Italian guitarist/composer Michele Manzo explored jazz from his early years and studied under Sandro Gibellini, Riccardo Bianchi and attended seminars led by the likes of Jim Hall in 1999.
In 2000, he spent a year in Milan as part of a jazz ensemble led by the renowned Italian guitarist and arranger Franco Cerri. Around the same time Manzo was invited to "Rassegna Giovani Jazzisti," a festival for young Italian talents where he shared the stage with Paolo Birro, Alfred Kramer and Piero Leveratto.
Yet, his talent goes beyond jazz influence and expression. In 2002 Manzo was part of the "Fenice's Theater" classical string section in a festival dedicated to the music of Broadway. Michele has recorded with producer Christian Hornbostel on prestigious and international House/Funk labels like Soulfuric (Miami-USA) and the London based "Defected Records."
In 2007, he toured in Italy with Yah Supreme & Brohemian (Brooklyn) and played on the album ''Post Modern Garden ''
From 2007-2008, Manzo led a trio featuring the renowned organist Alberto Marsico and Massimo Chiarella. Since 2009 he's been part of the Ndjakass Fall project, a multicultural ensemble led by African percussionist and composer Maguette Gueye and griot/sabar player Sidy Mbaye (Senegal-Africa), with bass player Marc Abrams (NYC-USA). Saxophone player Robert Bonisolo (Niagara Falls-Canada) completes the lineup. In 2010 Michele recorded with Nicola Dal Bo on the B3 Organ and drummer Massimo Chiarella for the album "Trio.Org" (Caligola Records) due for release in 2011.
Manzo continues to explore music and transcend genre. He believes that musical traditions throughout human cultures result from a desire to feed the soul and spirit. He draws from Duke Ellington and the masters of jazz tradition to the visionary genius and innovative rhythmic feel of hip-hop producer Jay Dilla. Michele now heads a new trio, incorporating all of his experience into his compositions. He is joined by longtime collaborators Marc Abrams (bass) and drummer/composer Tommaso Cappellato.
Manzo has also recorded and performed with artists including Paul Randolph, Carlo Atti, Nico Menci, Emanuele Maniscalco, David Boato, Bruno Marini, Valerio Abeni, Paolo Benedettini and Giancarlo Bianchetti. Michele's music is deeply rooted in Jazz tradition but his music composition and rhythmic approach clearly demonstrate influences of Soul, Spirituals, Funk, Country melodies and African music. Michele performed in festivals and clubs in Italy, Austria and Germany.
