Giovanni
Pianist Giovanni Mirabassi, born in Perugia in 1970, is probably the most unique, a traveler attracted to the ridge paths rather than the easier routes. In 2001, French audiences were won over by the understated charm of his solo album, Avanti!
Instead of choosing improvisational themes from among jazz standards, Mirabassi prefers to reveal the melancholy hidden in some 15 freedom hymns and partisan songs from various countries. Critical success is overwhelming, and the record enjoys a brilliant international career.
At 31, John asserts his independence, leaving behind a past of challenges: a father who was a lawyer and Christian Democrat, who wanted to set him up for a career in law; an older brother, a jazz clarinetist, disinclined to share his space in the spotlight; and the difficulties of a stubbornly self-taught path.
“I felt an imperative need to continue my dialogue with music, which began at age two on the family piano. At the time, he was the only one who responded to me when I spoke. I couldn’t have been anything but a pianist.”
Early talent and an uneven path
At age 7, he plays all the preludes from Bach’s The Well-Tempered Clavier by ear. He discovered jazz at the Perugia Festival, spent his pocket money on records by Monk, Miles and Blakey, and intuitively developed his own style.
He absorbs like a sponge the delicate harmonies of Enrico Pieranunzi, the aristocratic phrasing of Bill Evans, and the rhythmic fury of Mingus’ collectives.
Despite significant experiences-a night on stage with Chet Baker, an Italian tour with Steve Grossman, and a few piano awards-he struggles to believe in his own star.
In 1992, saving exile in Paris marked a turning point. Here he met Italian artists such as Paolo Fresu, Flavio Boltro and Stefano Di Battista, as well as the legendary Aldo Romano, and received valuable advice from the great classical pianist Aldo Ciccolini.
The success of Avanti! and loyalty to artistic freedom.
After the album Architectures (1998), Avanti! enshrines him. But instead of capitalizing on success with commercial jazz, John prefers to pursue a personal path. Animated by lively political ideals, for him jazz must be free and nonconformist.
Collaborations became his artistic beacon: in 2003 he wrote ethereal compositions for an unusual formation (piano, trombone, flugelhorn) with Glenn Ferris and Flavio Boltro (Air, awarded by the Académie du Jazz).
From 2008 to 2012, he led a regular trio with Gianluca Renzi and Leon Parker, releasing albums that combined melancholy poetry and relentless swing (Terra Furiosa, Out of Track, Live at Blue Note, Tokyo).
Sound explorations and new projects
He experiments with string orchestras (VIVA V.E.R.D.I., 2009), vibraphones (No Way Out, 2015) and tributes to Miyazaki (Mitaka Calling, 2019). His audiovisual compositions include soundtracks for films such as Mademoiselle de Joncquières (2018) and the Les Siffleurs series (forthcoming).
Jazz Eleven and creative freedom
In 2017 he founded the label Jazz Eleven, designed for independent artists. The project produces records, promotes new talent and organizes international concerts, marrying freedom and authenticity.
An ever-evolving artist
Recently named a Knight of Arts and Letters, John continues to surprise. His latest album, The Swan And The Storm (2022), confirms his ability to reinvent himself, keeping the link between jazz tradition and experimentation firm.
PROJECTS
LIVE and KICKING
JAZZ ELEVEN RECORDS
Giovanni Mirabassi and Rosario Guliani
Giovanni Mirabassi – piano
Rosario Giuliani – Alto & soprano
A LONG-AWAITED PROJECT FINALLY REALIZED
When two contemporary jazz figures meet, magic happens. Giovanni Mirabassi and Rosario Giuliani share more than a common passion for jazz: they share a rich and bold musical vision together. This duo, embodies an intense and sincere dialogue between tradition and innovation.
This project, recorded live at the historic Ferber Studio in Paris-a landmark music venue where Rosario Giuliani began his career with the Dreyfus Jazz label-represents a return to his roots.
With maturity and spontaneity, the two artists revisit the colors of Italian jazz and the American influences that have shaped their paths.