JAZZ GUITARIST · COMPOSER · AUTHOR
Giovanni Monteforte
A distinctive voice in the jazz tradition.
The sound of the guitar, the space of improvisation. A journey through music, writing and the memory of Italian jazz.
01 / THE JOURNEY
A continuing exploration of jazz.
Born in Reggio Emilia on 13 October 1950, Giovanni Monteforte is an Italian jazz guitarist and composer. Active in jazz ensembles since the 1970s, he studied in London with bassist Peter Ind. Milan has been central to his musical life.
His approach, described in critical sources as neo-cool, favours semi-acoustic sounds and a dialogue between tradition and improvisation. His 2022 interview with Marcella Baldassini points to Charlie Parker, Lee Konitz, Jimmy Raney, Tal Farlow and Billy Bauer as musical references: a listening tradition within which to develop an individual voice.
Although he plays electric guitar, he favours semi-acoustic sounds and spacious atmospheres, in the tradition of the 1940s and 1950s.
Recordings and writing
BOOK · RICORDI
Chitarra jazz: approcci, sviluppi, esperienze
With Franco Cerri and Paolo Cattaneo. First edition 1993, expanded edition 2007.
Explore the bookDiscography
Pieffe jazztime e... Dintorni
Giovanni Monteforte and Alberto Viganò. Eight tracks; digital release dated 15 February 2019.
Listen on Qobuz
Tel Quel
Duo with Franco Finocchiaro. Released by MAP.
Listen on Apple Music
Antologia della chitarra jazz in Italia, vol. 1
Includes Lennie Tristano’s 317 East 32nd, recorded with Lee Konitz.
03 / THE VOICE
Music, writing, memory.
From a recording with Lee Konitz to the Archivio dei Chitarristi Jazz Italiani: a story to hear and to read.
Books & press ↗InstaJazz #14 – Conversazioni semiserie sul jazz con Giovanni Monteforte
A conversation with Giancarlo Del Vitto.
Articles
All articles ↗Il jazz, il suono dell’arte
Giovanni Monteforte and Paolo Cattaneo discuss jazz, tradition, education and musical life in Milan.
Roberto Del Piano: un bassista refrattario alle regole
Looking back on his career, Roberto Del Piano recalls the cool jazz trio led by Giovanni Monteforte.
La chitarra di Giorgio Secco, artista e turnista al top
Giorgio Secco discusses his musical education, including his jazz studies with Giovanni Monteforte.
Music, in person.
Proposals for festivals, jazz clubs, theatres, concert series and artistic collaborations. Availability and ensemble are agreed with the artist for each project.
Propose a concert