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Ilaria Capalbo
Stockholm-based bassist/composer Ilaria Capalbo’s playing has been described as “bold, visionary, architectonic,” (Lira, SE) and her writing ”lush” (NoTreble, USA). Originally from Naples, Italy, she regularly works with musicians from the classical world, pop and jazz. Following the international acclaim of her 2022 debut Karthago, her new, upcoming work is inspired by the transformative experience of new motherhood. A storyteller at heart, her music is rich yet immediate, deeply personal yet it connects and lingers with the audience. “It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight.” (Chris May, AllAboutJazz)
Gear
Markbass Kilimanjaro 5 strings
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Ilaria Capalbo: The Brightest Sun
by Ian Patterson
"Look at the darkness," penned Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran, “giving birth to the sun." The arrival of a firstborn child also gives birth to the mother, who did not exist before. For Stockholm-based bassist-composer Ilaria Capalbo the profound experience of motherhood triggered a musical response of significant measure. Whereas her impressive debut, Karthago (Bluenord Records, 2022) was a predominantly acoustic affair, The Brightest Sun sees the Neapolitan introduce a little more electricity via bass guitar and pedal effects. Sparingly used, ...
Continue ReadingReis Demuth Wiltgen, Helen Sung Big Band, TENTNO & more
by Marek J. Śmietański
The 128th episode launches the first part of our June 2026 premiere survey, presenting selections arranged into six distinct thematic sets. The programme traces the full spectrum of contemporary jazz--from melodic, composition-driven quartets and intimate solo projects, through powerful big bands and a striking piano trio with symphony orchestra, to free improvisation, experimental electronics, and open-ended collective explorations--before concluding with a quiet, melody-centred epilogue. Geographically wide-ranging, the lineup features artists from Denmark, Portugal, Italy, Australia, Luxembourg (making its debut in ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo, Steven Bernstein, The Breaks, Levi Harvey & More
by Ludovico Granvassu
Seven projects, seven lessons in creative transformation--from reimagined genres, traditions and freshly taped recording sessions to the spontaneous reinvention that unfolds whenever musicians meet in the moment.Happy listening!Playlist Ben Allison “Mondo Jazz Theme (feat. Ted Nash & Pyeng Threadgill)" 0:00 The Breaks feat. Robert Walter, Eddie Roberts, Stanton Moore “Snowballers" The Breaks (Color Red) 0:16 Host talks 4:00 Levi Harvey Trio “Unset" Bloom (Sunset) 5:07 Host talks 9:21 Ilaria Capalbo “Little Tiger" The Brightest Sun (Bluenord) ...
Continue ReadingKósmos: Averno
by Chris May
Formed in 2015 in Naples, though its individual members have long since gone outernational, piano trio Kósmos debuted with Back Home (Jazzit) in 2019. The album was composed of reworkings of five tunes by Lennie Tristano plus one original each by pianist Stefano Falcone, bassist Ilaria Capalbo and drummer Giuseppe D'Alessandro. The follow-up, Averno, is a different kettle of fish, devoid of any discernible links with Tristano's austere cerebralism. It has no apparent connnection, either, to ancient ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: In Fearless Pursuit Of Her Muse
by Ian Patterson
After years playing in different bands and drawing widespread praise for her lyricism and rhythmic agility, double bassist Ilaria Capalbo has stepped up to front her own project. The Neapolitan's debut album, Karthago (Bluenord Records, 2022), is a remarkable statement of intent. Inspired by the ancient Mediterranean city of Carthage and its near-mythical figurehead, queen Alyssia, Capalbo harnesses duo, quintet and septet in a suite that is powerfully alluring. The rise and fall of Carthage may seem like ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: Karthago
by Emmanuel Di Tommaso
Nell'epoca dell'accelerazione permanente in cui ogni idea deve essere smart e leggera affinché possa cogliere in pochi secondi la fragile attenzione di un pubblico stordito da infinite ondate di suoni, di immagini e di notizie, soltanto gli artisti dotati di una propria voce autentica possono avere il coraggio di dare vita a opere concettuali che richiedono (e meritano) tempo e attenzione, e che sono fondate sul desiderio di condividere emozioni e significati profondi. È sicuramente un'opera di questo ...
Continue ReadingIlaria Capalbo: Karthago
by Ian Patterson
For her debut as leader, bassist Ilaria Capalbo takes as her muse the ancient city-state of Carthage, the former Mediterranean powerhouse, in what is today modern Tunisia. Repeatedly sacked by a series of invaders, Carthage's colorful history, and its near mythical figurehead, queen Alyssia (or Dido), has inspired writers, poets and composers since Roman times. It is a bold canvas on which to inscribe musical notation, particularly for a debut, but the Stockholm-based Italian's writing for this lithe quintet, full ...
Continue Reading”It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. […] It bolsters one’s faith in the future of jazz.”— Chris May, All About Jazz (UK)
"Capalbo’s writing is lush […] her rich bass tone, delicate touch and thoughtful melodicism tie it all together into a cohesive sound. A stunning debut.” — Kevin Johnson, No Treble (USA)
“The music throughout is performed with the majesty befitting a story and history of such reverence and it serves as not just a fitting tribute to its inspiration but also to the immeasurable talents of Ilaria Capalbo as well.” — Imran Mirza, UKVIBE (UK)
Primary Instrument
Bass, acoustic
Location
Stockholm
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Ilaria Capalbo
Location: Stockholm
Instrument: Bass, acoustic
Born: December 1, 1984
