Contemporary Jazz Guitarist Jeff Ciampa has recorded and toured with some of the most demanding practitioners, including Harry Belafonte, Jon Lucien, Dave Matthews, Mark Egan, Bill Evans, Al MacDowell, Ornette Coleman, Lew Solof, Pete Levin, Tony Levin, Lenny White, to name a few. His fluid melodic style, steeped in the jazz tradition, continues to inspire fellow musicians and listeners worldwide.

Born and raised in central Pennsylvania, the aspiring performing artist commenced formal trumpet instruction at age seven, switching to guitar lessons at the age of twelve. Upon entering Juniata College as a dual major of pre-med and music his passion for music overshadowed his desire to enter the medical profession. In short time, Jeff found himself studying at the esteemed Berklee School of Music in Boston under the tutelage of guitarist extraordinaire, Pat Metheny. In fact, several years later, he would find himself fronting a trio composed of Mr. Metheny’s sidemen who accompanied the guitarist on many of his seminal recordings: bassist Mark Egan and drummer Danny Gottlieb. Further intense studies in improvisation with Charlie Banacos elevated his talent
to such heights that Jeff found himself touring with Caribbean icon, singer/actor Harry Belafonte and subsequently with popular jazz vocalist, Jon Lucien.

After a lengthy stint with the aforementioned artists, Jeff befriended long time Ornette Coleman bassist, Al McDowell with whom he recorded three critically acclaimed sessions for Gramavision Records.

In the early 1980’s, Jeff extended his music studies with the much heralded jazz guitar master, Billy Bauer while at the same time delving into classical guitar studies with William Matthews.

Jeff has recorded two critcally acclaimed recordings on Mark Egan’s Wavetone label, Signs of Life and House of Mirror featuring Mark Egan and Danny Gottlieb. Subsequently, the popular trio was booked into major jazz festivals, including the JVC in New York City, the Newport Jazz Festival
in Rhode Island, the St. Lucia Jazz Festival, and the St. Kitt’s Jazz Festival.

In addition to performing and recording, Jeff is an accomplished writer and has collaborated with Luis Bonfa and Hazell Sherbill on the score for the musical, Carioca.

Two new records are in the making, a latin jazz outing featuring Tomas Martin Lopez, Bill O’Connell, and others; and a contemporary jazz record featuring Pete and Tony Levin,
Lenny White and others.

Guitar Magazine says, “Always the true professional, Mr. Ciampa performs with exuberance
and aplomb . . .”

The Times Herald-Record wrote “ . . . another jazz gem residing and performing
in the Hudson Valley.”