Daniela Schächter

Italian import Daniela Schächter is a brilliant young pianist and singer, taking the scene by storm.Judging by her list of awards and the jazz luminaries she's played with, one might thinkshe'd been gigging professionally for dozens of years. One thing's for sure--she'll be around at least that long. - NPR

Over the course of many centuries, the island of Sicily has inspired artists from around the world, most recently pianist Daniela Schächter - a Sicilian relocated to the States - whose new release 'I colori del Mare' is comprised almost entirely of originals dedicated to her homeland's shoreline.
Schächter started her training in Italy and them continued in Boston, studying with Phil Wilson, Joe Lovano, Hal Crook and most significant pianist Joanne Brackeen. She's since blossomedn into a beautifully talented composer and pianist with an important touch and a suave mature voice. Here she places emphasis on the dark blue sea as each composition's theme delves into the concept of waves. The instruments create different layersfrom within as if looking at the sea and its ground-swell while imagining the complex life that occurs below. This life is proven to be various and energetic by the performances of Schächter's amazing ensemble: Davide Schächter (her guitar-playing brother), Alex Sipiagin (trumpet), Oleg Osenkov (bass), Gene Jackson (drums), Walter Smith III (tenor) and Tiger Okoshi (trumpet), who together create a smooth texture full of unique accents. Even though the [piano may be the main voice, there are no real leaders or followers, as all perfectly balance their contribution... - All About Jazz

From the backdrop of some serious, cogent, & gainful mixing & mastering by my good friend Peter Kontrimos- PBS Studio in Massachussetts......emerges jazz vocalist Daniela Schächter and her strong voice, her tight jazz quintet and her fertile arranging prowess. Suffice it to say Daniela is an outstanding, talented, and imaginative leader, jazz vocalist, writer and producer. She's a killer!!!
George W. Carroll - Jazzreview.com

Ciò che la differenzia dagli altri jazzisti americani, a sua detta, è la grande ed ostinata determinazione dovuta all’esser “nata in una terra ostile al jazz”; certamente è molto motivata e lavora con grande impegno, ma ciò che maggiormente cattura, ascoltandola suonare il piano, è la forte personalità del suo tocco.
Daniela Schaechter, minuta e delicata, davanti alla tastiera produce infatti un’energia insospettabile, ed ogni singola nota che ne deriva sembra imprimersi con forza nell’aria: la sua musica ha un gran carattere, senz’ombra di dubbio.

La giovane compositrice suona il piano in modo appassionato e coinvolgente, con un tocco potente e leggero al tempo stesso, unendo al talento musicale una voce limpida, profonda e suadente. L’avviata e promettente artista messinese, di formazione classica e cultura statunitense, si è esibita a Roma sul palco Acousticampus in occasione della “Estate alla Sapienza” (2007), presso l’omonimo ateneo romano. Affiancata sul palco da due compagni altrettanto giovani e parimenti dotati: l’ottimo Massimo Pellitteri alla batteria ed Olec Osenkov al basso.

Ambizioso, oltre che "energico", il programma della serata, che spazia da Telonius Monk a Miles Davis, passando attraverso una splendida reinterpretazione di “E se domani” di Mina. Oltre naturalmente alla sua produzione: eclettica successione di pezzi a ritmo sostenuto e brani dalla dolcezza struggente. La sua musica è incisiva, con una precisa identità e capace di trasportare lo spettatore in un mondo ricco di vibrazioni e colori. Una personalità che è legata in modo evidente al suo essere italiana, e siciliana, come appare evidente nei titoli di brani e CD e come emerge dalla passionalità della scrittura e dell'interpretazione.

Inserita nell’ambito della rassegna Le donne e il jazz accanto alle più note (in Italia) Patrizia Scascitelli e Ada Rovatti, Daniela rappresenta uno dei molti artisti italiani che hanno scelto di vivere la scena statunitense senza scendere a compromessi con le proprie radici culturali: una soluzione che paga, a giudicare dai molti premi vinti e dall'apprezzamento riscosso in America e non solo. Fra i molti pezzi in repertorio, non a caso il brano più toccante scritto ed interpretato dalla compositrice si chiama “Terra Madre”: perché la Sicilia, forse più che ogni altra isola al mondo, resta nel cuore. Indelebilmente.


