Furio di Castri, whose name conjures either an Italian malediction or a robust entrée, has ranked among the foremost bassists in Italy’s jazz and improvised-music circles since the close of the 1970s. Born in Milano, he mastered the instrument through self-instruction as a child and only later entered formal training at age eleven.
Professional work began in 1977, leading directly to Lingomania, an eight-year ensemble that united him with tenor saxophonist Maurizio Giammarco and drummer Roberto Gatto. In 1981 trumpeter Enrico Rava recruited the bassist, who remained in that rhythm section for most of the decade, appearing on four of Rava’s most widely praised recordings as well as numerous radio and television broadcasts.
During his final years with Rava, di Castri launched independent projects that drew in saxophonist Steve Lacy, once Rava’s quartet partner, along with bandoneonist Dino Saluzzi, saxophonists Dave Liebman and Joe Henderson, trombonist Ray Anderson, trombonist Albert Mangelsdorff, and the trio of pianist Michel Petrucciani. From 1986 onward he also collaborated with British composer John Taylor and pianist Paul Bley, the latter celebrated for his measured pacing. Between 1979 and 1986 he intermittently supported trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker.
His recorded résumé stretches from a notable encounter with tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano through associations with Charles Lloyd, Pharoah Sanders, Sal Nistico, Lee Konitz, Michel Portal, Kenny Wheeler, Art Farmer, and guitarist Ralph Towner. Rhythm-section partners on drums have included Paul Motian, Tony Oxley, Barry Altschul, Daniel Humair, Billy Elgart, Jon Christensen, Joe La Barbera, and Bruce Ditmas.
In 1988 he co-founded the quartet Ritual with drummer Aldo Romano, pianist Franco D’Andrea, and trumpeter Paolo Fresu; the group has since issued five albums, one of them titled To Be or Ornette To Be. Since 1990 di Castri and Fresu have also performed as a duo while composing for theater, dance, and film. He conducts bass master classes at the music institute in Sienna.
