Biography
b. Joseph Louis Diorio, 6 August 1936, Waterbury, Connecticut, USA. Following in the footsteps of an uncle, Diorio took up the guitar, studying formally in the early 50s at a local music school. He worked for a while with local bands but in the early 60s he ventured into New York City where he quickly established a reputation. He played with many bop musicians, such as Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt and Ira Sullivan.
He also played in mainstream groups fronted by noted jazzmen including Conte Candoli and Stan Getz. From the 60s to the 80s he worked in various centres, including Florida, where he played on television and radio and also taught at the University of Miami.
He also played in the Netherlands, France, Brazil and Australia, and recorded as a leader for the Spitball label during the 70s. Among musicians with who he has recorded are guitarists Mick Goodrick and John Pisano, Anita O'Day and Sullivan. In addition to performing and teaching, Diorio has also written text books, including the praised 21st Century Intervallic Designs, and is a painter and sculptor. Gradually, as the century ended, he was gaining a much deserved audience.
Discography:
Solo Guitar (Spitball 1973),
with Wally Cirillo Rapport (Spitball 1974),
with Cirillo Solo-Duo (Spitball 1976),
with Steve Bagby Straight Ahead To The Light (Spitball 1976),
Peaceful Journey (Spitball 1977),
Bonita (Zdenek 1980),
with Jeff Berlin, Vinnie Colaiuta 20th Century Impressions (J Disc 1981),
Earth Moon Earth (Nocturne 1987),
Italy (MGI 1989),
with Robben Ford Minor Elegance (MGI 1990),
with Riccardo Del Fra Double Take (Ram 1992),
We Will Meet Again (Ram 1992),
with Mick Goodrick Rare Birds (Ram 1993),
with Ira Sullivan The Breeze And I (Ram 1993),
with Hal Crook Quartet Narayani (Ram 1994),
with Steve La Spina, Steve Bagby More Than Friends (Ram 1994),
To Jobim With Love (Ram 1995),
I Remember You: A Tribute To Wes Montgomery (Ram 1998),
Stateside (Diorio Jazz 2000),
Joe Diorio Live (Mel Bay Recors),
David Becker & Joe Diorio, The Color of Sound, 2005 (Acoustic Music Records)
