Raf Nazario - Pianist, Composer-Songwriter
Composer, Producer, Arranger and Teacher… Rafael Nazario’s music is as diverse as the many places he has called home, composing in any number of styles; Jazz, Latin, Neo-Classical, Pop, and Electronica. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Costa Rica, New Jersey and back in P.R., Rafael's early influences were classical music, then The Beatles and other popular songwriters. Later on, it was Erroll Garner, Thelonious Monk and of course, Keith Jarrett. There were many others along the way.
Rafael originally intended to study engineering but changed direction in his last year of High School, deciding to pursue music instead. (He had no prior musical training—everyone thought he was nuts.) As a freshman at the University of Portland, piano became his instrument and composition his focus.
Nazario lived for many years in Los Angeles and worked as songwriter, composer and producer for commercials and film. For six years he was also the resident pianist at the Tony Bill (The Sting, Taxi Driver) and Dudley Moore —owned ‘72 Market Street’ Restaurant in Venice, CA, supplying “sophisticated improvisational piano” (national magazine quote) in what was then one of Los Angeles high-voltage, show-biz clientele spots. At any given time anyone could be in the room; Randy Newman, Oscar Peterson, Herbie Hancock, Lalo Schifrin, Joni Mitchell, Jimmy Webb, Yoko Ono, and the list goes on and on. Rafael also helmed the music trio that played for the KCRW (NPR) program, “Live from 72” broadcast, as well as having been invited to play for several benefits for NPR. Additionally, Rafael supplied music for a variety of private functions and settings, often playing for high-profile members of the film and music community and once, even spending an evening with Bob Dylan teaching him to play a Gershwin song for an a centennial celebration. (A partial list of performances can be obtained with one, easy click here.)
His profile and reputation grew via various media appearances — including fronting the trio that played for NPR affiliate KCRW’s ‘Live from 72’ —and soon he was producing, arranging and composing for television and film, as well as acting in various films, commercials and TV shows.
Rafael’s style of piano continued to evolve while living in Tokyo’s Roppongi district, playing swing, stride and singing jazz standards. Whilst in Tokyo, Rafael continued to teach, learn and refine his music until opportunity knocked once again with a prospect to relocate to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Rafael flourished in Mexico, where he wrote, arranged and produced Patria Añorada, recorded with some of Mexico’s finest studio musicians. His follow-up CD, PianoForte 1, was a genre-defying collection of piano and instrumental music, reflecting a diverse variety of influences.
Over years of performing across America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Rafael has developed and honed a personal style that combines both his American and Hispanic sensibilities. It is a distinct voice that has won and wowed fans and critics alike.
Currently based in Sydney, Australia, Rafael is focusing on composing, recording and teaching. He recently released PianoForte 2, a collection of instrumental originals reflecting the diversity of his interest and influences.
Patria Añorada, PianoForte 1 and 2 are available on iTunes, Amazon.com, CDBABY and Rhapsody, among other outlets. He is a member of the Australian Screen Composers Guild and APRA/AMCOS.