D'Abruzzo is an extraordinary 2nd generation musical family, currently fronted by the flamboyant 20 year old Aaron D'Abruzzo, & his pioneering dad Maurice, whose music has been heard all over the world as recording artist & soundtrack composer. The irresistible combination of energy & experience is the reason why Aaron & Maurice D’Abruzzo are turning heads with their unique sound - a saucy blend of exotic rhythms, topped with sizzling rock n soul vocals. On hearing them for the first time, George Negus (legendary Australian TV presenter) declared: “D'Abruzzo - they don't come much cooler than that!”
Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Maurice D'Abruzzo, began creating his own musical world at a very early age - writing his first piece while still in primary school. He spent his early professional years recording & touring nationally with pop/rock bands such as Eighty Eights and Getaway Plane, during which time he was signed to Warner Chappell & Polygram Music Publishing. During the 90s, Maurice concentrated on soundtrack work, including two songs for the Australian feature film “Exchange Lifeguards”, starring Elliott Gould & Julian McMahon, as well as the full score for the award-winning documentary “The Amazing World Of Minibeasts”, distributed worldwide by National Geographic.
....
In 2005, Maurice returned to the original music scene as the artist D'Abruzzo, recording & releasing the critically acclaimed “Cool Threads” album - which DRUM MEDIA described as 'a heady mix of latin grooves, jazz licks, & sinuous funk'. The album was recorded on Maurice's own GITLIX MUSIC label & distributed internationally by MGM Distribution & iTunes.
A few months prior to that, D'Abruzzo turned in an inspired performance at the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival 2005. Which earned them a return engagement at the festival in 2006.
On July 18, 2006, the band performed at The Basement, Sydney's premiere jazz club - the music was recorded, & spawned the “Live At The Basement” - which was released on iTunes in late November.
Beginning with the recording of "Cool Threads", Maurice has consistently presented a series of lineups that has boasted the finest talent - including Sunil DeSilva, Lulo Reinhardt, Ian Cooper, Merenia Gillies, Evelyn Duprai, Vashti Sivell, Virna Sanzone, Vicente Sebastian & many more.
As 2007 rolled on, a new set of recordings began, with special guests James Valentine (saxophonist with The Models/Wendy Matthews, plus legendary ABC Radio host!) & Adrian Keating (first violinist with the Australian Opera & Ballet). On February 7, 2008, D'Abruzzo launched their new album, “Up On The Beat”at The Basement. By April, one of the tracks from the album, "Step Into The Light", had reached No 8 on the SLC National Chart. In June, Maurice's writing & composing skills had attracted the attention of Shock Music Publishing, who signed his catalogue for the world. On September 3, D'Abruzzo released an exclusive to iTunes single, a re-working of Maurice's “Love Without Danger which was origibally released through BMG in 1987.
On November 12, D'Abruzzo was named Top Ten Finalist in the National Musicoz Awards 2008.
In January 2009, Maurice released a solo iTunes single: “Rock Easy” from the feature film, Exchange Lifeguards, starring Julian McMahon, Elliott Gould, and Christopher Atkins.
In response to the tragedy of the Abruzzo earthquake of April 6, 2009, Maurice helped to organise a fundraiser at Le Montage, Sydney - a unique show featuring Maurice, Aaron & many other performers, and raising a total of $20,000. The NSW committee supporting this cause were so impressed that D'Abruzzo were invited to perform at the final Sydney fundraiser at Doltone House, attended by the premier of NSW, the opposition leader & many other VIPs - a total of $150,000 was raised at that event. On July 14, 2009 Maurice released a solo single on iTunes - a fresh take on the CCR classic "Fortunate Son".
A month later, Aaron released his solo debut - "While You Can" on iTunes
