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Vinnie Sperrazza

Brooklyn Jazz Drummer

Swinging, original-minded drummer leading inventive ensembles and collaborating across NYC's creative music scene.

jazzmodern jazzexperimental jazzcreative music

About

Vinnie Sperrazza is a Brooklyn-based jazz drummer born in 1979 in Utica, New York, where drumming runs in his family. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Paterson University in 2002 and studied with legendary pianist James Williams until Williams' death in 2004. Since then, Sperrazza has become a prominent figure in the New York jazz community, leading his own bands including Apocryphal and Small Cities, collaborating with numerous ensembles, and touring with the Mark Morris Dance Group.

Music Style

Sperrazza's playing is characterized by swinging, enthusiastic drumming with a commitment to original compositions and rule-breaking arrangements. His music blends improvisation with carefully crafted compositions, avoiding clichés through episodic structures and unexpected harmonic turns.

Background

Hometown
Utica, New York
Education
William Paterson University
Instruments
drums
Active
2002-present

Similar Artists

If you like Paul Motian, Tony Williams, and contemporary Brooklyn jazz ensembles — you'll love this artist

Paul Motian
Sperrazza's drumming style is influenced by Motian's multidirectional cymbal approach and compositional sensibility
85%
Tony Williams
Sperrazza has written extensively about Williams and cites him as a special subject of study
80%
Ethan Iverson
Frequent collaborator and composer; they share similar approaches to original compositions and ensemble leadership
85%

Notable Collaborations

James WilliamsEthan IversonMichael FormanekHank RobertsCharlotte GreveChris TordiniLoren StillmanBrandon SeabrookJacob SacksMasa KamaguchiMark Morris Dance Group
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Upcoming Events

Vinnie Sperrazza's next NYC show is Friday, July 10 at Bar Bayeux.