Riccardo Fassi is one of the most acclaimed jazz pianists in Italy and internationally, known for his versatile and innovative style. He is also a renowned keyboardist, composer, and arranger, masterfully blending traditional jazz sounds with contemporary and experimental influences, using keyboards, synthesizers, and the Hammond organ. His career is characterized by a constant dialogue between tradition and avant-garde, leading him to explore a wide range of musical styles.
In 1983, Fassi founded the Tankio Band, an orchestra that has become one of the most important ensembles in the Italian jazz scene. The band is known for its ability to reinterpret complex and experimental works by artists such as Frank Zappa, Eric Dolphy, Henry Mancini, John Barry, and Herbie Nichols, bringing these compositions to new levels of expressiveness and complexity.Fassi's creative work on his compositions, documented in albums such as Notte, Serial Killer, and Seven Pieces For Large Ensemble, showcases his unique originality. The Tankio Band has been acclaimed by both audiences and critics, receiving numerous accolades for its performances and recordings. The tribute to Frank Zappa, in particular, is considered a masterpiece of arrangement and innovation.
Riccardo Fassi has worked with some of the greatest jazz musicians in the world, including:
Steve Lacy: Received original compositions from Lacy for dedicated projects.
Roswell Rudd: Collaborations that highlighted Fassi's versatility as an arranger and instrumentalist.
Steve Grossman: Musician with whom he shared numerous concerts and recording projects.
Butch Morris: Participated in several conduction projects with Morris, including prestigious events with the Orchestra Regionale della Toscana and the recording of two CDs.
He has also collaborated with artists such as Don Byron, Kenny Wheeler, Alex Sipiagin, Gary Smulyan, Gunther Schuller, Adam Nussbaum, Billy Cobham, Napoleon Murphy Brock, Steven Bernstein, Luis Bonilla, Andy Hunter, Marty Ehrlich, and many others.
With over 30 albums to his credit, many of which are considered milestones of Italian jazz, Fassi has created:
Tribute to Frank Zappa: A work that blends jazz, rock, and experimental music.
Serial Killer: An innovative album exploring vibrant and complex themes.
Projects on Eric Dolphy and Herbie Nichols: Scholarly works highlighting the harmonic and rhythmic complexity of these jazz giants.
Riccardo Fassi New York Pocket Orchestra: Featuring artists such as Alex Sipiagin, Dave Binney, Andy Hunter, Gary Smulyan, Essiet Essiet, and Antonio Sanchez, he has performed in prestigious venues like the 55 Bar in New York and recorded the CD Sitting In A Song at Studio System Two in New York.
Composition and Soundtracks
Beyond jazz, Fassi has composed soundtracks for films and documentaries, collaborating with directors such as Marco Turco, Alessandro Capone, Nico D'Alessandria, and Paolo Brunatto. He has also created music for theater, demonstrating extraordinary artistic versatility.
Teaching and Educational Contributions
From 2004 to 2022, Fassi directed the Jazz Department at the Conservatory of Florence, significantly contributing to the training of a new generation of musicians. He has conducted masterclasses and workshops in Italy and abroad, reinforcing his role as a mentor in the jazz scene.
Awards and Recognitions
Fassi has been repeatedly voted among the best jazz pianists, keyboardists, and composers in Italy. Some of his accolades include:
Jazzit Awards (2017-2019): 1st place in the Keyboard category.
High rankings in the Composer-Arranger category and in Musica Jazz magazine polls.
His recording projects have been praised for their originality and execution quality.
Participation in Jazz Festivals
Fassi has performed at the most prestigious international jazz festivals, in concert series, and in embassies and cultural institutes in countries such as:USA, Peru, Argentina, Spain, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Croatia, France, Morocco, Gabon.As both a soloist and orchestra director, he has confirmed his status as a globally renowned artist.
Summary of His Style
Riccardo Fassi's style is a mix of harmonic refinement, expressiveness, and creative audacity. Whether playing a traditional jazz ballad or engaging in an avant-garde electronic experiment, Fassi always brings a personal and innovative vision to his music.