Donatella Codonesu
- TeatroTeatro.it

A couple of weeks ago, a friend brought me to a jazz concert at Smoke Jazz Club, a well-known jazz club in the Upper West Side of New York City. It was a pleasant surprise for me to meet Daniela Schaechter, a pianist from Messina in Sicily. Yes you read it right: she is from Messina in spite of her last name of German origins!

When you are away from home, it is always exciting to get to know people that come from your same place (or close). It is like bringing back memories because you have an instant connection with them, no matter what. It is even more exciting when you get to know somebody as talented as Daniela. She is a pianist, vocalist, composer and arranger.

At Smoke Jazz Club, we did not have much time to chat, but I got to learn a bit more about her and what she does anyhow. I also learned all the details from her web site. Daniela Schaechter started early her musical career: by her mid-teens was already performing publicly in Sicily, as well as doing studio session work. After her classical studies she moved to Boston as recipient of a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music, where she studied with Phil Wilson, Joe Lovano, Hal Crook and above all with Joanne Brackeen.

Daniela has won many prestigious awards, such as the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Piano Competition 2005, The Sister in Jazz Competition 2002, the Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Competition 2002, the Terri Lyne Carrington Endowed Scholarship, the ‘Tindari 93, Prize’ for the best jazz duo with her brother Davide and also she appeared in the Jazziz magazine collector’s CD (July 2001). She was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to the Henry Mancini Institute for one month; there she met Billy Childs her favourite composer. The musicians that had the most influence in her music are Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett, Paul McCandless, Thelonious Monk, Bela Bartok, Maurice Ravel. Daniela was guest artist of the prestigious Marian McPartland Piano Jazz radio program in June 2006. She is leading her group in several NYC venues and she was part of the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival 2006 and the Java Jazz Festival 2006. Recently she was featured among the top jazz musicians in NYC in the Japanese Playboy Magazine of October.

Her CDs “Quintet” and “I colori del mare” are available on www.cdbaby.com, where you can also listen to her compositions. Her second CD, which features Gene Jackson, Jimmy Greene and Alex Sipiagin among others, has been released with the Italian jazz label Splasc Records. - Sicilyguide.com

“When pianist Daniela Schachter’s latest disc ’I Colori Del Mare” arrived I couldn’t help but notice the cast of mulitcultured players that’s onboard to lend their talent to this compelling new recording by pianist, vocalists, composer & arranger.

Daniela was classically trained in Sicily, Italy. After grooming her skills she later moved to Boston, MS to further her education with a “scholarship at Berklee College of Music where she studied with Phil Wilson, Joe Lovano, Hal Crook and above all with pianist Joanne Brackeen.”
The key voices behind Daniela Schächter ...
Daniela Schächter – piano & vocals
Alex Sipiagin– trumpet and flugelhorn
Jimmy Green – tenor & soprano saxophone
Roland Barber – trombone
Tiger Okoshi – trumpet
Walter Smith III – tenor sax
Davide Schächter – guitar
Oleg Osenkov – acoustic bass
Gene Jackson – drums

The Latin flavored “Dark Blue,” opens the set ten compositions with Daniela serving up some seriously scrumptious chops on the front and back end of the track sounding somewhat like one of her favorite composers Billy Childs. Dark Blue is described as being “color of the Mediterranean Sea at sunset,” while listening I imagined the waves splashing against the shore line as Daniela’s fingers dance gracefully across the keys.
“Incrocio,” the next selection spins with the firey traits of legendary jazz players. Oh yes, she represents in huge way by fabulously working the keys while staying attached to superb solos by saxophonist Jimmy Green.

