Biography of Stefano Di Battista

How much breath, how much passion

February 14, 1969
Stefano Di Battista was born on Valentine's day, 14 February, in the year 1969, from a family of musicians who transmits his passion for this art. Begins studying the saxophone at the age of 13 years and plays in a small neighborhood, consisting mainly of small boys, where he remained until the age of 16 years taking the opportunity to experience "the joy" that will become one of the essential qualities of his music. At this time Stephen has two encounters that lead toward his vocation: first discovered jazz, falling in love with "special" sound of Art Pepper. Then he meets Massimo Urbani, legendary saxophonist who becomes his mentor. Stefano appears so a street called: become a jazz musician. In order to perfect his technique, familiarizing yourself with the classical tradition of the saxophone, he enrolled at the Conservatory graduating with honors at the age of 21 years. He started to play in groups of various kinds and in 1992 is, almost by accident, to perform at Calvi Jazz Festival. On this occasion he first met the French musicians, including Jean-Pierre Como, who invited him to play in Paris.
For Stefano is a revelation in fact upon arriving in France, is so well placed in this context that seems to be born. From this moment on began to travel often between Rome and Paris, multiplying its hearings so as to obtain many engagements. Procures two concerts at Sunset in Paris with a trio formed by drummer Roberto Gatto and bassist Michel Benita. Cat waiver and at the last moment is replaced by drummer Aldo Romano, which is positively affected by the seductive style you Stefano Di Battista. Stems for a strong agreement from which will develop a solid friendship.
Stéphane Huchard's second night is on drums and urges Laurent Cugny, next to the leadership of ONJ (National Orchestra of Jazz): Stephen is taken immediately and his life changes in two evenings. We are in 1994 and Baptist's career takes off to Paris, where he settled and begins the wild life of a professional musician. From participation in the project by Aldo Romano come two recordings (Prosodie and interview) and the presence in ONJ, continues to meet people, held some concerts in trio with Daniel Humair and J.F. Jenny Clark, playing with American musicians of passage like Jimmy Cobb, Walter Brooker and Nat Adderly. At one point his career is at a turning point: the Foundation of the various groups of Aldo Romano, Member of Michel Petrucciani Sextet, Stefano Di Battista seriously think the realization of a project that brings its name. Thus in 1997 his first album for the Label Bleu titled "Fly" which sees him alongside Flavio Boltro on trumpet, Eric Legnini on the floor (her pianist in recent years), Benjamin Henocq on drums and Rosario Bonaccorso on bass. In 1998 comes his first engagement for the historical Blue Note for which affects the album "at first glance", accompanied by the same group of musicians, who becomes his training officer. In July 2000 the registration of a masterful drive where Stephen is flanked by the incomparable presence of drummer Elvin Jones (John Coltrane's drummer), Jacky Terrasson on piano and Rosario Bonaccorso on bass.
The new disc gets big accolades from critics; also wins the prestigious French Telerama, finishing in first place in the European rankings as best selling disc. In 2002 he released a new album entitled ' Round ' bout Roma ", a tribute to the city. In 2004 released "Parker's mood", followed by the latest "Trouble Shootin'", 2007. In 2005 participated in the Festival di Sanremo with his wife Nicky Nicolai with the song "what mystery is love", winner in the category groups. He is currently the leader of the "Stefano Di Battista Jazz Quartet", noted jazz band composed by Amedeo Ariano, j.o. Maher and Dario Rosciglione. The band is present on tv from 2005 to 2008 to accompany musical moments of the program of Channel 5, "the meaning of life", led by Paolo Bonolis. And Dante finds himself once again Paolo Bonolis in 2009 in Sanremo, where he participated in presenting--still paired with wife Nicky Nicolai-the song entitled ' more Sun. "
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.