# Kekko Fornarelli

Kekko Fornarelli, pseudonym of Francesco Fornarelli (born 10 January 1978 in Bari, Italy) is an Italian jazz pianist and composer of crossover jazz music and soundtracks.

## Biography

Kekko Fornarelli, known for his unique style that blends jazz with influences from various musical genres such as electronic, pop, and world music, has built an international career thanks to his ability to mix European jazz traditions with contemporary elements, creating a modern sound accessible to a wide audience.
He began playing the piano at just three years old, showing an extraordinary talent from a young age. After receiving classical training, he delved deeper into jazz, fascinated by the possibilities of improvisation and the free expressiveness that this genre offers. Throughout his musical development, he absorbed various influences, from classical music to rock, electronic music, and various styles of world music, elements that have enriched his musical language.
His style stands out for its ability to synthesize different genres without ever losing expressive coherence and emotional depth. His works reveal an innovative use of the piano, often blending with electronic and digital instruments. Fornarelli creates music that transcends the boundaries of traditional jazz, exploring territories that include electronic and ambient sounds. His music is often described as "cinematic" because it evokes vivid images and atmospheres, making it well-suited for soundtracks.
He has recorded eight albums as leader, Circular Thought in 2005, A French Man in New York (2008), inspired by French pianist Michel Petrucciani in the three years he spent in France, Room of Mirrors (2011), Outrush (2014), Abaton (2018), Anthropocene (2021), and Naked (2023).
He also recorded 3 albums as co-author, Mar Endins (2013, with Catalan singer-songwriter Ruso Sala), Matter of Time (2018, with Roberto Cherillo and their band Shine), L'Ospite - The Original Soundtrack (2022, with Giuseppe Bassi).
Kekko Fornarelli has performed in numerous international jazz festivals and prestigious clubs, playing in more than 60 countries and establishing himself as one of the Italian jazz musicians with the highest number of international concerts.
In addition to his work as a musician, Kekko Fornarelli is also a composer of film soundtracks, showcasing his versatility and solidifying his status as a truly multifaceted artist.

### Other notes:

Room of mirrors was released in 2011 by Auand Records. Alison Bentley writes "I can't stop listening to the CD: a fusion of Romantic classical music, modern jazz and 21st century dance rhythms, played with Italian brio from the heart." His last work, "Outrush" was released in 2014.
"Fornarelli is a skilful instrumentalist with classical roots and a subtle improviser's mind". Alison Gunn of the Financial Times writes "A near-perfect balance of tension and freedom. Fornarelli's music has a pared-down yet catchy style that draws on his classical roots, with influences from pop to trip-hop to gospel"
Paolo Fresu writes: "As long as there are musicians as open minded as Kekko Fornarelli, jazz will carry on being the World's music. Kekko’s intimacy is made of rich melodies and chord progressions which evoke some delicate forms of modern jazz, but are translated by that particular touch which makes him one of the most interesting young pianist of the moment."

## Discography

as leader
* 2023 Naked (Eskape)
* 2021 Anthropocene (Eskape)
* 2018 Abaton (Eskape)
* 2014 Outrush (Abeat Records)
* 2011 Room of Mirrors (Auand Records)
* 2008 A French Man in New York (Wide Sounds)
* 2005 Circular Thought (Wide Sounds)
as co-author
* 2022 L’Ospite, The Original Soundtrack // Kekko Fornarelli and Giuseppe Bassi (Eskape)
* 2018 Matter of Time // Shine (Eskape)
* 2013 Mar Endins // Rusò Sala & Kekko Fornarelli Trio (Fresh Sound)

## Film Soundtracks

Awards
* 2024 - Premio Rota (Italia), for the original sounstrack of the film Gli Agnelli Possono Pascolare in Pace, by Beppe Cino
Original Soundtracks
* 2024 - Gli Agnelli Possono Pascolare in Pace, film by Beppe Cino (Draka Production)
* 2024 - Pattini e Acciaio, documentary film by Rossella De Venuto (Interlinea Film)
* 2022 - L’Ospite, documentary film by Domenico Magno (Pharos Film Company)
Participation to other soundtracks
* 2022 - Padre Pio, film by Abel Ferrara (Maze Pictures, Rimsky Productions, Interlinea Film, Carte Blanche Film)