The Jazz Gallery Presents: Nicola Caminiti

In February 2020, saxophonist Nicola Caminiti made his debut as a leader on The Jazz Gallery's stage. A native of Sicily and a recent graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, Caminiti presented an evening of original compositions, played with self-assurance by a band of talented peers. In an interview with Jazz Speaks, Caminiti shared the centrality of melodic construction to his practice:

Melody is the most important thing for me in general. Sometimes I’ve trashed songs because they have cool changes but the melody isn’t working. For me, the melody is the statement. Any work in the history of music is remarkable because of its melodic content.Late Coltrane and Ornette Coleman had such a melodic drive. It was different of course. Some would argue that these are not simple melodies. But being simple or diatonic is not the measure of a melody. It’s whether you’re able to channel something through it.

This Saturday, June 12, Caminiti returns to the Gallery stage, showcasing his growing book of melodies, as well as the quartet's growing rapport. Before coming out to the Gallery, take a listen to the tune "Adam Arturo" from Caminiti's 2020 Gallery set, below.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCZlpiPzxJ4The Nicola Caminiti Quartet plays The Jazz Gallery on Saturday, June 12, 2021. The group features Mr. Caminiti on saxophones, Lex Korten on piano, Ben Tiberio on bass, and Evan Hyde on drums. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. $15 general admission (FREE for members), $25 reserved table seating ($10 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.