The music of Dolph Castellano, jazz pianist born in Brooklyn, New York but found Fort Lauderdale, Florida and ignited the spark that drew crowds from all over the country. Dolph was originally trained as a classical pianist; however, he soon began to tune his ear to the piano rhythms and syncopation of the jazz sound.

Playing in big bands with big named musicians such as Charlie Spivak and Milwaukee-born Woody Herman, Dolph developed his own flavor merging in and out of musical quotes. Buddy Morrow, Sam Donahue, Sy Zentner, Ray Anthony, and Ralph Marterie were also big names that focused attention on Dolph's melodic piano sounds.

Dolph is celebrated as a representative for this true American classical music form. He has contributed to the awareness in the importance of music education. He has guided personal musical encounters between and among diverse individuals and expose the audience to the rich talent of the next generation of Jazz.

 

Dolph is considered one of the top Jazz pianists in South Florida. He is the consummate Jazz sideman--never seen up front but certainly prominent in the context of a Jazz ensemble while creating his unique magic on the piano.

 

His longevity as a fixture in the South Florida Jazz scene has trumpeted many memorable performances.

Dolph has performed with a who's who of local and international Jazz stars--including: Woody Herman, Sam Donahue, Jimmy Dorsey, Art Moony, Ralph Marterie, Charlie Spivak and Cy Zentner. Also, worked and recorded with Ira Sullivan, Pete Minger, Chubby and Duffy Jackson; played with Dizzy Gillespie on his 60th birthday, also worked with Lou Donaldson, Donald Byrd and many others. He was also pianist in residence for the "Boca" and Palm Beach Pops Symphonic Orchestras, Bobby Ramirez, 2009.