Roberto Cassani

Biography
Press

Roberto Cassani is an Italian-born double bass player, composer, singer and improviser based in rural Perthshire, Scotland. Renowned for his adventurous fusion of folk, jazz and world music, Cassani has built a distinctive artistic profile that blends deep musicality with a joyful, inclusive spirit.

Born and raised in Rivolta d’Adda in northern Italy, Cassani grew up immersed in the local Rivoltano dialect and culture, experiences that later informed much of his creative output. Early in his life he pursued music with passion, initially gaining attention at a young age and even securing a record deal before choosing to broaden his horizons abroad.

Cassani moved to the United Kingdom without speaking English, settling first in Birmingham and later in Scotland, where he made his home. He engages deeply with his instrument, the double bass, both physically and emotionally: a spiritual connection and commitment he learnt from his friend and mentor, legendary English bassist Danny Thompson as an influential mentor, whom he credits especially in learning to express music from the heart.

A committed improviser, Cassani views spontaneous music-making as the truest form of self-expression, whether in free music or within structured compositions. He has appeared in numerous projects with leading folk and jazz musicians in Scotland and beyond, bringing his resonant bass sound and engaging vocals to audiences across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada and North Africa.

In 2021 he released Ansema We Stand, an album that celebrates community and solidarity and blends the musical traditions of his adopted Scottish home with his native Lombardy sensibilities, using the Rivoltano dialect as its expressive core. The title track’s message of togetherness (“ansema” meaning “together”) underscores Cassani’s artistic philosophy.

In 2023 he released "Poet.Shuts.Clock" on long-established New York label Sunnyside Records, in duo with friend and collaborator Fraser A. Campbell. The duo continues to work together to this day and has released further albums "Care (very much)" (2024) and "La Cavallina" (2026), a freely improvised continuous track album including celebrated Scottish Guitarist Graeme Stephen.

In duo with Graeme Stephen, Cassani has also released "Pictish Spaghetti" (2025) on Brooklyn label 577 Records.

Each album has attracted excellent reviews, praising Cassani's unique and joyful approach to playing and improvising, as well as his unique tendency of employing humour and pathos in equal measure.

Cassani continues to perform internationally, collaborating on projects that range from jazz and folk to experimental improvisation. His music is marked by warmth, cultural curiosity, and a desire to connect deeply with listeners through both sound and story.

Gear

Double bass made in Caithness Scotland by luthier William Mackay

Tags

”Enigmatic, playful and deeply transporting”. (bestofjazz.org - review of Pictish Spaghetti).

”Free music where moods and feelings move your mind and soul to a Spaghetti Westen set..mysterious, enchanting vibes…free textures, psychedelic nuances, rural and western atmospheres…A brave and intriguing work”. (Ferruccio Martinotti - The Free Jazz Collective - review of Pictish Spaghetti).

“Roberto Cassani’s blending of his native Lombardy dialect, his jazz background and many of the traditions of Scottish folk music provide the bedrock for his album “Ansema we stand”. It works tremendously effectively. It emphasises the depth of both traditions: their roots in simplicity and improvisation. What holds the collection together is its confidence: from exuberant joy to gentle ballads, held together by lilting double bass. Final track “An Basi’” sets Cassani’s translation of Burns to a spare double bass, bringing the synthesis of Lombardia and Scotland beautifully together”. (Peter Tomkins - RnR magazine).

”Enigmatic, playful and deeply transporting”. (bestofjazz.org - review of Pictish Spaghetti).

“Cassani’s debut is an entrancing journey between his Lombardy origins and Scottish traditional music. A charming album of genuine and excellent musicianship”. (Ciro de Rosa - Songlines).

”Ansema we stand is a sensational album and Roberto’s an incredible life in music. Undoubtedly one of the best records of 2021” (Alistair Braidwood - Scots Whay Hae).

“Roberto Cassani has put together an intriguing album that fuses the language of Lombardy with the music of Scotland. The result is a riveting, highly entertaining listen, expertly played and bursting with a humour that shines through one of the most impenetrable language barriers that you’re ever likely to come across. A fabulously entertaining album, Roberto has managed to achieve this cultural breakthrough in a respectful and honest way that conveys the musicality and humour of his native tongue. “Ansema we stand” is stunning, and unlike anything else I’ve ever heard” (John Barlass - At the Barrier).

“One of this year’s big surprises, Roberto Cassani has released a debut album of powerful songs and instrumentals, rich arrangements and touching lyrics, supported by six of the best Scottish Musicians. This recording is irresistible. My favourite thing about this exquisite Scottish-Italian collaboration is its representation of one of Europe’s most enduring linguistic curiosities: the Rivoltano dialect, preserved for centuries by local culture - which is where, after all, our richest treasures are to be found”. (Alex Monaghan - FolkWorld).

”A brilliant musician with a wonderful sense of humour (Bruce Macgregor - BBC Scotland Travelling Folk).

”Roberto Cassani has created his very own musical niche... A work of art... You may call it ‘folk’ or ‘world’ music, but either way it’s beautifully delivered. The music on this album will live long after the pandemic is history” (John Reed - Fatea Magazine)

”Wonderful. Highly original and great musicianship without being too flash. A unique sound. Very special”. (Roger Williams - A world of difference on Blues and Roots Radio).

“High-class musicianship... I found myself just relishing the feel of the sun and vineyards and the mood of the Mediterranean created by these distinctive melodies. This is a musical experience that will repay a little patience with huge pleasure.” (Philip Thomas - Folk Radio UK).

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