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Francesco’s first visit to Japan. One night only performance in Osaka at Jazz On Top Club. Featuring: Yasushi Gonjo (bass) and Larry Marshall (drums). Special guest: Chiaki (vocals).
Live recording resulted in the release of the album “KURAMA / A Night In Japan”.
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In March 2006, Francesco returned to Morelia to perform at the third annual Morelia Jazztival with a talented sextet featuring Juan Alzate on tenor sax, cuban master percussionist (and Grammy Award winner) Roberto Vizcaino, Efren Capiz on drums, Ivan Lara on electic bass, and Flavio Meneses on electic guitars. Playing to a sold out audience in the enclosed square of a former 17th century cloister, the latin jazz quintet performed mostly original compositions by Francesco, a blend of jazz, classical, afrocuban and South American influences with vibrant percussive and rhythmic elements.
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In November 2005, Francesco visited his old friend, saxophonist Juan Alzate, travelling to Morelia, Michoacan, in Mexico, to perform together in a reunion concert at the historic Teatro Ocampo after 22 years. The band, a sextet, featured cuban master percussionist (and Grammy Award winner) Roberto Vizcaino, Efren Capiz on drums, Ivan Lara on electic bass, and Flavio Meneses on electic guitars. Prior to the concert, Francesco conducted a master piano class at the Conservatorio De Las Rosas.
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Performance with Lilian Terry and a French trio at the MIDEM 2003 Festival in Cannes on January 21 presenting the CD “Emotions” released by “TCB the Montreux Jazz Label”.
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Live performance at Charlie O’s jazz club, featuring Don Menza (tenor sax), John Heard (bass), Ralph Penland (drums), Mayuto Correa (percussions).
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Live performances at various Chicago venues: Andy’s Jazz Club, Pops For Champagne, The Note. Featuring from left to right: Sandra Perez (vocals), Von Freeman (tenor sax), Rusty Jones (drums), Dave Marr (bass), Taku Akiyama (tenor sax), Lilian Terry (vocals), Paulinho Garcia (guitar), Nick Tountas (bass).
Below: Francesco & Von Freeman at Southport Records rehearsing during the recording of Francesco’s CD “Colors”.
