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Larry Vuckovich

Yugoslavian-born, West Coast based jazz pianist Larry Vuckovich has recorded two highly successful CDs celebrating the film noir genre. His current CD, High Wall: Real Life Film Noir (2008), and Street Scene (2006), both recorded on his Tetrachord Music label, have placed in the Top 10 of the national JazzWeek charts. Street Scene hit #1 on XM Satellite Radio for six weeks. His interview with Marian McPartland on her Piano Jazz show was heard in May 2008 on NPR affiliated stations. The show was recorded during his successful 2007 East Coast tour that included a concert at Lincoln Center's Dizzy's Club Coca Cola and marked his first return there since her lived and performed there from 1985 to 1990.

A highly versatile jazz pianist, Larry has performed with top musicians from various jazz influences, including Anita O'Day, Joe Williams, Helen Humes, Cab Calloway, Red Norvo, Don Byas, Charlie Haden, Bobby Hutcherson, Larry Grenadier, Tom Harrell, and Charles McPherson. Accompanist for vocalist/ lyricist Jon Hendricks for many years, Larry has appeared at major festivals and clubs in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

While in Europe, Larry met and toured with Dexter Gordon and Philly Joe Jones. In the late '60s, he led the house trio for one of Germany's top jazz clubs, The Domicile, in Munich, where he backed such greats as Slide Hampton, Lucky Thompson, Pony Poindexter and Clifford Jordan. He returned to San Francisco and became house pianist at the famous Keystone Korner from 1978 until its closing in 1983, working with Arnett Cobb, Buddy Tate, Charles McPherson, Leon Thomas, and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson.

Larry moved to New York in the 1980s. He appeared at major jazz clubs, including Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Bradley's, Zinno's, West End, and Hanratty's, working with Billy Higgins, Cecil Payne, Al Cohn, Curtis Fuller, Milt Hinton, and Mel Lewis and received top reviews from the New York Times, the Village Voice and The New Yorker. Gary Giddins in the Village Voice said he has "a book of piano gems that will keep you guessing." Jon S. Wilson of the New York Times praised Larry for "bringing with him an outlook and a collection of influences that set him apart from most pianists who are heard regularly in New York."

Larry now lives in Calistoga, in the wine country north of San Francisco with his wife and co-producer, singer-percussionist Sanna Craig. His son Alexi Vuckovich, is a classical piano student at San Francisco State University and his step-son is guitarist and recording artist Josh Workman.

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HIGH WALL: REAL LIFE FILM NOIR (Tetrachord Music, 2008)

" A MONSTER of a player who should be much more well known. (High Wall: Real Life Film Noir) is one of his best recordings to date" Gary Walker-Music Director and Morning Host of WBGO NJ/NY

" ... any discussion of the best jazz piano players in the world must now include Larry Vuckovich!" Brad Stone-Music Director and on air host KSJS-San Jose, CA

" ... soars to new heights" -Reese Erlich,Public Radio

"High Wall is of strong interest from start to finish. Highly recommended." 4 1/2 Stars -Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

"...a classy jazz piano date...elegant and earthy with a surprising amount of funk...a real winning date." -Chris Spector, Midwest Record

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Primary Instrument

Piano

Location

Santa Rosa

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Clinic/Workshop Information

Clinic at IAJE Conference Discussing Styles of Various Bebop Pianists

Photos

Album Discography

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Somethin' Special

Tetrachord Music
2011

buy

Best Of Love Songs

OpenArt Productions
2010

buy

High Wall: A Real...

Tetrachord Music
2008

buy

Street Scene

Tetrachord Music
2007

buy

Street Scene

Tetrachord Music
2006

buy

Reunion

Tetrachord Music
2004

buy

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