Make Music Day is a free celebration of music around the world that takes place on June 21st. Launched in 1982 in France as the Fête de la Musique, it is now held on the same day in more than 120 countries. In Italy alone there will be more than 400 events, with the participation of about 5,000 artists performing virtually, in person (where allowed), or both!
Join us and our colleagues at the Italian Cultural Institutes in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles as we celebrate Make Music Day with some great Italian artists on a day-long marathon of music. Our lineup of virtual concerts includes performances by jazz stars such as drummer Roberto Gatto and the Perfect Trio, pianist Enrico Rava and guitarist Bebo Ferra (IIC Washington D.C.), and pianist Danilo Rea (IIC Los Angeles).
ROBERTO GATTO AND THE PERFECT TRIO
Roberto Gatto is undoubtedly Italy’s best-known drummer worldwide. Born in Rome in 1958, he made his professional debut at the age of 17 with the Trio di Roma (with Danilo Rea and Enzo Pietropaoli). He has performed throughout Europe and internationally with his own groups and in collaboration with other artists. His sound, and the groups under his name, are characterized by refined technique and timbre, as well as a warmth that is distinctive to Mediterranean culture. His has worked with many of the world’s leading artists, including Chet Baker, Freddy Hubbard, Lester Bowie, Gato Barbieri, Kenny Wheeler, Randy Brecker, Enrico Rava, Ivan Lins, Vince Mendoza, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joey Calderazzo, Bob Berg, Steve Lacy, Johnny Griffin, George Coleman, Dave Liebman, Phil Woods, James Moody, Steve Grossman, Lee Konitz, Barney Wilen, Ronnie Cuber, Sal Nastico, Michael Brecker, Jed Levy, George Garzone, Tony Scott, Paul Jeffrey, Bill Smith, Joe Lovano, Curtis Fuller, Kay Winding, Albert Mangeldorff, Cedar Walton, Tommy Flanagan, Kenny Kirkland, Stefano Bollani, Mal Waldron, Ben Sidran, Enrico Pieranunzi, Dave Kikosky, Franco D’Andrea, John Scofield, John Abercrombie, Billy Cobham, Bobby Hutcherson, Didier Lockwood, Richard Galliano, Christian Escoudè, Joe Zawinul, Bireli, Palle anielsonn, Scott Colley, Eddie Gomez, Giovanni Tommaso, Paolo Damiani, Emmanuel Bex, Pat Metheny, Adam Lagrene Rogers, Rita Marcotulli, Niels Henning Pedersen, Mark Turner, Lew Tabackin, Chris Potter, Mike Moreno, Dado Moroni.
As a leader, he has recorded many albums, including Notes, Ask, Luna, Jungle Three, Improvvisi, Sing Sing Sing, Roberto Gatto plays Rugantino, Deep, Traps, Gatto – Stefano Bollani Gershwin and more, A Tribute to Miles Davis Quintet, Omaggio al Progressive, The Music Next Door, Roberto Gatto Lysergic Band, Remembering Shelly.
He has also composed film music, collaborating with Maurizio Giammarco on the soundtrack for Nudo di donnai, directed by Nino Manfredi, and with Battista Lena on the soundtracks for the films Mignon è partita, Verso sera and Il grande cocomero, all directed by Francesca Archibugi.
An accomplished teacher, Gatto made two instructional videos, Batteria vol. 1 e 2. He was the artistic director of the Jazz in progress project at Teatro dell’Angelo in Rome. For over twelve years he taught drums and ensemble music at the Siena Jazz Seminars. He attended Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome and the Conservatory in L’Aquila. He holds the chair of jazz drums at Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome.
Alfonso Santimone, piano, was born in Ferrara and was a permanent member of Julius Capiozzo’s Quintet during the 90s. He has performed and collaborated with Harold Land, Robert Wyatt, Gorge Cables, Jimmy Owens, Tony Scott, Bruce Forman, John Clark in Italy and Europe among many others. As a composer and arranger, he writes music for theater, film and multimedia productions. For several years he played in numerous experimental music projects, both electronic and improvised, and has participated in several recorded works as composer and performer.
Pierpaolo Ranieri bass and double bass player; works in the fields of Jazz and Pop with the following musicians and artists: Paola Turci, Marina Rei, Carmen Consoli, Massimo Ranieri, Giorgia, Teresa De Sio, Bungaro, Paolo Di Sabatino trio with Antonella Ruggiero, Mike Stern, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Greg Howe, Bop Mintzer, Bob Franceschini, Paul Gilbert, Robin Eubkans, Joy Garrison, and many others.
 |
 |