I was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania. I've been in NY Metro area for all of my professional career as a musician. I'm a free-lance bass player by trade but also play drums, guitar, "composer's piano" (LOL), and miscellaneous percussion instruments including the darbuka, a goblet-shaped Turkish hand drum. Because of my musical diversity and flexibility, I am requested for engagements to play music ranging from Jazz, Rock, Blues, Country, Turkish, Greek, Armenian, Persian, Hebrew, Yiddish, Irish, New Age, Fusion, Brazilian, Salsa -- just about everything except for Classical music (which I love to listen to but do not play!). I sometimes wonder what would have happened with my musical career had I stayed in Altoona! Film Scores: "Once Again", Martin Balsam, Jessica Harper "Virus", George Kennedy (Teo Macero, Producer); HBO Themes for "Race for the Pennant" and Dick Cavett's "Yesterdays"; Recordings: John Macey, "ECLIPSE" (51 West 1981) John Macey(g) Mark Grey(keys), Lou Argese(keys), Hiram Bullock(g) Rich Acciavatti(b,per), Neil Jason(b), Dave Bauer(ds,per), Steve Jordan(ds) John Macey (g) Rich Szabo Big Band, Manhattan at Dusk; The record includes two original compositions by Rich Acciavatti: Ikyat and Shoo-Fly Pie. Trumpets: Rich Szabo, Joe Mosello, Earl Gardner, Jimmy Maxwell, Rick Henly Trombones: Dale Kirkland, Clarence Banks, Dale Turk, George Moran Saxes: Mike Migliore, Mark Friedman, Gerry Niewood, Larry Puentes, Steve Giordano Piano: Biff Hannon Bass: Rich Acciavatti Guitar: Ken Sebesky Drums: Everett Silver Commercials: Time Magazine "Time Flies", Feet Treat, Sergio Valenti Jeans (Arr. by Don Sebesky); Xerox, McCullock Chain Saws, HBO (Arr. by Jeff Tyzik); Coca Cola (Coke in the Mississippi Summertime (Arr. by Rich Acciavatti); Musicians on the jingle sessions: Steve Khan, Randy Brecker, Jimmy Madison, Vinnie Bell, Joe Beck, Ken Sebesky, Hiram Bullock, Romeo Penque, Alex Foster, Sue Evans, Brian Brake, Chris Parker, etc. In the late 80s, I formed an original group called Jumbush. My objective was to create a fusion of modern jazz harmonies, Balkan rhythms, and Central Asian and Turkish influenced melodies. As a free-lance musician, I was playing both genres in ensembles. But I had the strong urge to bring all of these influences into my compositions. After spending a year writing and arranging all of the songs, I searched for the perfect musicians for the project. I was fortunate to get Steve Sacks on Soprano and Alto Flute, Ted Brancato, Keyboards, and Ben Gramm on drums. I played bass, darbuka (hand drum), zils (finger cymbals), and gong on the record as well as composing and arranging all of the songs. After performing numerous gigs in NY Metro area, we recorded an album, Jumbush, featured on my music site myspace.com/richacciavattimusic
Jumbush:
1. Black Sea -- Bright 7/8 meter
2. Impressions -- Moderate 13/8, 6/8, back to 13/8
3. Niyde -- 4/4 ballad
4. Manisa -- Bright 4/4 (Sirto)
5. Golden Girl -- Moderate 5/8
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