Daniela alters the tempo with vocals on the blues influenced “Light Green.” Trumpeter Alex Sipiagin accents the piece with a phat free twist of tonal excellence. Yes, his tone is sweet! Vocally, Danilea voice is alluring therefore giving the listener a treat with the delectable slice of piano and vocals.
“Sweet and Sour” drops in the fifth spot! Daniela’s delightful scales and arrangement is wrapped with hints of her classical training compliments her lyrical jazz voicing. The beauty of this track she tranports you into a reviting music excursion.
With nine of the ten compositions penned by herself, after a few spins it’s difficult to overlook the brilliance she interjects with each selection. That’s why, I clearly see the attraction that luminaries such as Quincy Jones, Patrick Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, John Clayton Jr., Elmer Bernstein, Bob Brookmeyer, Justin DiCioccio, and Phil Wilson opt to conduct her arrangements.
“The Boat and The Storm, (Fung Wah Blues)” jumps out of the gate with deliberate and scorching horn parts featuring Tiger Okoshi on trumpet! The players came to play, the fire and gusto of solos and interplay of the ensemble exceed exspectations at this point.
“Thinking About You” is scored passionately with an engaging interlude of Daniela gorgeous piano soloing. Once again, her classical piano voice connects to the lineage of jazz are a match made in heaven.
Daniela does it again, this time she showcases with her scatting skills and spontaneity on the classic “On A Clear Day.” No, she’s not Ella nor is she trying to be!
With her love for the homeland Daniela arrives at the shores of the Meditterian by painting a tapestry of a samba tinged piece titled “The Moon and The Fisherman.” She calls upon soloist Walter Smith III to play the tenor sax and also her brother Davide steps in on guitar. Simply radiant!
Acoustic bassist Oleg Osenkov slowly etches his way into the opening and the last selection entitled “When The Trutle Meets The Ocean.” This is her second album as a soloist and one that’s filled with many impressive pieces scored by Daniela and her ensemble stands up to the challenge by accurately enhancing each composition with perfection.
I’m thankful to become acquainted with the voice of a promising new artist especially when the music is more then satisfying. Meeting the music of Daniela Schachter is certainly inspiring to me, after this listening experience it definitely wouldn’t be my last encounter with her music. From beginning to the end, her musical repertoire will simply amaze you, the melodies provocative, her playing is lush and exuberant. For those of you who don’t mine being seduced by colorful tones of classical while shaken and stirred with the shades of jazz, then take a few minutes and check out pianist, vocalists, composer & arranger Daniela Schachter’s second recording “I Colori Del Mare” for yourself. - Contemporaryjazz.com

E’ relativamente semplice avvertire fin dal primo ascolto la piacevole sensazione che si riceve da un disco che, a prescindere dalla qualità delle composizioni o dal fatto che si tratti di standards o di originals, ha un “tiro” diverso dal solito, marcia ad un ritmo interiore (quindi non necessariamente di BPM) che trasporta; lo si può chiamare groove, in certi casi, ma in generale un disco può essere molto meno piatto di quanto la sua superficie plastica dia evidenza, e quando è così siamo di fronte ad un disco ben fatto, al di là dei gusti personali che poi possono condurci a sceglierlo o meno. Questo è un esempio piuttosto limpido del discorso fatto: la pianista (e cantante) Daniela Schachter tira fuori un lavoro che parla il linguaggio del jazz classico e dell’hard bop, e lo fa mantenendo un approccio piuttosto tradizionale, cosa che può o meno piacere, ma suonando con uno stile solido, vitale e di spessore, con un tocco che non ha incertezze ed una tecnica sicura e diretta. Il gruppo piuttosto ampio che con lei dà forma al lavoro è costituito da Alex Sipiagin alla tromba e al flicorno, Jimmy Greene al sax, Roland Barber al trombone, Davide Schachter alla chitarra (la presenza meno avvertibile complessivamente), Oleg Osenkov al contrabbasso e Gene Jackson alla batteria. Arrangiamenti tirati e netti per i fiati, una certa risolutezza nel proporre molti tempi dispari, l’ottima prova fornita dalla sezione ritmica e in special modo dalla batteria, una registrazione pulita e definita fanno di questo disco un esempio di jazz che si lascia ascoltare con gran piacere e con ricchezza di contenuti.

Pierluigi Zanzi - Suono.it