Ensemble 456

Michael Fiorino releases Michael Fiorino/Ensemble 456

Screen Shot 2014-07-02 at 12.59.15 PMAfter finding success as a bassist for several Chicago area and national acts, Michael Fiorino releases his debut album as a leader, composer, and arranger on Michael Fiorino/Ensemble 456. The release features a blend of big band style jazz with a smoother and more traditional sound, performed by Michael on bass alongside his band, Ensemble 456. Their combined sound has been compared to the likes of the Dave Pell Octet, The Crusaders, and Chuck Mangione. Fiorino got his start performing with local Chicago musicians as well as national artists such as Roger Williams, Bill Holman, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, and Rich Little, among others.

Most notably, Fiorino accompanied Grammy-nominated Chicago jazz pianist and vocalist Judy Roberts, and he is featured on her two highly-acclaimed albums on the Inner City label. On Michael Fiorino/Ensemble 456, Fiorino is joined by his 7-piece band, Ensemble 456, made up of Bobby Schiff (Mel Torme, Peggy Lee) on keyboards, David Berger (Albert King, Otis Clay) on guitar, and David Kovnat (Bobby Rydell, Golden Boys of Bandstand, Franz Jackson) on drums. They are accompanied by Rich Lapka (The Buckinghams, Sonia Dada, Juggular) on trombone, Michael Levin (Bernard Purdie, Oscar Brown, Jr.) on saxophones and flute, and David Katz (Louie Bellson, Orchestra 33, Dave Davenport) on trumpet.

Screen Shot 2014-07-02 at 1.03.39 PMThe only vocal piece on the album is “Undertow,” featuring Gingi Lahera (Bradley Williams, Mike Allemana, Model Citizens Big Band) on vocals. By infusing a dash of pop into a modern jazz album, Fiorino has successfully fostered a “distinctive, yet familiar” sound,” which he hopes will “remind you of all the music you’ve always loved, regardless of the genre.”

While the influences of artists such as BB King are clear, inspiration from The Beatles, Cream, and Jimi Hendrix also shines through on several tracks such as “Undertow” and “Blues for Lampedusa.” Mark McKenzie of The McKenzie Duo says of the album, “The writing is great, the arrangements sparkle, great solos, and a solid groove throughout… There’s a lot of variety here, but still a solid musical identity.” The recording is also an audiophile’s delight, as it features Jim Reeves (Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Peter Asher, Bobby Vinton) in the engineer’s chair.

 

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If you have any questions, comments or would like to set up an interview please contact Melissa Zeigler at Powderfinger Promotions.