The memory of the acclaimed pioneer of island jazz lives on again this week, in a final, hard-fought competition: the sixth edition of the Isio Saba Prize is entering its third round of semifinals , with the three remaining groups vying for the coveted final podium on December 2nd . See you on Wednesday the 4th at the Jazzino in Cagliari , in Via Carloforte 74 , with the ensembles Lyra Quartet , Nicolò Di Pasqua Trio and Memento Quartet performing at 8:30 pm in front of a jury and audience.
The competition, inspired by the seminal figure of Isio Saba and dedicated to new creatives and innovators in contemporary jazz, concludes its access phase to the final round tomorrow. Only three of the eleven competing projects are eligible : the decision was made by the expert jury , coordinated by artistic director Gianrico Manca and president Paolo Carrus , supported by Michele Palmas , Sara Deidda , Bebo Ferra , Andrea Saba, and Antonio Benoni . Later this month, the names of the finalists will finally be announced and published on the official website of the Award.
An evening that features first and foremost the Lyra Quartet , born from the meeting of Gianluca Palazzo (guitar), Alessio Pagliero (piano), Stefano Risso (double bass), and Luca Guarino (drums), and characterized by an almost entirely original repertoire, a blend of compositional writing and dynamic improvisation with influences from New York jazz, as well as indie rock and minimalism . Meanwhile, the Trio , led by Nicolò Di Pasqua (piano) and completed by Michele Garbolino (double bass) and Francesco Parodi (drums), offers a "straight ahead jazz" approach – a style born in the 1960s, faithful to swing and bop traditions and wary of jazz-fusion tendencies – with which they have already frequented numerous venues in Northern Italy, winning the Best Original Composition award at the Abbazie Jazz Contest . The setlist closes with the Memento Quartet , also from the unreleased catalogue and signed by guitarist Roberto Campo , in a journey through memories and recollections that are transformed into sound notes, with a lyrical and emotional sound .
Organized by Jazz in Sardinia in collaboration with the Il Jazzino association, with the support of the Fondazione di Sardegna , the Award awards the overall winner a monetary prize and also includes a Special Mention dedicated to Massimo Ferra , for the project that stands out for the particularly innovative nature of his music. The prize also includes the opportunity to appear on the program of the next edition of the International Jazz in Sardinia Festival .