Neff Irizarry's Page

About Me:

Puertorican guitarist Neff Irizarry (b.1973), whose daring, fresh and exploring take on Contemporary Jazz with a strong Latin tinge has been hailed by such names as Steve Khan, Jimmy Haslip (The Yellowjackets) and Paquito DRivera, can be heard on his debut CD Nepenthe (produced by Haslip) firing away his distinctive fusion of Coltrane-influence hard bop and pianistic montunos. The opening track Despedidas is even included in the first-ever European Real Book, a collection of the best European jazz compositions by Sher Music, fresh from the press in January 2006. Hailing from the Boston jazz scene and Berklee College of Music (his alma mater), over the years Neff has been collaborating and performing with renowned artists in a wide range of styles, such as Eddie Henderson, Randy Brecker, Azymuth, Giovanni Hidalgo, Marc Quiñones, Bobby Allende, Jeff Lorber, Robin Jones, Snowboy, Evan Price (of Turtle Island Quartet), Antonio Sanchez (of Pat Metheny Group), Leslie Lopez (New Cool Collective and Bombacó), Singer/songwriter Douglas Pashley, Mr Gone, Afroelements, Deniss Pashkevich and Riga Groove Electric and Irish Singer/songwriter Stefan Hanvey.

Relationship Status

Married

Website:

http://www.neffirizarry.com

What Instrument(s) Do You Play?

Gibson ES 175, ES345, Roland GR300/303 and RC-50

Biggest Musical Influences & Favorite Musicians/Bands:

Trane, Miles, Ellington, Dvorak, Debussy, McCoy, Dolphy, Jim Hall, Wes, Grant, Larry Young, Herbie, Chick, Keith, Ornette, Elvin,

How Did You Hear About the New York City Jazz Network?

Invite from Dan Sieviec

Favorite Jazz Clubs:

Quasimodo, Blue Note, Birdland, Village Vanguard, Herr Nielsen, Akwarium Jazzarium, Sunny Terrace, Jazz Cafe, Ronnie Scotts, Cargo, Pizza Express, Fasching, Jazz House, Smoke, Cachaça, Dizzys, etc...