Serry, John
Biography
Born: January 19, 1954
Country: New York City, U.S.A.
Studies: Eastman School of Music (B.M., M.M.)
Teachers: Ray Wright, Bill Dobbins, John Beck, Gordon Gottlieb
John Serry received the Grand Prize in the JAZZIZ magazine Keyboards on Fire pianist/composer competition (Dave Brubeck and Bob James, judges; grand piano from Steinway, 1995) and a Grammy Nomination for his debut recording, "Exhibition" (Chrysalis, 1979). Serry's second recording, "Jazziz" (Chrysalis, 1980), earned 4 stars in Downbeat, feature review of the month in Keyboard magazine and was the inspiration for the naming of JAZZIZ magazine by publisher Michael Fagien.
Serry has performed at Birdland, the Blue Note, the Montreux Festival, the 606 Club (London), Steinway Hall and numerous festivals, clubs and venues in the U.S and abroad. He has played, arranged and/or conducted for Radio City Music Hall (Orchestra Director for Graciella Danielle), Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli, Patti Austin, Doc Severinsen, Marian McPartland, the BBC Big Band, Paul Dunmall, Kyle Eastwood, the Canadian Brass, and Broadway shows - Les Miserables, Beauty & the Beast, Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Jekyll & Hyde, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Guys & Dolls.
He toured, and recorded "Glider" (Chrysalis), with the Teo Macero produced group, Auracle. He has composed and arranged for ABC, NBC, CNN, PBS, films and commercials.He has received commissions and performances - e.g., at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center,and The Aspen Music Festival - for his original concert works, including concertos, solos and chamber music, many of which feature percussion (on which he also doubles).
He has performed, taught and coached ensembles at Juilliard, Peabody, Musicians Institute, NYU, City College (NYC), Queens College, Brooklyn College, SUNY Binghamton, Univ. of Wisconsin, Univ. of S. Carolina (Director of Jazz), Wichita State Univ. (2 residencies), Univ. of Wales - Cardiff, and the Royal Academy of Music (London). He has degrees from the Eastman School of Music (MM and BM with Distinction) and will conduct conservatory master classes in Spain in 2007.
On January 23, 2005, John Serry performed his compositions on solo and duo piano at Covent Garden Opera House, which concert was broadcast on BBC "Jazz Legends Live", along with an interview by host and fellow pianist Julian Joseph. Recent performances and tours include Italians of London Jazz Festival (Earl's Court, London) April 10 2005; The 606 Club (London) Feb. '04 - July 06; Basel, Switzerland (Birds Eye jazz club, Tues/Weds March '04); Prague/Czech Republic (festivals, clubs and taught workshop, '01-'03); Associate Conductor for Fame (Basel, Dec '03) and Grease (Austria/Germany, Summer '03), as well as Music Director / pianist for the jazz musical "Swing" (Gateway Playhouse, Fall '02). In Feb '04 John Serry was interviewed on BBC Radio 3 (by pianist/composer Julian Joseph) for the program "Jazz Legends". A frequent traveller and art enthusiast, John is a native New Yorker and dual citizen of Italy. He recently recorded a new CD with his London based quartet and is currently writing a novel in Valencia (Spain).
Works for Percussion
Concerto for Marimba and Wind Ensemble – Marimba; Wind Ensemble; Band
Concerto for Percussion, Brass and Percussion – Multiple Percussion; Brass
Conversations for Timpani Duo – Percussion Duo
Duet for Percussion and Keyboards – Percussion Duo
Intrusions – Percussion (10)
Rhapsody for Marimba, "Night Rhapsody" – Marimba
Therapy Suite – Multiple Percussion
References