Rossano Sportiello, a jazz pianist and award-winner, was born in Vigevano (Italy) on the 1st of June 1974. At the age of nine, he began to study piano under the guidance of Carlo Villa, an Italian classical pianist. He continued his studies until completing his degree in classical piano at the Conservatory in 1996. He was already performing at jazz venues in Milan when he was 16. In 1992, he joined the “Milano Jazz Gang”, one of Europe’s most storied jazz bands. The group toured throughout Italy and West Europe from 1992 to 2000. Rossano also met Barry Harris, a jazz educator and pianist who became a mentor to him. Rossano has been called “the greatest stride pianist” by Mr. Harris. Although Rossano is a follower in style of Dave McKenna, Ralph Sutton and Barry Harris, international critics also consider him a great pianist. The influence of other greats like Fats Waller and Teddy Wilson can be seen in his playing. Rossano was first introduced by Dan Barrett, trombonist and arranger. He performed with Barrett’s eight-piece all-star American band, which received enthusiastic reviews. Since then, Rossano has performed many times at Ascona. Standing ovations are common after his performances. He was awarded the 2009 Ascona Jazz Award for his mastery and expertise in jazz piano, particularly stride piano, at the festival’s 25th anniversary. Rossano was on his first visit to the United States. He was invited by Mat Domber (Arbors Records), to perform at Clearwater Beach’s 2003 March of Jazz party. Rossano, who was married to American writer Lala Moore in 2007, established himself in New York City. Rossano has performed alongside many of the best jazz musicians, including Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Barry Harris and Kenny Davern. In the U.S., Rossano has been in high demand, appearing at venues such as Lincoln Center and Birdland and Feinstein’s. Internationally, Rossano has performed in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Hungary, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and in acclaimed festivals and venues such as the Norwich Jazz Party, Nairn International Jazz Festival, Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Spoleto Piano Festival, Lucerne Piano Festival, the Philarmonie (Luxembourg), Teatro Alla Scala (Milan), Teatro dell’Opera (Rome), Marians Jazz Room (Switzerland), Lionel Hampton Jazz Club (Paris), Blue Note (Milan ), Printzregentertheatre (Munchen-Germany) and Schloss Elmau (Germany), to name a few. Rossano has been performing regularly with the Harry Allen Quartet since 2008. See the tour page for his performances. . Rossano was awarded the Vittorio Ramella Award on May 4, 2011, in Vigevano, Italy. This award is given to native Vigevano persons who have made significant contributions to the world through their profession and are distinguished in the international community. Rossano is an educator and has presented masterclasses and lectures on jazz at Claremont College (California) and the University of Toronto Jazz Studies. He was “professor-in-residence” at Cambridge’s Master’s Lodge, UK in May 2013. . Rossano has recorded four solo piano CDs including In the Dark (2004), Sackville; Piano On My Mind (2006), Jazz Connaisseur; and Heart and Soul (2006), Arbors Records. These CDs were selected by Jazz Classique as the best 10 jazz albums of the year. Rossano has also recorded three jazz CDs with classical music on the SwingBros label: Chopin in Jazz (2010) and Schubert in Jazz (2011). The Rossano Sportiello trio (Frank Tate, Dennis Mackrel), recorded Lucky to Be Me (2010, Arbors Records). from www.rossanosportiello.com
