Months of preparation for rehearsals, three rounds of semifinals, and one final challenge last Sunday evening at the Massimo: the 2025 edition of the Isio Saba Prize , organized by Jazz in Sardegna in collaboration with the Il Jazzino association, was won by the Saverio Zura Quintet in the final on November 30 , also contested by Tangram Project and Saíhs . The latter project received special mention, with excellent words also in the verdict for the first group.

Led by Saverio Zura (guitar and compositions), Alberto Bonora (alto saxophone), Filippo Galbiati (piano), Andrea Esperti (double bass), and Francesco Benizio (drums), the quintet was praised for its communication skills, energy, the originality of its compositions, and the young age of its members. The jury, composed of Francesca Corrias, Michele Palmas, Giacomo Serreli, Sara Deidda, Marti Jane Robertson, Bebo Ferra, Andrea Saba, and Antonio Benoni, unanimously agreed . The quintet was coordinated by Gianrico Manca, artistic director, and Paolo Carrus, president.

The quintet was also appreciated for its agility and consistency in moving between the different sound moments of the songs, capturing the New York influence of contemporary jazz and fusion, with crescendos and developments reminiscent of experimental rock, and the care taken in improvisation.

A special mention goes to Saíhs, a sextet composed of Matteo Zecchi (tenor saxophone), Giulio Mari (trumpet), Giulio Tullio (trombone), Lorenzo Fiorentini (piano), Giulio Barsotti (double bass), and Edoardo Battaglia (drums). Their compositional prowess is praised, combining avant-garde tendencies with a fluid cohesion of wind instruments and rhythm, in a composition that enhances the group's orchestral aspect. Also applauded is Tangram Project , a trio of Federico Parrinello (piano), Emanuele Fanì (bass), and Luca Di Muzio (drums), who, according to the jury, demonstrated a strong understanding between the elements and a clarity in their exploration of the sounds they explored.

This concludes the fifth edition of the award dedicated to the island maestro Isio Saba, a key figure in musical innovation in Sardinia in the 1970s. As part of the award, both the Saverio Zura Quintet and the Saíhs will have the opportunity to participate in the next edition of Jazz in Sardegna.

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