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Former Central State teacher wins Grammy

Former Central State University professor, pianist Bill Cunliffe

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By Khalid Moss, Staff Writer Updated 8:35 AM Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Among the winners who swooped up Grammys at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Sunday, Jan. 31, was former Central State University professor, pianist Bill Cunliffe.

Cunliffe, who used to lead the local jazz/rock band ‘Bout Time, won a Grammy in Best Instrumental Arrangement for his “West Side Story Medley” on the album “Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute To Oscar Peterson.”

Jerry Gilotti, owner of Gilly’s nightclub, has stayed in touch with Cunliffe since the musician joined the Buddy Rich Big Band in the late ’80s.

“The night he got hired to go on the road with Buddy he came to my house,” Gilotti said. “He kind of regretted leaving town but said he had to do what was best for his career. After Buddy died Bill moved to Los Angeles.”

At one period, Cunliffe was bi-coastal.

“For a while he had residences in California and New York but he got hired at Cal State Fullerton as a professor and decided to stay in California,” Gilotti said. “He’s really done well out there teaching, arranging and recording.”

Local jazz bassist Ed Brookshire plays with Cunliffe whenever the pianist returns to Dayton for guest appearances with the Sinclair Community College Jazz Band led by Bruce Jordan.

“I’m happy for him,” Brookshire said. “Bill is not only a great piano player but his arrangements are incredible. The arrangements he wrote for the Sinclair band were complicated. I’m not surprised he won a Grammy.”

“Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute To Oscar Peterson” featuring Grammy-winner Cunliffe is available for purchase on Amazon.com.

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