At the start of the 1980s, trumpeter Paolo Fresu enrolled in the Siena Summer Jazz Seminars, where his creativity, talent, and technique left a strong impression on Enrico Rava. Within the following decade he established himself as a leading figure in Italian jazz, beginning with a quintet that remains active and later extending his reach through numerous side projects. Once he completed his Conservatory training, he returned to the Siena seminars as an instructor; he now divides his time between Italy and Paris, where he oversees the Time in Jazz Festival he founded in his hometown. His catalog has grown to 130 recordings, fueled by frequent European engagements that span contemporary music, straight-ahead jazz, dance, and jazz/folk fusions.
Fresu’s approach draws from the classic Miles Davis sound of the 1950s, and the quintet’s configuration echoes Davis’s own ensemble, anchored by tenor saxophonist Tino Tracanna. The group concentrates on original material, delivering performances that feel fresh and distinctive rather than imitative. Live in Montpellier (1990) and Ossi di Seppia, which features Gianluigi Trovesi and appears on Splasc(h), illustrate contrasting sides of the band; Shades of Chet, an affectionate tribute recorded with Rava for Label Bleu in 2001, also showcases emerging pianist Stefano Bollani. Sonos ’E Memoria (ACT 2001) draws on Sardinian musical traditions, while Metamorfosi (BMG 1999) reworks themes from Richard Strauss; both projects underscore Fresu’s dedication to an expansive musical outlook.
Beyond the quintet he has worked in a duo with bassist Furio di Castri, later expanding that partnership into the PAF trio by adding Antonello Salis on piano and accordion. He has also led a trio with English pianist John Taylor, documented on Contos (Egea 1995), and maintains a European quartet that includes French-Vietnamese guitarist Nguyên Lê, heard on Tales From Viêtnam (ACT 1995).
