Friday, September 18, 1998 at  8 PM

Popular Jazz Pianist Rio Clemente Solos At Watchung

Morristown Hall-of-Famer Plays in-the-round

Morristown's Rio Clemente obviously gets a lot of gigs in this area, but his legion of fans never tires of his intricate fingerwork. When Jersey JazzFest was moved to Madison this year, it was logical to see him prominently featured on the program.

His fans again turned out, filling the hall for his sets there. Popular jazz pianist Rio Clemente will have an evening to himself at the Watchung Arts Center on Friday, September 18. The Jazz Series concert starts at 8 PM, with new padded seats and light intermission refreshments included in the $10 ticket price.

Rio Clemente has played for the Jazz Series in Watchung since its first season a decade ago. In fact, he inaugurated piano-in-the-round for soloists there, a format that has been modified slightly and used by all other jazz pianists since.

Reservations may be made by calling (908) 753-0190, leaving a message if necessary. Tickets will be held at the door.

Rio Clemente, a Hall of Famer in his native Morristown, has developed both a local and national following for his unique jazz piano style. Performances at Carnegie Hall, the Newport Jazz Festival and the major jazz clubs in New York have brought him acclaim, ovations and encores from excited jazz fans. He's a fixture at the local jazz spots as well.

Rio has shared the stage with jazz giants such as Milt Hinton, Joe Venuti, Clark Terry, Bucky Pizzarelli and Urbie Green, to name a few. He even performed at a special concert for a previous Governor of New Jersey.

His recordings, including both standards and his own compositions, are available on several labels. Recordings of his Carnegie Hall concert and several European appearances are also available, with new CDs showcasing his latest material.

The concert is held in the intimacy of the Center's gallery, with all seats close to the performer. The unimpeded sightlines and celebrated acoustics make this an ideal piano room, "like playing in somebody's living room," as one performer put it.