Meet Frank Piombo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Piombo. 

Hi Frank, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in North Africa, to Italian parents; At the age of six, my family would move to Rome (my mother’s birthplace), where I was inspired by the sounds of my father’s music. An avid accordion player, I was moved by the romantic tunes produced by my father, and their effects can be heard in my music even today. By the time my family immigrated to the United States, at age eight, I was inspired by the sounds of the late fifties and early sixties, prompting me to take guitar lessons. But it was the sound of The Beatles that motivated me most and helped the me to focus more seriously on my music. 

By my late teens, I was playing gigs at weddings and small venues, eventually graduating to known jazz venues in and around town. In addition to touring the East and West Coast, where I have built a solid fan base, I also shared the stage with various European artists, such as “I Nuovi Angeli” and the “Formula Tre.” 

Flash forward more than fifty years, and today my portfolio is an impressive one. Appearing as lead guitarist and vocalist alongside Sidewalk Symphony, The Fantasy Band, Stepping Out, The New Prince Band, US & Co, the Original Infernos; and sharing the stage with the likes of The Duprees, The Mello Kings, Vito, and the Salutations, and Vito and the Elegants, I had proven to be much more than a jazz guitarist. 

My music is now heard throughout North America, and several other continents, including Africa, Australia, Europe, and South America. 

My Discography: 

•“Smooth Reminiscence” 2010

•“Sleepwalk“ 2011

•“The Night Speaks – A Smooth Jazz Journey“ 2013

•“Keep It Movin’” 2017

•“Family Concept” 2020

•“Island Dance,” single, 2021

•“Dancing In Barcelona,” single, 2021

•Bongo Boy Records – “Volume XV (Al Dente) by Various Artists” 2018

•Bongo Boy Records – “The 60th FYC (Keep It Movin’) by Various Artists” 2018

•Bongo Boy Records – “Love Songs (Our Love) by Various Artists” 2018

•Buddha- Drinks – “Our Love by Various Artists” 2013 

•Smooth Jazz Time Compilation, Vol. 1 “(Our Love) by Various Artists” 2013

I was accepted on the popular digital radio station Pandora, iHeart Radio, and YouTube where I now boasts my own stations. 

I was fortunate enough to have two of my original compositions “Rush Hour Funk,” and “Keep It Movin’” placed on the 2018, 60th FYC, Grammy Voting Ballot. And, once again, for the 64th FYC, Grammy Voting Ballot, with “Dancing In Barcelona,” and “Island Dance,” 

My 2020 single “Luv Dat Smooth Latte” (Nicos Theme) off the “Family Concept” EP made it to the Smooth Jazz Global by SmoothJazz.com Indie, Top 100 Chart, for six weeks in a row. 

My Endorsements: 

•Peavey Electronics

•D’AngelicoGuitars 

•GHS Strings

•HotoneAudio Pedals 

•Steve Clayton USA Picks

•Guild Guitars

•Samick – Greg Bennett Design Guitars

My Awards: 

•Akademia Music Awards

•Indie Music Channel Awards

•Indie Music Radio Awards

•Global Music Awards

•ClouzineInternational Music Awards 

•International Singers and Songwriters Association Awards

World Songwriting Awards

V.I.P.S Entertainer of the Year Award

All of my music is available at cdbaby, Amazonmp3, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. His music is a Contemporary Jazz Based, which includes Straight-Ahead Jazz, Latin Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Soul, Jazz Funk, R&B, and Easy Listening. 

PS: After graduating high school, I attended college where I received a BA in Education. Shortly after, I started working for the Newark Public Schools as a Mathematics Middle School. Teacher. Later on, I received a Masters, in Mathematics, and began working as a Teacher Trainer for the Newark Office of Mathematics, I did this for fifteen years, before deciding to retire and pursue a full-time career in music. 

I am married to my lovely supportive wife Angela. We have three children, Christian, Veronica, and Lauren. We also have two fantastic Grandchildren, Tino and Nico. and also, my daughter-in-law Samantha, and my future son-in-law Vincent. Who can ask for more than that!! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My struggle from the beginning was learning the English language. Being an immigrant, at the age of seven, wasn’t the easiest thing in my life. But, with the help of the many elementary school teachers and friends, I was able to overcome that deficit. I started to make a name for myself, in the music business as a solo artist, when I reached the age of fifty-five. That was also a problem because I was told, by many, that I was too old to achieve my music goals. But, like anything else in my life, I am a fighter and I never take no as an answer. Today, I speak the English language very well and I am looked upon as a very successful musician. What else can I ask for!! 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Multi Award-Winning Contemporary Jazz Guitarist/Composer and International Recording Artist. Member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), Sound Exchange. BMI, and the International Singer-Songwriters Association. I was Inducted into the 2020 Indie Music Hall of Fame in Hollywood CA. I was also nominated in 2019 and 2020 by the “East Coast Music Hall of Fame.” I work with the best musicians around and recording studios. I’m signed with “Arminio Records” which is owned by my friend Joey Arminio. 

I have composed five original albums and my sixth to be released in 2022, all within the last eleven years. My music includes straight-ahead jazz, smooth jazz, jazz-funk, blues, Latin jazz, and soul. 

My team and I are aiming for Billboard and a Grammy nomination in 2022, I have my fingers crossed. 

I am so very proud of all of the above!! 

What are your plans for the future?
Just to keep writing and recording more hit songs and hopefully getting back on the road doing what I do best!!! 

That’s it!!! 

Contact Info:

• Email: riggyentertainment@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.frankpiombo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankiepjazz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041945233967
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/frankpiombo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=frank+piombo+station
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/search?q=Frank%20Piombo

Image Credits
Gregory Burrus