Randolph Matthews: voice
Enzo Zirilli: drum and percussions
Antonio Zambrini: piano
Gianluca Gallucci: doublebass
Cesare Mecca: trumpet
Randolph Matthews is an extraordinary musician, composer, producer, and performer who has captivated international audiences with his unique voice and magnetic stage presence. Jazz, soul, gospel, blues, and folk are blended in his music, which is infused with poetry. A truly unique and original artist, endowed with exceptional vocal talent, he has performed with his band and as a solo vocalist on some of the world's most prestigious stages. Born and raised in London, Matthews began his musical career by exploring a wide range of genres. His voice, described as "enchanting" and "hypnotic," is his main instrument, capable of turning every performance into a profound and emotional sonic journey. Matthews has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Herbie Hancock, Grace Jones, Richard Bona, and Julian Joseph, bringing his music to festivals and clubs worldwide. His ability to blend traditional and contemporary vocal techniques (he is an extraordinary beatboxer, a vocal technique popularized by Bobby McFerrin) combined with a natural inclination for improvisation, makes every concert a unique event. His performances are characterized by a deep connection with the audience, thanks to his ability to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and powerful. Accompanying him on this exceptional evening will be a lineup of highly skilled ‘local’ musicians, each bringing their own sensitivity and mastery to further enrich the musical experience.
Enzo Zirilli, on drums, is one of the most respected and versatile musicians on the international jazz scene. His ability to effortlessly switch from jazz to Latin, from funk to world music, has made him a highly sought-after collaborator for numerous world-renowned artists. His presence guarantees a dynamic and engaging rhythm section.
Antonio Zambrini, a Milanese pianist and composer, studied guitar, flute, composition, and piano. He has drawn the attention of critics and musicians, especially with his “songs,” which have been published in several trio and quartet recordings and reinterpreted by various jazz musicians. Stefano Bollani opened his 2006 solo album produced by ECM with a piece by Zambrini. Lee Konitz recorded a series of Zambrini’s compositions in a sequence of three CDs they produced together for the "Philology" label in 2008. English pianist John Law dedicated his CD “The Moment” (2002) to Zambrini's music. A guest on several national radio broadcasts, Zambrini collaborated with the Cineteca Italiana in Milan for seven years, improvising live piano soundtracks for silent films. Among others, Zambrini has performed with Lee Konitz, Mark Murphy, William Parker, Enrico Rava, Ron Horton, Hamid Drake, Claudio Fasoli, Tiziano Tononi, Ben Allison, Gabriele Mirabassi, Rita Marcotulli, Javier Girotto, Maria Pia De Vito, Pietro Tonolo, Manhu Roche, Paolino Dalla Porta, and Fabrizio Bosso.
Gianluca Gallucci is a talented young double bassist who collaborates with various prominent figures in the Italian jazz scene, such as Giampaolo Casati, Eugenio Macchia, Folco Fedele, and Ruben Bellavia, while maintaining an active concert schedule throughout Italy. He has organized several jazz series in the Turin area, and thanks to a study experience in Vienna, he had the opportunity to perform in the city's most important jazz venues and theaters, including Porgy and Bess, Zwe, and Drakon, alongside numerous Austrian jazz musicians such as Johannes Herrlich.
Cesare Mecca on trumpet is a musician of brilliant talent, capable of surprising with dazzling solos and inventive phrasing. Mecca’s approach to the trumpet combines tradition and innovation, influenced by both the great masters of jazz and the new trends in contemporary music. His trumpet adds a color and brightness that perfectly complements the sonic mosaic of this extraordinary ensemble.
This evening promises to be an unforgettable event, a meeting of cultures, genres, and talents that will bring to life a repertoire rich in emotions and creativity. An engaging and evocative musical experience, thanks to the overwhelming energy of Randolph Matthews—whose enchanting voice captivates the audience, transforming every note into a palpable emotion—and the mastery of the four musicians accompanying him. A concert that celebrates the meeting of jazz and the musical traditions of the world, in a continuous dialogue between past and present, between innovation and roots, for an evening dedicated to great music.
RadioLondra thus reaffirms its mission to bring the best of 'made in UK' jazz to Turin, offering its audience always memorable musical experiences. A sonic journey that will take you from the roots of jazz to the heights of improvisation, passing through the deepest emotions of the soul.
