John Abriani

Italian bandleader, saxophonist and violinist, born May 15, 1898 in San Girolamo di Lusiana, province of Vicenza, Italy, died August 1960 in Milan, Italy. Abriani was brought up in Switzerland, where he formed a café orchestra with his brother Felice playing banjo and violin. From 1925 to 1932 he toured Italy, Germany and Switzerland and recorded as a leader for Homocord 1927-1928. Engagement in Calcutta, India, 1932-1934, also recorded for HMV's Twin label. Toured Europe 1934-1939, making further recordings 1937-1939, then settled in Italy. Although not himself a jazz soloist, he often employed jazz players as sidemen.