“An understated gem of European chamber-jazz” – Irish Times

Italian jazz guitarist and “six-string poet” (JazzNews) Federico Casagrande started honing his craft at an early age and has since flourished into one of the singular voices in contemporary guitar.

With an impressive 18 records under his belt, Casagrande has toured extensively throughout Europe and the rest of the world, performing his therapeutic and captivating music at prestigious festivals such as NYC Winter Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival and many more.

In 2020, he streamed in from Italy to present a mesmeric solo guitar set as part of MIJF’s These Digital Times festival, and now this star of European jazz makes his in-person Melbourne International Jazz Festival debut.

Federico Casagrande – Guitar

Co-created by Guinean-Australian multi-instrumentalist Amadou Kalissa and Melbourne guitarist Kyle Muir, six-piece ensemble Mandeng Groove take inspiration from the Manding music tradition of West Africa.

With a line-up of some of Melbourne’s most exciting improvisers—Flora Carbo, Alex Roper, Harry Birch and Lachlan Leeds—the ensemble fuses pulsating West African grooves with Western jazz melodies in its high energy performances.

After their recent trip to Guinea collaborating, studying and recording with local musicians, Mandeng Groove are back in Melbourne with fresh, energetic tunes. Catch them at the JazzLab for an immersive night of deep-listening and discovery.

Amadou Kalissa – Kora / ngoni / djembe / vocals
Flora Carbo – Saxophone / amplifier
Kyle Muir – Electric guitar
Lachlan Leeds – Electric guitar
Harry Birch – Bass
Alex Roper – Drums