A rising star in the Italian jazz world, highly talented pianist and composer, Marco Marconi, was lucky enough to have the opportunity of recording his latest CD at the prestigious Fazioli Concert Hall near Venice in June 2010. Having listened to Marco's previous recordings, FAzioli offered Marco the chance to record Mosaico there, being one of only a handful of Italian artists to have had this opportunity since the hall opened in 2005. The CD was launched on 23 January 2011 with a concert at the Teatro dei Ricomposti in Anghiari, Tuscany, to a packed house and to great success!
Recording Mosaico was a huge challenge! Marco wanted to make a CD that included different moods, rhythms and tempos, including well known jazz standards and his own compositions, reflecting the different aspects of his personality and of his musical studies, classical and jazz - a wonderful mosaic of music. The concert hall was available for only one day so Marco had to really focus as there wasn't time for lots of takes or even to get used to the piano. "The bass notes have an incredible volume and the top notes shine out like lights and I had to get used to this amazing dynamic pretty quickly. I could have played that piano for days!", Marco said after the recording.
Pleased with the recording, Marco feels that it reflects his character and artistic sould, both personally and musically. This comes through in the music from the latin groove and swing of Caravan, to the haunting melody of PhilaNthropy (dedicated to Paul Newman), to the ultimate breathtaking, gentle softness of What a Wonderful World.
Classical beginnings
Born in Umbertide, Italy in 1975, Marco began his musical career as a classical pianist. Studying privately with Mauro Nadir Matteucci, Marco gained his diploma at 22 in classical piano from the Conservatory "F Morlacchi" in Perugia, achieving full marks (100%) with honours.
Marco went on to win several piano competitions throughout Italy and in 1998 was a finalist in the annual competition at "La Fenice", Venice, open only to the top graduates from Italian music colleges. Later, Marco continued his studies at the Conservatory "F. Morlacchi" in Perugia and with Riccardo Risaliti, professor at the Conservatory "G Verdi" in Milano.
Doctor of Jazz
Having gained his first diploma in piano, Marco moved on to discover the world of jazz. Using his phenomenal technique and talent, he swiftly became a jazz appassionato, gaining a second diploma in 2005, this time in jazz, again achieving maximum votes (110/110).
Throughout this time Marco also deepened his knowledge of jazz under the guidance of Ramberto Ciammarughi, an exceptional pianist and composer on the European jazz scene. Discovering his own personal sense of style and self expression, In 2008, Marco completed his post graduate studies in jazz winning maximum votes (110/110) and high praise from the examiners. Marco is now officially a Doctor of Jazz!
Influences and collaborations
Influences on Marco's jazz studies include the incredible work of Keith Jarret, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and closer to home, Stefano Bollani, Ramberto Ciammarughi, Paolo di Sabatino and saxophonist, Fulvio Falleri.
Marco has taken part in several jazz workshops with Ciammarughi, Massimo Moriconi, Fabio Zeppetella, Umberto Fiorentino and legendary drummer, John Arnold.
Composing and performing
As a composer, Marco spends much of his time writing jazz which he performs live in concert and in 2009 Marco made his UK debut at the Cheltenham Jazz Fringe Festival to great acclaim performing his own songs and jazz standards.
He released his first album, The Day Before in 2006 and in January 2011 released his second piano solo album, Mosaico, recorded in June 2010 at the prestigious Fazioli Concert Hall, Italy.
Marco Marconi Trio
Marco originally composed many of his pieces for piano solo but having met Mauro Giorgeschi, an outstanding drummer and Giulio Angori, a highly talented bass player, the music gradually took on a new form and in 2007 the Marco Marconi Trio evolved.
The trio performs Marco's original music and the groove that they achieve alternates with sonority and resonance, fluid improvisations and moments full of pathos and melodiousness.
To promote their music, the trio took part in two international competitions, the Mediteranean Jazz Contest (Elba Island) in July 2009 and the Barga Jazz Contest (Tuscany) in August 2010, both times finishing among the last 3 finalists.
Discography
The Day Before (Piano solo), Self published, August 2006
Keep the Way Clear (Marco Marconi Trio), Self published, Feb 2010
Mosaico (Piano solo), Self published, Jan 2011
What they say
“I think everyone that heard Marco play was very impressed and I was also overwhelmed by his dedication… Marco is a remarkable musician and made a big impact on us this year.”
Steve Symons, Cheltenham Jazz Festival Producer/Manager
“I can safely say that Marco's performances were the highlight of the fringe festival!”
Stefan Edwards, Cheltenham Jazz Fringe Festival Organiser
“Wow! Marco Wow! I had the pleasure to listen to your beautiful pieces today and Marco I just have to tell you that they are stunning! They are "out of body" good! You have a true artist soul. Bravo Marco! I am so honored to have you on our site!”
Jennifer Herbig, Co-Founder/A&R President Triple Scoop Music
Testimonials
“I have had the great pleasure of knowing and often hearing Marco Marconi play and the thing that strikes me on first impact about his piano playing is a great energy, controlled by an impeccable technique. After further listening you can appreciate the vast dynamic range of his touch on the keys, the result of years of studying classical repertoire. These studies have inspired a special style in the melodic construction of his solos. Stylistically, he has skilfully mixed jazz principles with those of latin music, the result of serious studies and a constant curiosity to find something new.”
Paolo di Sabatino, Jazz Pianist and Composer (www.paolodisabatino.it)
For more information
Marco is available for engagements internationally as a solo artist, or with the Marco Marconi Trio.
Read more...