Teatro Caio Melisso e Teatro Nuovo – Spoleto
11 October - 7 November 2024
Three remarkable evenings celebrating the enduring legacy of jazz and its vibrant future in the magnificent Caio Melisso and Teatro Nuovo theatres. The curtain rises on the electric guitar sounds of American guitarist Greg Howe, celebrating his 40-year career with rising bass star Mohini Dey. Next, saxophonist Stefano Di Battista's new live quintet project draws from the nostalgic atmosphere of La Dolce Vita. Last but not least, the Dave Weckl & Tom Kennedy Project, in which the two legendary musicians are joined by jazz stars Eric Marienthal and Stu Mindeman, will thrill audiences with rhythm, phrasing and impeccable groove.
GREG HOWE TRIO feat. Mohini Dey - Lost and Found
Friday 11 October 2024 – 9PM – Teatro Caio Melisso – Spoleto
The chameleon-like American guitarist Greg Howe will open Spoleto Jazz on Friday 11 October. In his 40-year career, he has worked as a sideman and session player for world music stars such as Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, and Rihanna. More than just a powerhouse performer, Howe's main goal is to move the listener with his original compositions. His best-loved works include his self-titled debut album (Greg Howe, 1988), ranked the 10th best shred album of all time by GuitarWorld, and Wheelhouse (2017), voted the 6th best guitar album of the decade. His technique is renowned for legato playing, tapping, and the original hammer-on from nowhere. Young Indian bassist Mohini Dey, named one of the top 10 bassists of the 21st century by Music Radar, who worked with the likes of Quincy Jones and Steve Vai, is a standout in his new trio.
STEFANO DI BATTISTA 5TET – La Dolce Vita
Friday 25 October 2024 – 9PM – Teatro Caio Melisso – Spoleto
On the second appointment of Spoleto Jazz 2024, Stefano Di Battista and his quintet will take us on a journey through time and memory. The famous Italian jazz saxophonist continues his homage to great Italian music, which began with his tribute to Ennio Morricone with Morricone Stories (2021), taking us back to a golden age of Italian cinema and music. The show highlights pop songs from the 60s, with a touch of opera in Lucio Dalla's now classic 'Caruso', along with Nino Rota's iconic composition that gives the show its title (La Dolce Vita) and other classic soundtracks, painting a true picture of that golden era. Beyond the unique arrangements and emotional interpretations, there's Di Battista's incredible ability to transform each song into something else, transporting the listener to a magical other.
DAVE WECLK & TOM KENNEDY PROJECT – European Tour
Thursday 7 November 2024 – 9PM – Teatro Nuovo – Spoleto
The grand finale of the Spoleto Jazz Festival will feature the Dave Weckl & Tom Kennedy Project. Dave Weckl's extraordinary drumming, honed over four decades, has earned him a reputation as a master of rhythm and technique. His teaching contributions have shaped the skills of many aspiring drummers worldwide. Equally adept on both acoustic and electric bass, Tom Kennedy brings a wealth of experience from performing with iconic figures in the music industry. Eric Marienthal, with his Grammy-nominated saxophone artistry, and Stu Mindeman, a pianist with a rich international background, enhance the ensemble's potential to deliver an unforgettable musical experience. This ensemble is a celebration of the enduring spirit of jazz, where every note and rhythm tells a story of the relentless pursuit of musical excellence.
