Richie Scollo

Richie Scollo

Richard Scollo grew up on Long Island where he started lessons on alto sax in fourth grade. A year later, he switched to the tenor sax. In addition to traditional weekly private lessons, his teacher Carl Pinto had a jam session on Friday evenings where his students played standards, improvised, and learned how to play in an ensemble. By age fourteen, Richard began playing for parties and working at resorts in upstate New York during the summer. After graduating from CW Post College with a degree in music, Richard continued a busy schedule, teaching and performing. Engagements included the Queensway Hilton in Long Beach, California, the Palm Beach Yacht Club, the house band at the World Trade Center’s Windows on the World, The Rainbow Room and Lincoln Center. Richard played Sloe Gin Fizz in a scene for the movie Only You starring Marissa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr. Recordings include Painter of Dreams and A Long Way to Go with the Bad Little Big Band; Live at the Sands with Tony Babino. He has performed with George Coleman, Billy Mitchell, Gerry Niewood, Dave Liebman, Eddie Daniels, Kathy Lee Gifford, Don Rickles, Vic Damone, Dianne Carroll. Richard also had the opportunity to perform for President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and Frank Sinatra. After teaching middle school band for 29 years, Richie is now retired and enjoys practicing and performing around the New York area.