88 keys, a bench, and a mic – give those things to singer, songwriter, and pianist Peter Cincotti and he can take you anywhere! When Cincotti sits down at a piano it is as if the world is at his fingertips. Whether he is soloing over a song that showcases his jazz roots or playing a catchy hook from one of his popular originals, Peter blends genres while bringing active, rhythmic piano playing back into the landscape of modern music. Fans can see the award-winning artist at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, September 12 at 7:30 pm, as part of the Moffly Media Evening of Art, Wine & Jazz Series. Peter learned how to play the instrument at the same age he learned how to walk and talk. A born and bred New Yorker, Cincotti spent much of his childhood going to school during the day and playing clubs at night. Legendary music producer Phil Ramone was there one of those nights, a discovery that led Ramone to produce Peter’s debut album, which reached #1 on the Billboard jazz charts, making 18-year old Cincotti the youngest artist ever to do so. Since then, Peter has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues from Carnegie Hall to L’Olympia in Paris, collaborated with artists ranging from Andrea Bocelli to David Guetta, has been featured in blockbuster films such as Spiderman 2, represented the global fashion brands Ermenegildo Zegna and Tod’s, and just recently appeared as himself in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series House Of Cards, singing a duet with the president played by Kevin Spacey. Along the way, his vibrant and socially-aware songwriting caught the ear of 16-time Grammy winner David Foster, who produced Cincotti’s third album East of Angel Town yielding the song “Goodbye Philadelphia,” which became a smash hit overseas reaching the Top 10 on Pop Radio charts across Europe. Media sponsor for the event is WSHU Public Radio.
Peter’s experiences have shaped his music through the years, changing the layers of his sound and the dimensions of his style. Because of this, his fans await each new album as if they are engrossed readers anxious to reach the next chapter of their favorite book. Cincotti has morphed genres and blended influences in a variety of ways, a pursuit that is showcased on his latest album Long Way From Home. Written, arranged, and produced by Cincotti, this collection of songs is the product of “moving my pianos to a house on the Jersey Shore, building a recording studio, and spending the majority of the last several years alone at the control board,” he explains.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Peter wrote and produced a song for New York called “Heart Of The City,” which gained much attention reaching over 1 million impressions and over 600k views between Facebook and Instagram in its first few weeks. The song and video caught the attention of many notable New York institutions and were featured in Katie Couric’s ‘Get Inspired’ newsletter, Good Day New York, among other media outlets spreading a sense of togetherness and much-needed positivity. Throughout 2020, Peter continued to work on his highly anticipated upcoming album ’88 Keys and Me,’ which will honor some of the most influential piano men and women of all time, featuring songs by artists ranging from Scott Joplin to Lady Gaga. Whether he is blending the stylings of Errol Garner with Lionel Richie, or Oscar Peterson and Billy Joel, this record will feature arrangements that remind us of the hidden harmonies and melodies inside songs we thought we knew. Peter currently hosts a live stream show called “That Friday Feeling with Peter” from his apartment in New York, where fans from around the world join him each week for drinks, talk, music, and more, every Friday night at 6 pm EST.
For more information or to purchase touchless print at home ticket ($40) go online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or, you can visit or call the box office (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT and is committed to keeping the arts alive and available to all.
Follow us on Instagram: @RidgefieldPlayhouse Twitter: @RPlayhouse
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgefieldplayhouse/
