4/22/2022
Performances and Artists
Since landing a record deal as a college freshman, Peter Cincotti doesn’t take time off from making magic with his piano and vocals.
Not even during the pandemic.
That became evident when the acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist recorded a stirring anthem to his home city of New York during the lockdown, “Heart of the City,” to inspire Americans to make it through.
“There was something about being in the city that never sleeps and looking out my window and watching it actually sleeping, that was very surreal,” Cincotti says. “The song is a remembrance of things past, a dream of better days.”
Cincotti – whose debut album reached No. 1 on the Billboard jazz chart when he was just 18 – didn’t stop there.
He invested his time during the lockdown to working on his sixth album, “88 Keys and Me,” offering jazz-infused reinterpretations of hits by a wide range of artists, including Lady Gaga, Scott Joplin, Lionel Richie and Billy Joel.
“I wanted this album to highlight artists and songs that were seemingly far apart, and allow the piano to bring them together,” he says.
Southern Nevadans can hear Cincotti debut these fresh tunes from his new album on June 3 in Myron’s at The Smith Center. Backed by his three-piece band, Cincotti says this will mark his first live show in Las Vegas since the pandemic hit.
“My hope for every show is that the audience can forget their troubles for a while, escape into the music and just have a great time,” he says.
Working in Music, Film and Theater
With his virtuoso prowess on piano, complemented by his husky vocals, Cincotti has no trouble finding a wide range of opportunities to test his skills.
Since recording his debut album, Cincotti has collaborated with greats such as Andrea Bocelli and David Guetta, and even opened for Ray Charles.
He’s also ventured into theater, by teaming up with his sister Pia to write the music and lyrics for three musicals.
“I’d love to write more music for theater and film,” he says. “We’ll see where it leads.”
And fans can check out his budding acting skills in his cameo roles with films and TV series like “House of Cards” and “Spiderman 2” – opportunities that came about because his fanbase includes movie makers and A-list actors.
“It’s completely spoiled me, working with the best in the business,” Cincotti says.
A Piano Connection
For his upcoming show, Cincotti will stick to his musical roots of jazz and pop.
He chose to reinterpret songs by artists who share his love for piano, he says.
“I have a variety of wide-ranging influences, and always thought many of them were more connected than most people think they are,” he explains. “My goal for this (new) record was to share some of my favorite, and illuminate that connective tissue between them, while making the piano itself the genre.”
After working on these songs during the pandemic, he finds it deeply gratifying to play these songs for live audiences.
“If I’m lucky, they’ll be inspired and moved,” he says.
SEE THE SHOW
Peter Cincotti performs at Myron’s at The Smith Center on June 3 – CLICK HERE for tickets.