Born in New York, Emile Pandolfi began his training in classical piano at the age of five. He continued his training through graduate school, earning his degree in piano performance. Strong in both technique and musicality, he turned to popular music after completing his education.
His interest in travel took him to St. Thomas, England, Australia and to several states in the US, performing all the while; with the majority of his time spent in Los Angeles. While there, he played for dancing, acting, and opera coaches, along with the nightclub scene and cruise ships. He also was one of four pianists chosen to record Rhapsody in Blue for the broadcast of the 1984 Olympics Opening Ceremonies and one of the 84 pianists in the live performance of the ceremony. While in LA, he spent six years at the Comedy Store playing regularly for improv groups and stand-up comedians including Jay Leno, Robin Williams, David Letterman, Andy Garcia, Sam Kinnison, Yakov Smirnoff, Bob Goldthwaite, Jerry Seinfeld and many others now nationally known.
In 1986 Emile moved his family to Greenville, South Carolina, where he had grown up. After 45 minutes in town, he became the pianist at a private club and remained there for seven years. During his time there, he recorded his first solo album, By Request, in mid-1990, on his own label, MagicMusic. The album was picked up for national distribution by an Independent distributor in 1991 and has remained a best-seller ever since. Since that time, nearly 3,000,000 albums of Emile’s have been sold in the alternative market; gift and bookstores. He remains one of the top-selling artists for that market and his new releases are eagerly awaited by fans of all ages.
There are currently 28 Emile Pandolfi CDs available nationwide, including his four seasonal recordings. Most of Emile’s recordings are his arrangements of popular standards and show tunes. It is for these that he is best known. In these arrangements, Emile’s classical technique and attention to the lyrics of the songs are obvious - it has been said that he speaks from the keyboard.
When you hear his recordings, we think you will agree that Emile is an artist whose technical strength and musical sensitivity hold lasting appeal for both educated and casual listeners.
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