 by numerous critics. And his latest work "The Chakra Suite" was commissioned by Chamber Music America and voted one of the top CD's of 2008 by All About Jazz. Dave has degrees from the University of North Texas and New York University and is on the adjunct faculty of NYU and Hofstra University. He is sponsored by the Conn-Selmer Company.