Our dedicated Jazz:Re:Found section shines a spotlight on yet another standout from this year’s festival lineup. Leaving Tokyo and Japan behind, we venture to Bari in Apulia, southeastern Italy, to explore the imaginative and jazzy world of Nicola Conte.

As well as being a DJ, producer, guitarist, and arranger, Nicola Conte is first and foremost one of the most influential jazz musicians in Italy. Starting his career in the late ’90s, Conte has released a dozen LPs (including People Need People in collaboration with Gianluca Petrella, previously featured in one of our interviews) and a plethora of singles, collaborations, and remixes.

While jazz remains the core of his musical identity, Conte’s sound journeys through decades and across continents. Whether he’s channeling ’70s disco vibes, delving into ’80s acid jazz, embracing Brazilian samba tones, or incorporating Ghanaian highlife rhythms, each tune reflects his eclectic and global influences.

For a deeper dive into his creative genius and broad inspirations, we couldn’t help but dedicate an episode of our section to him featuring a Q&A and a playlist curated by Conte himself, inspired by his latest project, Umoja.

If you're at Jazz:Re:Found in Cella Monte, don't miss the opportunity to see Nicola Conte live
on Sunday, the 1st of September, at 5PM on the Dancing Stage.

What motivated you to accept the invitation to perform at Jazz:Re:Found, and how does the festival’s vision align with your artistic goals?

I was interested in the idea that the festival has promoted since its beginnings, the team that runs it, and the atmosphere of an artistic community that distinguishes it and sets it apart from the rest. There’s a positive tension and an attitude towards exploration, aspects that perfectly align with my interests.

Jazz:Re:Found has made a name for itself among Italian festivals over the years, growing and gaining more popularity at the European level. When did you first hear about the festival and how does it feel to be in the lineup today?

I remember noticing the festival from its early days; I was struck by the presence of artists who interested me, and now being part of it is a very stimulating challenge.

Each year, the festival presents an exceptionally diverse and high-quality lineup. Are there specific artists in this year’s program you are eager to see on stage or with whom you would like to collaborate?

I have already collaborated with some, such as Gilles Peterson and Dario Bassolino. More than eager, I am curious to attend various performances and then find myself in the company of many friends…

With such a diverse lineup, Jazz:Re:Found inevitably attracts an eclectic audience. What is your approach in preparing your sets to connect with such a varied audience?

My sets are not based on entertainment but on searching for a sound, a groove that can define an atmosphere, that conveys new emotions to the audience no matter how diverse. Often my sets are full of obscure, little-known tracks, a constant work of research. I believe this represents attention and respect for the people, combining an intellectual approach with one more exquisitely club-oriented.

Can you reveal anything about what the audience can expect from your performance at the festival?

I think part of the set will be jazz, Afro percussions, spiritual, jazz samba, etc., and another part more electronic, deep, tribal. One flows into the other.

Just as calling Jazz:Re:Found a simple jazz festival might be limiting, labelling you solely as a jazz musician might also be reductive since your music embraces various genres and cultures. How have you built and shaped your musical style?

Through knowledge, incessant research. Trying to be in touch with the present while simultaneously drawing from the recent past styles and content that I imagine are timeless.

Performing at Jazz:Re:Found is also a unique opportunity to bring and promote your music in front of thousands of people. Is there a particular project you want to introduce? What are your plans for the future?

I think it will be a great opportunity to let people hear the new Umoja reinvented by Joe Claussell and maybe some new tracks from a project in progress with my friend Nico Lahs, a sort of Umoja in a club-oriented version.

Jazz:Re:Found takes place in the enchanting Monferrato in Piedmont, offering a unique setting. How familiar are you with this area and what would you suggest seeing, visiting, eating, and drinking to the audience?

A charming place that instills a sense of peace and freedom. Excellent wine and beautiful nature.

Wearing the PR hat for Jazz:Re:Found, how would you recommend the festival to music lovers and what features do you think make it an unmissable event?

Jazz:Re:Found today is like what Umbria Jazz was in its beginnings. An ideal physical place where a community of people united by a passion for music gathers, not music for consumption or fashion but innovative music where jazz is a common denominator but opens up to various contemporary influences.

How would you introduce yourself and describe your music to a possible spectator at Jazz:Re:Found who has never heard of you?

Nothing more than an idealistic dreamer.

Photo © Mariagrazia Giove