We are delighted to have the opportunity to host a concert by Alessio Menconi, one of the most respected Italian guitarist (“Best Soloist”, Gran Prix du Jazz), joined on our stage by double bassist Mikele Montolli and drummer Joel Barford to offer us an amazing evening of guitar led jazz music.
Alessio Menconi, born in Genoa (Italy) won the award as “Best Soloist” in Gran Prix du Jazz” in 1992. In 1993 he participated in Eddie Lang Festival contest (one of the most important Italian competitions for guitarists), winning the first prize as best Italian jazz guitarist. He has toured in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America, playing in more than 40 countries and recording over 40 cds with several musicians including : Billy Cobham, Paolo Conte, Jimmy Cobb, Jeff Berlin, Toninho Horta, Aldo Romano, Shawnn Monteiro, Danny Gottlieb, Gary Husband, Enrico Rava, Daniel Humair, Stefano Bollani, Albert “tootie” Heath and Paolo Fresu. In 2003, he partecipated as only italian to the cd Voodoo crossing-a tribute to Jimi Hendrix with Robben Ford, Steve Lukather, Hiram Bullock, Larry Corryell and many others. He teaches jazz guitar and jazz ensemble in the conservatories of La Spezia and Genoa, and online.
In 2009 he was given the “Jazz Lighthouse” career award, and in 2011 he was the only Italian included in a cd compilations of the world’s best jazz guitarists. In 2014 his cd Sketches of Miles was included in the100 best jazz records of the year in the magazine “Jazz It”
He leads the “Organ trio”, “Guitar Solo” and the jazz-rock “Trio Bobo”
Mikele Montolli (Verona, Italy) By the age of seventeen he had taken up classical double bass in Verona’s Conservatory. Following this he moved to Graz in Austria where he graduated in 2009 in Jazz Double Bass with the great Wayne Darling. Joining the London Jazz scene since 2010, Michele has toured various Jazz and World music festivals all over Europe, New York, Detroit, Tokyo, Hong Kong ,Indonesia and the Balkan Peninsula performing and recording with renowned fellow artists . Mikele appeared on various soundtracks for the London National Television School and as live guest for the BBC television, and released “Satellite House” as composer- band leader
Joel Barford is a 24 year old respected up-and-coming drummer on the U.K. scene. Originally from Northampton, now based in London, Joel is primarily known for his playing in jazz groups across the country but mainly is known for being 1/3 of the award winning Nigel Price Organ Trio. The Trio has played festivals such as North Sea Jazz (NL), Rock Wertcher (BE), Bospop (NL), Colours of Ostrava (CZ) and TW Classic (BE) where they supported the likes of Bruce Springsteen to an audience of 60,000 people in Belgium. Joel is a regular performer at many of the best known London establishments including the legendary Ronnie Scott’s, where Joel has hosted his own shows under his name.
The Italian Cultural Institute has taken the decision to verify attendee Covid-19 status on arrival at the event. Adults will need to demonstrate either:
• proof of completion of a full course of vaccination, or
• proof of negative lateral flow test result taken within 48hr.
Face covering is required during the event, unless exempt. Sanitiser will be provided.