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Attilio Zanchi – double bass
Gianni Azzali – tenor sax & alto flute
Andrea Andreoli – trombone
Massimo Colombo – piano
Tommy Bradascio – drums
The music of Charles Mingus is—and will forever be—embedded in the hearts and ears of all jazz lovers, inspiring generations of musicians. Mingus was not only a magnificent double bassist but also a prolific composer, arranger, pianist, and leader of several historic ensembles. His bands, ranging from trios to big bands, shaped and influenced multiple stylistic periods from the 1950s to the 1970s. Without a doubt, Mingus was one of the most important 20th-century composers, alongside Duke Ellington. His compositions embody the roots of Blues, echoes of Gospel, the energy of Swing, the sophistication of Be-Bop, the groove of Soul Jazz, and the intensity of Free Jazz and avant-garde music. For this reason, his music can be seen as an encyclopedic portrait of jazz history—a timeless legacy that continues to inspire and evolve. From this idea comes Attilio Zanchi’s desire to revisit Mingus’ repertoire, reinterpreting it through his own experiences and those of his fellow musicians. In this concert, the band will present pieces from "Mingus Portrait", an album featuring both Mingus compositions and original works by Zanchi, inspired by Mingus' musical poetry. The ensemble is the result of a 30-year musical partnership between bassist Attilio Zanchi and pianist Massimo Colombo, joined by saxophonist Gianni Azzali, drummer Tommy Bradascio, and a promising new talent in the Italian jazz scene, trombonist Andrea Andreoli. One day, when he was already gravely ill, Charles Mingus said to his wife, Sue: "You know, I’ve already had a body. Next time, I want to be a star. I want to shine all night."
We may never know if his wish came true, but one thing is certain: his music continues to shine brightly, illuminating the world like a radiant star.
