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Dario Chiazzolino

Dario Chiazzolino (born February 8, 1985, in Turin, Italy) is an internationally acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger, and educator. Renowned for his virtuosic technique, deep harmonic insight, and innovative improvisational style, Chiazzolino has established himself as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. His dynamic approach to the guitar seamlessly blends tradition with modern influences, making his playing both instantly recognizable and deeply expressive.

Chiazzolino began his professional music career at the age of 14, initially performing in blues and progressive rock circuits. His passion for jazz was ignited during his high school years upon discovering the music of Charlie Parker. This pivotal moment led him to immerse himself in jazz and improvisation, quickly earning recognition as a prodigious talent in the Italian jazz scene.

He pursued formal music education at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Turin, graduating with top honors, and furthered his studies with a master's degree at the University of Music in Rome.

Chiazzolino's career is marked by collaborations with some of the most influential figures in jazz, including Bob Mintzer, Billy Cobham, Russell Ferrante, Roy Hargrove, Peter Bernstein, and Jonathan Kreisberg.

In 2010, he participated in a Latin jazz project, recording the album Proposicion alongside bassist Dany Noel Martinez, drummer Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, and pianist Ivan Bridon. The project also featured artists like Concha Buika, Ramón Porrina, and Jerry González.

His 2011 album Paint Your Life, featuring pianist Taylor Eigsti, bassist Marco Panascia, and drummer Willie Jones III, received critical acclaim for its fresh approach and visionary improvisation.

In 2012, Chiazzolino formed the quartet Principles Sound with Yellowjackets members Bob Mintzer, Russell Ferrante, and Jimmy Haslip. Their album Lost in the Jungle was followed by an international tour with the Yellowjackets.

He continued to explore diverse musical landscapes with projects like Rewriting Songs (2013), a duo album with Nico Di Battista reinterpreting Italian traditional songs in a jazz style, and Confidence (2013), a collaboration with Cuban bassist Dany Noel Martinez blending Italian and Cuban musical influences.

In 2016, Chiazzolino released Red Cloud, recorded in collaboration with pianist Antonio Faraò, bassist Dominique Di Piazza, and drummer Manhu Roche.

Since 2016, Chiazzolino has been the lead guitarist of the contemporary jazz-fusion band Spirit Fingers, alongside pianist Greg Spero, bassist Hadrien Feraud, and drummer Mike Mitchell. The group's self-titled debut album was released in 2018, followed by Peace in 2020, which featured vocalist Judi Jackson.

In 2020, he collaborated with Spero on the duo album Piano & Guitar Improvisation.

Chiazzolino's recent projects include a series of albums recorded in 2023 with pianist Greg Spero, trumpeter Keyon Harrold, bassist Jermaine Paul, and drummer Terreon Gully, such as Back to Beginnings, Bass Solo, The Dance, Resurrection, The Journey, Past Reflections, Stepping Through Fire, Guidance, Reckoning, Beginnings, and Progressions.

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Album Review

Spirit Fingers: Peace

Read "Peace" reviewed by Phillip Woolever


Variety is said to be the spice of life and it's also a big plus for music. What stands out on this record is variety of the broadest measure. Pianist Greg Spero has a diverse resume that includes assembling this powerful quartet boasting guitarist Dario Chiazzolino and the mighty rhythm section of bassist Max Gerl and drummer Mike Mitchell, along with some excellent guests. Mainly, this release advances the promise of the band's debut album from 2018 (with ...

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“Dario Chiazzolino is known for his virtuosic guitar playing in the European and world jazz scenes. He has earned a reputation as a phenomenal guitarist. This rests on an appreciation of his innovative improvisational skill, which is founded on intervals of 10th, 11th and 13th notes.” Guitar World – February 19, 2015 ( USA ) “Dario Chiazzolino is one of the country’s and world’s for that matter, leaders on his instrument.” Jim Hynes, Glide Magazine – June 10, 2020 ( USA ) “Dario Chiazzolino is an internationally acclaimed artist, deemed as one of the most considerable of today’s jazz guitarists.” Alan D

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