Antonio Faraò
Born in Rome in 1965, Antonio Faraò attends classic music courses in 1980 with Adriano Della Giustina, and earns his intermediate degree (5th year) in 1983 at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Milan. Antonio Faraò has been considered an extraordinary talent since his early teens when he used to sit in at jazz clubs during intermission. He soon took part in festivals such as CIAK, Umbria Jazz, Lugano, La Spezia, Merano, Maastricht, Palermo, Lucerne, Athens, Lyon and others. He is invited to numerous radio and TV shows (D.O.C./RAI, Jazz Club, Video Music, Porto Matto, Pronto chi Gioca, Doppia Coppia, Incontri, Jazz Inn.) A multi-award winner in Italy (New Talent Prize at XI Musical Review in 1987, Four Roses prize as Pianist-Of-The-Year in 1991), he has internationally collaborated with the likes of John Abercrombie, Gary Bartz, Billy Cobham, Ronnie Cuber, Chico Freeman, Richard Galliano, Antonio Hart, Lee Konitz, Bireli Lagrene, Didier Lockwood, Branford Marsalis (Kenny Kirkland often calls for Antonio as his substitute), Tony Scott, Buster Williams and many more.
Influenced by the early John Williams (a pianist best known for his recordings with Stan Getz and Phil Woods), Antonio developed his own virtuosic, yet soulful style that is hailed among insiders as one of the finest voices on jazz piano today. Trumpet player Franco Ambrosetti who often works with Antonio explains: "For a young musician, the challenge nowadays is: not to sound like someone else. And it seems to me that Antonio is on his way to develop his very own language and his own conception of trio playing: He is looking ahead and not too much into the past. He puts his creative energy into innovation - although with deep respect for the great masters."
Combining a mediterranean sound sensibility with a deep understanding of the black piano tradition, Antonio Faraò has successfully overcome his image as an enfant prodige. Assisted by a world-class rhythm duo, he steps to the top of the international piano scene on his ENJA debut, "Black Inside". Bass player Ira Coleman is among the most respected accompanists who previously recorded with such as Branford Marsalis, Monty Alexander, Tony Williams, Mulgrew Miller, and the late Barney Wilen. Drummer Jeff "Tain" Watts, best known for his work with Wynton and Branford Marsalis, has also recorded as a sideman for Betty Carter, Sonny Rollins, Stephen Scott, Geri Allen, McCoy Tyner and many more. The three of them make up for a trio album of the highest order.
In September 1998 Antonio Faraò wins the most prestigious CONCOURS MARTIAL SOLAL organized by the City of Paris. This international competition is held every ten years only inviting the top talent of the world. Legendary pianist Martial Solal had heard Antonio in concert in Paris and spontaneously invited him to participate. So, with the 1. Prize of the most respected piano competiton and a brilliant trio album under his belt the road to an international career is well paved for this extraordinary Italian pianist.
