Dominick Moio

Dom Moio started playing drums in the fifth grade. His first teacher Dick Demers started Moio on his way both as a player and teacher. In 1975 he went to New York to study with studio master Bernard Purdie. Then to Boston in 1976 to study with Jazz great Alan Dawson. Moio's first book Be Bop Phrasing for Drums was dedicated to Alan. Before leaving the East Coast, Moio had the opportunity to play with Jazz greats Don Doane, Clark Terry, herb Pomeroy, Dave McKenna, and many other players from the New England area. In 1978, Moio left for Reno, Nevada with guitar player brother Bill, where he soon started working the casino circuit. 1980-1984, he was the house drummer for the MGM Grand and Hello Hollywood Hello Show. While in Reno other show gigs included Joan Rivers, Tony Orlando, Shirley Jones, Debbie Reynolds, to name a few. Moio also kept busy with west coast jazz players like, Don Menza, Red Holloway, Herb Ellis, Joe Diorio, Ahmad Jamal. In 1988, Moio made Phoenix his home and has been busy ever since. Now in his 20th year at Arizona State University's jazz faculty, as well as Mesa Community College, he keeps a very busy teaching and gigging schedule. Also, he's recorded more than 65 jazz CDs, which include artists like Carl Fontana, Conte Condoli, Shorty Rogers, Greg Hopkins,and Buddy Childers. After studying with Cuban Master Walfredo Reyes Sr. in the 1980's in Reno, Moio has become active in the Latin percussion world also. His book "Latin Percussion for Gringo's" as well as his band Cinco De Moio have had much success. In 2008, Moio hooked up with long time hero Steve Gadd and did two book projects, "Deep Grooves II" and "Just Duet" which also includes Jazz great Joe Laberbera.