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Flutist Geri Rizzo

Geri Rizzo Flutist and Singer

About Me

I am a diversified and versatile flutist and singer..... After growing up in a jazz loving family and listening to my jazz singer Mom, I took the flute in school at age ten and ventured a classical flute career, culminating in a free scholarship at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Of course, during my teen years, there were many family gatherings playing and singing ALL kinds of music, from church hymns to Broadway to Jazz to Classical AND Rock. And this is still the case.

I grew up in a small town in upstate NY by Poughkeepsie, and went to many jams. But it wasn't until I came to Atlantic City that the real playing started (in 2001). I almost instantly was found by a Philly agent and played in jazz ensembles in most of the AC casinos until the live music started to dry up. Jobs were scarce now so I started a wedding business for 15 years. Attending the Trinity United Methodist church with the late, great Clancy Wilson was terrific! Clancy was a trumpet playing minister and loved jazz and started the first Jazz Vespers in Atlantic County. I was very active in playing and helping with scheduling and the website and met and played with many great area musicians. South Jersey abounds with them!

Check me out on Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/geri-rizzo/sets/smooth-jazz

Music has taken me everywhere meeting wonderful people and musicians of all genres, too many to note. Please check out my website for the big picture!

My Jazz Story

My Mom was a jazz singer and her style was ingrained in me from my very first years of life! I remember trying to sing along with her while I was still in the crib. I am a singer as well as a flutist. I have been inspired (singing) by Sara Vaughn and Ella Fitzgerald.... (flute) - Jazz/Yusef Lateef, Hubert Laws and later, I discovered Bobbi Humphrey, who sings and plays flute like me..... although our styles are different! She has my total respect for being the first recognized flutist and singer on the jazz scene! Although I am conservatory trained, my jazz roots never left me. Jazz gives us the freedom to individually express ourselves, that's why I love it.

My House Concert Story

It's Boston, 1968, and I'm at the Jazz Workshop on Tremont Street standing less than a foot listening to the late great Duke Ellington! What a high!!