Rich Lamanna and "The Last Word"
An instrumental performance major, composition minor, Rich graduated from the "Berklee College of Music" (1979) and studied big band and commercial orchestra arranging and scoring under John Labarbera, Bob Chestnut and Ted Pease. While attending Berklee, he was a member of the Phil Wilson's International Dues Band and the Herb Pomoroy Recording Band. Mentored under Phil Woods, Joe Viola and Andy McGhee and fresh out of Berklee Rich performed (alto sax, lead chair) with the 60 piece Contemporary Orchestra of Peru, in Lima, directed by Jamie Delgado Aparicio.
A professional musician and composer of over 35 years, Rich has toured and led groups in South America, the Caribbean and the U.S. His debut "Introspective" was released (2000), with national artists Alex Acuna (Weather Report, Pablo Casals, Joni Mitchell), Kenwood Dennard (Miles Davis, George Benson, U-2, Dizzy Gillespie), Othello Molineaux (Santana, Ahmad Jamal, Herbie Hancock, Monty Alexander), Otmaro Ruiz (Diane Reeves).
Always seeking fresh sounds, his recent struggle with Embouchure Dystonia has inspired new explorations with the Synthophone and steel drum. A unique and inquisitive jazz artist, he is fluent in styles ranging from bop to Afro-Latin and experimental jazz.
"Views", released October 2017, is an eclectic exploration, incorporating jazz and symphonic elements, featuring Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Alex Acuna and Manolo Badrena (Weather Report), Othello Molineaux (Jaco Pastorius), Nicky Orta (Arturo Sandoval), The Fuoco Quartet (Philadelphia Orchestra) and other performers.
We’re thrilled to share that our latest project, “Entanglement,” is currently in production. This will mark Rich’s fourth recording and serve as a bold statement building on his previous works.
Press Photos
Manolo and Othello
Nicky Orta and Lamanna
Rich Lamanna
Introspective CD Release - The VanDyck
Recording "Introspective"
Clipping - Show Calendar
CD Release - "Introspective" with Alex Acuna, Othello Molineaux, Kenwood Dennard, Chuck D'Aloia, Jack Kulp, Dan Dobek, Pat Georger, Reggie Evans.
Sample Track
Lake George Jazz Festval
Eden Jazz Quartet - Lake George Jazz Festival