Please you tell us about your new album and UK album launch?
The album’s called Soho Sessions, and it really captures a special time for me. For a few years, I was running weekly sessions in Soho with some of my favourite musicians, and the band on the record actually came together through those nights. It’s Alex Garnett on tenor, Lorenzo Morabito on bass, and Mark Taylor on drums. We recorded the music in a way that kept the vibe of those sessions—tight, swinging, in the moment, spontaneous.
We’re launching the album at Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho, which feels like the perfect fit—not just because of the location, but also because it’s a venue I deeply admire and where I’ve seen some of the most inspiring concerts over the years.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
At the moment, the main project I’m leading—aside from Soho Sessions—is my trio. The concept behind it is to create very pianistic arrangements on the guitar, trying to make the instrument sound as full and layered as possible. It’s a fun challenge and a very personal approach to the guitar.
As a sideman, I’m currently playing with a few wonderful singers—Mimi Rose, Kitty Whitelaw, Arum Chang, and Grace Sheene —mostly in duo or trio settings. I’ve always loved working with vocalists and supporting great storytelling through the music. There’s something really special about that kind of interplay and sensitivity.
I’m also involved in the North London Jazz Collective, a new initiative started by drummer Robbie Ellison. It’s based around a weekly night at Brewhouse and Kitchen in Highbury & Islington, but it’s grown into something bigger. I host one of the gigs for the collective every Sunday at Aperivino in Belsize Park, and there are lots of other gigs happening under that umbrella. The whole idea is to build a welcoming, inclusive space for jazz musicians who genuinely love this music.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
Lately, I’ve been getting into collecting vinyl, and I’ve been really enjoying some of the Tone Poet reissues that Blue Note has been putting out. The last few I bought were The Cooker by Lee Morgan, Clubhouse by Dexter Gordon, and My Conception by Sonny Clark. The sound quality on these releases is incredible, and it’s made me appreciate the listening experience in a whole new way. A big part of that is thanks to my friend and colleague Mark Taylor—he’s not only an amazing drummer and someone I look up to in jazz, but he’s also been a kind of mentor when it comes to vinyl and the deeper side of listening.
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
Usually, people say this is a tough question—and it is—but for me, one record stands out. My favourite album of all time is The Amazing Bud Powell, Vol. 2. I think it has some of the most beautiful and intricate arrangements I’ve ever heard—it really represents Bud Powell’s genius in all its glory.
To me, that record perfectly balances two worlds: the classical piano influence with his incredibly detailed compositions and arrangements, and at the same time, the pure spirit of jazz and improvisation that only Bud could bring. I keep coming back to this album, and every time I do, I’m reminded of how advanced and modern he was. Even today, I don’t think anyone has gone that deep into the harmonic world quite like he did. It’s endlessly inspiring.
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
A good friend of mine, trumpeter Lewis Taylor, has really been catching my ear lately. He’s developing such a unique sound, blending elements of bebop with very early trad swing in a really fresh and personal way. I’d love to collaborate with him on a project sometime soon.
Another musician who’s really standing out to me is tenor saxophonist Jacob Wilson. He’s shaped his style around that newer bebop sound coming out of New York, drawing inspiration from players like Grant Stewart, Chris Byars, and Harry Allen. He’s got a beautiful, swinging sound and a real depth to his playing.
Soho Sessions by Andrea Rinciari is released on CD & digitally on Friday 16th May.
Click here to read our review of Soho Sessions.
Album launch is on Monday 19th May at Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho
