Born in Milan in 1977, Roberto starts playing classical piano at eight. He discovers jazz in his teens and by 19 starts playing professionally with the Enrico Intra’s Big Band, performing with some of the best Italian and international musicians; among them Max Roach, Bobby Watson, Bob Brookmeyer, David Murray, Eddie Daniels, David Raksin, Enrico Rava.
Whilst in Milan, he plays local gigs in clubs and theatres, and soon starts to record his own music. Introducing CUES trio (DDQ-Soul Note) is his first work as a leader, followed by a collaboration with worldwide acclaimed saxophonist David Liebman, documented on Cues trio meets David Liebman (Abeat records) and two records for Verve entitled Dream of Nite and Negative Space.
Tarenzi moves to New York in 2006, spending six months playing club gigs with Duane Eubanks, Eric Wyatt and various other local musicians.
His debut as an arranger-performer is documented on Alice Ricciardi’s record for Blue Note “Comes Love”, released in 2008.
Between 2006 and 2008 he is extensively recording as a sideman with Gaetano Partipilo, Nat Su, Franco Ambrosetti, Tony Arco, and as a leader of his own trio.
In September 2006 Roberto is selected as a semifinalist at the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition, playing in Washington DC, with judges H. Hancock, D. Perez, A. Hill, Dr.B. Taylor and R. Rosnes.
As he moves to Rome in 2008, Tarenzi starts playing with almost all the best musicians on the scene.
Stefano DiBattista hires him in his live quartet and for several studio sessions, in a variety of different musical situations (jazz quartet, movie soundtracks, pop production etc…).
Rosario Giuliani calls him in his international band featuring Joe LaBarbera on drums and Darryl Hall on bass for a few tours throughout Europe.
Roberto is currently leading his new trio with Roberto Pistolesi on drums and Dario Deidda or Pietro Ciancaglini on bass, fusing many musical elements of his background such as contemporary classical music, bebop, New Orleans funk grooves. Their debut record is on its way to be released.
