Raphael Gualazzi is an internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter, pianist, composer, arranger, musician and producer, renowned for his unique and personal approach to playing and for blending the traditions of different musical cultures. His Italian singer-songwriter and melodic style draws on influences from African-American musical culture and echoes of the classical world. After his classical studies at the Conservatory, Raphael devoted himself to exploring other musical cultures and genres, including jazz, blues, stride piano, soul, and pop, while at the same time celebrating and transcending them all.

He has built a successful career and, in 2011, already well known in France, he triumphed at the Sanremo Festival in the Newcomers category with the song “Follia d’amore”, which earned him first place, the “Mia Martini” Critics’ Award, the Press Room Radio and TV Award, and the Assomusica Award for Best Live Performance. At the subsequent Eurovision Song Contest, he achieved second place with “Madness of Love”.

Raphael has performed and recorded with international artists such as Melody Gardot, Andrea Boccelli, Gregory Porter, Tommy Lee, Gilles Peterson, Suzanne Vega, Pedrito Martinez, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Camille, Stefano Bollani, Metropole Orkest, WDR Big Band, The Bloody Beetroots, Mario Biondi, Puppini Sisters, Renaud Letang, Simona Molinari, China Moses, Paolo Fresu, Fabrizio Bosso, Vince Medoza, Margherita Vicario, Edoardo Zosi, Andrea Obiso, Danilo Rossi and many others.

Raphael has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Saint Germain Jazz in Paris, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Nancy Jazz Pulsations, Jazz in Marciac, Día de la Música in Madrid, Carthagena Jazz Festival in Spain, Jazz à Carthage in Tunisia, Italian Innovation Day in Brussels, and many others throughout Europe, as well as performing in Japan, Indonesia, the USA, the UK, Canada, South Africa and Argentina.

Raphael’s latest creation, Dreams (CAM Sugar), presents a fusion of musical styles, ranging from classical music and vintage African funk to new soul and jazz. It is a blend of compositions enriched by analog synthesizers, vintage keyboards, tribal percussion and soul vocals, celebrating the artist’s eclectic passion beyond all musical boundaries.

Projects:

• Solo Piano
• Trio
• Quintet
• Raphael Gualazzi with Orchestra
• Raphael Gualazzi & Big Band