For several years, bassist Massimo Biolcati has provided strong support for a variety of acclaimed jazz artists, including Terence Blanchard, Lizz Wright, Ravi Coltrane, Paquito D'Rivera, and Lionel Loueke. Now, with the release of Persona on ObliqSound, Biolcati takes a giant stride into the spotlight as a leader.
Biolcati's work shines while he leads a stellar supporting band, including Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocals (Herbie Hancock, and ObliqSound recording artist on Virgin Forest and Gilfema), Peter Rende (Rebecca Martin, Jen Chapin) on piano and accordion, and Jeff Ballard (Brad Mehldau, Chick Corea) on drums. Singers Lizz Wright (Verve recording artist) and Gretchen Parlato also each contribute a vocal track.
The album is titled in homage to the classic Ingmar Bergman film, and thematically structured in two sections to reflect the film's concept of duality. Persona is a dual portrait of Biolcati' s strengths as performer and composer.