Andrea — unwavering in her support of me and my music. A most extraordinary woman with a moral/ethical ethos that I've always marveled at and to which I've always aspired. I am blessed and grateful to have her as my life partner. Improvisations Volume 1 is dedicated to her.
Dad — for his love of music, and for the sacrifices he made to provide and encourage. His wisdom was simple, but it carried weight: honor, responsibility, and quiet resolve.
When I first showed interest in music, I wanted to play trumpet. He paused and said, "Mario, wouldn't you rather play piano? You'll have the entire orchestra at your fingertips." I said yes — not fully understanding then how profound that suggestion was, but trusting him.
Near the end of his life, he listened to one of my improvs. He smiled, nodded, and in that moment something passed between us — a recognition. He finally understood and accepted that this was the only path I could take with my music.
That acceptance remains one of the most meaningful affirmations of my life.
Grandfather — with Dad, purchased my first good piano, a baby grand. He was a gifted mandolin player (I'm in possession of his mandolin) and one of the finest persons I've ever known. He is always with me in spirit.
Mom — for her lovely, clear, singing voice and perfect intonation. Listening to her sing solo as well as singing along with Ella Fitzgerald and others, very much honed my sense of pitch and intonation, enhancing my musical sensibilities beyond piano. I hear her beautiful voice nearly every day.
Alan Greco — graphic artist and web designer, to whom I'm deeply indebted for the inspired vision behind this site. His openness and attitude throughout the process went far beyond professionalism; there was an intuitive ease to our collaboration, a shared sensibility that allowed everything to unfold naturally and without friction.
His engagement did not stop at design. With genuine enthusiasm for the music itself, he has generously shared it with others and, at times when pieces remained untitled, offered thoughtful titles that captured their character with remarkable clarity. Alan Greco Design
Joe Pagano — piano technician and dear friend. He possesses encyclopedic technical knowledge of the piano which he has graciously shared and I have gratefully mined. And he possesses both the most joyful spirit and most infectious laugh I've ever experienced.
Howard Begun — professional NY based transcriptionist who painstakingly transcribed several of my improvisations.
Dan Sawyer — recording/mastering engineer who has gone far beyond in ensuring the sonic quality of my initial recordings.