Singer Mafalda Minnozzi and guitarist Paul Ricci have broken musical ground in Brazil and Italy in a long running collaboration resulting in her notable solo career. Over time the freedom of their musical empathy overshadowed the usual larger band format resulting in a duo with its own unique language derived from both their Jazz and European upbringings and their extensive touring. Collectively they have recorded or performed with Milton Nascimento, Leny Andrade, Astrud Gilberto, Harold Vick, Sonny Fortune, Manolo Badrena, Guinga, Bebel Gilberto, Toquinho, Hugo Fattoruso, Bobby Sanabria, Dom Um Romao, André Mehmari, Roy Haynes, Harry Belafonte, Mike Clark and so many others.
Since forming the "eMPathia Jazz Duo" they have recorded 3 studio CDs, a vast library of online videos and have performed at major Jazz festivals in Europe and Latin America to critical acclaim and standing ovations from enthusiastic crowds. From the American Cole Porter, the Brazilian Jobim, from the french Piaf and Django to the Italian Morricone they integrate a command of so many styles that they not only have studied, but have also lived. Ricci's experience mixing both Bossa and blues with jazz in a unique fingerpicking style led Gene Bertoncini to say " from a guitarists' point of view I`m amazed at the stuff he does harmonically and linearly all by himself" and NY Times Jazz critic John S. Wilson to write " …guitarist Paul Ricci established a fresh basis for Lover Man with a fascinating unaccompanied guitar solo…"
Mafalda's style is defined by her charismatic stage presence, vocal range and versatile timbral palette that blurs the line between singer and improviser earning her a prestigious "Targa Tenco" nomination by the Italian press.
The result is a truly unique experience that leaves audiences both surprised and emotionally moved. They have performed overseas with noted special guests and in that spirit, their NY appearances have included friends such as pianists Helio Alves (Jazz Forum) and Art Hirahara (Birdland, Mezzrow's and 2017 and 2018 Italian tours) and percussionist Rogerio Boccato (NYU and Jazz Forum) among others.
The duo makes its return to NY in January and February 2019 where you can catch them at Birdland (Feb.7), Zinc Bar (Feb.8,15), Jazz Forum (Jan.27), NYU Casa Zerillo-Marimo (Feb.28) and WKCR radio's Jobim Birthday broadcast (Jan.25).
Their return to NY will be kicked off by performances at APAP as part of the Pat Harris showcases at the NY Hilton (Sat. Jan.5th at 4:30 PM and Sun. Jan 6th at 7:30 PM).
Details, dates and times at:
www.empathiajazz.com
www.facebook.com/empathiajazzduo/
www.youtube.com/user/eMPathiajazzduo
"… the duo established an extraordinary musical entity befitting the name eMPathia"
– Gerlando Gatto: Italian Jazz author at "A PROPOSITO DI JAZZ".
"… the eMPathia Jazz Duo delivered the hottest show of the night… the Italian singer Mafalda Minnozzi and American guitarist Paul Ricci literally raised the audience with jazzy versions of " A Felicidade, "Desafinado" as well as other classics such as "Every Time We Say Goodbye" and "Estate".
– Carlos Calado: Brazilian Jazz author and critic at "FOLHA de S.PAULO".
"… the jazz component surpasses every other idiom or inspirational source, because Ricci is a jazz guitarist from head to toe and at Mafalda's side [he] tends to "undress", to "essentialize" how much she adds with extraordinary interpretive verve… which is vocal but also physical, theatrical… without anything preconceived."
– Alberto Bazzurro: Italian Jazz Critic and author at "MUSICA JAZZ".
"… there were some revelations, for example the eMPathia duo composed of Paul Ricci and Mafalda Minnozzi… Fantastic!… with a repertoire of Brazilian and Italian music revisited in Jazz."
– Humphrey Inzillo: Argentine Jazz critic and author at "LA NACION".
"…overflowing with interpretative choices, communicative appeal and strong artistic personality, the singer expertly handles the dynamics and projection with grace and deep emotional impact, supported by the refined woven comping from the guitarist suggesting a sort of imaginary bridge connecting Italy, the United States and Brazil…"
– Stefano Dentice: Italian Jazz Critic at "ITALIAINJAZZ"
"each song is thoughtful, considered, two strands of the same silk intertwined. This is jazz to fall in love by, the soaring of a songbird in the big blue note-filled sky"
– Debbie Burke: American jazz author and critic
