Artist · Clarinet
Federico Calcagno
Biography
Led by acclaimed clarinetist and composer Federico Calcagno, the Italian sextet Federico Calcagno & The Dolphians brings a fresh and imaginative voice to contemporary jazz, blending tradition with innovation.
Formed in 2018, the group draws inspiration from multi-instrumentalist Eric Dolphy.
Their debut album From Another Planet (2019) reimagined Dolphy’s Out to Lunch with striking creativity, marking the start of an evolving journey into uncharted sonic territories.
Described by All About Jazz as “the new bishop of the best Italian and European jazz,” Calcagno has garnered prestigious accolades, including the 2020 Giorgio Gaslini International Award and recognition as New Talent in Musica Jazz's Top Jazz 2020.
Under his direction, The Dolphians have developed a unique repertoire of original works defined by collective energy, deep interaction, and fearless experimentation. Their music bridges the soulful resonance of the 1960s Blue Note era with contemporary influences such as post-bop, avant-garde, Balkan music, world music, and hip-hop.
Committed to expanding Dolphy’s artistic vision, the group embraces imagination, spirituality, and social awareness as essential elements of their music.
After six years of artistic growth, the group presents its new album, Face the Music, which represents a major evolution in the ensemble’s sound and creative direction since their debut.
The core lineup features Federico Calcagno on clarinets, Gianluca Zanello and Luca Ceribelli on saxophones, Andrea Mellace on vibraphone, Stefano Zambon on double bass and Stefano Grasso on drums.
For this project, the ensemble expands its sonic palette with the contribution of special guests: violinist Anais Drago, drummer Francesca Remigi, vocalist Beatrice Sberna, and rapper Chaaran (Davide Sartori).
Federico Calcagno & The Dolphians have performed on prominent stages across Italy and Europe, including the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, JazzMi, Teatro Grande di Brescia, and NOSPR in Katowice, leaving a powerful mark on the international jazz scene.