All Over Albany

Piano man Nate Buccieri's CD release party

Amateur crooners in A-Town remember him as their favorite piano man -- the guy with an amazing repertoire of pop standards and show tunes who could deftly accompany the best and, um, not-so-best singers in the region. But Nate Buccieri plays great music of his own and he's celebrating the release of his second album Little Boy Flying with a pair of parties at Justin's -- and one of them is tonight.

Nate's sing-along piano cabaret nights have been beloved in their various incarnations at the Fuze Box, the former Larkin, Savannah's and most recently, Justin's in Albany and the Circus Café in Saratoga. The former Albany resident recently moved to Brooklyn, where he's now also navigating the New York City music scene.

Nate's CD release celebration kicks off tonight at 9 p.m., reservations required. If you can't make it this Monday, there will be another chance on Monday the 21st.

Nate first started playing the piano when he was 7 and he was quickly hooked. He says he started spending his $2 weekly allowance on 45s and sheet music, and started making recordings with his friends at the age of 11.

After pursuing music at SUNY Albany, Nate began performing, teaching and directing full time. In 2000, he was asked to play at the Fuze Box on what he calls "one of the worst pianos I've ever played." That gig led to a lot of long-time friendships, as well as numerous other gigs throughout the Capital Region and New York City area. His extensive piano bar repertoire includes a diverse range: originals, Broadway hits, classic rock, jazz standards, and of course, ironic renderings of songs by the famous piano man himself, Billy Joel.

Nate says the title "Little Boy Flying" has a variety of meanings, including a game he used to play with his aunt when he was a little child that involved "flying" on top of their raised legs. But it also has to do with the general experience of traveling, seeing new things and exploring the world. Most of his writing, in fact, occurs when he's on trains, in parks, on streets, and amidst the world and amongst people.

He started recording the album with his brother about two years ago and he's done all the recording, editing, and mixing by himself. It's being released by his own label, The Gorda Records, which is named after one of his beloved cats. He's already working on his next album, in fact.

For reservations tonight (or next week) call Justin's at 436-2008. There's a cover charge of $3. If you can't make either of those dates, you can also catch Nate at a couple of events in Saratoga later this month and throughout August. His site has more details. Copies of "Little Boy Flying" are available at the release parties, through Nate's site, and also at CDbaby.com and iTunes.