Maria Grazia Scarzella - Z Project (2025)

This album is a heartfelt and meticulously crafted tribute by singer Maria Grazia Scarzella to Riccardo Zegna — her mentor and collaborator — a towering figure among Italy’s most respected jazz pianists and composers. Motivated by both gratitude and sincere friendship, trumpeter Giampaolo Casati joined the project, bringing his refined sensitivity and professionalism to support the singer in this challenging and meaningful journey — which notably marked Maria Grazia Scarzella’s debut recording as a leader, a performance that proved both convincing and successful. Joining her in this moving and accomplished tribute to the underrated Ligurian jazz musician is an outstanding ensemble, featuring — in addition to the aforementioned Giampaolo Casati — pianist Paolo Birro, double bassist Aldo Zunino, and drummer Alfred Kramer. Both Zunino and Kramer, like Maria Grazia herself, had the opportunity to collaborate with him, particularly with the Bansigu Big Band – the historic Ligurian jazz orchestra founded by Giampaolo Casati and Pietro Leveratto. The latter also contributed the album's liner notes. In «Z Project» we find three original arrangements of standards beloved by Zegna — including a rarely heard piece from early Ellington, later honored with an original composition — alongside six tunes by the Ligurian pianist, to which Maria Grazia Scarzella has added her own lyrics, five in English and one in Italian. The result is remarkable in every respect: both for the leader’s vocal interpretations — little known, yet sure to be a delightful discovery for many jazz fans — and for the precise, refined accompaniment, enriched with splendid solos, provided by her extraordinary fellow musicians.

Personnel:
Maria Grazia Scarzella - vocals
Giampaolo Casati - trumpet, flugelhorn
Paolo Birro - piano
Aldo Zunino - double bass
Alfred Kramer - drums