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Dario Walid Yassa
Dario Maria Walid Yassa was born in Milan from italian mother and egyptian father. Pianist and composer, he is a 1994 Conservatorio A. Vivaldi graduate from Maestro Vincenzo Balzani. He graduates with the 4th of Composition at Conservatorio G. Verdi in Milan and he prolongues his studies with Maestro Eros Negri. He also obtains the title of SIAE composer, qualification needed to perform in important exhibits and gigs. He develops a strong interest for jazz music and attends the Manhattan School Of Music where he learns impro jazz with Barry Harris and Mike Abene. Pianist Barry Harris invites him to take part to several of his seminars in New York and Boston. He attends several workshops amongst which those taught by Leibman, Mulgrev Miller, Uri Caine, Airto Moreira. He further attends the International Music Academy directed by Enrico Intra where he further improves stride piano skill, afro-american piano literature and jazz piano with Paulo Peruffo, Marco Fumo and Paolo Birro respectively. He graduates in jazz piano and plays with musicist of the caliber of Lucio Terzano, Marco Vaggi and Tony Arco to mention few. In 2002 he receives tenure O.M. 2001 for musical education in the secondary schools, first and second degree with top ranking. He is awarded as best pianist in very famous seminars, held in Nuoro and the following year is invited to exhibit in shows in Berchidda, Nuoro and other important gigs in Sardegna with some original composition. He performs in several jazz theaters in Italy, as Teatro Trento, Teatro Dimaro, Fraschini, Manzoni, Menotti, Piccolo, Del Sale, Atelier de la Musique, PAC, Tumbao, No’hma, Small, Jazz Cafè, Nordest Caffè, amongst others and many festivals from Jazz Metro, Break In Jazz, Melegnano, Ronciglione and Nuoro jazz festival, International La Spezia Festival, “My heart is Jazz”, Jazz & Club, Tirreno jazz Fest, Piano City, His international exhibits extend to France, Switzerland, Egypt and the USA with classic and jazz piano performances. In 2004 he receives the University Degree in Philosophy with full grades (A) with a thesis on the didactic in African schools. By the end of 2004 he records his original compositions in the album Equilibrist, edited by Splasch Records. He presents the recording at the Melegnano Festival and several radio stations play his music. In 2008 his second work is published titled “Sounds and Colours”, edited by Music Center, with original compositions that range from the trio and the quartet formation.
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If in his previous work (“Equilibrist”) Dario Yassa was mnainly bonded to the composing and executive esthetics of the classic trio from Bill Evans, with some incursions in the asymmetries of Thelonius Monk, in the last work (“Sounds and Colourrs”) he defines fully his own style, which keeps as base a natural and elastic swing, but turns from time to time into dancing rhythms of funky accent. All this in the name of discretion, lightness and good taste. (Vincenzo Roggero) “Highly influenced by Thelonious Monk and respectful of some of Jacky Terrasson’s work, Yassa injects humor and adventure into his playing...Yassa remains consistent with his attitude of sunny optimism and non- biased exploration.” (Cadence Magazine, NY)
