Andrea Rinciari reimagines the American jazz guitar repertoire

guitarists make a name for themselves by paying tribute to the classics that have inspired them. Italian jazz guitarist Andrea Rinciari is no exception. In his latest release, “Soho Sessions,” Rinciari showcases his unique take on timeless tunes that he has performed weekly with his quartet, including tracks like “Bean And The Boys,” “Tea For Two,” “I Can’t Get Started,” and “Carvin’ The Rock.” One of the standout aspects of the album is the chemistry between Andrea and tenor saxophonist Alex Garnett, who effortlessly weave melodies together or finish each other’s musical phrases.

This album is a culmination of years spent mastering a vast repertoire of music to perform live. According to Andrea, the material on “Soho Sessions” is just a small glimpse of the songs they have learned over the years. From American Songbook standards to intricate compositions that pose challenges on the guitar, Andrea and his quartet have delved deep into the world of jazz music to curate a collection that truly resonates with listeners.

When discussing his musical influences, Andrea attributes much of his jazz guitar prowess to the legendary Wes Montgomery and Joe Pass. Transcribing their music played a pivotal role in his journey as a guitarist. Andrea admires the joy and freshness that both Montgomery and Pass brought to their music, even after years of performing. Their ability to target specific notes around chord changes and inject creativity and methodical precision into their playing deeply resonated with Andrea and continues to inspire him.

For Andrea, his guitar of choice is the Fibonacci Ambassador, a custom-designed instrument that has become his unofficial signature guitar. With its 20 frets and rare floating Charlie Christian pickup, the Fibonacci Ambassador offers Andrea the clarity and punchiness he needs to bring his music to life. Paired with the Henriksen Blu amp, which provides clarity and punch, Andrea can deliver his unique sound with a natural reverb that adds depth and richness to his performances.

In essence, the journey of a guitarist is a deeply personal one, filled with influences, inspirations, and a passion for music that drives them to new heights of creativity. For Andrea Rinciari, the path to reinventing the jazz guitar songbook has been paved with dedication, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the masters who came before him. Through his latest release, “Soho Sessions,” Andrea invites listeners on a musical journey that pays homage to the great American jazz guitarists while infusing his own unique style and flair into the timeless classics that have shaped his musical identity.