Born: May 24, 1989 Primary Instrument: Saxophone
One of the most precocious talents in the history of jazz. When he was barely nine years old Francesco took his first steps, working with internationally famous musicians.
First of all, veteran jazz critic Ira Gitler was blown away by the young man's incredible set with veteran pianist Franco D'Andrea at the 2002 Pescara Jazz Festival, most of which was issued on the Philology CD Standing Ovation and was described in detail by Gitler in an article written for the Jazz Journalist Association newsletter. Meeting Wynton Marsalis at a laterfestival was a decisive moment for Francesco’s career. Amazed by Francesco’s qualities, Marsalis took him along with his septet on his 2003 European tour, where Francesco performed in prestigious theatres in the largest cities in Europe.
From that moment on, Francesco went through a series of important experiences both in Italy and abroad. He attended the 2004 International Association of Jazz Education in New York City, amazing audiences in his nightly jazz sessions with veterans James Williams (piano), Ray Drummond (bass) and Ben Riley (drums). Phil Woods, who obviously knows the difference between musicianship and press hype, commented to one writer in jest, “I'd like to break his arm!”
He won various important prizes: the Massimo Urbani National Award to Urbisaglia, the EuroJazz Award to Lecco, the International Jazz Festivals Organization Award to New York, the World Saxophone Competition to London, the Django d’Or to Rome and many others.
In order to improve his English, but most of all, in order to experience new musical styles and genres, Francesco went to New Orleans where he played with Ellis Marsalis, Jason Marsalis, Thadeus Richard, Bob Franch, Maurice Brown and many others important local musicians while taking special lessons from Alvin Batiste.
In 2005 the Swing Journal, the authoritative Japanese jazz music magazine, confers him the New Stars Award, prize reserved to the emergent foreign talents. Immediately later, the affirmation in the Top Jazz, referendum of the Italian Music Jazz magazine, that recognizes him as the best new talent of the year.
Francesco performed with a number of great musicians: Hank Jones, Cedar Walton, Mulgrew Miller, Ronnie Matthews, Jimmy Cobb, Ben Riley, Ray Drummond, Reggie Johnson, Doug Sides Lewis Nash, James Williams, Joe Lovano, George Mraz, Joe Locke, Enrico Rava, Gianni Basso, Dado Moroni, Franco D’Andrea and many other Italian and American musicians.
In February 2006 Francesco has achieved the Diploma in Transverse Flute at the Musical Institute V. Bellini in Catania with the Elena Favaron guide and he studies piano jazz.
Very Early
Philology
2004
Tracks: Au Privave; Lover Man; Minor Blues; Mediation: Now's the Time; My Funny Valentine; Mr. P.C.; My Foolish Heart; Someday My Prince Will Come; Billie's Bounce; In a Sentimental Mood; Airegin; Petit Piano Blues; Very Early.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Gianni Basso: tenor sax; Stefano Bollani: piano; Fabrizio Bosso: trumpet; Paoline Dalla Porta: bass; Franco D'Andrea: piano; Irio De Paula: guitar Roberto Firrincieli: piano; Massimo Manzi: drums; Nicola Mingo: guitar; Massimo Moriconi: bass; Giordano Pietroni: bass; Renato Sellani: piano; Ares Tavolazzi: bass; Francesco Vitale: drums.
Concerto For Michel Petrucciani
Philology
2004
Tracks: Chloe Meets Gershwin; Why; Pasolini; Our Tune; Hidden Joy; She Did It Again; Brazilian Like; Even Mice Dance; Montelimar; You Are My Waltz; Cherokee; Body and Soul.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Riccardo Arrighini: piano; Amedeo Ronga: bass; Stefano Rapicavoli: drums.
Francesco Cafiso & Strings: A Tribute to Charlie Parker
Giotto Music
2005
Tracks: unknown.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Riccardo Arrighini: piano; Aldo Zunino: bass; Stefano Bagnoli: drums; remainder unknown.
New York Lullaby
Venus
2006
Tracks: Lullaby of Birdland; Reflections; Polka Dots and Moonbeams; My Old Flame; Estate; What's New; Imagination; Willow Weep For Me; Speak Low.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; David Hazeltine: piano; David Williams: bass; Joe Farnsworth: drums.
Seven Steps to Heaven
Venus
2006
Tracks: Seven Steps To Heaven; Green Chimneys; Yesterdays; On the Trail; My Funny Valentine; Milestones; Crazeology; Skylark.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Andrea Pozza: piano; Aldo Zunino: bass; Nicola Angelucci: drums
Happy Time
CamJazz
2006
Tracks: Louisiana; She Loves Me; Happy Time; Anabel; Blues For Angel: Sir Charles; Goodbye Elvin; The Bear.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Riccardo Arrighini: piano; Aldo Zunino: bass; Stefano Bagnoli: drums.
Jazz Italiano Live 2006
Casa del Jazz
2006
Tracks: Sweet Georgia Brown; The First One; Well, You Needn't; You Don't Know What Love Is; Panta Jazz; Epistrophy.
Personnel: Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Sandro Gibellini: electric guitar; Aldo Zunino: bass.
As A Side Musician
Standing Ovation
Franco D'Andrea
Philology
2004
Tracks: How High the Moon; Blue Monk; Just Friends; Goodbye, Mr. Evans/My One and Only Love; Have You Met Miss Jones; Angel Eyes/Lover Man; Take the A Train.
Personnel: Franco D'Andrea: piano; Francesco Cafiso: alto sax.
First
Orchestra Jazz del Mediterraneo
Philology
2004
Tracks: Big Nick; Goodbye Jack; Somewhere; ET; ESP; In a Sentimental Mood; Winter Sky; Starring; Graffiti; Il R.E.
Personnel: Carmelo Fede: trumpet; Giuseppe Privitera: trumpet; Dino Amasi: trumpet; Salvo Riolo: trumpet; Dino Rubino: trumpet; Camillo Pavone: trombone; Toni Cattano: trombone; Filipino Nacsone Pistone: trombone; Antonio Caldarella: trombone; Carlo Cattano: reeds; Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; Rino Cirinna: reeds; Salvo Tempio: reeds; Marcello Leanza: reeds; Osvaldo Corsaro: piano; Claudio Cusmano: guitar; Nello Toscano: bass; Pucci Nicosia: drums; Antonella Leotta: vocals.
Jazz Italiano Live 2007
Maria Pia De Vito
Casa del Jazz
2007
Tracks: unknown.
Personnel: Maria Pia De Vito: vocals; Francesco Cafiso: alto sax; remaining musicians unknown.
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