Al Maniscalco was born in Staten Island, New York and grew up in Hollywood,
Florida. After receiving his Bachelor of Music degree in 1992
from the University of North Florida, where he was a student of
Rich Matteson, Bunky Green, Bill Prince, and Don Zentz, Al migrated north to Baltimore, Maryland. In 1994 he completed
studies earning him a Master of Music degree from Towson State
University.
As a performing artist, Al has achieved a substantial resume,
including performance with Branford Marsalis, Chuck Mangione, The Temptations, Hal Linden,
The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, The Shirelles, Little Anthony and
the Imperials, The Count Basie Orchestra, and on International
Cruise Lines. In 1992, Al Maniscalco was selected WINNER of the Jazz Category in the Great South Florida Sound Search,
sponsored by the Miami Herald, competing with over 600 contestants.
Al Maniscalco currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland, where he maintains
a steady schedule of performing as well as private instruction.
Many of his former students have gone on to realize their own
success in the music world. Aside from leading the Al Maniscalco
Quartet, he is in great demand as a sideman with many of the region's
top bands in all styles of music.
Since its inception in 1994, the Al Maniscalco Quartet has developed a reputation as one of Baltimore's premier jazz
groups, performing at every major jazz venue in the greater Baltimore
area. This continued success led to the production of the group's
first major recording project, and the release of their first
CD, Altitude, in 1997.
Successful sales placed Altitude on the top 10 bestsellers list at local music stores, as well
as making it available nationally through Borders Books and Music.
Further success and notoriety eventually led to a debut performance
at Blues Alley, Washington D.C.'s nationally recognized premier jazz venue,
in 1998. Al Maniscalco has also begun to receive national recognition,
thanks to radio stations throughout the country including Altitude on their play-list.
The Al Maniscalco Quartet performs traditional, straight-ahead jazz in the styles of many
great legends. Along with providing fresh arrangements to classic
standards, many of Al Maniscalco's original compositions may prove
to be favorites as well. The Al Maniscalco Quartet is available
for all types of private and public functions including weddings,
festivals, clinics, and club-dates.