Massimo Biolcati
Massimo Biolcati (born 1972) is a Swedish-Italian-American jazz bassist who is a member of Gilfema and the Lionel Loueke Trio.
Biography
In the 21st century jazz is truly a global movement, and New York bassist Massimo Biolcati embodies the music’s creative reach. A first-call accompanist, producer, composer and bandleader, he is known as a founding member of Gilfema, the acclaimed collective trio with Hungarian drummer Ferenc Nemeth and West African guitarist and vocalist Lionel Loueke that recorded two albums for Obliqsound. The group also recorded three albums for Blue Note as the Lionel Loueke Trio, including Karibu with Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock. Once again known as Gilfema, the trio recently recorded a third album, which Biolcati produced. Slated for release in the spring of 2020, the project features new music from all three players.
Hailing from a Swedish/Italian family, Biolcati has worked with some of jazz’s most celebrated artists, including tours with Paquito D’Rivera, Terence Blanchard, Ravi Coltrane, Lizz Wright, and Luciana Souza. As a leader he released 2008’s Persona on Obliqsound, an ambitious debut album of original compositions played by Loueke, pianist/accordionist Peter Rende, and drummer Jeff Ballard, with vocal contributions by Lizz Wright and Gretchen Parlato. He also runs iReal Pro, the music app he created in 2009 that has become an essential tool for musicians and music students.
Biolcati released his long-awaited second album titled Incontre (Sounderscore) in January of 2020. The album features Dayna Stephens on tenor and baritone saxophone, Sam Yahel on piano and organ, and Jongkuk Kim on drums.
“The textures created by this team are like threads of a tapestry, weaving together to form palpable depth. Fascinating tones and colors.“ (Jazzweekly - George W. Harris)
Discography
As leader
- Incontre (Sounderscore, 2020)
- Persona (ObliqSound, 2008)
As member of Gilfema
- Gilfema (ObliqSound, 2005)
- Gilfema + 2 (ObliqSound, 2008)
As sideman
- Christian Gall: Vibes of Boston (Home Musik, 1998)
- Tatsu Kisaragi: Lazy Bird feat. Jerry Bergonzi (King, 1998)
- Robin McKelle: Never Let Me Go (1999)
- Klaresque Ensemble: Approachable Perspectives (1999)
- George Garzone:The Music of Keith Jarrett (BMG-RCA-Victor, 2000)
- Cho-Yoon Seung: JazzKorea (Woongjin, 2000)
- Doug Johnson: Game Theory (2000)
- Alon Yavnai: D.C. al Coda w/ George Garzone, (Whaling City Sound, 2000)
- Tatsu Kisaragi: PowerPlay feat. Jerry Bergonzi (King Records, Japan) 2001
- Yoko Miwa: In the Mist of Time (Takuma Comm., 2001)
- Olivier Manchon: En Route (2002)
- David Doruzka: Hidden Path (Cube, 2003)
- Jure Puki: Serendipity (Sensor, 2004)
- Michael Bublé: Come Fly With Me (Reprise, 2004)
- Mamiko Watanabe: One After Another (2005)
- Alon Yavnai Trio: Picture This (2005)
- Gretchen Parlato: Gretchen Parlato (2005)
- Yoko Miwa: Canopy of Stars (Polystar, 2005)
- Monika H.: Bright (2005)
- Francisco Pais Quartet: Not Afraid of Color (Fresh Sound New Talent, 2006)
- Greg Lamy Quartet: What Are You Afraid Of? (2006)
- Felly K.: Far Away (Argus Fil & Art, 2006)
- Nacho Arimany's World Flamenco Septet: Silence-Light (Fresh Sound/World Jazz, 2006)
- Mamiko Watanabe - Origin/Jewel (Independent, 2007)
- Lionel Loueke: Virgin Forest (ObliqSound, 2007)
- Lionel Loueke: Karibu (Blue Note, 2008)
- Daniela Schächter - Purple Butterfly (Independent, 2009)
- Mika Pohjola - Northern Sunrise (Blue Music Group, 2009)
- Matt Slocum - Portraits (Chandra Records, 2009)
- Lionel Loueke - Mwaliko (Blue Note Records, 2010)
- Matt Slocum - After The Storm (Chandra Records, 2011)
- Christoph Seigrist - Welcome to the Blue World (Fresh Sound, Spain, 2011)
- Scott Tixier: Brooklyn Bazaar (Sunnyside, 2012)
- Matt Slocum - Black Elk's Dream (Chandra Records) 2014)
- Luciana Souza - Speaking in Tongues (Sunnyside, 2015)
- Lionel Loueke - Gaïa (Blue Note Records, 2015)
- Lionel Loueke - The Journey (Aparté, 2018)
- Hornē Electric Band - (Ropeadope, 2019)