Rachel Nicolazzo (aka Rachel Z)
Rachel Nicolazzo (aka Rachel Z)
Piano
Manhattan-born and raised Rachel Nicolazzo (aka Rachel Z) came from a musical family. Her mother was an opera singer and she encouraged Rachel to sing and take classical piano lessons at a very young age. In her teens she began veering away from classical music and focused on jazz. The catalyst was listening to Herbie Hancock's harmonies over Wayne Shorter's compositions. She went on to study with Joanne Brackeen and Richie Beirach. Rachel graduated from the New England Conservatory then returned to New York in the late 80's where she worked with Najee, Al DiMeola, Mike Mainieri, Wayne Shorter and many more. She played on Shorter's Grammy Award winning album, "High Life." She has also released six albums as a leader. Rachel has been a resident artist at the Litchfield Jazz Camp since 2007.