Johnny Guarnieri (23 March 1917–7 January 1985) was an American virtuoso jazz and stride pianist, born in New York City, perhaps best-known for his big band stints with
Benny Goodman in 1939 and with
Artie Shaw[ in 1940. Guarnieri is also noted for his embellishment and juxtaposition of jazz with classical piano, such as Scarlatti and Beethoven. Throughout the 1940s Guarnieri was a busy sideman, recording with artists such as
Charlie Christian[/artist, Cozy Cole,
Ike Quebec,
Charlie Kennedy,
Hank D'Amico and
Ben Webster. He also led his own group called the "Johnny Guarnie…
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