Jeff Colella is one of LA’s busiest jazz pianists. Besides performing in concert as a solo artist and with his trio, he maintains a very active schedule as an accompanist, recording artist, arranger, clinician and teacher.
Jeff’s most recent recording is a collaboration with the veteran bassist Putter Smith that will be released in early 2013. He has two other releases as leader, “Alone Together” and “Letting Go,” both trio recordings and both on Sea Breeze Records.
His music has been recorded by several artists, most recently by the noted saxophonist Bob Sheppard, who recorded two of Jeff’s compositions on his latest CD “Close Your Eyes”, released on BFM Records. Jeff’s work as arranger/pianist can be heard on the Summit Records CD “Lost In The Stars” by vocalist Deborah Shulman and trombonist Larry Zalkind, released in April 2012.
Jeff toured with the late, legendary Lou Rawls as his pianist and conductor for nearly sixteen years until his untimely passing in 2006. He appeared with Rawls at jazz festivals, clubs, and with orchestras throughout the U.S. and abroad. In addition to his work with Lou Rawls, the list of artists that Jeff has performed and recorded with over the years is extensive. Jeff toured worldwide for seven years with the Jazz Tap Ensemble, and also served as Musical Director for another of our legendary singers, Jack Jones. He has worked with Diane Schuur, Gregory Hines, Savion Glover, Morgana King, Sheila Jordan, Kenny Washington, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Peter Gallagher, the Bill Holman Big Band, Stacey Rowles, Larry Koonse, Bobby Shew, Bob Sheppard, Judy Wexler, Denise Donatelli, Julie Kelly, Catte Adams, the Mike Barrone Big Band, Janice Mann, Anita O’Day, John Vance, Lorenzo Lamas, Frank Potenza, Greg Poree, John Pagano, Paulette McWilliams and Miki Howard to name just a few.
In addition to his professional schedule, Jeff is currently on the faculty at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood.