GIOVANNI GUIDI QUINTET „UJAKU“ w/ GIANLUCA
PETRELLA
GIOVANNI GUIDI
Alongside a profound respect for the tradition, Giovanni Guidi's music offers glimpses
into the eclecticism of his listening. Propelled by the success of his quartet releases
with Cam Jazz (Indian Summer and The House Behind This One), Guidi formed a
larger ensemble, the Unknown Rebel Band, which has performed regularly since the
release of their self-titled debut album.
Critics and audiences alike have acclaimed his albums and he is being hailed as one
of the leading pianists of the Italian scene. After winning the national critic's poll in
2007 as best new talent, he appeared again in 2009 in third place in two polls: best
pianist and best group (with the Unknown Rebel Band). Besides his own projects, he
performs regularly with Enrico Rava, Gianluca Petrella and Fabrizio Sferra.
MICHAEL BLAKE
Saxophonist and composer of Canadian origin, Blake is one of the leading musicians
on the experimental side of the New York jazz scene. Jazz is his point of departure
and return, but his musical activities range from music for films to soul, from reggae
to traditional African music. His discography is overflowing with awards and
achievements, as well as his concert career. Blake rose to fame as a member of the
legendary group the Lounge Lizards. He has appeared with: Tricky, Prince Paul,
Steven Bernstein, The Gil Evans Orchestra, Medeski Martin & Wood, Groove
Collective and Enrico Rava.
GIANLUCA PETRELLA
Gianluca Petrella is considered one of the finest jazz trombonists in the world. In
recent years, he has been a constant presence in critics polls in Italy and the
U.S.A.
His long list of collaborations with international musicians includes: Steve
Bernstein, Bobby Previte, Greg Osby, Carla Bley, Manu Dibango, Enrico Rava,
Antonello Salis, Paolo Fresu and Francis Bearzatti. He has participated in numerous
important festivals worldwide including Montreal, Toronto, San Francisco, Chicago,
Rio de Janeiro, Oslo, London, Berlin, Umbria Jazz and Blue Note Jazz Club in Tokyo
and New York.
THOMAS MORGAN
After starting to study cello, at the age of 14 years Morgan turned his attention to the
bass. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music where his musical talent was
cultivated by Harvie S and Gary Dial, he has performed with artists like: David
Binney, Steve Coleman, Joey Baron, Paul Motian, Craig Taborn, Mark Feldman,
John Abercrombie and Kenny Werner.
GERALD CLEAVER
Born in Detroit, Cleaver is one of the most popular and innovative drummers of the
new international jazz scene. Leader of his own groups, he is becoming known for his
sophisticated, powerful and accurate drumming, and for his work as a sideman with
artists like Mat Maneri, Yaron Herman, Sylvie Courvoisier, Roscoe Mitchell, Miroslav
Vitous, Ralph Alessi, Craig Taborn, and many others.