Nick Mazzarella - Siena Sessions

Corbett vs. Dempsey celebrates its first release featuring Nick Mazzarella. One of the critical figures in Chicago's creative music scene, alto saxophonist Nick Mazzarella has been a mainstay for over 25 years as a leader, composer, and player. This gorgeous recording was made at Shape Shoppe Paradiso, the Italian studio of former Chicagoan Griffin Rodriguez. Mazzarella was introduced to bassist Silvia Bolognesi by cellist Tomeka Reid, and he began informally playing with Silvia and drummer Cristiano Calcangile in 2016. Seven years later, Bolognesi invited Mazzarella to play with her quartet at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and to tour a bit with them; she then invited him to Italy, where they performed and recorded, and in 2025 they convened again, this time allowing time for a trio session focused on Mazzarella's original music, all of it previously unrecorded or written specifically for the occasion. Mazzarella, Bolognesi, and Calcagnile added trumpeter Emanuele Marsico for quartets on two pieces. Covering a breadth of stylistic terrain, from three open improvisations to piquant balladry and freebop heat, Siena Sessions presents Mazzarella's uncompromising vision with grace and precision. Molto bene, Mazzarella!