Peter DeLuke started his professional career as a reed player when he was 15. He received a B.S. at the Crane School of Music, and later received a Masters Degree and a Professional diploma from Columbia University. He was Supervisor of Music, Hastings Public Schools, K-12, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, from 1960-85.
He played with many name bands...Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey, Charlie Barnet, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Buddy Morrow, Mel Lewis, Art Mooney, Shep Fields, Sammy Kaye. Henry Jerome at the Edison Hotel for two years, and the Vincent Lopez Orchestra, at the Taft Hotel for 6 months.
He also performed with many famous singers...Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Julius LaRosa and Perry Como.
He was part of a quartet which featured Mike Mainieri on vibes, Gene Bertoncini on guitar and Johnny Morris on piano. He also performed with Gene Bertoncini at the Madeleine Cafe in New York on New Year’s Eve for 5 years.
In 1982, Pete’s Jazz Trio opened The New Cafe Lounge at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York.
He recorded his C.D. “MIXT BAG” in 1991 at Pacifique Studios in Burbank, Ca. The recording featured John Clayton on bass, Jeff Hamilton on drums, Stewart Elster on piano, and Pete playing alto and tenor sax, clarinet, and doing vocals. Most recent C.D., “TIMELESS”. on San Jazz label. It featured drummer, Billy Higgins, Jeff Littleton, bass, Frank Strazzeri on piano and Peter De Luke, leader, performing on soprano, alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet and bass clarinet.
In July, 1991, he performed at The North Sea Jazz Festival.
In London, he performed at The Bass Clef and The Bullshead in Barnes.
In October, 1992, at THE JAZZ BAKERY in Culver City, Ca. and again on April 23, 1996, with Frank Strazzeri on piano, Tim Emmons, bass and Michael Preussner on drums...recorded live.
In July, 1993, Pete performed with his quartet at The Birmingham, England Jazz Festival featuring All Stars from the U.S.A.
In November, 1993, he performed at The Brasserie, Bellage Hotel in Los Angeles, with Stewart Elster on piano, John Clayton, bass and Bob Leatherbarrow on drums.
A
feature article on Peter appeared in Venice Magazine, April, 1994, written by
Jan Holland. A second feature article appeared in the LOS ANGELES TIMES written
by Dirk Sutro.
San Diego area, Peter has performed as leader of jazz trios and quartets on
many occasions...The Marine Room in La Jolla in 1991-92, The Gourmet Lounge
at The Town and Country Hotel, 1993-94, PROJAM II, 1997, Scripps Miramar Ranch
Library in August, 1997 and February, 1998, Poway Center for the Performing
Arts in January, 1998, Escondido Public Library in June 1998, several times
in concerts sponsored by the Jazz Artists Guild and in 1998 two times prior
to the SUMMER POPS SYMPHONY concerts; with his Jazz Quartet.
In June, 1996, Peter was the featured soloist with the UCSD Wind Ensemble under the direction of Robert Zelickman.
He performed with the DUKE ELLINGTON OCHESTRA in February, 1999, at Copley Symphony Hall, Poway Center for the Performing Arts, and the Sports Arena.
Peter was featured soloist with the SAN DIEGO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, Donald Barra, Artistic Director, at the “FESTIVAL POPS “99” series. August 14, 1999, in Rancho Bernardo, and August 21, 1999, “Under the Stars at the Del Mar Fairgrounds”.
Presently, he leads a nine piece Duke Ellington Repertory Jazz Orchestra, “Mellotones” in Southern California - since 2004, Peter is an adjunct Professor at Point Loma Nazarine University, S.D. Ca.