Roberto Occhipinti

Roberto Occhipinti is one of Canada's premier bassists, comfortable in a wide variety of musical contexts. He toured and recorded with Blue Note recording artist Jane Bunnett on her last 3 albums, including the Grammy nominated disc Alma de Santiago. In addition, Roberto toured with Juno award winning group NOJO, performing at Canadian jazz festivals with the legendary saxophonist Sam Rivers. Roberto has recorded 3 albums with Cuban piano virtuoso Hilario Durán including 2005 Juno award winning Album New Danzon which he produced and performed. Roberto continues this musical partnership with upcoming performances in the US and Canada.

Other recording projects include, a Juno nominated disc City of Neighborhoods with NOJO and Sam Rivers, a quintet recording with drummer Marty Morell and a new disc for his nonet following on the success of THE CUSP featuring his own compositions for a larger jazz ensemble.

As producer, he's currently working on projects for the Gryphon Trio, Shurum Burum Jazz Circus, Quartetto Gelato, Soul Stew and Hilario Durán's next album, recorded in Havana.

Notable performances in 2004 include a live broadcast of the National Jazz Awards where The Cusp was nominated for album of the year, the On Stage Series at the Glenn Gould Theatre in collaboration with the True North Brass and a concert with Jovino Santos Neto and the Gryphon Trio.

Roberto Occhipinti also toured with EMI recording artist Gorrilaz and performed with Damon Albarn's Mali Music at the Barbican in the UK and as well as concerts for the BBC and MTV.

As a classical musician, Roberto Occhipinti has been a member of the Winnipeg Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic and Canadian Opera Company Orchestras. He has performed with virtually every classical music ensemble in Toronto and recent performances include the St. Lawrence Quartet, The Gryphon Trio and Via Salzburg.

In addition, with an interest in Contemporary Music, he was a member of the new music group Arraymusic, performed with New Music Concerts and was principal bass of the Esprit Orchestra.