Giuseppe Urso

Giuseppe Urso is a musician, composer, arranger and conductor from Palermo. He graduated in symphonic percussion and jazz with top marks and honours. His career spans big bands, symphony orchestras and projects as both bandleader and sideman.

He has performed with Phil Woods, Cedar Walton, Vince Mendoza, Clark Terry, Arturo Sandoval, Dave Liebman, Patti Austin, Rachelle Ferrell, Billy Childs, Diane Schuur, Toots Thielemans, Noa, Jack Walrath, Dave Kikoski, Eumir Deodato, Tigran Hamasyan, Bill Carrothers, Bobby Watson, Ernie Watts, Emil Richards, Joe Porcaro, Martial Solal, Les McCann, Wayne Bergeron, Darren Barrett and John Serry, among others.

His discography includes numerous recordings as a leader and composer, attracting attention in the specialist press. In 2001, readers of Basi Media Magazine voted him Best Italian Jazz Drummer. His recordings as a leader have also featured on RAI’s Fahrenheit and specialist radio stations in the United States.

Alongside his performing career, he has maintained an extensive teaching practice and published educational materials. In 2009, he co-founded the international music school Palermojazz, serving as its teaching director until 2013 and organising courses, workshops and seminars with internationally renowned musicians.

As a composer and performer, he has presented his project Vinum De Cupa at festivals in Italy and abroad. A timpanist, drummer and jazz pianist, he has performed in theatres, festivals and jazz clubs. At Palermo’s Conservatorio Alessandro Scarlatti, he has taught jazz drums and percussion, headed the Jazz Department and helped found and conduct its Jazz Big Band, the Palermo Jazz Orchestra, whose collaborators have included Peter Erskine, Gianluigi Trovesi and Joy Garrison.