When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? The rolling hills of Tuscany? The ruins of ancient Rome? The decadence of Venetian masquerade balls? Chances are, jazz music doesn’t immediately come to mind. But did you know that Italy has a rich history and thriving contemporary scene of jazz music? Let’s dive into the world of jazz Italy and discover why it’s a love affair that has endured for decades.
Italy’s relationship with jazz dates back to the early 1900s, when the genre was just beginning to take shape in the United States. As early as 1919, Italian musicians were incorporating elements of jazz into their traditional music, creating a unique blend of sound that would come to be known as Italian jazz.