Biography
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.
With Lee Konitz he recorded Lennie Tristano’s 317 East 32nd, included in Antologia della chitarra jazz in Italia, vol. 1 and 25 anni Scimmie. His work with Paolo Cattaneo spans recordings and publications; Tel Quel documents his duo with Franco Finocchiaro.
From 1988 to 2021 he taught jazz guitar at Milan’s Civici Corsi di Jazz. With Franco Cerri and Paolo Cattaneo he wrote Chitarra jazz: approcci, sviluppi, esperienze. Teaching runs alongside his composition and concert work.
He conceived and edited the Archivio dei Chitarristi Jazz Italiani, hosted by ADGPA, helping preserve and share a musical tradition. On 3 July 2022 he performed at Folkest in Spilimbergo with Tommy Fusco and Mimmo Tripodi.