The Andy Pizzo Project hopes to change the Baton Rouge live music scene through their unique blend of funk, jazz, fusion and groove-oriented beats.
“There’s a lot more to Baton Rouge than Tigerland rock bands,” said Andy Pizzo, lead trombonist of the Andy Pizzo Project. “There’s so much offered here, its just not promoted.”
The group said the music it creates is a jazz-inspired mix of old and new styles, backed by a funky beat.
“It’s real groove-oriented,” Pizzo explained. “We’re going for the funky-jazz idiom. We’re not a jam band.”
Bassist John Marchand, Southern University graduate, said the free form of The Project allows each musician to express what he is feeling at that time.
“It’s spontaneous composition that allows for a lot of personal development,” he said. “We’re the ultimate in variety bands.”
The Project has changed members through its history. Most recent was the addition of Matt Doran on keyboard, Pizzo said.
“Everyone has their individual stamp on this project,” Doran said. “I think when I joined the group, the textures changed a bit. There’s even more variety.”
Rounding out the group are drummer Doug Gay and guitarist Patrick Bordelon, both original members.
“Patrick does it all, and Doug is hilarious,” Doran said. “He always keeps me laughing.”
Pizzo said each member is a trained musician. Gay, Pizzo and Bordelon graduated with degrees in music education. They teach music education to middle and high school students in the Baton Rouge area, Pizzo said.
Doran said he began playing at the age of six, and has recorded with several local artists.
Marchand has played professionally for 10 years, and owns his own business, he said.
“Being a trained musician makes a difference in the sound,” Pizzo said. “Our music is a culmination of all our experiences, while staying true to ourselves.”
The Project juggles a weekly gig at Marrazil’s Sunday Jazz Brunch on Third Street with other projects on the side.
“Each of us is involved in a side project or two,” Pizzo said. “I’m a trombonist in a Latin band, and Doug and Jason are also in other bands.”
The group is in the process of recording of their debut album at Plusgood Studio in Baton Rouge, Pizzo said.
“We went in with a framework, but it’s a free-for-all after that,” Gay said.
The release date is tentatively scheduled for this fall, Pizzo said.
“We don’t want a sub-par record,” he said. “We’re in no rush to get it out. We’d much rather something we are happy with.”