Gianluca Petrella

Lore & Background

Petrella started his career in 1993 with Roberto Ottaviano. He has worked with many international musicians including Joey Calderazzo, Jimmy Owens, Greg Osby, Carla Bley, Pat Metheny, Marc Ducret, Manu Dibango, Nicola Conte, Bobby Previte and Enrico Rava. His group Indigo 4, with Paolino Dalla Porta, Francesco Bearzatti and Fabio Accardi, recorded the albums Indigo 4 and Kaleido, released on Blue Note and well received by critics.

While noted influences include Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Sun Ra, Petrella also uses loops and sound effects. His discography as a leader includes albums such as X-Ray, Under Construction, Indigo 4, Kaleido, Big Guns with Bobby Previte, and several others. As a sideman, he has appeared on recordings with Nicola Conte, Franco D'Andrea, Roberto Gatto, Mop Mop, Roberto Ottaviano, Enrico Rava, and many more.

Reader's Guide

Gianluca Petrella's significance lies in his recognition as a leading Italian jazz trombonist, evidenced by winning Italy's Django d'Or Award and Musica Jazz's critics poll in 2001, and Down Beat's Best Emerging Artist award in 2006 and 2007. His work with the group Indigo 4 on Blue Note records and collaborations with a wide range of international musicians demonstrate his versatility. Petrella's incorporation of loops and sound effects alongside influences from Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Sun Ra marks a blend of traditional jazz and modern experimentation. His extensive discography as both leader and sideman, including recordings with Enrico Rava and Bobby Previte, underscores his active role in contemporary jazz. Petrella's legacy is that of a trombonist who bridges classic jazz influences with innovative techniques, earning critical acclaim and a place in the international jazz scene.

Did You Know?

• In 2001 he won Italy's Django d'Or Award and Musica Jazz's annual critics poll as Best Young Talent.
• He was featured in Down Beat magazine in 2006 and 2007, winning their award for 'Best Emerging Artist' in the category for Best Trombonist.
• His group Indigo 4 recorded the albums Indigo 4 and Kaleido, released on Blue Note.
• His noted influences include Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington, and Sun Ra, and he also uses loops and sound effects.