Sympatico Jazz Collective

We are The Sympatico Jazz Collective, an ensemble of creative individuals who consider ourselves to be Jazz artists, but do not limit our expression to any one form, style, period or genre of Jazz. For over 25 years, we, led by Dr. Maggie Rizzi (bass) and Bob Ponte (piano), have formed the core of a group of like-minded musicians who have maintained a joyful musical bond, searching for new ways to express our art and for new opportunities to share that art.

This flexibility has allowed us to perform as an ensemble of anywhere from 2 - 8 musicians, depending on the needs of the music and the venue. We've played for brunches, private parties, in small and large clubs, 600-seat auditoriums and in churches. We've been asked to perform Swing, Bop, Gypsy Jazz, Funk and Fusion. And we always present with a deep joy in, and a deep respect for, the music.

Over the years, we've had the great privilege of collaborating with some truly wonderful musicians, both on our recordings and in our performances.

Our current featured performer is vocalist Sheila Ponte whose experience in NYC, the local scene and the cruise ship milieu have afforded us a welcome opportunity to explore the music of Broadway and Hollywood. 

And our newest member who will be a regular participant for the foreseeable future is Jamie McCann (guitar).

Among our collaborators are; Steve Thomas (guitar - a founding member), Bobby Tynes (saxophones), Paula Zeitlin (violin - The Paula Zeitlin Quintet), Sheila Ponte (vocals), Greg Conroy (drums), Cheryl Albright "The Ella 100 Tribute" (vocals), Daniel Abreu (sax), Keith Gibson (drums),   David Zox (bass), Stanley Swann (drums),  Alvin Terry (drums), Patrick Wroge (sax), John Mange (trumpet)

A partial list of the venues where we've appeared: The Middle East Cafe, The Willow Jazz Club, The Berklee Performance Center, The Barn at Tiverton, Ryles Jazz Club, T-Can in Natick, Amazing Things Arts Center, First Parish of Concord Jazz Series,  Wellesley College Auditorium, URI Auditorium, The Hatch Shell on The Boston Esplanade, LaSalle Colllege, The Towers in Narragansett, R.I., The Rivers School of Weston, The Cambridge Jazz Festival, Arlington Center for the Arts, the annual VINFEN Gala at FourPoints of Norwood,