| Antonio Farao |
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Antonio Farao: |
Influenced by the early John Williams (a pianist best known for his recordings with Stan Getz and Phil Woods), Antonio developed his own virtuosic, yet soulful style that is hailed among insiders as one of the finest voices on jazz piano today. Trumpet player Franco Ambrosetti who often works with Antonio expains; "For a young musician, the challenge nowadays is: not to sound like someone else. And it seems to me that Antonio is on his way to develop his very own language and his own conception of trio playing: He is looking ahead and not too much into the past. He puts his creative energy into innovation - although with deep respect for the great masters."
Combining a mediterranean sound sensibility with a deep understanding of the black piano tradition, Andonio Farao has successfully overcome his image as an enfant prodige. Assisted by a world-class rhythm duo, he steps to the top of the international piano scene on his ENJA debt, "Black Inside". Bass player Ira Coleman is among the most respected accompanists who previously recorded with such as Branford Marsalis, Monty Alexander, Tony Williams, Mulgrew Miller, and the late Barney Wilen. Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, best known for his work with Wynton an d Branford Marsalis, has also recorded as a sideman for Betty Carter, Sonny Rollins, Stephen Scott, Geri Allen, McCoy Tyner and many more. The three of them make up for a trio album of the highest order. Latest news: In September 1998 Antonio Farao wins the most prestigious CONCURS MARTIAL SOLAL oganized by the City of Paris. This international competition is held every ten years only inviting the top talent of the world. Legendary pianist Martial Solal had heard Antonio in concert in Paris and spontaneously invited him to participate. So, with the 1. Prize of the most respected piano competion and a brilliant trio album under his belt the road to an international career is well paved for this extraordinary Italian pianist.
| "The best young piano player to come up for years" (as Kenny Kirkland said), Italian virtuoso Antonio Faraò was awarded a New Talent Prize at XI Musical Review (1987) and the Four Roses Prize as Best Musician in Italy (1991). In 1998 he won the most prestigious Concours Martial Solal in Paris and was presented as "Rising Star" at European jazz clubs the following year. Faraò also performed at numerous international festivals (Umbria, Lugano, Maastricht, Lucerne, Athens, Lyon and others) as well as many TV and radio shows. Over the years, he developed an original style that combines a Mediterranean sense for melody with a deep understanding of the Afro-American piano tradition. Virtuosic and soulful, Faraò is considered one of the most interesting voices on the piano today. He collaborated with such as John Abercrombie, Billy Cobham, Richard Galliano, Lee Konitz, Didier Lockwood, Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny and Tony Scott. Recently he was a featured sideman on recordings by Daniel Humair, Adrian Mears, André Ceccarelli, Franco Ambrosetti and others. "Black Inside," his ENJA debut in 1998, received strong critical attention everywhere (Fono Forum: "Consummate piano trio", ****; Jazz Hot: "Découverte... Sélection"; Cuadernos de Jazz: **** ¸). |
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Born in Rome in 1965, piano player Antonio Farao has been considered an extraordinary talent since his early teens when he used to sit in at jaz clubs during the intermission. A multi-award winner in Italy, he has internatinally collaborated with the likes of John Abercrombie, Gary Bartz, Billy Cobham, Ronnie Cuber, Chico Freeman, richard Galliano, Antonie Hart, Lee Konitz, Bireli Lagrene, Didier Lockwood, Branford Marsalis, Tony Scot, Buster Williams and many more. Influenced by the early John Williams (a pianist best known for his recordings with Stan Getz and Phil Woods), Antonio developed his own virtuosic, yet soulful style that is hailed among insiders as one of the finest voices on jazz piano today. |
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| Trumpet player Franco Ambrosetti (who worked with Antonio quite often) explains: "For a young musician, the challenge nowadays is: not to sound like someone else. And it seems to me that Antonio is on his way to develop his very own language and his own conception of trio playing: He is looking ahead and not too much into the past. He puts his creative energy into innovation - although with deep respect for the great masters." |
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On his new album, "Thorn," Faraò goes one step further presenting a ripened amalgam of deep-felt ballad moods, rhythmic complexities, fiery uptempo improvisation and ethnic and classical elements. His playing is inspired by the help of a hand-picked band including master drummer Jack DeJohnette (Miles, Corea, Hancock, Jarrett, Rollins a.o.), young sax wizard Chris Potter (Jazzpar Award Winner, Mingus Big Band, Dave Holland Quintet) and bass expert Drew Gress (Dave Douglas, Don Byron, Fred Hersch). A band fit to raise a thunderstorm. |
ANTONIA FARAO – Current: CD: THORN -ENJ-9399 2
ANTONIO FARAO – BLACK INSIDE - ENJ-9345 2
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Click on the photos to view Photo (c) by Sirus W. Pakzad. All rights reserved. Please obtain permission to use from info@enjarecords.com E-Mail Anotonio Farao antfarao@tin.it |