Ugo Delmirani

Tonight we will be celebrating the life and music of one of the most creative and respected piano players to have worked on the UK scene. Equally at home playing modern jazz, groove-laden R&B and soul or rhythmically complex, powerful Latin rhythms Italian-born but long time UK resident Ugo Delmirani could do it all…and do it brilliantly. Artists that he worked with over a long and distinguished career pay testament to his versatility, from successful West End shows to work with the likes of Carmel, Soul legend Mica Paris, contemporary groups such as "Basement Jaxx" and iconic Latin musicians such as Airto Moreira. On the UK scene he could be seen regularly with the brilliant soul singer Ola Onabule, the Brazilian dance band “Viramundo” and the bands of Brazilian singers Liliana Chachian and Jandira Silva. Then there were appearances with the City Funk Orchestra and contemporary jazz groups of bass player Dill Katz as well, of course, as with his own modern jazz trios and quartets. And here at the Club, as well as regular gigs with all of those artists, for more than 15 years on the last Friday of each month he could be heard as the pianist with the “house” Brazilian band “Samara”. Ugo’s playing was both intense and subtle, swinging and groove laden. His improvisations could be complex but at the same time joyous and accessible and the one thing that it all had in common was the uniqueness of his approach. Constantly working on his music it was always possible to tell within minutes that it was Ugo at the piano. As a person Ugo was quiet and reserved (although very, very funny when you got to know him) and never looked for the limelight, so was perhaps less well known than he should have been. But within musical circles he was enormously respected, very much a “musician’s musician”. He really was one of a kind. Sadly Ugo passed away shortly before Christmas last year and this evening his musical colleagues, friends and family will be gathering together at the Club to celebrate the life and music of one of the great UK players. Appearing this evening to pay tribute to this remarkable musician will be many of the artists and groups that he worked with throughout his career, including Paul Rumbol and his Brazilian dance band “Viramundo”, soul/groove singers Gina Foster and Ola Onabule, Latin musicians Andy Lafone and Guille Hill, Brazilian singers Liliana Chachian and Guida de Palma, jazz and Brazilian bassist Dill Katz and his trio, Ugo’s friend and “alternate” pianist in “Samara” Neil Angilley along, of course, with the band “Samara” itself. And if all that wasn’t enough a large number of Ugo’s musical friends and colleagues have also expressed a desire to be part of the evening, so you can expect plenty of joyous music of the very highest calibre well in to the night…Booking advised.

“a fantastic player and a lovely guy” Jason Lyon; “Great pianist” Michael Mondesir