“There are many talented musicians in the world, but only a very few have that extra special something… the x-factor… Marco Marconi is one of these few; from the moment that his hands touch the keys of the piano, he moves into his own stream of jazz consciousness and takes the listener with him into that wonderful world…” Sally Ann Hayes, Soprano Having gained his first diploma in classical piano in 1997, Marco went on to discover the incredible world of jazz. Using his phenomenal technique and talent, he started to study with Ramberto Ciammarughi, himself an exceptional pianist and composer on the European jazz scene. Swiftly becoming a jazz appassionato, Marco gained a second diploma, this time in jazz, in 2005 at the Conservatory of Perugia, under the tutorlage of Paolo Di Sabatino, achieving maximum votes. Throughout this time, Marco continued to further his studies in jazz under the guidance of Ramberto Ciammarughi, researching increasingly in depth into the music and structure of jazz and discovering his own personal sense of style and self expression. April 2008 saw Marco complete his post graduate studies in jazz again winning maximum votes and high praise from the examiners, becoming a Doctor of Jazz! Influences and collaborations Influences on Marco's jazz studies include the incredible work of Keith Jarret, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Gonzalo Rubalcaba and closer to home, Ramberto Ciammarughi, Paolo di Sabatino and saxophonist, Fulvio Falleri. Marco has taken part in several jazz workshops with Ciammarughi, Massimo Moriconi, Fabio Zeppetella, Umberto Fiorentino and legendary drummer, John Arnold. Composing and performing As a composer, Marco spends much of his time writing jazz which he performs live in concert. In 2009, Marco made a highly successful UK debut at the Cheltenham Jazz Fringe Festival perfoming his own original compositions & jazz standards to great acclaim where the organiser, Stefan Edwards said "Marco's performances were the highlight of the fringe festival". The summer of 2010 saw Marco recording his latest album, Mosaico, at the prestigious Fazioli Concert Hall in northern Italy. Recording 11 tracks in just one day, this album is due to be released on 15th January 2011 and features Marco's original pieces and jazz standards. Marco Marconi Trio Marco originally composed many of his pieces for piano solo but having met Mauro Giorgeschi, an outstanding drummer and Giulio Angori, a highly talented bass player, the music gradually took on a new form and in 2007 the Marco Marconi Trio evolved. The trio performs Marco's original music and the groove that they achieve alternates with sonority and resonance, fluid improvisations and moments full of pathos and melodiousness. To promote their music, the trio took part in two international competitions, the Mediteranean Jazz Contest (Elba Island) in July 2009 and the Barga Jazz Contest (Tuscany) in August 2010, both times finishing among the last 3 finalists. Discography The Day Before (Piano solo); Self published; August 2006 Keep the Way Clear (Marco Marconi Trio); Self published; Feb 2010 Mosaico (Piano solo); Self published; Jan 2011 What they say “I think everyone that heard Marco play was very impressed and I was also overwhelmed by his dedication… Marco is a remarkable musician and made a big impact on us this year.” Steve Symons, Cheltenham Jazz Festival Producer/Manager “I can safely say that Marco's performances were the highlight of the fringe festival!” Stefan Edwards, Cheltenham Jazz Fringe Festival Organiser “Wow! Marco Wow! I had the pleasure to listen to your beautiful pieces today and Marco I just have to tell you that they are stunning! They are "out of body" good! You have a true artist soul. Bravo Marco! I am so honored to have you on our site!” Jennifer Herbig, Co-Founder/A&R President Triple Scoop Music Testimonials “I have had the great pleasure of knowing and often hearing Marco Marconi play and the thing that strikes me on first impact about his piano playing is a great energy, controlled by an impeccable technique. After further listening you can appreciate the vast dynamic range of his touch on the keys, the result of years of studying classical repertoire. These studies have inspired a special style in the melodic construction of his solos. Stylistically, he has skilfully mixed jazz principles with those of latin music, the result of serious studies and a constant curiosity to find something new.” Paolo di Sabatino, Jazz Pianist and Composer