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John Petrucelli

Saxophonist, composer, educator based in Pittsburgh

About Me

Originally from Trenton, NJ, saxophonist-composer John Petrucelli began playing at the age of 10, mentored by alto sax great Richie Cole. Critic Bill Milkowski describes the tenor saxophonist’s work as “flowing and intense… Petrucelli weds astounding technique to harmonic and rhythmic invention and a forceful sense of swing.” Chris Spector raves that “[The Way] is a right on set for any post bop improv fan in the market for something new and hot. Killer stuff”.

The saxophonist has garnered numerous awards that showcase his abilities as a performer and composer. Upon completion of his Bachelors degree at University of Virginia, he studied at Rutgers University, completing both a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Arts in Jazz History and Research. The saxophonist currently resides in Pittsburgh.

As the leader of his own quintet, Petrucelli recently recorded his debut album The Way, which is set for release February 3 2015. He maintains an active schedule, having performed at several New York City venues including Somethin’ Jazz Club and The Blue Note in addition to popular jazz radio stations like WBGO.

In addition to his work as a leader, John can be seen as a sideman with several groups such as the Will Macirowski Quartet and Matt Booth’s Palindromes. Petrucelli has had the privilege to record in a variety of styles including Macirowski’s jazz quartet Pine Trees By The River, reggae group The Freedom Band’s Higher, hip hop group Blackout Project’s A Second Look, Walrus Gumbo’s Over the Line, and Modern Medication’s Dreams of Revolution (rock).

John’s love for traveling and sharing his music with new audiences has led to several tours, allowing his music to carry him around the world, playing shows, hosting master classes and providing input on woodwind products for companies such as Liberty Music. He has performed at festivals including the Trenton Jazz Festival, Johnston Jazz Festival and Three Rivers Music Fest.

Beyond maintaining an active touring and recording schedule, Petrucelli continues to build an impressive resume as an educator and scholar, emerging as a sought after clinician and master class presenter at several high schools and Universities across the country and beyond. He has been commissioned to write for ensembles for high schools and universities including The Lawrenceville School, Peddie School, University of Pittsburgh and University of Virginia, in addition to his position as a founding faculty member of Westminster Choir College’s Jazz Combo Camp. He has published a book of Warne Marsh transcriptions entitled Warne Marsh: The Unissued Copenhagen Studio Recordings: Solo Transcriptions for Tenor Saxophone/Concert Instruments.

John is currently completing his Ph.D. in Music, focusing on jazz studies at University of Pittsburgh. In his free time, he enjoys practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu and studying tabla. For more information, please visit www.johnpetrucellisax.com.