If you’ve listened to a local commercial recently in Rochester, you might have heard the music of Rochester native Andy Calabrese. Jazz pianist, producer, and composer Andy Calabese writes music for commercials and film out of his studio in Pittsford. He’s written music for local businesses such as The Strong National Museum of Play and Xerox. Andy Calabrese started experimenting with a 4 track cassette in 1984, overdubbing synths and guitars. Around that time, he met Chuck Brucato, and started collaborating with him creating music for commercials. They still collaborate today.
Andy Calabrese performs throughout Rochester with his group Prime Time Funk, which recently played at the Rochester Music Hall of Fame. He notes that in order to be an effective music producer and performer, versatility is key. “Learn to play in as many styles as you can,” says Andy Calabrese. “Learn the history of the style and put things in to context.”