Joe Magnarelli was born 1960, in Syracuse, NY. At the age of 12 he started to play the piano at home by ear, and a few months later started formal guitar and trumpet lessons in school. His early musical experience came playing the trumpet and guitar in church, through grammar school and high school, and then in college Joe was the pianist and choir director at the Central Baptist Church in Syracuse, NY. Joe was also a high school varsity basketball player and played two years of college basketball at Onondaga Comm. College. In 1982 Joe got his bachelors degree from Fredonia St. University, and in 1986 moved to New York City to pursue a career in music.

In 1990 Joe finished as a semifinalist at the Thelonious Monk competition. Joe's credits include working on the bands of Lionel Hampton, Jack McDuff, Toshiko Akioshi, John Hendricks, and the Carnegie Hall Jazz Orchestra. In 1994 recorded his first record for Criss Cross Jazz, "Why Not." Since then Joe has recorded four more records for Criss Cross as a leader and numerous records as a sideman. Currently Joe is working with Ray Barretto's New Sextet. He is seen frequently playing in clubs around the New York area, as well as performing and teaching all over the world.

Joe Magnarelli Discography