ART of RIGA JAZZ 2026 | Michele Sperandio Sea Quartet /Italy/

Mark-born Michele Sperandio's new quartet project, whose repertoire revolves around a shared theme: the sea, which for many years has been an artist's refuge and a symbol of freedom. The group explores different genres, from songwriting to jazz instrumental music, from Italian songwriters to 1970s progressive rock avant-garde musicians, with songs ranging from Elvis Costello, King Crimson, and Cristina Donà.

"Michele Sperandio is an intelligent musician. A refined and thoughtful use of electronics makes this music wonderfully fluid and leaves the listener with a noticeable sense of peace and simplicity. The idea of working around the sea theme is also excellent, the sea to sail on, to fear, sometimes even just to dream about. Marta Giulioni is extraordinary, proving herself to be one of the most interesting voices on the national scene, and the picture is completed by Lorenzo Scipioni on double bass, also... a very young and impressive talent from the Marche region, and Simone Maggio, whom I like to call a piano visionary, a musician capable of taking music to places as deep as they are unexpected." Massimo Morgante

"From the very beginning, I felt Michele's great sensitivity and depth of soul. Music, when it is genuine and well crafted, as in this case, speaks for itself and tells the personal and life journey of those who write and perform it. The songs evoke diverse and colorful landscapes, ranging from jazz to Nordic music and even with a touch of Pink Floyd. - Bernardo Guerra

Festival partners: Riga City Council, Culture Capital Foundation (KKF), Balticovo, Rietumu Banka, Latvijas Gāze, Radisson Blu Latvija, Kaļķu Vārti, Adverts, Ministry of Culture.