ILARIA CAPALBO
THE BRIGHTEST SUN
Stockholm-based bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo’s playing has been described as “bold, visionary, architectonic,” (Lira, SE) and her writing ”lush” (NoTreble, USA).
Originally from Naples, Italy, she is a sought-after collaborator who regularly works with musicians from the classical world, pop and jazz. Aside from her own projects, her composer resumé extends to contemporary dance and theatre.
Following the international acclaim of her debut album Karthago, released in 2022 to rave reviews, Ilaria’s new work is inspired by the transformative experience of new motherhood and is scheduled to be relased in 2025. A storyteller at heart, her music is rich yet immediate, deeply personal yet it connects and lingers with the audience.
Ilaria’s band has been selected as part of the European Showcases at jazzahead! 2025 and will perform at Kulturzenrum Schlachthof on April 24, 2025.
”It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. […] It bolsters one’s faith in the future of jazz.” — Chris May, All About Jazz (UK)
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Genre: contemporary jazz
lineup 2025:
Ilaria Capalbo: bass+compositions
Thomas Backman: alto sax, clarinets
Fredrik Nordström: tenor&baritone sax
Andreas Hourdakis: guitar
Henrik Jäderberg: drums
new album TEASER
(unreleased, PLEASE DO NOT SHARE)
KARTHAGO, 2022, BLUENORD RECORDS
press
”It is always a joy to encounter for the first time a musician who sounds so fresh and original and whose music is such a delight. […] It bolsters one’s faith in the future of jazz.”
— Chris May, All About Jazz (UK)
”Capalbo’s writing is lush […] her rich bass tone, delicate touch and thoughtful melodicism tie it all together into a cohesive sound. A stunning debut.”
— Kevin Johnson, No Treble (USA)
“The music throughout is performed with the majesty befitting a story and history of such reverence and it serves as not just a fitting tribute to its inspiration but also to the immeasurable talents of Ilaria Capalbo as well.”
— Imran Mirza, UKVIBE (UK)
“Ni som hört Fredrik Nordströms trumlösa Dolores-kvartett har redan lagt märke till basisten Ilaria Capalbos starka, visionärt arkitektoniska spel.”
— Magnus Östnäs, Lira (SE)
“En kompositör av samma slag som Duke Ellington och Charles Mingus, inte bara en skapare av enkla teman för att rama in solisterna”