Who I Am
In the vast realm of music, where creativity meets mastery, the journey of Phil Turcio is a symphony of dedication, collaboration, and profound artistic expression.
Born in Adelaide, and later relocating to Melbourne at a tender age, Turcio's life unfolded against the backdrop of a musical upbringing that would come to define his legacy.
It was at the age of seven that Turcio's voyage into the world of music began. Guided by his father, John, he embarked on a path paved with piano keys, each note resonating with a promise of a remarkable future. By the time he was sixteen, a resolute decision was made – music would be his calling. Box Hill College of Music became his haven, where his piano skills were nurtured by the hands of mentors like Greg Dixon and Thomas Spivak. A pivotal year followed, carrying him across continents to Naples, Italy, where he honed his craft under the watchful guidance of classical pianist Antonio Maione. Returning to his homeland, Turcio's education continued at Melbourne University, this time under the tutelage of jazz pianist Tony Gould. The intersection of classical refinement and jazz improvisation sculpted the foundation of his artistry, enriching his perspective and setting the stage for a multifaceted career.
Turcio's name resonates across the diverse landscapes of the music industry – a Pianist, Composer, Producer, Musical Director, and a Teacher revered for both his classical finesse and jazz ingenuity. A constellation of Australia's finest musicians has graced his journey.
His musical companionship has been sought by the likes of Hugh Jackman, Richard Marx, Olivia Newton John, John Farnham, Guy Sebastian, Jack Jones, Fatai, Antonia Bennett, and an array of others, solidifying his reputation as a collaborator of choice.
His presence has graced television screens across the nation, leaving an indelible mark on networks 7, 9, and 10. He was the resident pianist with the 'In Melbourne Tonight' Band on Channel 9 during 97/98 and the “Hey Hey It’s Saturday” band in ’99. This rhythm paved the way for a nationwide tour, 'The Main Event’, featuring icons Olivia Newton John, John Farnham, and Anthony Warlow. The stages may vary, but Turcio's virtuosity remains a constant.
The year 1999 witnessed a chapter of creativity with the release of 'Serious Young Insects', an album borne of collaboration with world renowned drummer Virgil Donati and the ensemble 'On The Virg’. This milestone wasn't merely an album, it was a canvas where Turcio's compositions painted a story of ingenuity and imagination.
As the millennium dawned, his music soared even higher. The Sydney 2000 Olympic Closing Ceremony found its emotional crescendo in the notes of the official closing song, ’We'll Be One’, extinguishing the Olympic flame. The composition was co-crafted with his wife, Kylieann.
His influence extends beyond borders. ’Hemispheres,' garnered a Grammy nomination in the 'Best New Contemporary Jazz Recording' category. And while accolades paint a portrait of his excellence, Turcio's artistry remains firmly rooted in authenticity and the relentless pursuit of musical innovation. 2012 saw the reunion of their iconic band ‘On The Virg’ embarking on a national tour. This resulted in a dvd recording - ’The Anatomy of Live’, which was released to critical acclaim. In 2014, Turcio ventured on a nationaltour with iconic guitarist Larry Carlton, melding his melodies into a tour de force of musical expression. 2016 saw him holding the reins as Musical Director for Richard Marx's Australian Tour, a testament to his versatility and leadership. The following year, he graced the stage as keyboardist and Musical Director for Legendary Kiss drummer Peter Criss's farewell concert, adding another illustrious chapter to his storied career.
In 2021, Phil released his album ‘The Quiet’. An explosion of instrumental synth mania, incorporating many genres including Jazz, EDM and Synth Pop production.
Turcio's affiliation with jazz luminaries like Dave Weckl, Ric Fierabracci, Larry Carlton, and Will Kennedy solidifies his place in the global jazz lexicon. His influence spans borders, languages, and genres, a testament to the power of music to transcend all barriers.Today, as the horizon of his artistic endeavours expands, Turcio's role as a mentor and producer becomes a beacon, guiding young talents like Fatai, Isaiah Firebrace and numerous others. His ongoing collaborations with musical icons like Gary Novak and Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy) herald a future where innovation and jazz-rock fusion will flow harmoniously from his fingers. In 2024 Phil was honoured to produce the iconic John Farnham song ‘Burn For You’ for Guy Sebastian.
With his new band 'The Outernet’, Turcio continues to push the boundaries of jazz-rock, inviting us all to join him on a journey into uncharted musical realms. An album is forthcoming, and will pave the way into 2025.
Behind the scenes, Turcio's talents have flourished, his artistry contributing to TV series such as 'Huey's Cooking Adventures' on Network 10. He lent his sonic palette to Frank Corniola's 'Rhythm Section Drumming' book and CD, a collaborative endeavor that showcased his prowess in composition, programming, and performance. As the years continued to weave his narrative, Turcio's collaboration with Lisa Edwards birthed the album 'State of the Heart’, a manifestation of his arranging and production skills that resonated through ABC records.
In the realm of collaboration, Turcio's journey continues to evolve. 'Hemispheres,' a dynamic ensemble featuring luminaries Ric Fierabracci, Joel Rosenblatt, Dave Weckl, Eric Marienthal, and Bill Evans, reveals his global resonance.
A parallel journey took shape in his first solo album, ‘Signals’, graced by the brilliance of drumming icons Will Kennedy, Dave Weckl and saxophonist Gary Meek. It reached no. 23 on the US Jazz charts.
Phil Turcio isn't confined to the studio and stage alone; his gift extends to the realm of creation. The anthem 'Taller, Stronger, Better' bore the unmistakable imprint of his collaboration with Guy Sebastian, ascending to national acclaim. In 2008, the theme 'Receive the Power’, borne from Turcio's arrangement and production for Guy Sebastian and Paulini, resonated powerfully as the anthem for the 'World Youth Day 08.’
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